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Recent diagnosis - a few questions please

DEP
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After a colonoscopy and subsequent MRI & CT scans, I was informed two weeks ago that I had bowel cancer but that they also noted something on my liver for which they wanted a more detailed liver specific MRI. I have a meeting on Friday this week to discuss the results. So I know I have cancer, I just don't know the full extent or treatment plan yet. While I'm waiting (which I'm not finding easy I must confess!!), I was wondering about the following please:-

1. Over the last two weeks I've noticed a small amount of weight loss each morning. This hadn't been happening until recently. ~100g per day. I've always eaten very healthily, but was worried that this means that something has changed about the cancer. The nurse told me it is just part of it and that bowel cancer is very slow, ie that it can't suddenly lead to weight loss. Maybe just the stress? I guess I need to just eat more. 

2. During the phone call when the Dr let me know that I had cancer, he used the phrase cancerous ulcer rather than tumour - not sure if that is a good thing or bad? I know I should wait until Friday to hear the facts, but just wondering if anyone else heard the same. 

3. I'm worried about how long this stage is taking. I'll find out this Friday but that will be 3.5 weeks after the coloscopy - maybe that is actually quick, not sure.  

I'm sure I'll have many more questions to come :) but many thanks if you could consider these ones please. 

Thanks

  • Hi DEP,

    Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. I’m Yvonne one of the Cancer Information Nurses.

     

    Waiting for results and a treatment plan is understandably a worrying time for you, and there’s no right or wrong way to deal with these feelings of uncertainty.

     

    Certainly, stress and being preoccupied and worried can affect eating habits and affect your weight. I think you are right to continue to eat well and healthily, which sounds exactly what you are doing.  If you continue to lose weight it may be helpful to ask to be referred to a dietician for more advice.

     

    Doctors and nurses often use different terms to describe the same thing, so I don’t think cancerous ulcer or tumour is either good or bad.  If you are still wondering why he described your cancer in a certain way you could simply ask him on Friday as it may put your mind at rest.

     

    Your doctor will probably have a treatment plan in mind when you see him on Friday and probably also a timescale for treatment to start.  They will want to be sure that they have all the information they need to have a clear plan to discuss with you. 

     

    They will however be mindful of the waiting time targets for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

     

     

    Taking care of yourself is incredibly important and you may find both Macmillan and Penny Brohn helps focus on self-care and being kind to yourself.

      

    Best wishes

    Yvonne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/PN

     

  • in reply to Yvonne - Macmillan

    Hi Yvonne

    Thanks so much for your quick response & also the links with the extra info - much appreciated. All makes sense - roll on Friday! Thanks again

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