In February I had a 3-week episode of severe abdominal pain. Initially I thought it was IBS as I’ve suffered from that for years. I was referred to the Hospital for a colonoscopy by my GP after a stool sample test showed old blood present.. The colonoscopist found a large growth 5.5cm at the top of my colon (ascending) near the appendix which was obstructing at least ¾ of the colon. He took several biopsies, but the initial visual diagnosis is that it was ulcerated and appeared to be a malignant cancerous tumour.
The week after I had a CT scan and have now had some feedback from the Multidisciplinary Team. The biopsy has come back as negative for cancerous cells but apparently that often happens as the biopsy only comes from the surface of the growth
After looking at the CT scan the radiologist has seen no signs of metastatic disease (no spread) in the surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. He did see an Intussusception (folding/telescoping) of the ascending bowel. I did sone research that suggests that 55-60% of Intussusceptions are caused by malignant adenocarcinoma.
Current plan is a surgical colon resection but still waiting for the “waiting list team” to get date, but it will be roughly 4 weeks.
So no definite diagnosis of malignancy, but the beginnings of a plan.
I’m a secondary school teacher and I’m trying to decided if I go back to work next week for 2-3 weeks before surgery (it’s the last run up to exams for my year 11’s and 13’s).
I’m putting a claim in for my Critical Illness cover but it seems they would need a histological grading (from the post surgical histology) to grade the cancer before they can proceed.
Hi SAM2064.
Regarding Critical Illness cover - my CT scan before surgery did have my initial grading. Maybe worth double checking whether yours did - check Consultant letter back to your GP debriefing on scan findings, if present it will be near start by diagnosis.
If so, you could check whether insurance will accept that grading for now.
As for Covid close to op - i had it just a few weeks before surgery. No-one even mentioned option of delaying. However i DID struggle with complications post op so had extended stay in hospital. I'd suggest being cautious about exposure to viruses in weeks leading up to op.
That helps considerably , am I allowed to say that ! 
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