Cancer in polyp

Hi Binzy, my Dad was diagnosed yesterday so I understand the shock you are experiencing. The ‘unknown’ is a hugely vast & scary place & your mind goes to all sorts of places, it’s awful. Waiting is really difficult but try to keep your mind active  it really makes a difference & look at the forums as I found hope from them that carried us through. I feel so much less fearful now we know. I found reading information & trying to educate myself with different terms beneficial & I appreciate that’s not the same for everyone but it’s better than ‘unknown’. Look after yourself. Sending wishes for the most positive outcome of a shitty situation xx

Hi Emma.....so sorry to hear about your dad. Yes it's the unknown and waiting although I've been fortunate not to be waiting as long as I've heard others have between referrals etc. Got hospital on 30th to see surgeon xx

Try to keep busy & do things you enjoy….i know this is all easier said than done but it’s what has helped me the last few weeks. There will be up & down days but express yourself & talk about it. I was going to do a brain dump before bed in a notebook. There are lots of positives on the forums but also a lot of experience. The surgery appointment is a positive, they are on it. Please let me know how you go? We can trade tips. Honestly these forums have saved me & there are others who are so brave. So are you, strength in numbers xx

Hi Binzy and a warm welcome to the board - I can only imagine how disappointed you must be to go from ‘probably benign’ to be told that there is cancer in one of the polyps.

Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable and ince you have a treatment plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better. You’ve had some great advice from Emmaj1983  so avoid google and stay on here and the bowel cancer uk board. I’ve attached a link below to the booklet that I sent Emma - I was given it at my first meeting and it helps with terminology, treatment plans etc.

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourPathway_BowelCancerUK.pdf

We’re all at different stages of treatment and recovery and happy to help and support you through yours 

Take care

Karen x

Thank you so much Karen xx

Hi Binzy,

I was diagnosed with rectal cancer 18 months ago. Like you I suffered no symptoms and the cancer was found during routine tests. I under went CT & MRI scans, then had intensive radiotherapy to shrink the tumour. 10 days after my radiotherapy I had a lower anterior resection surgery. I was extremely fortunate that a stoma wasn’t needed.

The treatment and surgery were obviously quite difficult, but I placed my trust in the colorectal team, listened to them and did everything they told me to do, most importantly here……do not google anything, it’s outdated and sometimes incorrect which leads to fear and a misunderstanding of the situation you are facing. 

i have just received the all clear from my cancer team and whilst my situation has been life changing in many ways, so far I have come through it and you can too. 

I am receiving regular scans, blood tests, checkups and a yearly colonoscopy which will continue for 5 years. 

I hope your journey will be a positive one, I wish you all the best.

Hi Mamma B. Thank you for your reply. I'm so glad you have all clear. I have ct scan tomorrow and hospital on Thursday. Its just the unknown right now and as I had no reason to think I had anything wrong with my bowels I'm questioning how long it's been there. Allsorts going through my head right now. I will update when I know more. Yes Google I defo need to stay away from xx

Good look for your scan and hospital appointment. Once you have the information from the team and a treatment path you will be able to think clearer.

take care xx

I had 4 polyps removed,a mass about an inch long found to be cancer,got operation next week to remove it and take part of the colon away,terrified but there's no choice,got to have it done,I had no symptoms only blood in my poo,it's overwhelming,just follow the path they've put you on,I'm having to give up smoking,that's hard,wish you all the best

Hi Freddie6 and a warm welcome to the board. Yes it is overwhelming but the cancer needs removing and an operation is the best way of getting it all away. I’ve attached a link to a booklet about the op which has some handy hints about things to take with you - an extra long charging cable is a good idea.

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourOperation_BowelCancerUK.pdf

Hope the giving up smoking is going ok - tough but helps with your recovery - and please let us know how the op goes?

Take care

Karen x