Hi all, as some of you know I had a successful heart transplant in July 2020 and so far all has been good, more trouble from the rest of the old body but on Friday I received the devastating news that I have bowel cancer. It was picked up through the routine testing another thing I have to thank the NHS for. I got the letter last Monday to make an appointment for a colonoscopy which I done they then checked with my cardiac consultant to get the go-ahead and my appointment was on Friday. Thankfully my bestie was with me (the hospital was the other side of Glasgow) and I wasn't allowed to drive. After the examination the lovely doctor explained everything to us, it is small but he said it would have been a different story in 6 months time , please everyone that's eligible for the test don't forget to do it. I now have a CT scan at another Glasgow hospital on Tuesday, after that the team will have a discussion and then surgery. I just hope they don't find anymore or that it's spread. I seem to have a pattern of being in hospital around Christmas time and here we go again.
I feel like the most unluckiest girl in Scotland my mum is 94 and has nothing physically wrong with her she stays in independent living accommodation and doesn't even use any type of walking aid not even a stick. I definitely have the rubbish gene's from my dad's side. Sorry for the long rambling post I am still in shock, it's so difficult to take in that I now need cancer treatment after all the other things I've went through. Char x
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Oh Char I am so terribly sorry to read your bad news. Just hold onto the fact it’s been caught early and treatment is being organised. You are one strong woman and after all you have been through I have no doubt you will get through this. Sending you strength and love.
Thank you, they are acting fast now but it's hard to take it all in, it seems unreal at the moment like it's not me it's happening to someone else but I glad it's been caught early. Char xx
Or, looked at from a different angle, you are the luckiest girl in Scotland.You had a heart transplant when you needed one and it was successful.
You are sensible and you had your bowel screening test and although it's shown up a problem , it's early enough for it to be treated successfully as well.
It's another scary health obstacle but it's one you can hurdle , just like the heart issue, because it's been caught quickly.
My Mum had bowel cancer, caught in early stages , and although she had to have the odd benign polyps removed from time to time she was all clear of cancer for 25 years , so I'm sure you're going to have a chance to feel lucky again , thanks to the NHS , very soon.
Take care and keep us updated , we are all rooting for you, hugs , Bee
Thank you for letting me see it from a different angle, I never thought of it that way and I do have a lot of faith in the NHS when it's something like this they do spring into action and get things done at speed. I am so glad your mum was cancer free all that time. I think when you get a diagnosis you always think the worst. Char
Thank you, I just can't believe it and the thought of more surgery is awful and here was me frightened to get a hernia repaired 🙄, thankfully they have caught it early. Once I find out what is happening after the scan I will let you know, everything is happening so fast. Char x
I can only imagine how awful this must feel but thank goodness you did the test and they have caught it
Obviously you are meant to be here because even though as we say life has not dealt you the best pack of cards you face each challenge and you come through it
I will look out for your updates you have a lot of people supporting you on here and hope knowing that helps a little bit x
I have always done the test and after I posted it I thought nothing of it as I didn't have any symptoms, I was surprised when I got a letter from the screening only a week later instead of the norm 2 to 3 weeks, I was even more surprised when I opened it, well shocked really l. Having to tell people is awful my younger son is on holiday so I will need to tell him when he returns, my oldest son knows and when he came over yesterday he was chalk white, he has literally just done the genetic testing for his heart and now this. Once I have told Ian that will be most of my friends and family . I will keep you posted when I find out more xx
I think the shock is the worst and telling people and seeing their reaction especially your Children no matter how old they are comes very close to been so hard to do
But I know you have got this I just get that feeling and when I do I am never wrong and soon you and your friends and family will all be smiling again and that is what I am looking forward to seeing in a post very soon and I know you will be writing one saying how you have yet overcome something else
Thank you for your kind words, it is difficult and hard trying to tell people. Mum although physically fine for her age has dementia setting in although she has not been diagnosed yet we are waiting on a appointment. I am not sure how she will take it so I am going to wait till after the scan and try and tell her then. Hopefully in the New year I will have some positive news. Char x
It is difficult she used to be as sharp as a tack but now she can't remember things and she is so good physically, I have holidays booked I still hope to go 🤞🤞x
Having to tell family is daunting isn’t it? As others have said the silver lining is that they have got it early. That is such good news.Good luck to you on your journey. You are a fighter and that is a great help.
