Hubby diagnosed with Bowel Cancer today

[123toyouto]

My hubby had a colonoscopy today. They had to stop part way as they found a huge tumour!They told us he has bowel cancer.

They said he will be referred to colorectal MDT to plan treatment but does anyone know how long will this take?

No further appointments made yet.

Sorry if this seems impatient just scared x

[LinC1]

Hi

We were in your position this time last year - tumour was found during colonoscopy and we were told it was likely malignant before we had left the hospital. Biopsy taken at colonoscopy confirmed this within a few days. Huge shock as he had no symptoms and was picked up by NHS screening programme. In my husband’s case, he had CT within a week which showed something on liver so MRI was needed, which was a couple weeks waiting time, then. MDT was going on behind the scenes and when he did see consultant a plan of attack was in place. This all took about 5-6 weeks, torture waiting for everything, as you think it’s growing wildly by the minute, but the specialist nurse (hopefully you’ve been put in touch with one-they’re amazing + very knowledgeable) assured us that this is unlikely. Husband was in for surgery 6 weeks after the tumour had been discovered,! Fortunately, labs confirmed clear margins and no spread, so a year later he’s just getting ready for his first review.

Point is, the waiting is torture, your mind takes you to horrible places, but ultimately it’s better they have all the tests results before you see consultants so action plan is in place. Contact the colorectal nurse specialist assigned to your husband -I can’t praise them enough- they will explain the process in lay terms and tell you what is and may happen. Also contact the hospital and tell them you will attend any of their sites (if they are linked to several areas/hospitals, and can take short notice cancellations for any scans. We went to 3 different hospitals and got 1 cancellation appointment - at a days notice (the CT)!

Remember, there’s so much more that can be done nowadays, and so many more positive outcomes! We were amazed by how many people have been in this position and are now many years down the line from it.

Wishing you all good news. Xx

[123toyouto in reply to LinC1]

Thank you so very much for sharing your experience, it has helped us loads to know that people have been through the same and it's not all doom and gloom. I was concerned that because of his liver they wouldn't be able to operate, but gingers crossed they can.

We just have to wait, hope and stay positive.

Thank you so very much and wish you health happiness for the future xxxx

[Dance22]

hi sorry to hear this news of your partner, if my experience is anything to go by your partner will be fast tracked! I had my operation within 3 weeks, the MDT will be planning the way forward, be prepared for lots of appointments with different departments, my experience was 100% try not to be to worried just see what happens after the meeting between the team 🤞🤞

[123toyouto in reply to Dance22]

Thank you for the positive reply Dance22, hope you're doing ok. It's just the waiting that's hard everything still very much unknown, bit staying positive and 🤞 we hear something soon. X thank you x

[Dance22 in reply to 123toyouto]

hi at first I thought my was going a bit to quick! but I am so thankful it did , 4 months on I’m doing just great thanks for asking, I’ve got lots more follow up appointments which is now the norm for me, hopefully you’ll hear from the MDT try to find out when they have their meeting it helps to know, keep positive and posting on this group everyone is so supportive 👍👍

[Dance22]

hi hope everything went okay and you have more clarity and a way forward, I’ve got a sigmoidoscopy on Tuesday this coming week, IT’s checking my progress, hopefully all will go well, then my husband and I are going to the Lake District for a good rest from hospital ect , ten days away, you keep posting updates on your partners progress 🤞🤞

[123toyouto in reply to Dance22]

Hi Dance22, I hope you have a fabulous well deserved break. Sadly,they have said his cancer is inoperable and because he has cirrhosis, chemo is out of the question. Just told him to get his affairs in order xxx we see oncologist on Tuesday but he is very weak now so don't think treatment is an option. Xxxx

[Dance22]

thank you that’s so nice to say after all you’ve going through, it’s a very difficult time for you both and your family, you are both so very brave 🙏take care xx