Newly Diagnosed and Overwhelmed

Hyogga 1 hour ago

2 replies
147 subscribers
29 views

Hello everyone,

I am newly diagnosed, or at least strongly suspected, with stage 4 colon cancer based on a CT scan. This came as a complete shock.

I still have not had my colonoscopy or biopsy yet, so I do not have final pathology. However, the CT scan strongly suggested an ascending colon tumor, one liver metastasis, and peritoneal/omental deposits.

I am still trying to understand how accurate the CT scan is before the biopsy confirms everything. What is confusing and frightening is that I have had very few symptoms. The main signs have been anemia, high CRP, and some mild right upper quadrant aching that comes and goes.

I am scared, overwhelmed, and honestly do not know what to do or which direction to go next. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through something similar, especially before biopsy confirmation or at the beginning of a stage 4 diagnosis.

Salvia 54 minutes ago

Hi HyoiggA

welcome to this friendly group where no one really wants to be but you will be well supported.
My diagnosis was different but I can confirm that from diagnosis and then various scans etc until you get a pathway forward it’s a very difficult period. Once you get a pathway forward it’s easier to cope with.
everyone here has a unique journey but hopefully someone who has had a similar experience will reply soon.

Dulac 37 minutes ago

Hello Hyogga,

Your reaction is quite normal, so you are in good company on these pages. There's a great deal of information here, based upon members' personal experiences and if you click on anyone's name you will probably find a summary of their own treatment.

It's best not to search the Internet for reassurance as some of the findings are out of date and unhelpful. However, you might look at the NHS and Cancer UK sites, as well as here, for straightforward and current information. Once your diagnosis is confirmed you will receive first class attention from experts who have seen it all before. Results from scans, etc. can take some time to appear because specialists have to peruse the images, so don't worry. When they gave me the news I assumed that I would be dead in three months, but that was five years ago and life is pretty good as I write this.

Do not worry about matters over which you have no control.

Best Wishes

Dulac