SUPER WORRIED

[leinssi]

Hi, It’s my first time here in this forum, I’m so worried for my mom, she’s 47 years old and have had issue with her bowel since 2018, late 2018 when she found blood in her poop, it then continued till 2019, but she has grade 3 hemorrhoids. so we didn’t know if the blood was from her piles or internal. she was told to do colonoscopy but then pandemic happened (2020) it was very bad and we were in lockdown state that time. fast forward to late 2020 till now, the blood seems to disappear, she didn’t lose any weight in fact she gained weight. We thought everything is fine. But last month when she had her period (she thought she was menopause already, after months of not having her periods) she experienced so much pain (she has myoma), and pain in the bum, she couldn’t handle it so she went to a public hospital. she was given meds for the pain and for her piles. then the doctor saw her records that she has a pending request which is the colonoscopy, (btw my mom found out she had lump in her liver when she had a whole abdomen ultrasound on 2019, she didn’t know she had it bc she doesn’t have any symptoms) the doctor then suggest to get whole abdomen Ct scan instead of colonoscopy. I’m worried for the outcome, and I’m worried financially 😭😭 my parents doesn’t have a stable job, my dad would plant root crops and sell it, my mom does have this small retail store (sari sari store) We live in the Philippines btw, I have a job but it’s not enough for the medical expenses my mom has, I’m going crazy thinking the worst. I cry everyday seeing my mom. She’s young and sooooooooo kind. 😭😭😭😭

[Alloagirl]

Hi leinssi, I am so sorry that you have to worry about the financial aspect as well as being worried about your mum. I would have thought the colonoscopy would be the best way as with a CT scan if they see anything unusual they have to do a colonoscopy anyway. But I am from the UK and things may be different in the Philippines. There seems a lot going on with your mum and she does need tests. I hope you can manage to find the money for these somehow. By the way with the menopause you can go months and then get a period. I know I have been through it. I hope your mum gets sorted soon. Best wishes.

[leinssi in reply to Alloagirl]

the Dr is not concerned that it’ll be something sinister because she doesn’t lose weight, the Dr suggested to get a whole abdomen CT scan since my mom also has a lump in her liver. the dr said it would be a good option to do since CT scan and colonoscopy can be very expensive to do at the same time, they said if something was found in her colon through CT (i hope not) they will do the colonoscopy 😭 My mom just went to the loo earlier and she said her poop has bubbles on it, I think it has something to do with the meds she’s taking (for her acid reflux). Btw thanks for the comment

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi leinssi,

Thank you for posting in Colon Cancer Connected. I am so sorry to hear you are having these issues. The way you speak of her really shows the love🧡. Your mom is very lucky to have you there and being so concerned for her wellbeing. It is also great she is being seen by her doctors to get you some answers. The reason for the pain is what you are after. I do hope they have that under control at the moment. The CT scan should be able to see what is possibly causing this. The known lump in her liver is the type thing the CT should see. However, I would think with the other past issues, a colonoscopy would be in order as this would go a long way to rule out any other worries going on.

I know most of your worries are paying for what is needed. It looks like there is a universal healthcare system available that you may be able to take part in? I am sorry I am not up to speed on what is offered or how options are chosen. There are probably healthcare advisors that could possibly help give some guidance. Perhaps you could put out a bin to take donations towards you mom's medical bills at the Sari-Sari store. I see that being done more. Every little bit helps.

I do wish I could help more with what you are experiencing. You mom's health and wellbeing is the key priority and focus. I think you are on the right track and getting that taken care of. that is key. I wish you well is finding the answers to her symptoms. That's the key.

Please let us know how this turns out. I hope there are others on this site that may have some information about the healthcare costs in the Philippines.

All the best ... and 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.

[leinssi in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Hi, Thank you so much for the reply, I appreciate it. The Dr. was not concerned that it’ll be more sinister bc she didn’t lose weight (she gained in fact) and the blood in her stools has gone, though she still get intermittent pain sometimes in the left side of her tummy, the Dr told us to get CT Scan first so we can save up money, then if they found something (I hope not 😭) a colonoscopy would be an option. I just want to ask since I’ve read a lot of posts here with the same issue with my mom, Does polyp can be seen through the CT scan?

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator in reply to leinssi]

Hi leinssi,

The answer I got to that very question is no🙁. Given my past fight with stage 4 colon cancer, I now get an annual colonoscopy, annual CT scan and an endoscopy every 3 years as a part of my surveillance procedure. I would love to just do the CT with contrast, but they told me no.

[leinssi in reply to GCCA-Survivor]

Thanks for the answer, I wish you all the best. But cancer can be seen through the CT?

[Citrusss]

Hi im from Ph ask ko lang kung magkano colonoscopy 21 yrs old ako nag dumi ako ng may blood wala ako idea kung magkano wala rin kami pera hays.

[leinssi in reply to Citrusss]

Omg ang bata mo pa, Ang hirap ng ganito no? Wala ka bang almoranas? Hindi ko alam magkano yung Colonoscopy kasi CT scan pinapagawa kay mama nasa 10k sya 😭

[Citrusss in reply to leinssi]

Hindi ko po alam kung may almoranas ako. Unang dumi ko ng may dugo nong shs ako diko pinansin kasi nasa isip ko gawa ng init at sobrang kain ko ng mahalang noon.Pero now kasi nababahala ako kaso hirap pag wala pera. Mag iipon pa daw kami sabi ni nanay.Sobrang stress na nga ako wala naman magawa kasi nag aaral pa ako. Pray nalang po muna.

[leinssi]

hays sana wala lang yan, nag woworry din ako sobra kay mama kasi matagal na din sya dumudumi ng may dugo 2018 pa, pero may almoranas kasi sya tapos nawala naman, yung sayo baka almoranas lang yan internal kasi bata ka pa naman

[Annonymousgirl]

Hello lovely,

Completely understand you’re worried and upset. I have been there too! It is an anxiety you’ve never had before. But listen, your mum is in the best care possible. CT scans etc are VERY normal and chances are she is absolutely fine. If they do find something not so great they will deal with it and she will be back to her normal self in no time. Unsure if you live in the UK but if you do don’t worry about finances. We have the amazing NHS which will support her throughout any journey.

Try not to jump 10 steps ahead. Take each step at a time. I know it’s harder to do this than just saying it but it really helped me throughout my dads bowel cancer journey. Just one tick box at a time.

You’ve got this strong one!! Reach out if you need anything or any support!

Lots of love, AP

Xx

[leinssi in reply to Annonymousgirl]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I fear the worst, She’s my world and I don’t think I can live without her, She’s my mom and my bestfriend. It hurts me to see her experiencing all this, I’m so sorry to hear your dad got BC, I hope he’s doing fine, Btw we live in the Philippines

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[Annonymousgirl in reply to leinssi]

I understand. I was the same. Has there been any updates? Keep her in your prayers and she will be fine x

I love the Philippines! I’ve been to Palawan, coron, bohol and pangasisan 💗💗 my friends are from there!

[leinssi in reply to Annonymousgirl]

No updates yet, She’ll try to get a schedule for CT, It’s worrying me so much, I know it’s the only way to get an answer 😭 I had panic attacks last night thinking the worst. It’s draining us Emotionally, Physically and Financially. I just hope she’ll be fine.

That’s good to hear you’ve been here, Those places you’ve went to are really pretty, I hope I can go there in the future, I am living from Metro Manila ☺️

[Annonymousgirl]

Completely understand. But I promise everything will be ok. My dad had cancer and it shocked us all. Now 8 months later he’s cancer free and back to normal. So even if it’s the worst there’s always something that will help xxx