Im scared I may have bowel cancer. I am 42 yrs old and have had i.b.s. for a very long time. 5 months ago my bowel habits have changed. ive been feeling very tired a lot also. I went to my gp in January and got blood tests done. they came back I was anaemic. put on iron tablets. went back to gp few weeks later complaining again about my bowels and she has referred me to try n find out whats wrong. got my bloods done again n im still anaemic even though ive been on iron tablets for 5 weeks. im also waiting on fecal occult results. I bought a home fob test and it was positive so now im even more scared. I haven't seen blood but I have seen mucus. I am constantly tired and feel rubbish. Is there anyone that could give me some guidance plz. desperate
Why not ask your GP for a colonoscopy? Then you could rule out cancer or probably catch it early enough to be treated successfully.
I was diagnosed last Oct with T3/4 N1. quite severe and bowel cancer is slow to grow and spread. I could have had it 5 yrs. Do you check yourself when going to the loo. I didn't until about 18 mos before the colonoscopy and only because I asked. It got worse of course and I suspected it wasn't IBS or a tummy bug which the GP had said and many other things. Many people on other websites who have thought like you to start and left it many yrs are now uncurable and wish they had not listened to their GPs diagnoses' so completely. I had lots of mucus and spindly movements unknown but due to the tumour growing in the colon. My GP thought that was severe constipation and gave me a prescription for a laxactive. I also had a sample test at my GP's office, sent for diagnoses which came back negative, I didn't think so. This was about 8 mos before the colonoscopy.
Do it, get the colonoscopy, for your peace of mind, if nothing else.
Best wishes Daffs
Hi Daffs, thank you so much for replying. Firstly im very sorry to hear you have cancer. I do hope you get better soon. My fecal occult test came back from docs , was negative, (although I done my own and it was positive. I still feel as though im anaemic though as im constantly tired and have no energy to do anything. Bowel movements seemed to have calmed down a bit but im still going 1 or 2 times a day (I used to go 1 time a week) so I don't feel like this is the ibs. I'm still waiting on appointment for hospital referral and have a gp appointment on 9 april to get bloods done. if I hear anything in between I shall keep you posted. I will be thinking of you in my prayers. xx Loush
P>S> how long does a referral normally take? (doc referred me 6 march) ty
Hi Loush, I would think month is plenty long enough. It could be 2 wks. Ask your GP when you see him. I'm glad you are going to the hosp anyway. I was a bit shocked that your normal movement was 1 wk. That's no good. Did you eat. I can't Imagine a weeks food in your tum. I get bloated If I miss 1 day. Usual for me was 1 day and regular for years and when this started some 2 1/2 yrs, it could be 8 a day. Since I've been on treatment though, it has gone back to 1 day sometimes 2.
I had my 2nd chemoradiotherapy this am. Most of the time is spent waiting, they're understaffed and overbooked. Nurses referred me to Royal Marsden, saying they trained there and they have new machines. Would be one less on their waiting list. 2 hrs wait yest and even though it was 2nd apnt this am, I had to wait hr. This morning the problem apparently was the machine. It's 8 am tomorrow.
Thanks for your wishes. Take care Daffs
Hi Daffs, im so glad u seem 2 be doing ok. all that waiting is a joke hopefully when ur at the new placeit wont be as bad.
Well I phoned hospital and the booking clerk told me it could take up to 13 weeks for me to get a consultation (I am so flaming angry I could screaaaaaaaam. Cant wait to c my own gp next week as she will just have 2 get on the phone to them and push it quicker (cause I THINK it is URGENT).
Yes normal movements for me are weekly (cause of the ibs) cause how I know im not right cause I can now go 10-12 times a week now n still never seem finished. Don't eat very much now as I just don't have an appetite but I was a very big eater.
grrrr hit enter to soon lol.
I will let you know how I get on at doctors next week.
keeping you in my prayers
take care Loush
So sorry Loush. That's why we need our GPs. He/She can get it in 2 wks, no more than 4.
Friend has ibs but she goes the other way and does bleed but not constant. She eats rubbish food anyway. Never fruit and veg.
No, I'm not going to R. Marsden, maybe later if I can. GP has to refe. The Nurses were telling me that is where I should go, but have to get transfer from GP. I've started this chemoradio now, it would mean stopping it. I'm talking to the specialtist nurse tomor. and I'll ask her if I can get this treatment done there. The hosp couldn't give me apnts for the wk so they have sent me to Hammersmith for 1 this wk. So why not all of them at R.Marsden. We'll see.
Take care, Daffs
hope u get your chemo schedule sorted, by the sounds of it R.Marsden would be perfect 4 u.
