cancer has invaded the bowel

[Pippasandy]

Hello everyone, I wonder if anyone can help me. For months now I have been having runny poo and it doesn’t stop. I have also had bleeding. My oncologist has never given me a reason for this extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient problem.

Recently cancerous nodules were found on my bladder wall and it was only a chance remark about the constant poo to the nurse that she suggested I should check them out as they could be cancer.

I took myself off to A&E and sure enough my cancer has spread to my bowel.

The surgeon said that there is no surgery possible because of the amount of cancer in my abdomen.

I am left with a blocked bowel, much pain in my bottom area .I canned get hold of pain killers because I can’t get through to the G. P and my oncologist has developed deaf ears.

I am getting increasingly weak because I am afraid to eat.

Any help, advice on food or pain woul be so very welcome.

Thank you

[Lyndy]

Hello Pippasandy, I am so sorry that you have been left feeling scared and unable to find help. Time to make a fuss!

Even if oncology can’t do anything on the surgery front…what about chemo?

Meanwhile, you need someone to help alleviate the pain and other symptoms. Your local hospice are experts in doing this and you should ask for an immediate referral.

Failing that your GP must step up. Being left in pain and frightened to eat is not acceptable. If you don’t feel up to battling with them..is there a family member or friend who can do this on your behalf?

I recommend involving PALs in a complaint unless you get some help straight away. Ring your out of hours GP today… don’t wait and worry.

Best of luck xx

[Pippasandy in reply to Lyndy]

Hi Lyndy, I love that phrase Time to make a fuss. It goes against the grain but you are so right. I feel completely inspired by the lovely responses I got from you that I almost feel I’m letting you down if I don’t start fussing. I am seeing my oncologist on Thursday and am going to ask for a referral to the Royal Marsden. I am going to get that GP out of bed early tomorrow morning and get some pain killers and I am looking into the Mayo Clinic low fibre diet. You have created a monster!

I am truly grateful that you reached out to me .Thank you so much🙏

[Heart12345]

Hi Pippasandy I’m so sorry you are feeling so rough, I totally agree with Lyndy and think her advice is good.

Can you email them, the oncologist and gp as well so your problems are written down and recorded hopefully they then can’t ignore or miss your messages.

Wishing you some speedy treatment

Hugs Mish xxx

[Pippasandy in reply to Heart12345]

Hello, I know I have been too accepting of what doctors offer me but that is my way.

I have felt very inspired by the responses I got and I will start making noises. Watch this space.

Thanks again for your reply. 🤝

[Atai]

You must write to the complaints department and explain that you have been ignored and should have had more tests sooner. State you also want to have an urgent referral for pain relief and to explore further options for treatments, and explain you are not eating etc. Copy in the oncologist and GP.

It’s the only way to be heard, which is how I managed to get the surgery and treatment I needed recently.

I wish you all the luck and sending you the strength to get through this.

[Pippasandy in reply to Atai]

Hi , I know that you are right. I am too worried about asking but this is my life.

I am seeing my oncologist on Thursday and I am going to ask for a referral to the Royal Marsden.wish me luck.

Thank you so much for replying to my message. I feel very supported suddenly.

Maire 🤝

[Atai in reply to Pippasandy]

you are very welcome! Demand a referral, however politely, but do not ask 😉 And please write to the complaints department. The more of us that speak up, the more lives are being treated better and more people receive better care xxx

[win_56]

If I was in your shoes I would ask for a second opinion immediately. Either Christina Fotopolou at Queen's Charlotte Hospital or the Royal Marsden.

[Pippasandy in reply to win_56]

Hello Win, thank you for your reply. When I see my oncologist on Thursday I am going to ask for a referral to the Royal Marsden. My daughter is going to come with me and she is a bit pushier than I am so fingers crossed!

Thank you so much for your support it came as a big relief. Suddenly I wasn’t alone.

Maire 🙏

[win_56 in reply to Pippasandy]

That's good. Not all surgeons have same skills. My surgeon would nit take out my three lumber cancerous lymph nodes as one was the aorta and deemed dangerous. I had a second opinion from Royal Marsden and they said the same, however I wasn't giving up and got another opinion from prof Christina Fotopolou at Queen Charlotte, Hammersmith and she successfully removed them although wasn't easy. You are entitled to have a second opinion on the NHS. Wishing you all the very best.x

[Pippasandy in reply to win_56]

Thank you and pleased for your outcome. I have heard really good things about Cristina Fotopoulou.

I will let you know how I get on.

Regards, Maire

[Millie-c]

I have just been in hospital for a week with a blockage. I do have an ileostomy though. They put me on on nil by mouth for about 3 days then started back on soft food. To start with was jelly and ice cream. Then next day moved to soup and yogurt. Day after mashed potato and a little gravy. It's quite difficult to reset the bowel but might be worth a try for you with soft foods instead of not eating at all. Hope you manage to get some relief. Sending hugs. X

[Pippasandy in reply to Millie-c]

Thanks Millie, I have looked at the Mayo Clinic diet for low fibre diets and will begin by following their advice

Thanks for taking the time to share with me. It is amazing how less alone I feel.🙏

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hello Pippasandy

I'm sorry to hear about the symptoms you have been experiencing and that you are afraid to eat. It's good to hear you are going to speak with your GP about painkillers and that you have an oncology appointment on Thursday.

If you have a blocked bowel it is really important to have expert advice regarding this. You'll see this information on the Macmillan website mentions that it usually needs urgent treatment: macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...

Please do discuss this with your GP when you speak with them today or call your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or keyworker for advice.

I hope this resolves for you soon.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you would like to talk through anything. You can reply directly through this forum, email us via [e-mail] or give our friendly support line a call on 0800 008 7054. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm, to help with queries relating to ovarian cancer or have a chat about anything that’s on your mind.

Best wishes

Anna

Ovacome Support