Hi,I’m new here. I’m 50 yrs old, wife, mother of 3 children( late teens/early 20’s) newly diagnosed with bowel cancer. It’s only been 3 weeks since I went in for a colonoscopy after being referred 3weeks before by my doctor after experiencing some bleeding. Before I had the procedure the consultant wasn’t overly concerned as said was probably polyps. Whilst having the procedure I was told that a large mass had been found. 8 biopsies were taken,I had a scan the following day and an appointment to see the original consultant the next week. The consultant said it was cancer, that it has been there for some time but does not appear to have spread or be outside the bowel. He is confident that my age is on my side and that he can remove the mass via key hole surgery which will be performed in just over a weeks time. There was mention that chemo may be needed but at present the main priority is to remove it. I’ve had my pre op today and all the hospital staff have been really good. I’ve gone through so many emotions in this last few weeks having some good, some bad days. I’m so glad that I followed my instincts and didn’t leave it any longer as I always feel like a fraud or I’m wasting my gp’s time when I visit. I’m trying to take it each day at a time but am also frightened of what the future holds.
Hi and welcome to the board. I’m so glad that your instinct told you to visit your gp and also that they referred you. Bowel cancer is often seen as affecting mostly older people but we are seeing more and more young people affected nowadays. The good news is that there sounds to be no spread and no pre-op chemo required so you can get the tumour removed and in the bin. The tumour and surrounding area will then be sent off to the lab for testing and the results will decide whether you need any post op chemo but I would worry about that if and when you get to it.
Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable and size does not matter! My tumour was 4cm before my treatment started and I celebrated my 5 year clear anniversary in November last year. The next few months will be tough both physically and mentally but it’s doable and we’ll be happy to help and support you through this.
Ive attached a link to a booklet about the op which has a page of handy things to have with you like an extra long charging cable!
https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourOperation_BowelCancerUK.pdf
Take care
Karen x
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