Worried...

[RainbowC]

Warning: this is going to be TMI but I figure if I can’t share my worry here, where can I?!

The last couple of days I’ve noticed blood in my stool - there’s occasionally been traces in the past which I’ve figured have been related to my post-childbirth haemorrhoids (thanks, kids! 🙄😂). This is definitely not that though. It’s not huge amounts, but certainly more than I’ve seen before. I’m going to have to phone the hospital tomorrow as I’m feeling rather worried (to say the least!) but am internally terrified that they’re going to say the cancer is back.

I’m not really after advice - although I’ll take any if there’s anything helpful! - just really wanting to share my fears with people who’ll understand...

[VPOLLIE67]

Hi Mrs R. I can’t relate to what you are going through but I do think I know that you are an incredibly brave and positive person. I have no doubt you will dig deep and get on with whatever happens tomorrow. I can’t wait to hear how you smash week 5!!!!

Take care and let us know how you get on. Sending love ❤️ and prayers 🙏🏻

[pants22]

Hi Rainbow C

Good morning and I empathise with you as I have the same. I think you and I have similar OC history and currently I am on Avastin along with some other stuff because I went on to develop a breast cancer following chemo, debulking surgery and more chemo for the PPC and OC.

I'm just thinking.. The Avastin causes bleeding in the thin membrane of the nostrils and I'm sure may make the vessels in the rectum delicate too.

I had a bleed a couple of months ago and was referred by my Gp for colonoscopy but they thought it was too invasive. I am currently awaiting an appointment for a colonogram.. (CT of the colon). BTW I was an endoscopy/colonoscopy nurse so agree it would have been too much.

I use Anusol to calm things down and try and stay regular. I still get traces of bleeding on the paper.

I think it's good to inform your team... Nothing surprises me about this cancer journey anymore. Please try not to worry unduly.

Big hugs. Pants22

[RainbowC in reply to pants22]

Thank you! Yes, sounds as though we’re on very similar paths with this. I’ve just spoke to a triage nurse who is going to speak to a doctor and call me back.

[Cropcrop]

You have to speak with your team so they can investigate the cause of the bleeding. We all know any unexplained blood has to be investigated. The cause may well have a simple cause ie your haemorrhoids and be easy to rectify and if it’s not the sooner it’s dealt with it better the likely prognosis.

I hope you get some speedy answers, of course you’re worried, you wouldn’t be normal if you weren’t but it’s better to know what’s happening and how it can be dealt with. Take care and stay safe ❤️xx Jane

[RainbowC in reply to Cropcrop]

Thank you! I’ve just made the phone call and am waiting for hear back once they’ve checked with a doctor, so I’m being brave and facing up to it. And I told my husband last night as I knew he’d be upset if I’d been worrying and hadn’t told him.

[Ettenomis in reply to RainbowC]

Good to have him to share with 💝

[Tillymint61]

Every change in anything brings us back to the worry about recurrence so you are definitely talking to like minded people. If you have suffered with piles in the past they are possibly back and causing the blood you are seeing. Nip the worrying in the bud by getting checked out is definitely the right way to go. If you are on Avastin they do tell you to report any bleeding. I Wouldn't normally wish piles on anyone but I hope you do have piles!! Sending positive vibes. Xx

[mizpurple]

Hi Rainbow, so sorry you are experiencing this! A year or so before I was diagnosed with OC, I went through a gastro-bleed of unknown origin that landed me in the ICU because I tried to ignore it. So you are definitely doing the right thing to get it figured out. There are lots of possible causes, not necessarily related to the OC. Bodies are so complicated! I wish you all the best! Deb in Colorado

[RainbowC]

I spoke to the triage nurse earlier who asked lots of questions and said she’d speak to a doctor and they’ll speak to me again tomorrow. It sounds as though I’ll not be having Avastin on Friday, but they definitely want me to go for bloods tomorrow as booked. There’s not been any repeat today, so hopefully it was just a weird one-off, and normal service will now be resumed... but I’m definitely feeling reassured that calling them was the right thing to do. Thank you to everyone here for your support and encouragement x

[Ettenomis in reply to RainbowC]

You sound much more positive! 👍🙋Keep it up 🌈💕

[Ettenomis]

Hi Rainbow 🌈 Well with a name like that, there's got to be a pot of gold 🥇 at the end, surely! Try not to worry (easier said than done, I know! 🙄) you're bound to fear the worst, par for the course for us girl's 🤷 If you've had it before, it could just be that recurring. Keep yr chin up and stay foccused, stay in touch 🤗 you're in good hands with our NHS 💕🌹🧜

[RainbowC]

I realised I should probably give a quick update here, with apologies for not doing so sooner! Since the blood was a one-day thing and all my blood tests were fine, they went ahead with the Avastin as scheduled - so all is good and still on track! There’s not been any repeat since then, so I’m assuming it was just a haemorrhoid being grumpy!