My experience isn't really to do with having bowel cancer, it is more of the threat of cancer being there. I'm 18 years old and I was diagnosed with a genetic bowel disease called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. It is caused by a mutation on the APC gene, found in chromosome 5. It is where benign tumours grow in the bowel and if left, they turn to cancer and spread. In June 05 I had an operation to remove my large colon, due to the presence of numourous polyps. I don't know what it feels like to have cancer, but with my illness there is always the possibility that I could have, and that is scary enough!
This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience
I understand your comments. I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease when I was 18, although I had started having problems when I was 6 years old. I had major surgery when I was 20, having most of my large and part of my small bowel removed (colonectomy). I have bowel cancer in my family and of course, now approaching 45, I am concerned about getting it. I also have two children, but luckily none of them have shown any symptoms of Crohns Disease.
We can't spend our life worrying about what might happen, but enjoy each day for what it is. I hope this helps somewhat.
This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience
i would rate any comment very highly as any information about the dreaded disease is helpfull in comng to terms with dealing with it. i was diognosed and operated on in 2003 and have not looked back since. you have to remain positive and view the world the same as evryone else.get on with what you want not what is wanted for you.ive started a group for colorectal patients in somerset and will willingly pass on any info i have .to get in touch please e mail maurice@wells105.freeserve.co.ukgood luck for the future to you and anyone else reading this regards maurice day:magic:
This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience
I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2001,it was only found because my appendix burst otherwise I would never have known (untill it was too late) I was bleeding but the doctor said it was piles (I was 44)I had half of my large bowel taken away.I went back to hosp every year for the first 3 now only go back every 5 (for camera)I have never looked back.ps bowel cancer runs in my family. :D