Rectal cancer - newly diagnosed

Hi Arp1702 Yes the limbo stage is the scariest but once you have a treatment plan in place then things will honestly feel a bit better.

I also had something flag up in my liver back in 2016 when I was first diagnosed and it was a harmless haemangioma - these are apparently very common and most people go through life none the wiser unless they have this sort of scan. 

If you click on my name then my profile page will show you my treatment timeline - I had a couple of hiccups along the way but it’s a lot more straight forward for most people!

Take care

Karen x

I had a colonoscopy in July. A tumour was found and I was told it was most probably bowel cancer. Then had a CT scan. Unfortunately it was then confirmed that it was cancer. It was decided the tumour was to large to be removed by surgery and I needed immunotherapy to try and shrink it first. The waiting is awful.  I have just heard that my first round will start on 15th October.  Stay positive and the treatment will happen eventually.  Good luck

Thank you, Karen, for your reply. Trying hard to stop my mind from going to some horribly dark places and just wait to see what the Dr says next week.

You have really been on a journey and I'm so pleased to read that you are doing so well now.

Anita

Hi Sports Thank you for your reply.

I was told that if everything was contained within the polyp, it would be removed via a colonoscopy  but I'm assuming it's not contained, so who know what the next steps will be?

I hope all goes well when you start your treatment. 

Anita

Hi there, Anita. I am going through a similar process. Lower abdominal pain for a day about six or seven weeks ago. Noticed blood loss, which continued for two weeks, so a trip to the doctors.

Since then, a colonoscopy, bloods and CT scan have taken place.

They found a malignant-looking tumour in my lower bowel, but yet to get results of the biopsies or blood work as yet. I was put on the surgery pathway from my first meeting with the doctor and have my first meeting regarding Surgery this Wednesday. Other than the rectal bleed, no other symptoms but I am glad I did have it as I would have been completely unaware otherwise.

Also in that limbo situation. I’ve tried to avoid reading too much into it and getting myself into a doom loop. Just trying to get on with every day life and taking one day at a time. Hopefully, I will have some clarity on my situation after the surgery meeting this Wednesday. Watched Panorama on cancer this evening - seems bowel cancer is on the rise. 

Fingers crossed for the best possible outcome from your results. 

Adam

Hi Adam,

I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this too and wish you the very best going forward.

I am now trying to take a more positive view about my appointment on Thursday.... instead of dreading it (as I have been) I am trying to look forward to it as it brings this horrible limbo stage to an end. At the end of the day, I already know it is cancer and there is a possibility it is on my liver (I think only one mark seen on my CT scan), so this appointment will give me the treatment plan to focus on.

Bowel cancer is definitely on the rise and particularly, I  think, at younger ages, which is sad news.

Treatments have come such a long way over recent years and still being developed. It's quite amazing what these doctors can do now.

Keep us updated with how you get on, if you wish to.

All the very best,

Anita

Wishing you the absolute best for Thursday, Anita. Clarity does put the mind at rest, even if it is not the best news. I will be thinking of you x

i got my results today. My tumour is malignant but they will operate within the next four weeks to remove. No radiotherapy needed but may need some chemo afterwards, but will know for definite after surgery. 

Hi Adam,

Sounds like I am in same position as you ... surgery and then decision as to whether chemo is needed.

They are not concerned about my liver... it's a very small spot that, if it is cancer, can easily be removed. They will discuss MRI result at the next MDT meeting next week.

Nothing lit up on my first MRI to see if it had gone to lymph nodes but these will obviously be checked once they are removed.

They said I did not need to worry as this has been caught early and is very treatable. Cannot put the relief into words.

Tagging Sports and Kareno62 to update you too .

Anita

Hurray, Anita. That is some very positive news in the otherwise not so great news of identifying it is cancer and requiring surgery. That has cheered my Thursday up. I was rooting for you. Positive mental attitude.

Thank you, Adam, for your very kind words. Rooting for you too ... we got this