Had my appointment for a MRI scan. Friday. Then next Monday the results of the biopsies will be discussed by the MDT. I have an appointment for the afternoon, hope they'll let hubby in for this. My mind seems in overdrive just now, will it have spread, will they still be able to treat it, the scariest... will they be able to treat it at all. Its hard to believe that just over a week ago I knew nothing about any of this. Thought it was piles.
Millyfaz
Best wishes for good results. For my face to face appointments where my husband has not been allowed in I have had my phone on speaker phone so that he can hear what is said and ask questions. I have found that useful as I don't always remember accurately what was said.
Sarah
Hi and welcome. Yes this waiting for the results and treatment plan is very stressful and all yo7 can do I try and distract yourself. Bowel cancer is very treatable nowadays and even if there is any spread then there are still different options available. I’m sure court will be along shortly and you can see how well her mum has done.
Start writing down questions now as they come to mind. You might want to consider recording the meeting on your phone if the consultant agrees to that? The booklet link below has some questions on page 9 which you might want to ask
https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/Your_pathway_Bowel_Cancer_UK.pdf
Please let us know how you get on
Take care
Karen x
Hi
Big welcome from me too! So glad you joined the forum early to get support through this horrible waiting period .
Salis always had such practical solutions . I think this is a great idea to take your phone in . Like Salis we have had a lot of consultations over the years and what never failed to amaze me was I hear completely different aspects to my mum . Quite often my mum would focus on the physical aspects of what they were proposing to do and what that would mean for her . Where I had my ears all over the next step in the process and what treatments were available, cell types etc ! Probably because I mentally did not have to think about the physical implications . Later in the day my mum would often phone me to go over the other aspects as she had the opportunity to process it all. Between us I think we were able to recap what was said !
I think everyone worries about a spread and rightly so but even in these situations as my mum did find herself in they were able to come up with a good treatment plan . They still have lots of options and one lead to another . She has had lots of good living in between treatments and it will be twelve years ago this summer !
It’s totally understandable you feel very anxious . As they pull the information together there is a lot of variables to consider but then a treatment plan comes together and gives you some structure to move forward with . A patient told us to keep your mind where your body is . Don’t let it head down the worst possible outcome
Take care ,
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
Thanks so much, I do manage to stay positive most of the time, its just those moments usually at night when you have nothing to pull your mind away from the horrors, I've found myself downstairs watching repeats of gardening, love messing about in my little garden, it gives me something to focus on and I usually fall asleep in the chair. I've not long to wait MRI Friday, just had my appointment for CT scan Saturday so it will feel like something is being done.
It is scary, I was there on Christmas Eve. They let my wife in for all consultations (Nottingham Treatment Centre NUH.) Hopefully all will end well, just be prepared for it to take a long time. I still have my tumor, had a stoma and radiotherapy now waiting for the next thing.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007