I was absolutely petrified about the procedure and a little about the results.
I had a sedative but after a very short space of time I was asked to look at the screen. It meant nothing to me, but I was told I had a growth and that it had been there for some time, years. I was quite calm, I even naively thought I may be kept in hospital and for it to be removed straight away.
Biopsies were taken and the growth was tattooed, I said “I said, I’ve never had a tattoo” it seemed funny at the time, maybe the sedative talking.
The colonoscopy was stopped and I was allowed to recuperate before my much needed tea and biscuits. I called my husband, explained what had happened and that we needed to speak to the doctor who had done the colonoscopy (forgotten their official title).
I was sent through to another room and met the doctor, it was when I saw the expression on his face that I realised the gravity of the situation. I asked if the growth could be benign and was told it was most unlikely. A nurse in a brown uniform turned up, I knew that uniform was what the “cancer” nurses wear, my heart sank.
My husband turned up and it was explained to us that the cancer could be:
Contained and removable
Have split through the bowel
Have spread to other parts like the lungs
The nurse gave me her card and said to phone if I had other questions and that they would be in touch soon.
