Hi
I had a colonoscopy on Friday and found it so painful. They asked if I wanted them to stop! I continued with gas and air and felt like I was a being a big baby but got finished. They took 9 biopsies and put in 2 tattoo ink markers. She then finished and while I was still laid on the table came to the front and took my hand and said she was sorry but it was very bad news and that I had a very large tumour. I'm 58 and feel my time is up. I'm so hoping they can do something but I know I've had this for years because the pain in my side started about 9 years ago and after a hysterectomy I had an umbilical hernia and put it down to that. I even had an ultrasound which obviously just showed the hernia. I've never had my full bloods taken and get a yearly blood test for my thyroid but I was going to start some new medication and had bloods taken which showed iron deficiency anemia and that was what sent me for a gastrocopy and colonoscopy. At 4am this morning I had a panic attack and started crying. My husband made a cup of tea and then after some crying from both of us I'm talking like its all over and about him carrying on without me and living his life. I feel so bad and can't shake the gut feeling I'm screwed. Is this a normal reaction to being told this news. I wish they had waited and told me with my husband but just they just wheeled me back to the ward sobbing. Does thinking positive come after the shock or does the feeling of it being too late stay with you. I've had a cough for years and now thinking its in my lungs. I have to wait for a CT scan and have more bloods taken. I'm rambling sorry just feel so scared.
They meet every Friday morning so not expecting to hear anything until after next week as I don't think they had the scan results from Wednesday for Friday just gone.
Hello newbie, welcome to the world of bowel cancer, not the best, but do not despair. It's frightening, of course but there really is much to be positive about. Stage 3 and just reached 4 1/2 years all clear. Chemo 's tough but keep strong, it's just doing it's job! How you're feeling is totally normal, go with it and then you will be emotionally ready for the next stage. Love, hugs and yes, you can do it x
Thank you for your positive words and encouragement. I'm pleased to hear that you are now clear after your treatment. It gives hope x Wishing you well for the future xx
I am a 'not quite newbie' - had the colonoscopy and the cat scan last month, finally the talk with the surgeon and a basic plan of what they might do at the operation next Monday 10th. I missed the 1st Fri meeting so most of my initial info about the tumour came from the cat scan rather than the colonoscopy - 6cm.... plus some polyps as well. The surgeon wasn't even able to tell me what stage it was at, just that the cat scan showed that, at present, the cancer had not spread beyond the bowel. I'm quite sure we have all had the wobblies, we are all human but at the moment my screwdriver is back in my pocket. Medicine has made so many huge strides over the past few years and this group will really help you stay positive.
CT scan done and showed no spread. Having a right hemi colectomy on 1/6.
Absolutely bricking it!!
My op is 1/6 as well! Not met with surgeon yet do still blissfully ignorant! Wishing you all the best xx
No spread is great news next step - get it in the bin! x
I'll give you a better reply when I'm discharged so this is a little update. I had my op on Mon. Before the op, which is a lifesaver for me I did try to be positive. The very worst time for me was the wait between the scan and the discussion about the operation. After that my husband was really nervous, I was swept along in the system. My lovely husband is always late so I told him I had to be there at 0700. The premed etc staved off any worry. I didn't know whether the op would be keyhole or not. Tues was a daze but I was well enough to be moved to the ward where I still am. It's Thurs, I think they would release me tomorrow but I'd prefer to wait til Sat as nothing has exited from my rear end as yet apart from wind...
Excellent news on the scan front .
Others are best placed to support you on the actual operation but I willing you forward to the cure !
Court
Helpline Number 0808 808 0000
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © 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