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
