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Bowel Query

Kimberlina
  • 1 reply
  • 35 subscribers
  • 130 views

Hi 

My story started nine years ago when I was diagnosed with a Caecal Carcinoma (no symptoms just screening) it was a large tumour but successfully removed and no chemo required. Since then I have been fine, albeit started getting ibs after my right hemicolectomy.  Received the all clear in 2020 and since then am still having colonoscopies, last one Jan 2022, over the last few months my ibs has got worse but I was not worried as it does sometimes, but two weeks ago saw blood (such a  shock as the first time) since then it has happened a few times plus I've seen and smelt melena.  Saw my dr immediately who did bloods (all fine) and fit test, came back 93, which having read other peoples testimonies is not high but higher than it should be.  Since this has happened I cant stop my mind thinking the worse, just wondered if you could give me an opinion.

Thank you so much 

Kim

  • Dear Kim

    Welcome to our online community, I notice you have joined some of our forums and we hope you are finding this a helpful and supportive place to visit.

    My name is Luzia and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. It is great to read that the surgery for caecal carcinoma was successful and that you got the all-clear in 2020.

    Thank you for your question about your current symptoms you are experiencing. It is always a worrying time when new symptoms occur.

    Here at the Macmillan Support Line, we can give general advice and support. We are independent from the NHS and don’t have access to medical records so can’t give personalised information.

    You mention developing IBS following the hemicolectomy. It is very common to have  bowel changes after bowel cancer treatment. As your symptoms were worsening and changing it was good that you saw your GP straight away. They will have done an urgent referral for further testing or put you back in touch with your previous treatment team. Waiting for further tests or appointment is always a difficult time for people especially those coping with worries about cancer being back.

    During this waiting time it is also good to remember a couple of things. Firstly, if bowel cancer recurrence was to happen it usually comes back within three years of initial diagnosis. Secondly, there are a number of other gut conditions that can cause bleeding. If your symptoms change again or get worse before you are being seen there is information on the NHS website of where to get further help.

    This must be a very difficult time for you. Please call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your situation. We may then be able to give you further information.

    Take care,

    Luzia

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. If you think it may be useful to chat things over in real time, we have our webchat service available 7 days a week 8am-8pm.

    Ref: LzM/SH

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