Diagnosis from Stool Sample and Symptoms only?

Hi Debdaw, fully understand how you feel, but I really don't think it is possible for the GP to give a definite diagnosis at this stage from what you have said.  I have NO medical qualifications, but it sounds like the test that was done on the stool sample was a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) which tests for blood in the sample.  This is a screening test, not a definitive cancer test, as it ONLY indicates if there is a certain level of blood in the sample or not.  Blood in the sample can be caused by cancer, but also by  piles for example.  Your GP cannot give a diagnosis from that alone, although based on other symptoms, he may be able to give a likely diagnosis, which needs confirmed by other tests.    We were in the opposite position at the beginning of the year, as the FIT test my husband did came back as normal and it was many months later than he was diagnosed based on his symptoms and further tests.  His tumour was simply not  bleeding at the time he did the FIT.  It took a  digital examination by the GP, followed by a referral to a consultant, then CT scan, MRI scan and colonoscopy with biopsy to get a definite diagnosis of his rectal cancer.    Obviously, I don't know what other symptoms your father has, but keep in mind that bowel cancer is very treatable and treatment varies depending on a large variety of factors.  Nowadays, many operations can be done with minimum invasion, giving a much shorter recovery time.  The important thing now, is that you know what the next steps are in the diagnostic process and how long that is going to take.  I hope its not bowel cancer, but you can get advice and support on this forum at any time.

Hi Debdaw

This must be a shock for you  it’s my belief that a stool sample isn’t a complete diagnosis of cancer. Many many FIT tests that show blood are piles, IBS or diverticulosis which is what my husband had with polyps 

Others may come along that know more about it. 

I had a colonoscopy then endoscopy with ultrasound, photos and measurements the doctor said that I was fit and they would throw everything at me, if I was frail they would just clear my tumour from the surface. 

So I’m hopeful that they will have a treatment plan that will keep your dad comfortable without being invasive if he is diagnosed with cancer. 

Take care

Hi SuziQ, thanks so much for replying, I hope your husband is doing well. It did occur to me that there may have been something in a blood test Dad had recently that contributed to the diagnosis. I know the wait for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is the worst time from my own experience, but I’ll know where to come for advice once I know what’s happening. Thanks again.

Hi Artsie Anne, that’s reassuring to hear. It’s such a struggle getting him out of the house to hospital appointments, he’s already got Wet Macular Disease. He’s blind in one eye and has injections in the other which he hates. I hope you are doing ok now. Thanks so much for replying, it’s much appreciated. 

Hi Debdaw

It must be challenging to get him to appointments, my son in law has the same with his dad who’s blind and hasn’t got a blue badge so the walk takes from parking to eye hospital takes forty minutes. Think they’re stressed before they get there. I’ve suggested that we drive and drop. My sister and I did that with our mum. I would hate injections in my eye. My sister had that it makes my toes curl the thought of it. 
I’m doing really well thanks. I’m the other side of the treatment and being monitored   
take care

Hi Debdaw.

So sorry to hear what your GP has stated.

My GP experience was quite the opposite. I tested positive on fit. It turns out i got full marks at >400. GP felt it could be many things, like others here have mentioned, but i was symptomatic too, so was fast tracked for further investigation.

My research on NHS trust sites showed that even with high FIT score like mine, only 1 in 4 are actually cancer.

So i'm surprised your father's GP has been so definitive.

If you do go for further investigations  they should talk openly about treatment or condition management that your father feels best suits him.

Good luck and we're all here for you whatever the results.