hi there. I am new to this site but just wanted to get advice. I have had blood in my stools for years. Intermittently. Had sigmoidoscopy about 6 years ago and just haemorrhoids found. Finally had another sigmoidoscopy yesterday although v painful so surgeon couldn’t complete. He found a growth on my rectum that he has sent for a biopsy and I am due to have mri scan in next couple of weeks.
I just feel so worried as I tried to probe him as to whether under his professional opinion he thought it was polyps or cancerous but he said he couldn’t tell. I guess I’ll just have to wait. I suffer with stomach pains for a long time and just worried. Any advice or anyone who has been through similar would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Becboo7
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Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I hate to hear you are having to deal with this. Your doctor said he found a "growth". He didn't say it was a "polyp"? Just trying to see what we are dealing with. Does your family have a history of cancer? I do kind of like you doctors response "he couldn’t tell". He didn't try to speculate and send you in an unnecessary direction.
My experience ... I am a stage 4 metastatic colon cancer survivor. I have to admit I did ignore a lot of signs. Signs like my family cancer history and it hurt to eat a large meal, so I just didn't eat large meals. I had a "mass" when I first had a CT scan to see what the abdominal tenderness I had and my routine physical. Then I had a surgeon then said it needed to come out and then I had my first colonoscopy and the scope couldn't get past the "mass".
You are at that point of waiting to see what pathology will find out. My advice there is just stay positive. Yes it's looming over your head. Find another outlet to focus on. I do a lot of cycling. Whatever it takes, put your focus there.
Another way to look at it is you are taking action to find answers. Will the answer be one you will like? Maybe? But you are seeking the answers. That is good. I ignored a lot. Many people do. You are taking action and that is good. The earlier you get answers the better.
We do wish you the very best in your results. 👍🤟🙏🧡 Pleas let us know what you find out. That information may be helpful to others as well.
All my best ... Thank You
~Tom, GCCA Survivor - Colon Cancer Connected Site Administrator.
Just a reminder - this group is here to offer support, share experiences, and offer our thoughts - but this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional(s). Additionally, for all emergencies, seek urgent medical care, never delay.
Hi Tom, thanks for your reply. I don’t have a history of family colon cancer as far as I am aware. I did ask back in feb and was referred but obv not seen as serious. When I was seen on Thursday The doctor was unsure whether a polyp or cancer. I guess it’s just a waiting game. And yes try to be positive. Just makes you so anxious. It sounds like you have fought it amazingly.
I just wish I could get answers. It’s the not knowing. X
Yes, here's to knowing and getting good answers. It took a clinical trial involving immunotherapy to help me. My genetic testing revealed a lot and actually knowing my biomarkers from that qualified me for the trial.
Hi! I just had my colonoscopy this week. It was my third one. I as well have had intermittent blood in stools. Weird shaped stools and tender bloated gassy gutt. My procedure was complicated due to what they call a tortuous colon. I have a lot of twists and turns to it. So yes, it was unpleasant at times because to felt him trying to push the probe through. I also have hemorrhoids of which is were the blood came from due to constipation because I would back up because of the twists and turns. Another reason my stomach bothered me.
I also had several polyps removed. Some were just that. Polyps. Some we’re precancerous.
I know it’s hard but try and relax until those results come in. I hope all goes well. I found that all those symptoms were not worth worrying about I will need to stay on Miralax on a regular basis to try and keep things moving through,
Thank you so much CHA85 for your response. It is very reassuring to hear about experiences of those in a similar boat. I’m glad you’re doing well. I’m a bit worst case scenario. Your advice is much appreciated x
Just to ask you those polyps that you removed some are pre cancerous, so do u have to do anything to it ? Because I had a 1.5cm mild dysplasia polyp pre cancerous removed as well during colonoscopy, so do I have to do anything?
So the results show that I have a malignant growth in my rectum that is cancerous. Fortunately it has not spread. So I’m awaiting to hear back about course of treatment. It’s a 33mm growth 2.5 cm into my rectum.
Hi Becboo7. I'm so sorry to read this. I am angry that they made you wait from February until now to be seen. But they say bowel polyps/ tumours are slow growing so hopefully it hasn't made too much of a difference and thank goodness it hasn't spread and been caught early by the sounds of it. I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in May following colonoscopy. Mine was 12cm into rectum. I had low anterior resection in May and I was stage 2 so luckily no spread. Unfortunately it had got into a blood vessel which has been removed in surgery but I need tonhave 6 months mop up chemo. I start Capecitabine tablets soon. You may not need the chemo if yours isn't in any lymph nodes or blood vessels. So far I have found everything to be OK. Its an emotional rollercoaster at times but try to just focus on each step at a time and enjoy each day. Focus on the facts and ignore the "what ifs?". Give yourself as much time as you need to process this. You don't have to try and work it all out. I'm also in the UK so feel free to message if you have any questions. I find the bowel cancer UK forum good. Good luck, you've got this!
Ok so a sizable growth. My son had a polyp of 35mm removed during the colonoscopy today and I’m hoping that it’s benign and just have to surveillance it yearly. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻for a clean pathology report
Thanks sunshine. It is a bit overwhelming as only found today that it was cancerous (highly suspicious cells) I didn’t realise it could even spread into your blood vessels.
Because my growth is lower down than yours not sure if it’s harder if need to resection. But I guess I’ll find out more when I’m called for appt. Thanks for sharing your experience with me. It sounds like you are making great progress. Xx
Yes, the waiting is always the worst bit! I remember feeling in limbo waiting for the surgery. You just want to get it over with so you can get the cancer out and focus on recovery. Try and plan some nice things to do to keep busy and take your mind off things a bit. Xx
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