Scared of the Future.....

[MisSchulte]

My husband (42M) has been having the feeling of needing to use the bathroom 7-10 times a day, and it always comes out as gas or diarrhea, loose watery stools. I had him to our primary doctor and get some tests run. All of his bloodwork has come back ok, his platelets are a little high, but his iFOBT has come back positive and now I have convinced myself that he has either colon cancer or stomach cancer. 😭😭😭 The nurse said that the "blood found in the iFOBT was miniscule but she would pass it on to doctor regardless". Obviously Google has not been my friend but I am unsure where else to turn too, so I have come here for help, advice, and support.

He has also been belching but has not stomach pains and no weight loss. Also he has been diagnosed with GERD in the past....

Are our next steps to seek a colonoscopy and an Endoscopy? Any advice, help, positive thoughts, and guidance is greatly greatly appreciated.

Love and peace to you all......❤️

[GCCA-Survivor Administrator]

Hi MisSchulte,

Thanks for posting with us. I hate to hear you’re having to deal with these things but please know you’re doing exactly what needs to be done👍. These symptoms could be caused by many different things. And you are correct, Google is not your friend🤔. The big issue is narrowing down the causes and getting a definitive answer and direction to getting well.

I’m glad you went to your GP and had the test done. You got some good information from that. Anytime there is blood detected in the stool there needs to be an answer. If a physical exam can’t determine the reason, then a colonoscopy would be the best way to get you some answers. If the colonoscopy doesn’t give you the answer, then an endoscopy may be warranted. I actually had some iron issues when I was on my clinical trial and it ended up being a nasty ulcer in my stomach. So yes, sometimes the endoscopy can get you the answer.

Please know you’re doing exactly what you need to be doing. You are on your way to getting the answers you’re looking for. And please know that there could be many causes for the symptoms you’re seeing. Another thing to know is if there is any hereditary disease history in your husband’s family. That would be good information for the doctor to know as well. It could lead to further beneficial testing.

We do wish you the very best in finding out what’s going on. I am proud you are not ignoring anything, and you are definitely on your way to getting some good answers. Please let us know what you find out. It is that type of information that can be helpful to others on this site as well.

All our best❤️👍

~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.

[LovinMyFungus]

Made me think of a Giardia/Cryptosporidium type of infection (or ate something bad)

[MisSchulte]

Just wanted to give a small update: Endoscopy was done and all clear (except for a small hernia in his throat that should clear up on its own). He also had an ultrasound of his belly and liver done (they stated that they found fatty liver spots) and he is scheduled for a colonoscopy this friday. He has been having some pain in his right lower quadrant of his belly so I am hoping that we get an answer for that (& hoping that it's minor!)

Thank you for all of the thoughts, prayers and good wishes!! It is appreciated more than you know!