Struggling with the wait for diagnosis

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I’m 41, reasonably fit and feel pretty healthy, I went to the doctors at end of Oct with persistent bloating that had recently started and just felt a bit out of the ordinary for me. I was asked to take a FIT test but the Doctor said it was nothing to worry about, next thing I know I’m getting a call from the Colorectal unit at my local hospital to say they had found blood in my sample (not noticed anything) and I needed any urgent colonoscopy.

I had that 3 weeks ago where they found a tumour in my large intestine. They took biopsies but I was advised at the appointment it was cancer. I’ve since had a CT scan and today I have been given my  first appointment with a Consultant this week to discuss what they’ve have found.

I’m finding the wait to find out what stage I have and if it’s anywhere else in my body almost unbearable. I have 2 young children and the thought of leaving them motherless is just too much to comprehend.

Every twinge I have I think the cancer has spread elsewhere, not knowing if there is a straightforward treatment plan ahead or if this is my last Christmas is really affecting my mental wellbeing. 
How has everyone else coped with this wait? Being told you have cancer is devastating but no-one prepares you for this unbearable limbo of not knowing what stage of the disease you are facing.

Apologies for the rambling, this is all so raw.

  • I hope you can enjoy you Christmas too. Here’s to tackling it in the New Year! Muscle

  • Good morning. Sorry to hear your news. I too was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. Had biopsies and now awaiting treatment plan. Unfortunately due to Christmas holidays clinics are less and I am.not seeing anyone to.discuss treatment plan until 2nd Jan. I am.just the same as you, every pain/ache I imagine cancer has spread. I am trying to remain.positove but it's not easy..I hope you have others who can listen and support you. I also hope you can manage to enjoy christmas & keep positive. All the best to you 

  • Hi I really identify with you especially when you say you think every twinge is cancer. I have been waiting with anxiety for my lung biopsy results and now it's  happening tomorrow. Part of me wants to know but the other side is fearful of what is happening in my body ,potential treatment and well future life in general. 

    I wish you all the best during this very worrying time and hope you feel able to talk with the Macmillan support lines to share you concerns.  I found them really helped.