Newly Reaching Out - Hello

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Hello, I joined this online community today after spending the last 9 days processing the results of my colonoscopy.

I hadn't had symptoms for long before I went to the GP & was given a FIT test that returned positive (although now ruminating somewhat about it all I do wonder if I had symptoms for longer?)

I had my colonoscopy within the 2 week wait pathway last week.

What an emotional rollercoaster. I'd gone to the appointment with quite a positive attitude. People kept telling me that a FIT+ was often an indicator to polyps that would be snipped out during the colonoscopy or I'd have IBS etc, etc.... not to worry...

I think the sedative numbed hearing the news of the tumour during the procedure somewhat & later whilst I waited after the recovery to see my hubby who was waiting somewhere else in the dept., for the consultant to call us in for 'the chat'.

My CT scan is tomorrow. It has been a long 9 days as I'm sure many of you will appreciate.

I've been swinging from trying to be optimistic to being really scared. This past couple of days however, I feel I've finally steadied my rocking ship. I read the report I was given & used NHS, Cancer Research & Macmillan to look up different terminology & courses of treatment. I think having some facts & insight has helped a little.

I joined this community today & have already felt much inspiration from those of you who are recovered & supporting others & those of you who are still on your journey.

My biggest battle this past 9 days is that I feel ok but what if...what if the scan shows I have it elsewhere. Reading what some of you have shared has given me quite a bit of reassurance, you've normalised it & made me less fearful but your recovery stories have also given me hope.

I thought I'd pluck up the courage to say "Hi" & not sit in the shadows but also to say "Thank you".

(All I know so far is that I have a 4cm stricture in my sigmoid colon that's likely to be malignant. Biopsy taken. Polyp present but no biopsy & not removed. Blood tests according to GP were ok pre colonoscopy)

Kareno62 over 1 year ago

Hi Mrs. S and a warm welcome to the board. Good to hear that you’ve been gaining knowledge from reputable sources and not google. Yes the waiting for scans and results is very stressful but once you have a treatment plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better. Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but very treatable especially if caught early - if I’m honest I was having symptoms for a couple of years which I convinced my self were due to a lifestyle/diet change before I went to the doctors. What if you have it elsewhere? Again there is a lot of treatable available but try to focus on the facts not the thoughts - cross each bridge if and when you get to it.

I’ve attached a link to a booklet that I was given at my first meeting which you may like to take a look at?

https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/YourPathway_BowelCancerUK.pdf

I’m glad you e reached out and introduced yourself and we’ll be happy to help and support you through your treatment

Take care

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

Katz51 over 1 year ago

Hi.have you clicked on peoples names to read their bios and see how they got on.will give you some ideas of the various journeys and treatment people have been through and come out the other end relatively in one piece.

All the best

Kath

Mrs. S over 1 year ago in reply to Kareno62

Thank you for the booklet Karen.

The explanation of the staging is really helpful.

Best wishes, Bev

Mrs. S over 1 year ago in reply to Katz51

Hi Kath, I have looked at a few & they have made me feel so much more positive today. Thank you.

Best wishes, Bev

Eddiestomart over 1 year ago in reply to Mrs. S

Positive is the best way. Its easy to read stuff and be scared by the numbers but we each are on our own journey and can adopt our own coping mechanisms to run alongside the support from others.

Whatever the outcome of the scans and prognosis, life can be good.

Fingers crossed for you

Richard

Artsie over 1 year ago in reply to Mrs. S

Hi Mrs S

I found the early stage the very worst it’s easy for the mind to go all over the place.

Once you get your treatment plan you will feel focused on getting the cancer in the bin

Id advice to try and stay as healthy as you can and exercise really helps to prepare for and treatment I did the pelvic floor exercises twice a day, only gentle ones but it felt like a positive thing to do

sending you a hug x

Ann
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Eddiestomart over 1 year ago in reply to Artsie

Absolutely echo Artsie Ann. Exercise to get as fit as possible to deal with whatever the treatment, whether its chemo, radio or surgery.

Moirq over 1 year ago

Just wanted to say hello and welcome, Mrs!

I totally relate to all that you say. I was diagnosed following a colonoscopy in April. I had zero symptoms, picked up on 2 year test kit (I’m 52, this was my second test). My husband and I were told in the ‘chat’ afterwards a large (4cm), well-established tumour was in the rectum and it was almost certainly cancer. This was proved correct and I am now recovering from surgery.

what I can say based on my experience, looking back, is that you are at the worst, worrying stage in terms of uncertainty etc. but a plan will soon be in place and a positive outcome in the pipeline.
I don’t post often on here but do read the messages a lot and they give such strength and support.

wishing you all the very best going forward. Moira x

Mrs. S over 1 year ago in reply to Moirq

Thank you for the reassurance Moira,

I didn’t realise some areas screen at 50, it’s 60 where I live. In your case it looks to have been a very proactive outcome.

Had the CT scan yesterday ️ now waiting to hear all results & the treatment plan. Not sure how long that will be but I get the sense every stage starts to happen in 2 week windows.

Good luck with your recovery.

Best wishes,

Bev