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[Lynne888]

I haven't researched bowel cancer online, I have been on forums and read what others have said.  I was actually told if I wanted to look online to go the reputable websites like cancer research uk etc. I think medial specialists know that most people will so advise as best they can.

[coldethyl]

Macmillan and cancer research are both very good but it is still scary and generic information and forums tend to attract those struggling the most or the most unfortunate cases. I often read the blogs on Macmillan but had to be selective and stop when I realised I was behaving as if I had stage 4 incurable bladder cancer after reading one tragic tale. I have actually found talking to people with different cancer to my own at unit or on here and my diabetic forum better as you have shared experiences but aren't talking the same pathways. I know it's natural to want to be informed but I've learnt that actually what they know and can say for certain is quite small and only adds to the difficulty of coping with the uncertainty.
Try and focus on what you can control such as getting through the MRI - we all of us only have today really and living too far in future is as bad as dwelling on the past as we miss so much xxx

[CLKD]

As I said in your other post and which you acknowledged: keep in the front of your mind that it is the POLYP that is cancerous.  When the Surgeon removed my breast lump he told me "I had in my hand what I expected to find" and I thought "Lucky you!"  ..... however, at histology the lump was found to have 'changes within' so lymph glands were removed which were clean.  Preventative treatment followed.

I suggest that you make notes B4 the next appt with all your worries.  That way you won't forget to ask the important questions to sort things in your mind, my Surgeon insisted on my having a list each morning when he did the Ward round: he was so thorough with his explanations that I didn't need the list  .  Some medics do not have the foresight to put themselves into where the patient might be: because they are dealing with similar situations they often don't make an effort to put the patient's mind at rest!  So do ask.

Don't feel that you are being pushed into any procedure or treatment that you aren't comfortable with.  Even if there is spread don't feel that you have to start treatment until you are ready to proceed.   24/hours of going home to think won't make any difference.  Once I got into the swing of treatment and apps. I felt that I was tackling any problems sooner rather than later.

Do ask when you are at the appt. which support web-sites are the best to access, hopefully you will have a dedicated Nurse who you will be able to contact when necessary.  If this isn't offered, do ask. 

If you have delayed reaction to medication, ring as soon as you get the appt. to make sure that the Staff are aware.   It may require medication the night B4 for example, or a different relaxant to what is used.  I find Ativan good at relaxing me .... a small blue tablet and I was away, didn't care who saw my beautiful body 

 

[babyjane]

sending you my best wishes at this scary time x

[Katejo]

Really sorry to read your news. I'd be really angry to be kept waiting sooo long and then to find that it was cancer after all. My Aunt had similar with bowel cancer. I really hope that it is contained and you don't need chemo. Fingers crossed 

[Cassie]

So sorry to hear but do not get too down, my mom had the same thing in her 70's. Had to have 2 colonscopies, only to be told, it was a polyp turned cancerous. Surgery to remove it and no further treatment. She is now almost 90 and has never looked back, just wanted to reassure you.

[Lynne888]

CLKD you are always a light at the end of the tunnel, thank you!  Also thank you to everyone else for you lovely thoughtful words and great support!  Cassie, you have made me feel so much better.  When you said your mum had surgery, was it just to remove the polyp or was it surgery after the polyp had been taken away and found to be cancerous?  I'm so pleased it was a good result for her and fabulous she's now almost 90!!

[CLKD]

Keep posting! 

[wombat62]

Hi Lynne, sorry to hear your story and the delays you've had.

I'm surprised/horrified that it was left so long before you got referred. I had some bleeding (after a gallstone attack) and doc made me do the sample test and one of those came back positive and of course I went into panic mode. However, the surgeon I was seeing for my gallstones was also a bowel cancer specialist. He wasn't that worried and said most serious cases don't have any symptoms and I do know a couple of people who have had it and had no bleeding, unusual tiredness was their main symptom. I had to have a colonoscopy but I was knocked out, thankfully all was clear and no polyps found.

Me being me, did lots of research, looked at lots of forums whilst I was waiting for the colonoscopy appointment - I try not to but you just can't help it! Polyps are very slow growing creatures and can turn cancerous and then if not caught early can spread. Although as the gut wall is fairly thick it's also a slow process. In fact a bleeding polyp is probably a good thing as otherwise some people aren't altered to the problem.

I do feel for you with the MRI but it's better to have one to be on the safe side. I was only in there 15mins  and I didn't mind the enclosed space it was the clanking of the machine even with the headphones on. Then I missed what the man was saying plus I had to breath out and hold it which is a darn sight harder than breathing in and holding it! Then I laughed because the voice was a Lancastrian accent in Australia! 

As CLKD says take a list of questions with you, I found that really helped. I have an enquiring mind so I like to know the ins and outs and how things work.

Take care as I know the waiting in between appointments and procedures is the hardest part. I won't say don't worry because you will as we all do but sending you a hug!

[Salad]

Hi Lynne888 

Must be a worrying time for you- sorry.

My friend has just had her 10th chemo out of a 12 cycle for colon cancer. Throughout she has remained her glamorous self and worked up until Christmas when she was signed off as a precaution, as she works in Early Years and the little ones are 'proper germ factories' this time of year.
She has had excellent care and support by the team looking after her and has just gone with the flow of treatment explained to her at the start of it all.

I think you'll amaze yourself with the strength you can muster when needed, so try and keep strong as you face this challenge ahead of you. Good luck 

[CLKD]

Strength will arrive once you have the next tests/appt.  . Also, if you feel supported by the 'Team', you will be easier of mind; it's the in between appt. times!

[Greyhoundgal]

I have nothing to add to these posts but wanted to give you a hug 

[Evelyn63]

Ive nothing to add to the excellent advice you've already been given Lynne by the other ladies.  Just sending you a gentle hug.  Take it one step at a time.  x  Put on your big girl knickers, take a big breath and give the MRI your best shot 

[Autumnlady]

Hi Lynne

I am sorry to hear what you are going through and I just want to add another success story for your further encouragement  I have a friend who had bowel cancer over 17 years ago. He had an operation to remove the infected part and didn't need any other treatments. He is still going strong now at the age of 77.

Sending good wishes and wishing you well x

[Lynne888]

Thats really heartening news Autumnlady, thank you! x