I used to eat ok. I have a 4 yr old and an 8 yr old so I cook fresh everyday lots of fresh veg potatoes and varied other meals. im not 1 for fatty foods foods rarely eat out and would have porridge every morning 4 brekkie (until lately that is) , I just don't have an appetite anymore and I love my grub. My body cant afford to lose any weight as im only 5 ft 2 and 8st7lbs.
I know its not my ibs as these symptoms just feel so different. ive near made myself housebound as I wont go anywhere with this constant wind. I bring kids 2 school and home again and that's it.
wot symptoms did u have b4 ur diagnosis if u don't mind me asking.
take care Loush
Hi Loush, Sorry I haven't got back to you earlier. I've been so tired and had to do some hse work. I feel much bettrer now I've had a good night's sleep. Yest. my apnt was 8 am and had to be there 7.30 (1/2 hr to drink plenty of water to bloat tum up for radio). It was still dark when I left home and I thought why am I doing this. But originally was gtiven 7pm apnt and didn't want that. I was first there anyway and no wait.
My symptoms, if I can remember 3 yrs ago. I had bad acid tum and had to cut out lot of food and lost weight. Pain in top of tum, heartburn that I thought whole tum was coming up and pain going from right side of back and up middle, indigestion, I think. Why, I don't know as I'm not prone to any of these. Then very bad smelly wind. Motions went off but not completely loose. Feeling of bad diareah (spell), must have had something really bad in there.
Sorry, have to finish this later, machine playing up
Hi again Loush, Always have trouble logging onto th
Try again and I didn't hit enter. Not my machine no problem with other sites. You may try other sites, 2 main big ones, strictly cancer, but get people, like you, who have symtoms and don't know. Many people who will give you info.
The hosp gave me an endoscopy and confirmed it was acid tum The nurse weighed me at 53 kl and said animal fat 3 (cholesteral). I had gone from 9 st. to 8.and I'm about 5' 2". My 2nd visit was because of a large gallstone which they thought could be causing all the problems. (That was found a few mos earlier on a visit to another hosp. My GP then, sent me for kidney scans every 2-3 yrs. The gallstone was found then and GP sent me to another hosp. who did the endoscopy) I was told the stone was too big to take out and I would have to have gal;lbladder out. They were going to do a MRI and I asked if they would check all around for possible cancer. The report came back and no cancer. Gallstone was not the problem with the bladder but the walls were thickening and advised to have it out. The Dr was very impatient with me for asking about poss. cancer and seemed too pushy about removing the gallbladder. It's still intact. I did a lot of invest. and found 2 main reasons for thicckening was mucus, which I do get and cholestweral. Only thing I had a lot of was cheese and so I cut that down to maybe once little x mo.
The smelly poos and wind like diareah are symtoms of gastroenteritis. I'm only going on what I've found on the web. My then GP said I was probably right and gave me Lanzoprazole. You might ask your gp about this. There were other people in the colonoscopy who started like this too.
This was 3 yrs ago this summer. Poo was small still smelly and I guess because I had cut out so much acid food I was getting constipated, I took lax. everyother day but when I stopped the const. came back. I started going back on my regular diet very gradually adding. I didn't want to upset the acid tum again. It was working ok for me. I still had the const. and lax on/off. Smelly [poos wouild go and come back.
Going to have to close again.....
Hi Loush, I'll try and fin. this time (ho0pe you're reading this!
I changed gps and thought I might get better help, silly me. The new GP I told on first visit I had motion that was soft and smelly, then came 2 bullets amd then the hard stuff. His answer was at least you're getting rid of it. Not in the correct order I said. He gave me a lax. I went to another gp in the same practice who didn't pay much attn. to that or the fact I was spotting blood. Not much then but I still thought it was ei8ther ibs or the gastoenteritis. GP didn't have any comments. She was more interested in my cholesteral. I was still under weight when she put me on a low fat low calorie diet and when I told her I had the acid tum but was getting back gradually on my normal diet. Well, this doesn't bear talking about.
I had to stop going to the pool as the bleeding was too much and I had to wear a pad. Mixed wit6h the blood was a lot of mucus.
A friend wityh ibs said she does bleed but not constant. Another friend told mer gastroenteritis does reoccur, which is what I thought it was, but there was too much bloopd by this time. Poo was small and spindly and many times per day. I then asked for a colonoscopy. and I got it end Oct 2013 and I wouldn't go back to thjat dr, if you can call them that. I have a new one again in the same practice. She doesn't guide me wrong but her interest is short. Care Plan, what's that!
But Loush, not all people are the same. Some have bad pain, I didn't. My poo seemed to right itself shortly after starting the chemo. I eat what I want, but don't want a lot of what I used to eat. No problem now with nausea from food. With chemo yes, but that's normal and I have good pills.
