This week I will find out if I have bowel cancer...

[Dico]

Tho I really already know.
The notes forwarded to my doctor from last weeks investigation read-
1 "Highly suspected cancer"
2 Q "Anticipated positive biopsy result? A "Yes".

Anyone with experience please share. My partner has joined the Cancer Research forum, and posted on there, but I feel more comfortable on here for some reason. My usual unusual humour has disappeared for a while.

Wish me luck fellow Pistonheaders
Yours looking for attention, Dico

[Shaw Tarse]

Oh "st" hope things go well!

[RDMcG]

Its highly curable if its caught early to my knowledge. Not some kind of automatic death sentence. I would be inclined to avoid a lot of web surfing as people who do always end up with the worst case scenario. I have had a number of friends who caught it in time.

[simonrockman]

In December my wife was diagnosed with stage 4b cervical cancer. There are only four stages. She was given a 20% chance of surviving five years.

She was put on intense radio and chemo

In May she got the all-clear.

[phil-sti]

What symptoms did you have, which led you to think you had cancer? Just wondering as my toilet routine has increased for no real reason and I'm a bit worried

[mat13]

Nothing I can really say except to wish you the best of luck, and if you need anything don't hesitate to ask on here, pistonheads has a way of supporting it's members. Once again the best of British.

[ettore]

Best of luck and my thoughts are with you. Cancer treatment and care seems to be advancing at a rapid rate these days so hopefully as short a spell of unpleasantness as possible before you're back in order.

[TheMinel]

best of luck, most important thing is in my opinion self belief that you can make it.

My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer 25 years ago, at a near metastasis stage (ie no comeback). After the operation, she never even bothered with the chemo (that they recommended). She's now 70.

My auntie was also diagnosed with bowel cancer, and after being operated a few years back, she's beat it too!

You can beat it mate

Edited by TheMinel on Tuesday 17th August 17:44

[tank slapper]

My mum's partner is in hospital at the moment, having been diagnosed with bowel cancer a week or so ago. Fortunately, it was discovered as a result of routine screening rather than any symptoms so is at a very early stage. He had an operation to remove his large intestine this morning, which went well so now we just need to wait for the results of the histology and to see whether there is any lymph node involvement. With any luck there won't be, and he won't need any further treatment.

Best of luck to the OP - It's not a nice thing to go through. Try not to dwell on what might happen, but stick to what you definitely know and deal with things as they arise.

[Luke.]

Best of luck mate.

[Captain Answer]

My mother had an inflamed appendix a few years ago, on removal they found the appendix was infected with a rare and easily spread to other organs form of cancer which is nicknamed "Jelly Belly", I can't remember the full name of it right now sorry.

She was lucky and it hadn't spread and now has the all clear but it was very difficult on both her and the rest of the immediate family as she was not even over 45 at that time whilst we waited to find that out. We all pitched in together to look after her and give her the comfort and support that she needed.

My only advice would be to let your family in and let them be involved and not bottle things up inside you, decide you're going to beat it and mentally you'll be much tougher and more likely to deal with things openly and effectivly.

Best of luck and don't count your chickens yet, you might be all clear!

Edited by Captain Answer on Tuesday 17th August 18:01

[jbudgie]

Got diagnosed with it two years ago--if you want to know anything just ask.

[jbudgie]

phil-sti said:

What symptoms did you have, which led you to think you had cancer? Just wondering as my toilet routine has increased for no real reason and I'm a bit worried

If 'anything' changes go to your GP --no reason not to is there .?

[jbudgie]

Dico, I see you are in Manchester--I am not far away in Chester, if you want to meet up for a chat thats fine.

[ShadownINja]

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[Dico]

Thanks for all the replies guys.I will be seeing my surgeon on Friday for results and to find out the next steps, tho my GP will inform me if any updates are received prior to then.
As for my symptoms, its quite a complex one. I was being tested for Coeliac due to occasional swollen joints, fatigue and regular visits to the loo. These symptoms have been present for a number of years now and I just accepted it, until the tiredness just got too much. Had lots and lots of blood tests over the last few months and finaly last week had a Sigmoidoscopy and an Enoscopy, which is basicaly a camera up/down both ends. The Sigmoidoscopy (the one up the rear) showed a tumour, from which samples were taken. Also the Endscopy showed a large Hiatus hernia but this is easily treatable.
Anyway hopefully I am being a complete bafoon and the results will be good, but the consultants notes don't make good reading.

Thanks all

[whitechief]

Best of luck with this. My Uncle was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer five years ago and had an op to remove it, he's still with us.

[Dico]

jbudgie, I've seen you reply to a posting previously. I looked through all eighty plus postings in this section prior to posting mine.
Thanks for the kind offer. I shall bear it in mind

[lazy_b]

If it's any help, an acquaintance of mine was treated (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) for bowel cancer about twenty years ago. She's in her early sixties now and still going strong!

[Hedgeman]

Two members of my close family have had bowel cancer - diagnosed at "Dukes C" IIRC.

Both made a full recovery and have been clear for many years.

Keep your chin up - the prognosis should hopefully be very good, and despite what people say about healthcare in the UK, you're in a sense lucky to be treated here compared to 95% of the world.

Gary.