Thank you for your support and I am so sorry about your brother, I know a few people that won't do the test and I don't know why. I will know more after the scan and I will you all posted. Char
oh hun I'm so sorry to hear this is devastating 💔😞. Glad its been picked up so quickly though. My friend has just finished treatment for cervical cancer x wish you all the best with scans, treatment and surgerys ❤️
So sorry to hear this devastating news. You have been through so much already!My sister was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago at a random screening. She was diagnosed in the December and had successful surgery in the January. She did have a few rounds of chemotherapy after the surgery to make sure there was no cancer left.
I can only say praise the Lord she's still cancer free four years later.
I'm really hoping this is a similar or same scenario for you.
Please keep us updated I'm not going to say try not to worry because I would be terrified. That said I'm sure you must have been terrified before your heart surgery but you made it.
I'm certain your consultant will do everything to make sure you have a good outcome.
Thank you, that's brilliant news about your sister I hope because it has been caught early I will be the same, I will definitely let everyone know when I find out what is happening. Char
Sorry to hear that you got bowl cancer, hopefully they have caught it in the early stages and it is completely curable. Like you I have always done the tests and been ok, until the one just before Christmas. Thankfully they only found a few pockets of diverticulitis.
I never thought for a minute there was anything wrong, but I am so glad they do routine testing it must save a lot of lives, I hope because they have caught it early all will be fine. Char
So sorry to hear your news. You have been through so much, what an inspiring lady you are! You’ve got this! It’s been caught early, they will arrange the treatment and then you will be on the road to recovery. Sending you big virtual hugs! Please keep us up to date. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Hugs accepted gratefully, thank you for your kind words it's such a shock, heart transplant and now cancer jeezo! I had a phone call from my local hospital this morning, it will be two weeks until I hear what's happening next, they need to get the biopsy and scan results the MDT will meet and then they will let me know. Char
This really sucks, Char. I’m so sorry to hear it. Thank goodness for the screening programme though. I’ll be thinking nice thoughts for you and sending ALL GOOD VIBES your way for best possible outcomes and the smoothest path to them.
You hope, when you’ve gone through something as major as a heart transplant, that you’ve had your fair share of bad luck but it doesn’t seem to work that way, does it? Feel free to message me if you want to vent at any point. I owe you for the support you gave me when I needed it!
Hi and thanks for your support it was a proper shock when the doctor told me on Friday, I didn't have any symptoms, I feel like I am back to square one of the rounds of hospital visits, surgery and no doubt more pills 😱. My heart is still fine so that's a blessing. I hope you are keeping well yourself, take care char x
Sorry to hear your news TNHS, here's hoping that it isn't as bad as you are dreading. Like you say, they seem to have caught it early, they have been very quick, and the big bonus is you have already coped with the worst anybody can throw at you 😊 Not forgetting that treatment has also advanced quite a lot 😷
So sorry to hear that after all you’ve been through. It sounds like you have shown strength with your heart transplant and, although you are in shock at the moment, I’m sure you will find the strength again. Wishing you all the best x
Aww bless you. This happened to my dad but he didnt do the test. His was quite large though and had already spread when they found it. However they managed to remove it all but he now has 2 bags. Great that your encouraging people to do the test. If its free do it. It only takes a few mins and could save lives. Hope all goes well at your appointment. You sound strong and positive. Good luck babes 🤞❤️❤️
Really sorry to hear your news Char. Genes are key in our lives, but we don't have any choice about those. We are who we are.
Thankfully the system has worked for you and it great that this has been caught early. It shouldn't be long before you have the op and you can then get back to living life. 😀
Thank you, I definitely can't fault the care the NHS has given me and they have acted very quickly so far. I think I have the worst gene's of both my parents, my dad the heart and mum had breast cancer but made a full recovery, I hope I will to. Char
So sorry to hear your shocking news, but I'm so pleased you had the sense to do the routine test. It really does save lives.Wishing you all the best, hope your treatment goes smoothly, and a successful outcome is not very far away.
