Mum's possible Bowel Cancer

Hi SPM321

Please try not to panic. Though I can understand your concern

 
I think if you have a positive FIT test then you are contacted for a colonoscopy as it can just be piles and sorted there and then or maybe nothing 

As your mum has shown anaemia then her route is different. 

This is a coincidence as it’s just happened to my daughters partners dad 

He was loosing blood from his back passage and showing in need of admission to hospital in he went. They sorted his levels gave him a CT and X-rayed his chest saying he need a colonoscopy but he can go home!

My daughter was surprised because she thought the colonoscopy would come first. But now hes waiting for an appointment 

So I hope that helps as to the order 

If there’s a polyp they may treat it there and then  it may not be cancer  

She has her appointment and the results will all go back. If treatment is required she’ll see a consultant. If it’s bowel cancer it’s extremely treatable and slow moving. If you click on my name you can read my bio if you wish 

Sending you a hug 

Thanks Ann

Her only symptoms are the Anaemia and she is feeling tired; no blood in stool or trouble passing anything. Apart from feeling a bit tired she says she feels normal. 

Not sure if they will tell us anything after the colonoscopy? Stuff online says they might. 

Maybe we'll know more in a couple of days. 

Hope you're daughters partner and their father is OK. 

Fingers crossed! 

Thanks SPM321

Ill be thinking of you. I saw what was causing my problem on the TV screen they didn’t say what it was just that I’d need more tests. 

Hood luck keep us updated 

Hi SPM321

Sounds like your mum is in amazing hands and they are acting swiftly now to confirm what they are dealing with.

And the answer is yes - many of us have had CT scan before colonoscopy.

If you use the search function on this site, you'll see much info and tips regarding colonoscopies.

It is common for the colonoscopy consultant to offer your mum the outcome on the day, if their findings are conclusive. In other cases, she may need to wait till biopsy results till conclusion is reached.

Hope all goes well for tomorrow.

Hi all,

Mum had her colonoscopy yesterday and we had some very bad news. She has a tumour which is big enough to mean they can’t operate at this stage. They are likely to start chemotherapy to try and shrink the cancer in the hope that they can operate later and we are now waiting for the oncologist and gastroenterologist to meet and agree the exact treatment plan. That won’t be until next Thursday and after they have the pathology report from the biopsy.

Apparently the tumour is 10cm long and has 'clearly inflamed nearby tissues'. I could tell from the faces of the gastroenterologist and the nurse that it was very serious. The only positive thing was that they said the CT scan hadn't shown cancer in any other major organs 'at this stage'. 

I don't know what to expect now. Mum seems to be dealing with it better than I am and she managed to sleep on last night. I think were both confused about the fact that she doesn't have any symptoms apart from the anaemia which is making her feel a bit tired. otherwise, she seems fine. 

Stu 

Hi SPM321

The stage your mum is at now is the one I found the hardest. I was chomping at the bit to understand my treatment plan and to 'get fixed'. Time appeared to go rather slowly.

It does soon change. Once the plan is shared with you, the rollercoaster picks up a rapid pace.

My best advice is that you and your mum use this in between time to go and do lots of things that will bring you joys - sldoesn't matter whether big or small, just as long as they are joyous. It will re-energise you both and recharge batteries ready for treatment.