I think 8 1/2 st. for 5' 2" is good. I intend to try and stay at that.
Had my chemoradio today at Hammersmith. Distance is about half of what my regular hosp. is. Lovely hosp. and no waiting. So I might ask if I can have all this treatment there.
Hope you are ok. You shoulod make tyourself eat, I do. Can't get well if you don't. I am feeling very tired, just don't have much energy. I think I should be on a vit. should get that from the gp. I have some B12 I might start taking again. Apnt for tom. is 8.12 at the main hosp.
Take care, Godbless, Daffs
Hi Daffs
ty so 4 much 4 staying in touch, I appreciatet it very much. It cant be easy after all ur going through but im sure that its nice to talk to different people.
My bowels movements r still pretty much the same as they have been this past few mths, disgusting to talk about but there very soft not runny and very smelly same as the wind very smelly. that's y I don't go nowhere, cause the wind is there all day long (I would have been same as evy1 else I suppose just going when I need 2). I know this is defo not the ibs as it is a complete change from what im used to. The doctor mentioned diverticulosis last time I was there but im not so sure. im not bleeding, well not that I can c anyhow but I have noticed bits of what I assume is mucous (white bits that look like elastic). Ive just started having bit of pain slightly above tummy button area (not bad pain though just wee twinges. will just have to wait till Wednesday till I c the doc.
Im so glad u got ur treatment in Hammersmith. Its bad enough that u need the treatment in the 1st place but when u have 2 do a lot of travelling 2 and from hospital to get it, it fairly takes it out of u.
I have forced myself 2 eat this past few days (just mash n veg) but its better than nought.
take care Daffs
ur in my prayers
Loush
Hi Loush,
Felt rotten this morning, appnt was 8.10 am Quicker this time at Char.+ but when I got home went straight to bed and slept to 2.30 and feel ok. Just hope I'll sleep tonight. Not ok enough to go out and do some shop though, tomorrow.
Next week my appnts are mostly at Hammersmith except for Mon and that's Char.+ and later too, around 10 - 11.
A woman at the hosp told me that Guanabana juice is a cancer preventative. Not cure mind you, but I expect it would have some curing powers if it was a prev. Have you heard of it.
I know exactly what you mean, no energy. You have 2 children to care for, they must keep you running. Does the 8 yr old help with the little one.
A friend has diverticulitis and gets spotting but not constant a few days here and there. She had the colonoscopy and then a MRI.
I think you should ask your gp about Lanzoprazole. There are other .....prazoles. He might give you that.
When I worked I don't think I was as happy as now that it is the weekend and I've still got 4 more wks to go!
Take care, Better soon, Daffs
Hi Daffs
sorry u felt so bad this morning. It's good to rest when u can.
Have never heard of Guanabana juice.
the kids r great they tidy there toys up after them n keep the place tidy so that's half the battle.
I was on Lanzoprazole cause I get seasonal trigeminal neuralgia and the meds I take for it are an epileptic tablet and very hard on the stomach. I am permently on omnaprazole 4 my stomach but all its doing is keeping the acid and heartburn away.
I love the weekends coming also its means the kids dad at work so he can do a lot of things bout the house.
Keep well Daffs, talk to ya soon Loush
Hi Loush. Feel so much better now, no chemo and radio and I slept good last night. The thought of the hosp alone just makes me cringe. I went thru chemo 3 mos. with hardly any problems, but this! I guess, because of the constant day after day. They don't do hols either, so I'll get time off for Easter. I shouldn't be saying this as I've said I will suffer any treatment, hard or not and it is to shrink the tumour.
My Gp originally put me on Omeprazole but could only take it for a wk or so, has bad side effects and then Lanzoprazole when it didn't clear up.
A friend said she gets herr shop delivered and she is not ill. I couldn't have my porridge 2 days last wk as I was out and butter (or spread). So it might be a good idea to look into that. I'm not one for paying on-line though, if they would take my debit details on the phone would be ok, but don't think they do. Do you ever shop on line. I spent today shopping for next wk, tiring but I got it.
So you have heartburn and acid problems too. They were very new to me, not something I was prone to. What is the epileptic pill you take for that. Seems odd. Do you get any neusea. I did very bad and that alone would put you off food. I just went off acid food though.
Very glad to hear your kids are helpful, it makes a difference. Give them good wishes from me, just for that.
Take care Loush, Daffs
Thought anymore about trying these other websites for cancer, you won't be sorry.
Hi Daffs
Im so glad ur feeling a lot better and well rested, I can only imagine what ur going through and I really do hope you get through this.
I shop online all the time whether its ebay r amazon. I have just started doing my food shopping online at asda. Its great. It means I can sit at my own leisure and pick my groceries and get them delivered at a time that suits me. Big sites like like are very secure ive never had anything happen with my bank (touch wood). Try it you really wont be disappointed.
