Low Rectal Cancer Diagnosis - newbie on here

Former Member over 8 years ago

352 replies
114 subscribers
492383 views

Hi everyone,

Well I think I’m ready to post on here now. Here’s my story so far...

Bleeding, lumps and discomfort last summer so went to see the doctor, he said (without any exam- just a little look) it’s haemorrhoids, gave me suppositories and off I went, no improvement, went back, given more suppositories, still no change so eventually he referred me routinely to hospital for treatment, this was in November. January I’d still not heard from the hospital so rang up and found waiting time to be 9 months.

Had a niggle in the back of mind that I couldn’t shift (based on the blood colour) so decided to go private for a consultation to put my mind at rest, the best £150 I’ve ever spent, had a digital exam and a rigid sigmoidoscopy to be told it was not haemorrhoids but a malignant tumour.

He said it was probably about an inch, likely to have been there for a couple of years but couldn’t tell if it was rectal or anal at that point.

This was only a week ago, I was referred back to NHS with the same consultant as he saw I was self funded.

Had a colonoscopy yesterday which confirmed a low rectal tumour but rest of the bowel was fine. Phew!

I’m thinking that if it’s not spread to anywhere else in the bowel then it’s unlikely to have spread anywhere else (hope my rationale is right!)

I’ve got a CT scan this Thursday, an MRI next Sunday then my consultant appointment for all of the results is 2nd March in the afternoon.

Husband and family have been amazing, although I think they’ve taken it worse than me! I told my 4 children (12,13,18 and 19) I was very open and honest but was very careful not to scare them.

I just want to know the extent of everything now, and start fighting this thing, the consultant originally said it would likely be radiotherapy and surgery.

Being only 42, I never thought this was even likely so it has been a rollercoaster of emotions but I’m feeling very positive!

Anyone else have a similar story? Would be interested to hear from you!

Thanks

Lisa

HRC over 6 years ago in reply to KevH

Hi Kev

So good hear your fantastic news! I wonderd how you were getting on. Hope you continue to do well.

Have a great Christmas

Hannah

Former Member over 6 years ago in reply to HRC

Hi kev

Wonderful news to hear the all clear and your message will give hope and support to others like myself on our journey to getting rid.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Regards Mark

KevH over 6 years ago in reply to HRC

Hi Hannah,

Thank you and I hope you have a good Xmas too.

I wasn’t sure if the thread was still being looked at but I thought I would update anyway.

I continue to grow in confidence everyday and so pleased that I found the forum and the alternative treatment path.

I wish you all a healthy Xmas and New Year xxx

KevH over 6 years ago in reply to Former Member

Hi Mark,

Good to hear from you I hope whatever your status is that you have been able to explore options for your treatment and not just sent down one path. I was just offered the Gold Standard locally, fortunately I got on here and found an alternative treatment.

I know it’s a bit of a task but my journey is well documented on here by reading my previous posts. If you want to private message me about my journey and think I may be of help in anyway then don’t hesitate to contact me and I’ll try my best to answer anything that I can.

Otherwise I hope you have a good Xmas and New Year and keep thinking positive thoughts.

Kind Regards

KevH

HRC over 5 years ago in reply to KevH

Hi Kev, Court and Annie

its been 2 years since mum passed away now but it couldn’t help wondering how you are all getting on? I hope you are all well! Xx

court over 5 years ago in reply to HRC

Hi HRC

I can’t tell you how lovely it is to see your name come up . I can’t believe it’s two years . Having a bit of trouble getting my head round that ! KevH was on a few weeks ago . We had trouble locating his thread but he is doing great ! Which is really good news . Hopefully he will get my tag and pop in .

Mum is a bit older and doing her very best with the restrictions. I guess some of the side effects of treatment Years ago are catching up . She had a scan on Friday but was in bed when I went to the garden today as it had hurt her tummy . However she quickly rallied round got her coat on and was enjoying the chat in the freezing cold .
On the whole I am managing well and doing the best we can in the circumstances.
How are you getting on and your family . You were so lovely with your mum . I will always remember that .

take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

AnnieMC50 over 5 years ago in reply to HRC

Hi sll - this new site !!! Great to hear from you HRC / funnily enough i posted to Kev today !! To catch up - I am 2 1/2 years on now thank you HRC ! And after my latest clear sigmoidoscopy, CT and MRI - I am now on longer intervals on check up - I wlll always remember you and Court and Kev such comfort, advice and friendship in those first days ... how is everyone !!! Covid aside !! Xxx All my love Annie xxxxx

court over 5 years ago in reply to AnnieMC50

AnnieMC50

Tonight is getting better and better . A proper wee reunion. It’s funny how you know instantly who it is too. You are stretching those scans out now . How fantastic. Kev seems to be well too and that is so encouraging.

Now we are living a good life despite the two cc ( covid , cancer ) albeit a quite one . It’s a bit strange not to see so much of friends now . My husband bought me a wee diary 2020 “ Make it Happen” . It’s proving a bit more challenging but we are being flexible. So great you keep up with Kevin too!
take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

AnnieMC50 over 5 years ago in reply to court

Yes Court so lovely to all reunite - have you ever heard from Rebecca (Rosella) I think about her often ?

KevH over 5 years ago in reply to court

Hi, Hannah,Annie and Court,

Good to hear from you all. I am doing very well I have had a flexible sigmoidoscopy and MRI last month both showing no reoccurrence of the cancer I have a CT scan on Tuesday all part of the keeping an eye on me.

My last appointment with Professor Myint in May ended up being a telephone appointment due to the pandemic and I have another Telephone appointment with him on Thursday. The last report I received from Professor Myint said now that the chances of the cancer coming back now is low.

Its over 2 years now since I finished treatment now and provided the CT scan shows no reoccurrence then the appointments and scans and examinations are going to get spaced out.

I am now in a more settled state health wise and my toilet visits are now pretty much normal now once a day and usually within 30 minutes of getting up.

So life is good and I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to have the Papillon treatment. So much better than the Gold Standard of a bag for life lol.

I am still not with it with this site I have had to reset my password again in order to reply to your messages. I just got an e mail through a short while ago to say Hannah had messaged.

Hope your all doing well and aren’t we in a mess with this pandemic. It’s seems to be never ending. I can understand how it can be a problem for your mental health.

Kind Regards

Kevh xx