What's what and whats not

Twix1 1 month ago

3 replies
128 subscribers
312 views

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed last week after a colonoscopy. I've not got any staging or anything yet, just been told the size of the tumour (4cm). It wasn't a terrible shock - I was pretty sure I had some kind of abdominal cancer, I just wasn't sure which bit. And I had a high FIT test before the colonoscopy so...

What is confusing me is that when I originally went to the GP four weeks ago I don't think I felt this ill. I didn't feel great, but I feel worse now. I don't know whether I am actually worse, whether I'm noticing things more, or whether it's psychological! I don't have any idea how quickly symptoms *might* progress.

My constipation is worse, and that's giving me a bit of pain, but It's the fatigue that is getting to me most. My appetite is still just as bad, but I am now making an effort to top up calories with easy to eat things in the hopes that gives me more energy.

What do you think? Sicker, paying more attention, or the stress of diagnosis?

CerysM 1 month ago

Hi Twix1 ,

Its most likely to be psychological. Bowel Cancer tends to be slow growing, but our brains are very good at playing tricks on us. I was convinced I could physically feel mine but I was told that it was pretty much impossible based on where it was and it's size.

However your team will be the best ones to give advice - don't be afraid to call, they are happy to answer questions.

Best wishes

CerysM

Marran 29 days ago

Hello Twix1

I don’t have any advice as such, as I am kind of at the same stage you are after my colonoscopy mid March. I was totally blindsided, but since they found the tumour every twinge/pain/feeling has me sprilalling.. Not yet staged and awaiting CT etc.

The best advice I have been given so far is to try and look after myself to prepare me for any treatment/surgery ahead and that is something I have found some comfort in focusing on.. I was enable to eat, so I am making myself a smoothie in the morning which is easier to take and then I’m not stressing that I haven’t had anything! Also taking time to do some guided breathing meditations help the spiral, and trying to relax my mind and body (easier said than done sometimes!)

I figure that we have had a terrible shock with the actual reality of everything, and that must impact on our mind and bodies to a huge extent.

Try to be kind to yourself, and please reach out if you would like to chat more x

Johnboy 29 days ago

Sorry you’ve got all this going on..although the NHS have had a bit of bad press, it’s things like your diagnosis that are not reported on and in my experience they move quickly, have a teams that are very sensitive and supportive so give them call to discuss..what are they proposing to do to progress this for you? Good luck