I only get heartburn and acid if I don't take the omeprazole. The epileptic tabs (tegretol) are for trigeminal neuralgia. I only suffer from this in the summer months thank god cause it is so painful. I do get nausea which would be part of why I miss meals.
thank you so much for the wishes for the kids, I gave them a hug this morning and said it was from Daffs n they looked at me like id lost the plot lolo.
I did join cancer research uk but only had 1 person reply then the conversation was over.
Take care Loush x
Hi Loush, I asked in Sainsburys if I could order on line but pay with debit card on phone, but no. I think I gave ebay my bank details many moons ago and no problems. I usually can buy on line and pay on phone. Bought mattress xmas, not what thought I was getting or ordered. Now there's going to be a battle over that. It cost over 600- and much too soft, no support, can't sleep in it. Had their 'non biased mattress inspector' come and look at it. But, like I said to him, laying on it for 3 mins and laying on it for 4hrs is not the same. Think I will go to Victim Support.
Today back at radio. Char.+. apnt 10am today and better as no rush. Tues and rest wk at Hammersmith (half journey) and no apnt earlier than 10am. I felt sleepy tired but not body, didn't take nap as Dr says to fight it, so would sleep better at night. Also gave me 3 pills for 3 nites to get me back on right systom.
I don't know about Cancer Research, but they are very good if you want answers. Try Macmillan (my favourite) and Beating Bowel Cancer. Even just reading others' stories helps. Everyone wished me good wishes with the chemoradio. and I still haven't logged back to tell them...
I guess I am just lucky I don't have little ones to care for and they are off now for the nxt 2 wks. Lost the plot, well why wouldn't you. Drs should have given some answers long time ago and if they can't send you to someone who can. I lost the plot long time ago and don't think I've ever got it back!
Now Omeprazole is only recommended to take for about 20 days as it can have bad side effects. I'm surprised your gp gives it to you. Could be adding to your problems.
Hope you feel better soon, stay away from acid foods and let that calm down. Maybe it is, umm what did I say. Ah yes, gastroenteritis as you don't bleed. Godbless Loush, Daffs
Hi Daffs
So sorry uve had probs with online shopping, hope u get sorted with ur mattress. A talk with victim support couldn't do any harm.
Glad ur appointments seem to be getting better. Hope u get ur sleeping pattern sorted. Nothing as bad as being tired cause u get so exhausted you don't have the energy to do anything.
I've been on some of the other sites n done a lot of reading on them. my symtoms are very similar to cancer and also similar to other things so will just have 2 wait and c what the tests come up with.
Went to docs 2day. Blood pressure is high 
I have suffered from high blood pressure from I had my youngest 4 years ago but have been on medication for it which had it under control til 2day. Got more bloods done iron levels, sugar levels, thyroid (again) and CEA marker test. Doc said she will wait and see what the results of blood work is before she chases up appointment to see consultant. So fingers crossed iron isn't lower and nothing shows up in the rest of the tests.
I've been on omeprazole for 4 years, I currently have arthritis in lower spine, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and depression so im on a lot of meds which is why the docs feels the need for omeprazole.
I don't really eat acid foods and haven't had any vomiting r diarrohea so don't think its gastroenteritis.
keep well Dafffs , Loush xx
Hi Loush,
Are you any better now, silly question? I have many things wrong with me too, but not painful and I live with it. Guess so as I'm 70. I have arthritis in my back, for yrs. Had a trapped nerve in the back and dr said he wld take out a 2nd disc and shave some arthrytis. He didn't, Dr at another hosp. told me yr ago when she did MRI for hardening of arteries, "your back's in a ter4rible state". Seems where he joined back has gone out of place. I can feel it's not straight, but only pain is arthrytis. Hip is on and off with the dreaded bone desease. I know when it's going to rain! and now my legs are going. But the worst for me is the tremor. I get no pain from this cancer!
Met an old friend at the hosp. She had ovarian cancer op 3 yrs ago and now she 87! Encouraging isn't it. She refused chemo but on this visit to the hosp her Dr said may be returning, just a spot and recommended chemo, which she refused. She says she's had a good life, doesn't want anything, seen a lot and done lots. Let God take me when he wants.... Her biggest problem is arthrytis, much worse than mine.
There you are, many out there much worse. I found out that I may have 2 tumours and feel very angry because I'm not told. Appnt with surgeon wont be until wk after nxt. Don't know why they are wasting so much NHS money, if they can't do it properly. But there you are. I think of a friend's boy friend who lost all his bowel as a child. Is now around 40 and lived with this bag for his poo over 30 yrs. There's someone worse than me.
Take care Loush, Daffs