Experiences Post Tumour Removal

The waiting is terrible. It is natural to be very anxious right now. 

In general, colon cancer is usually very slow growing. It sounds like there were some cancer cells in an otherwise benign tumor. Thank goodness they got the tumor out already! 

The doctors will evaluate your results and scans for any signs of spread. You might be looking at some mop-up chemo. You might be told wait and see. 

Good doctors will get all the information together, pathology results and scan results, before making a recommendation. 

While you wait for scans, your job is to try to stay calm. Stay off Dr Google and take care of yourself. (Not that easy, I know!)

Hello Susan,

Thank you so much for your advice. It really is a horrible period of waiting and It’s hard not to think the absolute worst. I went to the doctors because my heart felt like it was pounding in my chest since finding out and that was something else that was worrying me. 

Yes I am so relived that the tumour was removed first. It feels like the first big hurdle is out of the way at least.

Tbank you again, it’s good to discuss with people who have experienced similar things x

Hi Bunnytail  -this sounds fairly complicated , but it also sounds like the medics have a good grasp of what's going on. The MRI and CT scans will reveal whether any other cancer exists, but as histology say this is 'early' the chances are that no cancer cells have spread. As you realise, there is a ton of doubt and a ton of waiting built into the cancer journey   there isn't much we can do to alleviate that worry, but I wish you the best of luck and please keep us updated on this ! x

From what I know about TAMIS, having been discussing it myself, they don't do it if they think there is any risk of spreading anything, so I'm sure you will be fine! CT and MRI will obviously tell them more, but if the team  had concerns, they would probably offer you chemo tablets or something similar- as Susan said.  Hopefully that is you done and dusted, though the waiting is awful, especially after the shock. But it sounds like they got it very very early.

Thank you for your kind words and advice, I will definitely keep the thread updated. I have my CT scan and MRI next week so I will hopefully have a plan in place soon. 

Thank you, hope you’re right Lucy. Your reply has given me some much needed positivity!

Hi Bunnytail

I am in a similar situation as you but a little further along. I’m a 50+ fairly fit man. I had no cancer symptoms at all other than bad constipation which had me go to a&e am very lucky to have walked in that day and been in surgery the next morning after being told by the consultant that it was probably cancer by his experience.

This for me was when the NHS kicked into overdrive the blockage and bowel where removed along with other bits then came the long pathology wait 2 1/2 weeks to be told  I had cancer but the big thing was it was the same as took dad from me. But they had removed all of it according to tests but chemo was recommended to which I agreed to start. But was also offered a different path of a clinical trial which meant I had a ct dna test which was shipped to the USA. The longest 2 weeks of my life so far to be told that I was negative was a massive relief. All though all the waiting was hard stick with it you’ve got this with good family and friends around you to support it does make it a little easier. Like you I have a ct scan coming up and a colonoscopy done to check the open surgery has healed properly. Onward for more tests and more negative results

Hi Antony, I’m sorry you’ve been going through such a worrying time also but what a relief to get a negative result.

I had my CT scan today, I really wanted to know there and then but I know that it’s not that straightforward so a bit more of a wait for me. 

I hope your CT scan shows you in the clear and healed and you can move on!

GOOD NEWS!

No lymph nodes have been affected and there is no spread of disease! The area of removal is showing as a slight anomaly on the MRI but I have been told this could be due to swelling still. Due to the tumour coming out in pieces and the cancer cells within it, action is needed in the form of a permanent stoma or radiotherapy but the pros and cons of both will be discussed with me at an upcoming appointment. I had prepared myself for the need of a stoma but I’m interested in the radiotherapy option. I was told that I have plenty of time to make a choice once I know the pros and cons. Does anyone have an experience of either treatment?

My son had a permanent ileostomy in march and is managing really well 

 Saw surgeon earlier this week who told him they had got all the cancer out. They will see him again in 3 months 

  Hope that helps stay strong you will get there 

 Sending hugs x