Bowel cancer

RedC101 14 days ago

1 reply
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Not quite Christmas present I was expecting. Like all probably been through every emotion but the one that stays is loneliness even though there are family and friends around, luckier than some.

17/12/24: diagnosed with bowel cancer via Colonoscopy after fit score of 200 came back in stool sample.The tumor is mostly blocking the bowel opening and reduced it considerably.

18/12/24: GP for pain relief. Call in afternoon for CT scan on 19/12/24. Assume to see how far cancer may have spread.

06/01/25: call to arrange consultant appointment, set for 17/01/25.Hopefully operation soon after.

Just started to get head around having cancer, hoping it's not spread but get a call today for an MRI scan for the Liver.

Now my head is racing away again dreading what is now around the corner. If CT showed no spread would it be normal for urgent MRI on Liver. Very little information is being shared but not sure if that's for the better. Alternatively, sometimes it's better to know. Makes you wonder what next is waiting around the corner.

RedC

Gemma S - Macmillan 13 days ago

Hi RedC

My name is Gemma and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to read about your diagnosis of Bowel Cancer in December. This must be a really difficult and emotional time for you.

We don’t have access to your medical notes here on the Ask a Nurse forum, but I can advise you on the investigations they are undertaking.

Diagnosis of Bowel Cancer is done by investigations including biopsies, procedures such as colonoscopy, blood tests and if needs be more detailed scans such as MRI.

This is so they can see what is normal for you at the start of treatment so they can track the response when you get started.

It can be very frightening going for scans and investigations, especially if you are not completely clear on why you are having them.

When you go for your appointment on the 17^th of January try taking with you a note of questions that you can ask your health team.

You can also discuss with them any symptoms you have such as the pain you experienced in December. On this note please do remember to report any new or worsening symptoms to your team or GP straight away.

Understanding what is happening, and why, can make you feel more involved in your care. It can also make it easier to make decisions.

It is also understandable that your mind is racing and that you are worried.

It is normal to feel uncertain about your future when you have been diagnosed with cancer. There are ways that you can help manage these feelings. Dealing with uncertainty and cancer can be stressful, when you have your appointment, you will be given the facts and that can feel easier to manage.

Talking to people about what’s happening to you including family and friends can be a great support.

If you feel you are struggling with your emotions and the stress this is causing you contact your GP or clinical team, they will be able to help and support you. If you have been designated a specialist nurse, they can also provide support.

It may also help to talk things over with one of our cancer support specialists as we can often support you better emotionally over the phone. We are here on 0808 808 00 00, every day from 8am to 8pm.

Take Care

Gemma.

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref:GeS/SF

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Bowel cancer