Worried I have colon cancer

[alexisrene57]

I’m new to this site, but I’ve been having lower left abdominal pain for about 2 months and my platelet count came back high again (492) I will be 22 soon and I know I’m young but that doesn’t make it impossible for me to have cancer. I’m waiting to get a CT scan but I’m terrified

[Freelancer1-1]

Well, I am in the similar situation, my platelet count 507, HB 88, ferritin 4.8, doctor has referred me for emergency. I am 38. Waiting the call from hospital, hope everything goes alright with you and me!

[tifftriesit in reply to Freelancer1-1]

I sent this post to the original writer

As well. I hope it helps.

I have high platelets and had left abdominal pain. I have polycythemia Vera. Having high platelets causes the liver, kidneys, and spleen to work overtime. It’s like driving a car pressing the gas the whole time— it’s tough on the engine just like high platelets is tough on organs. The slight swollen look and pain in the left was my spleen that was and still is enlarged. My doctor was useless, and I had a true emergency of 95% blockage of my spleenic vein by the time it was discovered. I have been on blood thinners since then and will be on them for life.

Go see a hematologist, not a regular pcp. Ask for a CT scan of the full abdomen and blood testing fir JAK 2+ PV. I’d start with that bc you have the main symptoms. (Low iron count, Reddish tint to the skin, itching skin after baths and showers, tiredness are other main symptoms.)

Only after I insisted on one three times, did I finally get one and get help. Be firm if needed. Doctors tend to not believe young healthy people (like you and me at the time) who are questioning their health. Trust your gut instincts.

[Derron256 in reply to tifftriesit]

Hi was the slight swelling under you left rib

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hello Alexisrene57, I am sorry to hear that you have been experiencing this pain. Completely understand that you are worried, hopefully you won't have to wait too long for your CT scan. Are you seeing a haematologist or being referred to one regarding your platelet count? Best wishes, Maz

[alexisrene57 in reply to Mazcd]

I am now. I let my doctor know about my worries especially with my platelets being high & he told me he did a peripheral smear and that it looked “okay overall” and that there’s low suspicion for Malignancy & that I need to check some other things with the Hemogologist. He said it could be reactive to whatever is causing my stomach pain. My platelets have been this high before then they went down to 424 which is still considered high now there back at 492 which is scary because it always seem high & I always hear about cancer when someone’s platelets are always elevated. I can’t help but feel like he’s just telling me this just because I have health anxiety

[Anag in reply to alexisrene57]

Be careful,I went undiagnosed year for year, despite my platelets rising and rising. The doctor always said, „Oh, it’s just some kind of infection“. Well after my 3rd TIA, I insisted on being brought to the emergency room. 823. the shock was that 5 days later, because of the fear, I was at 903. stress is a beast. I could have had treatment 7 years earlier. That would have prevented my low pressure glaucoma (caused by high platelets and my other vein problems. Read up on platelets and your diagnosis (if you have one) as well as you can. The beginning is a bit challenging. Knowledge of your body and situation is very empowering!! …and takes fear away. Make sure you trust your doctor and feel comfortable. Don’t ever feel ashamed to ask many questions. 🙂

[tifftriesit in reply to alexisrene57]

I have high platelets and had left abdominal pain. I have polycythemia Vera. Having high platelets causes the liver, kidneys, and spleen to work overtime. It’s like driving a car pressing the gas the whole time— it’s tough on the engine just like high platelets is tough on organs. The slight swollen look and pain in the left abdomen was my spleen that was and still is enlarged. My doctor was useless and I had a true emergency of 95% blockage of my spleenic vein by the time it was discovered. I am on blood thinners for

Life.

Go see a hematologist, not a regular pcp. Ask for a CT scan of the full abdomen and blood testing fir JAK 2+ PV. I’d start with that bc you have the main symptoms. (Low iron count, Reddish tint to the skin, itching skin after baths and showers, tiredness are other main symptoms.)

Only after I insisted on one three times, did I finally get one and get help. Be firm if needed. Doctors tend to not believe young healthy people (like you and me at the time) who are questioning their health. Trust your gut instincts.

[alexisrene57 in reply to tifftriesit]

Thanks for taking the time to respond it makes me feel better hearing that. Luckily my doctor requested all that for me. I don’t have any of the other symptoms though. & I got my iron checked about 6 months ago and it was a little high so I’m not sure what that means but I definitely need to have my updated work done it just hard because I avoid things out of fear of hearing something bad

[Doggy1903]

So wish you well. Its interesting but it may be you have raised platelets and then end up with possible enlarged lymph nodes, responding to an infection. I have noted quite a few of us start an MPN diagnosis this way. I was the same, got a 2 week referral to hospital with low iron, right sided abdominal pain and had colonoscopy and gastroscopy. Nothing found but then high platelets noted which set me on the haematology route.Have great trust the medical teams have been brilliant and they will help you.

Really wish you well and please let us know how you get on.

[Anag]

Hi Alexis.

Firstly, welcome to our group of wonderful people!

This is indeed a real stress situation. Being 56, I‘ve gone through so much in my life. I can only say, I’ve had scares of all kinds and worrying caused fear, panic and even worse health and a bit more trauma every time that embeds itself in my psyche that eventually accumulates.

Fact:

There is absolutely nothing you can do until you’ve had the CT and a diagnosis. Rarely are there people in their 20s with colon cancer. My friend’s grandson had it at 2. very rare. It’s all gone and he’s 12 now and a super happy boy doing well in school and lots of friends.

I suggest taking Passaflora in drop form, so you can dosage as wished. It’s a fabulous plant that takes away fear and nervousness and doesn’t slow down or harm the body as chemicals do. On top of that, keep busy with positive stuff, take a bath, a walk somewhere soothing (near trees, etc). Be proactive. A day of worrying is unfortunately a potentially beautiful day in your life lost! Keep moving forward with your plans!

Cheers! Anag 🙂

[JaK2ET]

Belated welcome to the forum! I hope you soon get clarification of your diagnosis and all the help you need from your medical team. Best of luck!