Waiting for diagnosis and feel like I am losing my mind

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Sending best wishes to all.

I am 47 and have had symptoms (put down to ibs) for 3 years. Blood in stool (diagnosed as anal fissure a year ago) before it got worse over the summer and was fast tracked.

had a colonoscopy 11 days ago where they found a 2.5cm legion which I am sure the doctor described as 90% sure a polyp. Spoke to a cs nurse last week and relayed this to her “oh he said that?” Was her response to the polyp comment. So questioning that now.

went for a ct scan. 2 ladies there, one very chatty the other who looks at the results. When I came out of the scan room the results lady gave a very serious side look to the other lady before commenting on the tiny room my wife had to sit in. Again, mind into overdrive.

was told an mri scan would be arranged but I called yesterday to be told it is not needed and the mdt will now look at my case on Friday. not sure if the cancelled mri is positive, negative or neither.

Terrified. We have two young boys (10 and 6) initially I thought that the 2.5cm legion wasn’t that big compared to others I had read about being successfully treated but the size apparently can be misleading.

We were due to fly to turkey next week (a treat for the boys) which I am guessing won’t happen now. The doctors have signed me off work with stress and it could be at least another week before I get any answers. In some respects happy to wait if it is the worst case (stage 4) which is obviously everyone’s biggest fear and constantly plays on my mind.

trying to stay active and stay off Google. But all the issues and interactions are constantly on repeat in my head.

Thinking of everyone whatever stage of this you are at.

SandyL7945ef 26 days ago

Hello

Sorry you are going through this. It reminds me of my own experience.

I was told I had a haemorrhoid but it turned out to be a malignant tumour, 5 cms.

I have to say the wait between my colonoscopy (when I knew something was wrong) and the actual results, were the longest 2 weeks of my life. It's the not knowing what you're dealing with that gets in your head and trying to be brave for family is hard. I had a couple of melt downs.

Everything went quick for me after the colonoscopy. Colostomy/stoma, then chemoradiotherapy, which only shrunk the tumour, followed by surgery.

I am now cancer free but it has been tough.

I would definitely still go on holiday if you can?

Once you get your treatment plan and you know what you're dealing with, you feel better, even if only a little bit.

I hope you get positive news when you get your results.

Remember, it's ok not to be ok.

Sincerely wishing you and your family the absolute best.

You got this.

Sandy

Jsdda7dbb 26 days ago in reply to SandyL7945ef

Thank you Sandy, that was just what I needed to hear. So pleased to read you are cancer free.

best wishes and thank you for your kind reply

James

IonaF 24 days ago

Hi,

Just to say that I am thinking about you. The waiting time is awful for everyone. I was reassured by people on here when I posted in January, after a colonoscopy that confirmed cancer. I had CT scans and a further sigmoid colonoscopy before my operation at the end of March. This went well and I recovered quite quickly. I had my 6 month check up recently and all is well. However, I remember those dark days. You will get through them.

Sending thoughts and prayers to you. Take care.

Jsdda7dbb 23 days ago in reply to IonaF

Thank you Lona.
Really pleased all is well. That gives real hope. Your kindness is much appreciated

James

Kareno62 23 days ago

Hi Jsdda7dbb and a warm welcome to the board from me. The waiting for various tests and meetings is very stressful but hopefully you’ll get a call next week to go in and hear what the MDT have decided for you treatment wise. I had a CT scan initially then an MRI because the CT had picked up something in my liver (turned out to be a harmless haemangioma) so I would hope the cancelling of the MRI is a positive sign.

Yes please stay away from google. If you click on people names then their profile page may show their treatment to date and there’s lots of ongoing posts to look at too.

I was diagnosed in 2016 and I’m still ‘no evidence of disease’ as are the 2 ladies that I became good friends with and I’ve seen many people pass through the board having had successful treatment.

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

Take care

Karen x

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

Jsdda7dbb 23 days ago in reply to Kareno62

Hi Karen

Thanks so much for the message. Hugely appreciated. Great to hear another positive story.

Have managed to stay off Google which was making things so much worse.

really pleased to hear that you have stayed healthy and thanks so much for the offer of support.

I will keep you updated. Thanks so much

James