Hi - I have recently become anaemic, and the results of my FIT: > 400
I have today been referred to a colorectal clinic.
I had bowel cancer 36 years ago for the first time; it was Dukes B and required a right hemi-colectomy and 6 months of 5FU chemo.
20 years later I had a recurrence of bowel cancer; this time I had a right hemi, but developed a leak; had further surgery and lavage; had an ileostomy created.
I developed what was then known as 'severe sepsis', with multiple organs being affected.
Anyway - I recovered slowly and was strong enough after 18 months to have a reversal.
I also have bile-acid malabsorption, and four years ago had my pre-cancerous gall-bladder removed.
So now I'm faced with this referral, which I must admit has scared me silly, despite all my experience!
I only have a rectum left, which I know is made of the same kind of stuff as the colon…
Just wondering if anyone else has been in this situation and any tips on how not to jump the gun and go straight to worst-case-scenario would be incredibly helpful! :)
Hi Jadzia and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I'm not a member of this group, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.
I don't think it matters how many times you are referred or diagnosed, every time is as bad as the first time. I try keeping myself occupied by doing things that I enjoy to stop my mind wandering to the 'what ifs'.
While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your previous diagnoses and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
