Suspected bowel cancer

Hi CarlWR and welcome to the Online Community although I am sorry to see you joining us and to hear about your impending diagnoses. The cancer diagnosis process can be such a stressful and challenging time but when it comes to support there is nothing better than talking with others who are on the exact same cancer and treatment journey.

The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I suggest that you consider joining our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis to ask questions and get support.

If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link(s) I have created above. Once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."

You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.

Macmillan have many support services so do check out the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.

Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.

Do get back to me if you need further help.

All the very best.

Hi Carl. I had the colonoscopy in May. I was told the same day i had a colon cancer. Everything moved quickly from then on. Phone calls next day from the Macmillan nurse, then from the Colonoscopy dept. Ask to go for a CT scan, then asked to see a surgeon. Numerous more tests and scans. Then had surgery in August on the 19th. This was done as keyhole, i was not given a stoma and after doing what the Macmillan nurses asked me to do, progress was made and was discharged on the 25th. I praised the nursing staff who looked after me for my stay, as they helped by making me comfortable making sure i was ok and helped me for the first 2 days after surgery as i had 6 pumps, a catheter, and drain to contend with. As the days went by i was walking on my own showering on my own, and felt able to go home.

I am 66 years old and had no symptoms of cancer all done by poo test. i had a stroke in 2015 have high blood pressure and am diabetic. I have lost weight, but this is by the walking i am doing and a change in what is eaten. After being told i had cancer, my thoughts were i will not let this destroy me, i am still waiting for the histology meeting with the surgeon, hoping its good news. Time will tell i feel ok eating smaller portions and finding what makes me run to the toilet and what doesn't. 

Don't worry. Listen to what the MDT says and do as they ask. You will be with people that understand. I met new friends whilst in hospital, some who had different stages of cancer some i meet up with every now and again, if you can't sleep speak to your doctor they may prescribe something to help.

Had the meeting with the surgeon today. All cancer removed test show no sigh in surrounding tissues no follow up with chemo. A plan of colonoscopy ct scans and blood tests every year. Praise goes to the surgeon and all the staff who helped with my recovery. I am over the moon big smile on wifes face as told all gone. Whilst i am in week 6 i have a long way to go before i can do any major lifting so as not to have problems with the surgical area. 

Have a pma and say i will beet this. It worked for me

Best regard

Mike 

Hi Carl, I am new here and just trying to find my group when I saw your post. I am sorry to hear that you are going through this especially when your father is unwell. 

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer 5 years ago, my journey was a bit out of the ordinary to say the least, however I had the tumour removed eventually and now have a stoma, but I am doing well now. 

The stress and worry can make things worse and fog your brain, especially when you have other things to worry about besides your health. Don't be afraid to reach out to your circle or advisors, it's better to get things off your chest than keep them in. I learned that. 

By now you will have had your camera test, I still remember how unpleasant it is. I hope you have received your results and you are doing well