cancer

Ethel another story of successful treatment to cheer you. When my Dad was 63 he was rushed into hospital with a "blockage" and had to have a colostomy as they removed a section of his bowel with a massive tumour.

12 months later he had another operation to re-connect the ends and his "plumbing", as he referred to it went back to normal. He lived to 93 despite in later years getting prostate cancer which was dealt with by radiotherapy.

Keep positive. The NHS works wonders and there is no reason it won't for you.

you don't necessarily see blood in faeces. I think it's called occult blood. If you can see it it tends to be piles but don't take my word for it.

I admire your courage in admitting that you should have seen the doc before - this could make a huge difference to someone else's life, so well done you.

Good morning ethelbags sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I hope that the treatment gets started soon so that you can get it sorted and get on with your life. As many have said, the detection and recovery from bowel cancer has dramatically improved over the years. You could always try contacting MacMillan who are very skilled in helping people after a cancer diagnosis, they should be able to reassure you and perhaps explain some of the procedures better than surgical teams can, it can be overwhelming when you are in the hospital situation. Your symptoms sound just like those of someone with food intolerances so dont blame yourself for leaving it so long to see your GP. And importantly, we are all here and will help as best as we can.

Take it one step at a time. Take courage from the fact that the tumour has been found and treatment can start; and that this is very successful these days. My friend had her surgery so long ago I cannot even remember when it was - and believe me she leads her life to the full - she makes me feel quite exhausted watching her!

It is a hard time for you and the waiting for surgery is stressful. Do talk to those in the know (see websites suggested on another thread) and get reassurances. The staff know you will be scared and will be well used to supporting people who are going through this.

It is good that we live on the 21st century and there are efficient treatments available.

We are all here - do not forget that.

can I just add to my last message that I never have passed blood at anytime and that's the one they ask you to look for that's another reason I thought I was ok.

Well its a bit embarrassing but I had dhiaroea (can never spell that bloody word), I had it for about 2 years intermittently, maybe once a week or so but recently every morning as soon as I awoke or had a cuppa I would have to run. I convinced myself I had a food intolerance and blamed eating all sorts of foods. I decided that I would wait until the bowel screening and if that came back ok I would definitely have a food allergy. I realise I was just putting off the day when I would have to face that something was wrong. I was so terrified of having a camera up my behind that I waited so long. Also I found that the running to the loo always eased off by mid morning so nothing could be wrong could it?.

I was so wrong but its too late now and I must face the consequences. So if anyone has similar symptoms go and have it checked out, there are many other things that could cause it but if you have the cancer checked out then you can concentrate on other things like food allergies.
Hope this helps or reassures others.

Hi Etheltbags
I am very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I recognise the disempowering swing of responses - one minute confident, the next in despair. But I hoped it might help if I tell you that my husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer 7 years ago, had treatment and now you would never know (unless you undressed him and saw the tummy scar
I think the waiting is always the hardest part - but lots of people are thinking about you
Take care....

Etheltbags, you have stated that you had symptoms for a while. Would you feel strong enough to outline them on here in case any Gransnetter reading this is experiencing anything similar? If it helps even one person seek earlier diagnosis you will have done them a service.

I hope you are soon seen again for treatment. I would add that I know people who have come through bowel cancer, the success rate is excellent these days.

I hope you are able to take Soutra's wise advice.

I am so sorry to hear you have had the results of your scan/tests but glad for you that the waiting is over. Have you been given a timescale for the next stage of your treatment? The important thing is to take each stage a step at a time- not to go down the road of "How long have I got?" But "how long will this course of treatment take and how best do I cope with it?"
Good luck

Good luck with your treatment, ethel. The tumour has been found and you're one of thousands of people who will be able to tell their own story of how they dealt with it and got on with their lives. Have you been told when your treatment is likely to start?

So sorry to hear that your fear has been realised. I hope the hospital staff were kind and helpful. I don't have personal history of bowel cancer but think it might be helpful to say that my Dad was diagnosed with this and, after treatment, made a full recovery. People do. You can. Stay strong. Its very frightening though and your mind can run wild with imaginings. Its the unknown. I hope that you can get as much help and support as you need from your GP and that the hospital staff jump to it in organising treatment asap. Don forget we`re all here waiting and watching and ready to be sounding boards or people you can let off steam to. You are not alone