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Hi Akr34,

like yourself I also recently had a positive FIT test result (that tests for levels of blood in your stool), and straight away you get all kinds of things going through your head. I’m just waiting for my colonoscopy on Friday and the waiting is difficult, but as others on here have reassured me let me try the same for you. There are lots of other reasons we can have a positive result, and even if it does turn out to be something a bit more serious a cancer diagnosis these days isn’t what it used to be, it can be treated/managed a lot better now and many people manage to live much longer lives than would have been possible years ago. I myself was diagnosed with Dukes B colon cancer in 2008, was treated fairly quickly and haven’t really had any issues till the last few months. 
It’s difficult to say just take a step back, have a breather and take each day at a time because it’s only natural for things to run through your mind, just try not to let it overwhelm you, focus on the next stage and the things you’ll need to do - for example once they’ve booked your appointment for the colonoscopy you’ll have preparations; many people say don’t look stuff up on google, but do use this forum to do research, yes you’ll see experiences that haven’t been so great, but I also found lots of examples of positive outcomes and triumphs. 

I’m sorry to hear about your experiences and that you’ve been in pain, it’s especially difficult when you have children and the future to worry about, but try and take some comfort in the knowledge that you’re not on your own, and the healthcare teams that guide us are often amazing.

Best wishes,

Will.

Hello everyone, I had to go to the hospital on Monday for my results of the 2colonoscopy procedures, it seems I have one polyp that is cancerous but not spreading, so I had to go through the pre op assessment as they wanted me in next Tuesday for surgery.  Sadly that has now been cancelled due to my very high blood pressure, and has set everything back for at least 4 weeks. I am feeling low and a bit depressed now, as I think I would have coped better by getting it over and done with, I am glad I signed up to take a look at how everyone else is coping, so I thank you for that. I live on my own, so have been told I must find someone to stay with me once I have had this op, easier said than done, as I don't have any family members to call upon and really don't want to bother friends. Is that something that MacMillan could advise me how to deal with please.

Hi 

Welcome to the forum ! I can understand your concern over the change of surgery dates . We are seeing that a lot just now with the demand for theatre space !

I hope you can support you as you work your way through this delay .

I can only imagine many people are in the same situation as you and there must be a way of the NHS accommodating it . I am going to suggest you phone the helpline staff 0808 808 0000 as they have access to Macmillan nurses who probably have hands on experiences and solutions for you .

But please do keep Posting and you will be through the surgery and safely home before you know it .

Take care ,

Court 

A cancellation of 4 weeks for Polyp/ or even cancer tumour...should not make much difference in the scheme of things....so, you shouldn't worry unduly. Presumably, you are taking BP Tabs. to alleviate your high BP now? Once that's under control, I expect that your surgery will go ahead.

As for the necessity of someone staying with you...following your OP. No one ever said that to me, after a Left Hemicolectomy two years ago. I also live alone...but did not call on my daughter to stay with me. (She lives 160 miles away.) I was 70 yrs. then, & relied on a couple of friends for shopping for a week....Then, just got on with life.

I haven't got the room to have anyone staying with me, & managed perfectly well - without anyone doing so.

Hope you can do the same.....

Best wishes

Marianne 26

Hello Marianne,

Thank you so much for your encouraging words, I am 73 lol. I have taken note of what you say and like you I would prefer not to have anyone to stay so I reckon I can and will cope with what is to come. And yes I am now taking BP pills and bought a monitor as the doctor wouldn't let me have one of theirs!!

Again, thank you.