Really sorry about your news, you do sound like a real fighter, with a sense of proportion and humour, so battle on and we look forward to seeing an email from you in a few months time saying that all is going to be well.
I'm so sorry to read this.I can imagine your shock but so glad they've found it early. Treatment depends a lot on where it is. MY friend had it very low down so it was very difficult to treat. She had a section of bowel removed, a bag for a while then when they were sure there was nothing left, she was put back together again and is still here. it all took quite a long time with the waiting between but it's well worth it.
That's good to know, I have a feeling it is higher up although I think when the doctor was telling me I kind of zoned out, once they get back to me I will know more. Char
I j ust remembered we have another friend who went through it just last year. His was higher up but he also was caught early, had a section removed and is now back to a normal life. Wishing you the very best.
Hello Char. I think someone must have been watching over you to have the sort of luck that comes with routine scans and samples! Back in 2007 and in May this year, I had the same thing happen (not bowel but lung). They've found yours early so it will curable with surgery.
I remember you going through your heart transplant. You've been so brave and strong throughout. Sending you so much love and lots of virtual hugs.
My heart goes out to you, you have dealt with so much in the past. As others have said the good news is this is caught early so every chance of a good outcome. Sending my best wishes, try to be positive, not easy I know
I’m so sorry that after all you went through with your heart transplant you’re now faced with another battle against bowel cancer. It doesn’t feel fair at all! You must be a strong person to have dealt with having a heart transplant and you will get through this as well. Take all the support that is offered to you and lean on family and friends. Christmas can still be enjoyed even with all that is going on with your health. sending you lots of strength and love!
Thanks for your kind words, I hope as the doctor said they have caught it early and it's treatable, the thought of another operation is quite daunting but I know is necessary char
Thanks for the post I actually have a similar situation developing.,during one of the scans on my chest heart etc it was dis covered I have a growth on a kidney so now going for a biopsy on it in a few weeks, so I had the ICD fitted end of October and December ish a kidney bio, but as you say thank you NHS for spotting it. Roll on 2024 and see what developments happen then..... Tune in next month for another exciting instalment of "the man whose body fell apart"
Sorry to hear your news Char. But you are a fighter and your body knows this. You have a great attitude saying you are lucky and nhs great. Keep going with that attitude, it will go a long way. Good luck with all your treatment you never know maybe home for Christmas. Take care and big hugs. X
Thanks, I will be glad when the biopsy and scan results are in and we can move forward from there and hopefully be home at Christmas or my family will starve 🤣char
Hi. Sorry to hear your news after u have been through alot. But just to say my friend same age as you had the same result. . She sent off bowel screening found out then operation wiitnin 4 weeks,. She was up and about in 5 days and visited her horse and had a slow walk around. She doesn't need any more treatment and all is, well. So keep your chin up and luckily u did the screening. The NHS is a godsend and where would we be without them. Take care thinking of you.
Bless you..I can only sympathise as I've got rotten genes too. Both my parents also lived charmed lives! I hope you are soon sorted and keep positive sweetheart xxx
Aww sorry to hear this. Sending you love and prayers. You had heart transplant over 3 yrs ago you will get through this too🥰 let us know how you get on xx
Our hearts go out to you but it has thankfully been discovered early so yr outlook should be good, especially with yr strong and positive attitudeI got my rubbish genes from my Dad too ,he left us when I was less than a month old so rubbish indeed lol, my stepdad was wonderful and my dear late Mum lived till 91, i hope once I get my new aortic valve in 8 days time I will live as long as she did
We always do our bowel screening kits and yr post makes us realise its importance
Thanks, I hope your valve surgery goes well, let us know how you get on. Char
I know 100% how you are feeling. I had a stroke in 2020 followed by an AVR later in the year. Then a year ago following a screening for cancer I was diagnosed with lung cancer. It can be hard to believe that so many things can go wrong. I can however tell you from experience to stay positive. A date for surgery was set and I'd had the pre surgery assessment when an oncologist from the hospital phoned and made an appointment to discuss radiotherapy with me. I was sceptical about the value of radiotherapy for lung cancer but I was assured it was at an early stage and SABR radiotherapy could be curative. Last month I had my 6 month scan after radiotherapy and right now there is no sign of the cancer. Yes I have to have annual scans but I'm amazed by the result, so please don't feel disheartened. I know with certainty there can be light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for such encouraging words, it's great to know your treatment worked and you are still cancer free. I hope my treatment goes as well as yours. Char
Hang in there char. It’s been caught early.👍 you sound like a strong lady who can give a good fight especially with what you’ve already been through. I’m sending you a big Yorkshire cuddle just to keep you going.
