i had a colonoscopy yesterday and was told I had a 35mm lesion at the rectosigmoid junction. The Doctor said it was very flat and that didn’t notice it at all on the way in and almost missed it coming out, thankfully he didn’t. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I don’t think I’ve had any symptoms, I had a positive FIT result at the end of December.
Im having a full body MRI today and a CT of the abdomen next week. When the biopsies come back the team will meet to discuss the findings. I’m so scared right now, I’m praying that it hasn’t spread but as I didn’t have worrying symptoms I don’t know how long it’s been there. I can’t believe it. I’m fit and I thought healthy. I walk around 15 miles a week and do several weight workouts and low impact aerobics. I’m working, not fatigued, sometimes tired but generally great.
Sorry this is a long post I’m trying to process the whole thing but imagining the worst.
Hi Panda23 and a warm welcome to the board. My first advice to people is always to stay away from google - it can be scary, out of date and send your blood pressure sky high. I’m glad you’ve found us here and you can ask anything you like - there is nothing too daft or embarrassing!
Bowel cancer is notoriously slow growing but also very treatable. Once your scan results are back then your team will meet and decide on a treatment plan for you - once this is in place then things will honestly feel a bit better. Even if there has been spread to other parts of the body then there is still a lot of treatment available. Court has a great phrase if ‘keep your mind where your body is’ ie. Stick to what you know and try not to worry about what ifs as they may never happen?
Ive attached a link to a booklet that I was given at my first meeting which might help with terminology etc.
Hi Panda23. Just to let you know I too was symptom free. It might be surprising how many sufferers were. Mine was picked up via a FIT test as part of health check provided by my employer. I don’t know how long I had had the cancer, other than my pre-COVID FIT test was fine. I didn’t have a tumour as such, mine spread like a sheet. The period you’re in now is difficult as there are lots of unknowns but you will get more information as the scan and test results come in.
As Karen says the forum contains a lot of lived experience so feel free to ask questions.
Welcome to the group. I sincerely hope the CT and MRI scan are good news. I’m relatively new here and joined in October and it’s one of the best things I’ve done, everyone is happy to share and advise.
I know the wait for the results is scary and it’s only natural to think of every possible outcome. The good news is the results come back pretty quickly and then you can move forward. It’s way easier said than do but just try to concentrate on what is directly in front of you (advise I still need to take heed of myself from time to time).
As Karen said we are all at different stages in our journey. I’m coming up on six weeks post surgery now and this last week or so have started to feel a fair bit better. I’ve always classed myself as a bit of a whimp but found out I’m much stronger than I ever gave myself credit for. You will find the strength you need, take each step as it comes and any questions please ask away. I’ve also found the MacMillan Support line really helpful when I’ve just needed to speak to someone.
I’m relatively new to the group. I had no symptoms until I had appendicitis which was caused through my tumour pushing on it in November 23. My tumour was found on CT by which time it was 10 by 8 cm. It was fully removed during emergency surgery and only affected 2 out of the 24 lymph nodes removed. I’m currently receiving adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent reoccurrence. I’m still to have a colonoscopy but believe I will once chemotherapy is over.
