MRI results

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I can't believe I'm writing this. 4 years ago I was diagnosed T4N1M0 anal cancer that had spread to local tissue. Responded to treatment. I've had 6 monthly MRI and annual CT scans and they've always come back clear. but today, the results of the MRI scan I had 3 weeks ago came back. Well, I have to call my colorectal nurse at the hospital to find out. All she could say was unfortunately, there has been a change that shows suspicion of reccurence and I'm being discussed at MDT on Fri. I'm so scared and this is just so vague but all she could say. I know all the team have to talk through it but I can't cope going through this again. I have no real point to this but I really am scared. 

  • Hello Hamfan21,

    Just so sorry to hear this. I can only imagine that after 4 years of clear scans you must be reeling.

    It sounds that nothing is confirmed yet and you have been given very little information at this point. It may have been helpful if they had waited until the MDT review had taken place on Friday before giving you this information as there is nothing you can do other than wait, and of course worry. 

    I can’t give any helpful advice but absolutely feel for you at this time. I very much hope that on Friday you will have something more than the vague information and of course hope that it turns out not to be reoccurrence. 

    Everything very much crossed for you at this time.

    xx

  • Hello  

    I am so very sorry to me reading this, you must be in absolute shock after receiving clear scans all this time.  And I am also sorry you had to hear it from the nurse over the phone, like  I  feel it could have waited until after the MDT on Friday as I can imagine how your mind has gone into overdrive.

    I hope you hear back from the hospital with the next steps to ride you of this once and for all.  Of course I am hoping too that it turns out to be a false alarm.

    Please let us know what they have planned if it is a recurrence, there are quite a few people on here who have gone on to have further treatment and who are now doing well.

    Sending you a big hug

    Irene xx

  • Hi  ,

    I’m so sorry that you find yourself in this situation. It really is the last thing you expect when you’re 4 years down the line isn’t it?

    I too will say from a patient’s point of view it would have been so much better for you if the MDT meeting had been held first with it only being a few days away rather than disclosing information that hasn’t yet been fully confirmed. I can kind of understand from the hospitals view also regarding full disclosure etc., but that won’t stop you from worrying until you’re given an appointment after the MDT meeting has taken place will it?

    Once again you’ve all of my sympathy right now. Sending you a big virtual hug. Please keep us updated. 

    Nicola 

  • Thank you all so much for replying. 4 years ago I was waiting for treatment to start and I was in turmoil. 

    Update...my colorectal nurse called after the MDT. It's thickening of the anal canal that has shown up on the MRI. I was so scared they'd say they'd flagged a tumor/lymph nodes, it had come back and spread in pelvic area ...... Anyway, I'm getting booked for PET scan and also EUA and biopsy. I asked if that was all that showed up and she said yes. But they need to rule everything out. I have a stoma but also use my back passage and have done more frequently recently so I'm just hoping that this is the reason for the thickening and there's nothing else, I know the radiotherapy would have damaged tissue. I feel better than I did but I'm still worried the PET scan will show something else up. If it does come back she said it would be referred to Nottinghamshire Anal cancer MDT. I didn't ask anything else as I just want to concentrate on getting through these next appt. Sometimes I don't know if I even ask the right things. 

    I'm just so frustrated that nobody had called to tell me it was going to MDT because of what was picked up. I always chase my results. I didn't in the early days because everything was happening fast. After treatment, and surveillance scans I just assumed they'd call and I've always thought 'no news is good news' I now feel that isn't the case and that I've lost the trust a little. 

    I know they're being thorough but also so frightened they're keeping something from me, but they have to tell me everything, don't they? 

    God, this never ends. I was in such an amazing place until this week.

    Thank you all for reading this ramble x

  • Hello  

    I know your mind must be absolutely racing but they wouldn't keep anything from you, I am sure of that.  But I feel for you going through this turmoil and fear, and I am keeping everything crossed  that it all turns out to be nothing.  I know that all the good wishes coming your way don't alleviate what you are going through right now and I wish I could say something meaningful.

    Thinking of you, (and please keep posting, it is never a ramble)

    Big hug

    Irene

  • Hi  ,

    That all sounds reassuring although I can completely understand that it’s of little comfort to you right now & I think we’d all feel the same in that situation & you’ll be up a height until you’ve got the results from the PET scan & EUA. 

    I also understand your frustration at having to chase your results & outcomes/next steps. We are our own best advocates especially where our health is concerned but come on surely it’s the Dr’s job to make sure test results etc., are reported back to their patient!! I recently had some blood tests & after hearing nothing for 2 weeks afterwards I took things into my own hands & rang around to chase them up & sure enough the results were sat there! 

    I don’t think they’ll be keeping anything from you, I just don’t think it’s the way things are done these days, they would be held accountable if something like that happened.

    Try & keep your chin up (I know that’s easier said than done) but know we’re all here for you.

    Nicola