Awaiting results for my mom’s colonoscopy…

10 replies
128 subscribers
882 views

Hi all, firstly I hope anyone who has had a diagnosis / has a family member who has had a diagnosis is doing well and staying strong.

I don’t really know how we got here. My mom had breast cancer Dec 2021, she underwent surgery and chemo then got the all clear around Dec 2022 and again at her annual check up in 2023.
Between this roughly around 10 months ago she went to the doctors about her bowel movements as she just could not control them and she had a period of passing blood. They took a sample, lost it and then she had to have another sample. We were told she had IBS and was referred to have a colonoscopy. Months and months passed and I will be honest at this point I just assumed she had a severe case of IBS. Eventually Sunday 25th of Feb she got a call asking if she still wanted it. At this point I suppose I’m glad she said yes and didn’t just give up on it. Fast forward she went for her colonoscopy on Friday 1st of March and through the procedure the doctor made a comment that it doesn’t look good and that she has suspected colon cancer. I think he was pretty much confirming it but they never say 100%. To say this was a complete shock is an understatement. They sent her away with paperwork confirming there is a 15-20mm polypoidal lesion with central depression and ulceration and have taken 4 biopsies.
I feel like a nervous wreck, more so than her breast cancer diagnosis because it was so unexpected and because of how long she has been waiting for this colonoscopy!!
It’s the whole waiting game now, I’ve been told they are having a meeting on Friday to discuss treatments then she provisionally has a CT scan booked for next Friday… Are we likely to know more before the CT scan? I thought they had to gather all evidence before making a treatment plan?

I suppose I have come here to see if anyone has had a similar story / diagnosis and just speak about it because it’s really playing on my mind. I know cancer has come along way but my dad had bowel cancer 14 years ago and he passed away so i suppose this is why its hitting home so much more.. suppose I just have to wait and see.

Kareno62 over 2 years ago

Hi MandyTay67 and a warm welcome to the board. My heart goes out to your poor mum having to go through cancer treatment for a second time and I hope she is able to draw on the same strength again.

The person doing the colonoscopy tends to know what they’re looking at and I don’t think they would mention cancer unless they were pretty sure from their experience? Yes the scans are usually done before the meeting but it may be that they only meet weekly and wanted to review her case rather than delay it until after the scan results are back and then there be a further delay?

Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable and treatment has improved even in the time since I was diagnosed in 2016. I had symptoms for well over a year (head buried in the sand) before going to my doctor. I was told at my first meeting that they were treating me with a ‘view to cure’ which my doctor said probably wouldn’t have been the case 10 years earlier?

I’ve attached a link to a booklet that I was given at my first meeting which may give you an idea of what to expect treatment wise etc.

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

Please stay away from google - there’s lots of help and information on here and if you click on peoples names then their profile page may show their treatment to date

We’re all at different stages of treatment and recovery on here and happy to help and support you and your mum through hers

Take care and please let us know how the meeting goes?

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Warwick road over 2 years ago

Hi there. I'm in the same position. All I can advise is to go to all ct mri scans. Seemingly they need all information from these before they can do a plan on how to go forward

Kareno62 over 2 years ago in reply to Warwick road

Hi Warwick road and a warm welcome to you too. Yes the various scans and tests help the team to build up a full picture then they can discuss your treatment. The waiting for this is very stressful but once you have a plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better.

Glad you’ve joined us and please keep us updated?

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

MandyTay67 over 2 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Hello, thank you for your reply.
I know, it’s just the not know and the worry that keeps us talking about it in hope of answers that we know we can’t get until the facts come in.

I hope you are doing well? It’s lovely to see such a big community coming together. We are just trying to draw strength from seeing so many peoples experiences and positive outcomes.

My mom has her CT scan next Friday afternoon so I will check in after this unless we hear anything sooner.

thank you again x

Warwick road over 2 years ago in reply to Kareno62

Thank you. I know how worrying and stressful it is. Have got great comfort in that I can join your group and you understand. Thank you.

Warwick road over 2 years ago

Hello. My name is Teresa. I gave a similar story. I had severe hemorrhoids and was going gir surgery. I went fir a consultation first to see how they were going yo do it to be told I had a tumour behind one of my hemorrhoids. My life changed in minutes. I went in for a consultation and came out with a tumour. It's devastating. Live to your mum.

Former Member over 2 years ago

Hi Mandy

2017....Routine Poo test (NHS Scotland) showed traces of blood ...2nd test confirmed blood present....colonoscopy followed.... tumour found...oncology consultant told me there and then that it was probably cancerous...after numerous scans and appointments..... cancer confirmed....Dukes A classification..... a four hour surgery removed the culprit.....final colonoscopy in 2023 ....no further monitoring planned....Worrying time for you but outcomes are/can be positive.

Take care

Peter

MandyTay67 over 2 years ago in reply to Warwick road

Hello, so sorry to hear this. How are you doing now? What are your next steps?
it is good that we have a community like this so any time you want to message please do! X

MandyTay67 over 2 years ago in reply to Warwick road

Hello, so sorry to hear this Teresa. How are you doing now? What stage of the journey are you on?
I hope you have a good amount of support around you.

MandyTay67 over 2 years ago in reply to Former Member

Thank you for your response Peter. I am so glad to hear you are doing well. I am hopeful that although we have a scary road ahead that she will come out the other side in time. I know she is strong so we are just holding on to that and will wait to see what is next.

thanks for sharing your story.