TERRIFIED I may have colon cancer

[Tashalove90]

Hey guys. After ready many posts here I thought I’d share. I’m 32, and I’ve been having blood in my stool for a couple of months now. I chalked it up to straining too hard. But a few days ago, when I wiped there was blood on the tissue and I knew something wasn’t right. Now, I’m experiencing low stomach and back pain, and I’m gassy a lot. I have an appt scheduled for this Wednesday but am thinking about going to the ER tomorrow as I the anxiety of waiting is killing me. The thought of not watching my nieces grow up absolutely TERRIFIES me! I have cried many times just thinking about it. I am literally petrified that it’s gonna be bad. I know there are other conditions with similar symptoms but I can’t help but assume the worst. I can’t describe the fear I’m experiencing right now, like literally shaking as I type this. I haven’t told anyone about my symptoms because I know how it’s gonna affect them. Im so scared!!!!

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi Tashalove90,

Thank you for posting with us. I hate to hear you’re having these symptoms, but I am glad that you are being proactive and getting them checked out👍. You are not ignoring what’s going on. And as you already stated, there could be many causes to the symptoms you’re experiencing. That is very true. You have seen others on this site respond to similar issues. I would focus on getting the appointment and getting good answers so you don’t have to speculate.

Another question to ask is if you have any hereditary issues within the family. It would be good information for your doctor to know as well. It may lead to some other testing that should happen if there is a hereditary aspect in your family. My family has that issue and we had to deal with it.

Be sure to write down all your symptoms you’re experiencing so you’ll have that when you go next Wednesday for your appointment. You will probably have a lot of conversations and you just want to make sure you cover what you need to cover. And please don’t be terrified of the process. You are doing exactly what needs to be done to get answers to what you’re experiencing.

Also, you are young and that is a good thing to have going for you. But when you visit your doctor, make sure everyone is focusing on your symptoms. Never accept a diagnosis for a symptom as it could not be possible because you are too young. You have symptoms and you need to know why they are occurring. That should be the focus. Not that it couldn't be this or that because you are too young for that to be going on.

I do wish you the best in finding answers. Don’t be terrified of the process. I think you are all over this and you’re doing great👏❤️. I would even bet that you will be around to watch your nieces grow up. And please let us know what you find out. Is that type of information that can be helpful to others on this site.

Thank you,

You got this!!💪👍🤟

~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.

[Beebeehappy]

Hey please try and not too worry....Im a 41 year old female- had blood in stools, had either loose/constipated/urgency to go/ back pain, bloating, gassy and night sweats... positive FIT test- colonscopy revealed a large polyp in sigmoid colon.removed by polypectomy.

Thankfully it was nothing sinister!

Definately follow it up with GP and talk to someone if you can..it definitely helps! Xx

[Tashalove90 in reply to Beebeehappy]

Thank you for your response! I can’t explain how anxious I’ve been for past few days so it really helped me calm down a bit. Just trying to hope for the best!

[Beebeehappy in reply to Tashalove90]

It's hard not to worry- I tried ignoring my symptoms for about 7/8 months but the worry got too much... definitely not advised!!! Take care- let us know how you get on! Xx

[Tashalove90 in reply to Beebeehappy]

Will do! Another question if you don’t mind. Did you also have thin stool?

[Beebeehappy in reply to Tashalove90]

Yes I did (tbh the pencil thin/ribbon like poo was one of my main worries after googling 😵) but not always tbh it was more often just mushy

[Tashalove90 in reply to Beebeehappy]

Same exact thing here! Like, it’s either one or the other. They tell you to stay off of Google because it’ll only stress you out, but I can’t help it

[Tashalove90 in reply to Beebeehappy]

Did you experience some chest pains as well? Sorry, don’t mean to be a bother😟

[Beebeehappy in reply to Tashalove90]

Don't apologise its hard not bring able to speak about stuff... nope I didnt get chest pains.. could that be anxiety? As had chest pains with that before! Xx

[Tashalove90 in reply to Beebeehappy]

It could be! Because I’m definitely super anxious. Not sure though. It’s all soooo much on my mental health

[LinC1]

Hi

I think you’re doing the right thing by seeing your Doctor. If they don’t offer a qFIT, be sure to ask for one - it’s an easy, non invasive 1st test and it it’s negative, I was told the likelihood of sinister pathology is extremely low (so you may be reassured quickly). If you get referred for Colonoscopy (the gold standard diagnostic procedure I’m told) it’s still not a diagnosis- just a test! I found it was OK - more uncomfortable than painful and even the prep was OK - take it through a straw, really cold and with lots of water. It’s essential you finish the prep otherwise the procedure is useless, so be brave and literally suck it up!

In the unlikely event they find anything more than polyps or piles, then there are such excellent treatments now that you have every chance of getting back to health again.

I know it’s easy for me to say, but going down rabbit holes is a waste of energy - I did it, was a wreck for weeks and it was all OK (polyps) and abdo pain was due to bowel spasms. Partner was actually diagnosed with a bowel tumour, stage 1, surgically removed and just had next ‘monitoring’ colonoscopy and all well.

Good luck at your appointment - you’re absolutely doing the right (& brave) thing. Remember, always best to check it out early and majority of times there’s a simple answer. Good luck. Xx

[Tashalove90 in reply to LinC1]

Will do! Thank you!!!

[tiffanyp123]

I was in your shoes like 5 months ago I started being very constipated very gassy in a lot of pain extremely bloated and felling like I had to go to the restroom 20 times a day but nothing came out. I googled my symptoms and the most horrible thing popped up. I cried through my life was over. I got my colonoscopy and the Dr said it's colitis now iam just waiting to see what's causing it. So I wouldn't worry about it so much cause stress it's good for you. Just go see a GI doctor

[Onesmallstep1969]

I've been that friend who has seen a lot of wonderful people deal with cancer, including colon, liver, pancreatic and breast cancer, so my first hope fro you is that the diagnosis is not in your future. But if it is, then you should know that you may be able to help your survival by eating in a way that is supportive of your body's efforts to fight off the cancer. The oncologists I know all do one thing: eat broccoli. I would add that the research supports this advice. So, you can't control the future but do what you can to control what goes in your mouth, so your body will have the best chance to heal. I am attaching a link to give you a head start on the ability of broccoli to fight cancer. Broccoli doesn't make the drug companies any money but it does help to keep us alive! Have a wonderful day!

youtube.com/watch?v=mxe3IEQ...(Not working as expected?)