Well, I've never blogged in my life but I have suddenly got the urge at 1.45 in the morning! I don't know if I even have cancer, but I am in that frightening wirlwind of tests and results that is the diagnosis journey. I have copied and pasted my biography from my profile below and will endeavour to update periodically :-)
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I am 45 years old, with 3 grown up children, 2 younger step children and a wonderful husband. I experienced early stage vulvar cancer just a few years back but have had a clean bill of health so far, following a couple of surgeries.
I am now concerned as I seem to have all the hallmark symptoms of bowel cancer. Of course, it could be nothing, but I am not prepared to leave anything to chance. However, I am frustrated at how my GP seems over cautious and is not treating my concerns seriously enough.
My desire is to find companionship with others who have travelled the road and to give and receive advice and support. I have read the forum frequently of late and have been touched by the love and concern people show each other on this board. Quite honestly, I feel like its the only time I am with people who understand my emotions when I read your comments and queries.
Much love, Sarah
Update: I finally have a date to see a general surgeon next Thursday 28th, and a barium x-ray on Weds 10th November. I have constant lower back pain, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, blood in stools, gas pains and a feeling of not being able to empty the bowels completely. ...I will be so glad when I finally have a diagnosis. Whatever it is, I know I can handle it. It's the unknown that is so scarey!
Update: Consultant appointment with surgeon revealed a mass pressing against the rectum caused by either the uterus or ovary. Still having barium x ray on nov 10th to explore colon and waiting for an appointment for a pelvic ultrasound to see what's going on with my gynae organs.
10th Nov Update: Had my barium enema this morning to explore my large bowel. It really wasn't so bad! The radiology is quietly confident he couldn't see anything serious, but results will be in early next week. In the meantime, I am still queezy, tired and generally under the weather, so keen for answers!
13th Jan Update: It's been a long time since I've updated, but I've still been visiting regularly and have found alot of comfort and helpful info in people's posts. I finally had my meeting with the general surgeon on the 11th Jan to discuss my barium x ray and pelvic ultrasound. I have a small polyp in the sigmoid which they will remove in Feb to be on the safe side. i also have a 3.8 cm simple cyst on my left ovary so I am being referred to a gynaecologist via my GP. Going by timescales so far, that should take another couple of months! What confuses me is how a relatively small cyst can be affecting my health so badly. I haven't been able to do a full day's work since September (I'm self employed and work from home) due to tiredness, pain and just generally feeling distracted by all of this. The bloating/abdominal distention hasn't reduced and the nausea still comes in waves most days. For the last week I have had headaches on and off throughout the day and I feel breathless climbing the stairs. My lower back pain keeps me awake at night and makes sitting in one position uncomfortable for any length of time. How can this all be down to a tiny cyst? So confused! Rant over!