This may yet not be as bad as you think. Well done for participating in the screening, by the way. Everybody should. I have a fair bit of experience in this field through my wife. She has bowel cancer as a big shadow over their family history. Her dad died with it at 65, her uncle in his 70s, and another uncle before she was born aged 24. Because of the genetic risk, she'd done these tests from the age of 40, paying for them when she was too young for the NHS one.
On one occasion, her test came back positive, so appointment with the GP. The thing to understand is that the screening is simply an occult (hidden) blood test. It looks for traces of blood in the stools that obviously shouldn't be there. Cancer is one cause of this, but there are plenty of others, all of which need investigating.
The next stage is the colonoscopy. She had the procedure during which they found a number of polyps (not unusual once you reach a certain age) including a big one that looked like it could be the culprit for the source of the blood. The colonoscope is equipped to take biopsies during the procedure, and in fact they can also completely remove small lumps at the same time. Then they send all the tissue samples off to the lab for testing, a wait that can be a week to 3 weeks depending on the nature of the tissue and how much work needs to be done on it. In my wife's case, this wait went over the Christmas period - not the happiest Christmas, I can tell you.
Her GP happens to be a good friend, and she pestered her to see the case notes before the biopsy results came back. Natural apprehensive curiosity, but it was a bad idea, because the consultant had written that he'd never seen such a large bleeding polyp that proved to be benign, so in his opinion this was, in all probability, a malignancy. So even more panic and sleepless nights. However, when the results came back it was in fact benign. Still an operation to remove it and a section of bowel around it and a resection, but good recovery and no need for chemo. From then on, the hospital have her on routine two yearly colonoscopies, and a couple of years later they found another sessile polyp high up in her ileum, and this one was removed by polypectomy, minimally invasive surgery. Excellent treatment.
So all in all, there are many positive aspects. May turn out to be a tumour, but benign. If it's small and localised it's a routine matter to remove even if it does turn out to be cancerous. Very treatable, and they'll keep an eye on you ever after. Good luck.
Thanks for your reply, I am glad that your wife is well and that the polyp was benign. The doctor said I have quite a lot of polyps and once they operate to take the nasty one away they will take them at the same time, I have a scan tomorrow and when they get the results of the scan and the biopsy they will then have their MDT meeting and get back to me with dates, they said probably about two weeks. I will just have to be patient. Char
Oh bless you. I had a couple of years where I felt like every time I saw or spoke to a doctor it just brought more bad news to digest. I seem to be out of that loop for now but I really feel for you.This is a big one to get your head around. For sure. And after surviving a heart transplant. Wow, you are some woman!
Thanks, I just feel every time they test for something the answer is never, "everything is fine" followed by me saying, "sorry to bother you doctor"There always seems to be something wrong followed by a hospital referral 🙄 hopefully this will be the last thing for a while. Char
I am very sorry to hear this, I had to have the test (plus others between July and Sept for potential cancer in the prostrate, bladder, stomach and the bowel) and finally had some benign polyps removed from the bowel last month (not pleasant), whilst I was thankful I was in the clear, I didn't feel like celebrating (even though the previous few months of not knowing had messed with my head!) simply because I knew others weren't so lucky.
Hopefully as the consultant said they have got it early and I like others hope all goes well for you. I will be thinking positive thoughts for you.
Thank you, I am glad to hear that you were ok, the waiting is definitely the worse I was over two years when I was on the transplant list and it was awful. They definitely seem to moving very quick on this, thank goodness. Char
That must feel like a rubbish deal and scary. So glad to hear it has been caught early and thank you for reminding us all to do those tests. You have done brilliantly to do so well with heart transplant and so fortunate to be diagnosed and followed up so quickly. Wishing you well for the future.
