My dad

MRD204 1 month ago

3 replies
104 subscribers
151 views

Hello everyone,

I hope this message finds you well.

This is my first time here and I am just looking for some advice.

My dad phoned me yesterday to tell me he had cancer. He said the GP had told him they found cancer cells in his stool sample. (He did a stool sample as he has had lots of blood and mucus whilst pooping and has had changes in bowel habits)

Is this something the GP would say and does this mean for sure he has cancer? I’ll be honest, I’m not processing this information the same way my siblings have. They are all very emotional and sad. I have created a denial barrier and it’s worrying me.

Do you think my dad is right and he has cancer? Or do they need to do some more investigating before we can be 100% sure?

I’m sorry if anything I’ve said upsets anyone.

Thank you.

Dulac 1 month ago

Not at all, most of us have been there.

I found the FIT tests to be unreliable (mine showed negative in spite of a large lesion present in my rectum). However, they are a first stage test and your Dad might next be referred for a colonoscopy at the hospital, which is a straightforward visual check on his large intestine. A colonoscopy is quite accurate because experienced medical staff can actually see if there is a problem (and the patient can see for themselves on a screen as the investigation takes place). Results from that are issued quickly - sometimes immediately afterwards. Things just might not turn out as bad as you are all probably thinking at the moment.

Do keep us posted on progress.

Dulac

Kareno62 1 month ago

Hi MRD204 You’ve had a great reply from Dulac. The tests have revealed something of concern so your dad will probably be referred for a colonoscopy and maybe scans. We can’t advise you as to whether your dad 100% has cancer but hopefully appointments for further tests will come through quickly.

If the tests do confirm that your dad has bowel cancer then there is a lot of treatment available and lots of support on here so please let us know how things progress?

Take care

Karen x

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

Susan13 1 month ago

Just to add here that even if it's cancer, bowel cancer is very treatable. These days people can survive and live good lives after a cancer diagnosis.