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[marras]

Hi lovely ladies, a month ago I was taken into hospital with a perforated appendix. This was removed and I was discharged and recovered well. Three weeks later I was called in for a follow up and tools that the appendix had contained a malignant tumour and I had microscopic cancer cells. I am undergoing tests at the moment and have already had a colonoscopy when biopsies were taken at the internal wound site. The colonoscopy showed no signs of bowel cancer. I am to have a CT scan this coming Tuesday to look for any further cancers in the liver, lungs, etc. If all clear I shall go in for a bowel resection as a 'belt and braces' approach. That's all the information I have at the moment.
My mother died of breast and ovarian cancer 56 years ago when I was ten. I am thinking of asking if I can have my ovaries and Fallopian tubes out at the same time as my bowel resection. Otherwise I shall be constantly worried that I will get ovarian cancer next. I am 66, 12 years post menopausal and 18 months on low dose HRT patch. I would appreciate a few points of view from you well informed and interesting ladies.

[CLKD]

   Interesting that the appendix was routinely sent to histology. 

I agree.  If there are no signs of spread is this surgery necessary?  ………  However, whilst under a GA if appropriate, get rid of anything that may/not cause problems in the future.  Do you still have your uterus?

When I was told that my breast histology was not as expected I decided that I would have both breasts removed, my Surgeon told me that 'ladies with your condition don't require mastectomy'.  So I had prepared myself in order to get rid of any possible danger areas 

Maybe make an appt. with the Surgeon B4 you make any decisions regardless of the outcome of the scan?  Make a list of your concerns, your family history etc..  Who will go with you?

[Kathleen]

Hello marras.


I am not one of the expert ladies so I am unable to advise you but I wanted to say I'm sorry that you're in this position and I hope your treatment and recovery goes well.

Take care.

K.

[Taz2]

Hi marras - so sorry to hear of your diagnosis but pleased that all the necessary investigations seem to be being carried out. Is it Pseudomyxoma peritonei?  My local hospital is one of the two in the UK dealing with this specific type of cancer. It is one of the rarer ones and needs specialist care but the results are good. Please PM me if you want details of the specialised units.

Taz x 

[CLKD]

You were the first person I thought of this morning >wave<

Good advice from Taz ………..

[marras]

Thank you ladies for your kind replies. Just come back from having the scan so now have to sit and wait for all the results. Finally plucked up the courage yesterday to phone the specialist nurse and ask some questions, ie what type of tumour, how big was it, and she is on holiday until 1st August and although the message said someone is manning her phone no one has got back to me yet. So Taz, I don't know if it is the type of cancer to which you refer. CLKD, yes I do still have a uterus. I know it was only two weeks ago I received the diagnosis but oh dear time hangs heavy for me and my family

[babyjane]

Thinking of you marras x

I have a friend who has a suspected cancer and has been kept waiting 4 weeks for biopsies and now has to wait 2 and a half weeks for biopsy results.  I can't see that these sorts of delays can be good for someone who is suspected (or in your case has been diagnosed) with a cancer.

[CLKD]

The time between Consults and results can seem years ……… will the operation be to by-pass the part of the bowel associated with the appendix, sort of like a 'good clear out'?

How typical that with your list the Nurse in question is on holiday  - would your GP be available for a chat?

When I began treatment at least I felt I was doing something to lessen the chances of it getting a hold  and the Staff were very supportive.  Giving yourself treats can help too in the interim  .  All I wanted throughout radiation was a pizza so that's what Himself and I did after the last session: took us off to Pizza Hut 

[marras]

Have managed to speak to the colorectal secretary today and she said that the consultant is due to go on holiday and under the NHS I would need to wait until September to see him and get results. That being the case I have made an appointment to see him on Tuesday next week privately. Fortunately I'm in the lucky position of being able to do this. I think I would be a nervousness wreck if I had to wait until September.
CLKD, the consultant said he would need to take away a section of the bowel in order to remove the blood vessels that feed the lymph nodes in that area.
Had my CT scan yesterday which  was nothing like as traumatic as the colonoscopy thank goodness.

[CLKD]

My question to the Consultant B4 all others would be, "If there was a problem with any investigation would I be told B4 September?" …….. it's OK for the medics to know that this is usual procedure following tests but for the patient it can be dreadful!

Let us know how you get on.

 

[countrybumpkin]

A very stressful time for you.  There is an endocrine cancer that affects the appendix ( I know someone who had this) which is why they send all removed appendix away for testing as routine and have done for a long time now.
This may not be what you have of course but its the most common appendix cancer.

I am glad to hear you are seeing the consultant next week, its cruel the way they make you wait but sadly that is how it is

Once you know exactly the type of cancer you have then there are very good forums where you can ask questions of people who are experiencing what you are.

Please let us know how you get on, will be thinking of you