So saddened to hear this news but I am glad that they have caught it and I hope they will be able to treat it without any further consequences to your health. My mum received a bowel testing kit last month. She has yet to complete the test and send it off but I will make sure she gets it done soon.
Will be thinking of you. As others have said, please let us know how you get on.
Thank you for your kind words, it definitely was a shock but thankfully with it being caught early and hopefully with treatment everything will be alright. Char
Hello, Char - first the big hug 🤗! I’m so sorry after what you’ve already been through that you once again are being subjected to another devastating unexpected diagnosis. As others have already said you were strong enough to get through a major operation and I for one will be keeping fingers and toes crossed that as they caught this early you will come through and beat it. Afterwards you can get on with your life and live it to the full. I completely agree that as we are all sent the test kit to get on and get it done. It’s not a pleasant task lol but it does save lives so why would you not!
I am off to the hospital tomo for a scan after they found a nodule in my lung and which was found because I had a scan as part of a study on my heart. Last year I had a scan on my head and they caught by chance a small lump in my cheek which after having horrible biopsy’s taken they said wasn’t cancer but can’t guarantee it won’t change. I am beginning to wonder what on earth is next!! All of this gives me food for thot as to how often these things are caught in time due to investigations for something else. I’m worried but like you, saying a thank you to the NHS that it can be looked at whilst at the ‘small’ stage.
I hope all went well with your scan and you got the news that you wanted, in that there is no spread. Take care Xx
Hi it seems when you get one major thing it's just followed by something else and other folk just go through life having no major illnesses at all it just seems so unfair, I have been waiting 7 months on an ENT appointment at the hospital I never chased it up because I didn't think it was urgent and now I am hoping it is nothing serious!. They are waiting on the biopsy results and the scan results then they will have a meeting presumably to discuss them and give me a date for surgery a nurse phoned to let me know that it should be the week after next.I hope everything will be all right with your scan tomorrow, please let me know when you get your results char x
Getting the scan done is another box ticked for you and the surgery is imminent. You will be well looked after I’m sure as they will totally understand how you will be feeling and why. If they don’t be sure to put them in the picture so they do know.
The scan will be ok tomo but as you know it’s the waiting on their findings that’s the stressful bit. I’m also getting very annoyed about the lack of aftercare. When my Afib was diagnosed they told me my valves were a bit loose but they weren’t worried. However, how do I know if they are getting worse if I’m not being checked even annually. Neither is how my heart is faring as time goes on due for any checks. Then the same with the cheek lump- no follow up so what of it does change. Now the nodule in my lung. This time I’m going to make sure I ask about keeping an eye on it - depending on what the outcome is of course. It really drains you when just getting our questions asked makes such a difference
Anyway I wish you well and please let all of us know how you get on. I’ll be thinking of you till I hear. I’ll keep you posted on my results whenever that may be. x
Morning, I think that is where the NHS fall down too much admin and failing to keep an on things that could change, like the tests thing's can be caught early can be treated quickly.My younger son has inherited the faulty gene that caused my heart to fail (my older son is waiting on results from gene testing) he has to get an echo every five years it seems a long time to me so I hope nothing happens in-between he is 42 and I was 58 when I found out.
It’s one thing when you get caught with a genetic issue but another when you then have to worry about your children. It’s an awful worry for everyone concerned. Mine are 29 & 23 and I notice the elder has bought a smartwatch to keep an eye on his rate etc as I am following my dads medical path. The 23 year old is a bit more blazè as when your young you think it won’t be you it happens to. I’m going to be working on her to make her more responsible for her health.
Anyway scan over which is a doddle but wasn’t impressed with what the radiologist said which was - you’ll hear ‘if’ they feel it’s something they want you back for!! I retorted “well that won’t be happening as I will want to know what’s what even if they don’t want me back! “ Geez can you imagine trying to move on in the hope you’re in the clear because you’ve not heard from them - I’d be very anxious from then on in.
Let’s keep our positive heads on Char and again I’ll keep fingers crossed the op goes well and you get back on your feet soon after. xx
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