Good evening everyone. I'm new here so just following the "introduce yourself" heading. A few weeks back I was recalled following routine bowel screening. 2 weeks ago I had a colonoscopy during which 2 small polyps were removed, a third larger polyp in my rectum remained. Today I attended for an ESD (Endoscopic submucosal dissection) the polyp could not totally be removed during this procedure so I have been referred for MRI and probable surgery thereafter. Unfortunately as a registered nurse (retired 3 yrs ago) I have some knowledge, not really helpful in such situations I assure you - panic very soon set's in! If anyone else has had similar experience/treatment I'd be grateful if you could share. Stay well all
Hi and welcome to the board. The waiting for scans and next stages of treatment is very stressful especially when you were expecting them to remove the polyp during the ESD. Unfortunately until the polyp is removed and sent off for testing then you can not be 100% sure what you’re facing. The MRI will presumably be to give the surgeon a better picture of the overall situation.
Whether it is cancerous or not the polyp needs removing. Bowel cancer (if it does turn out to be that) is notoriously slow growing but very treatable especially if caught early. Stay away from google and try to distract yourself - once you have the scan results and a plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better.
We’re all at different stages of treatment or recovery on here so please feel free to post if you’ve any concerns or questions and we’ll be happy to help you through this
Take care
Karen x
Hi
I completely hear you on the medical knowledge front ! It’s hard to park all that knowledge at times ! However it did come in handy too !
Hope your doing ok.
take care ,
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 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