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posted by LauraE135
06 January 2022

Mass found in colon

Last reply: 07 January 2022 12:06
Hope this is okay to ask here, I'm looking for some guidance re results. Sorry if this is long winded! 15 months ago, I had my gallbladder removed. Prior to surgery, I really cleaned up my diet as I was quite overweight (mainly bc I was so sick if I ate anything fatty) and upped my fitness. I lost near 2 stone in 2 years. When I had it removed I felt amazing, the gallbladder pain was completely gone. I started to eat a bit more freely and stopped loosing weight but also wasn't gaining. Fast forward about 6 months from gallbladder removal, I started to feel sick again. I had loose stools daily, serious urgency for toilet and colicky pain all over my abdomen. I put it down to my body getting used to no longer having a gallbladder. Then I noticed I was loosing weight, I thought great as I had wanted to lose more. The stomach pains and the lose stools just kept getting worse. I could barely leave the house without fear of where a toilet would be. My stools are often very dark (not black but dark) and tarry, with sometimes mucus. I put off going to the dr for many many months as I had a very sick family member who was my priority. My family and partner all had a chat with me as they were concerned about the weight loss, I was down 2 stone in less than 10 months with basically zero exercise and vomiting on and off and still having toilet issues that were getting worse. I made an appt in November with my GP(it was my first time with this GP as she is new to the practice). My GP said that the weight loss, toilet issues and pain were slightly concerning. She sent me a referral for ultrasound, colonoscopy/EGD and bloods. All bloods were normal, incl. coeliac disease. Ultrasound was also normal apart from gas obstructing parts of pancreas. I then had my colonoscopy mid/end December. I was given the report/finding sheet after but not much was said. There was a total of 16 biopsy taken, no polyps found but they did find a mass at cecum, 2-3cm away from appendix. It was said that I need a CT TAP to characterize and that I need to see my consultant(I haven't met him yet as the coloscopy was in a different clinic and my appt was rushed through) with biopsy results and CT results by February. They also took FLT bloods, U/E, FBC, which worried me bc they didn't seem to do that for anyone else. I completely put to back my head for Christmas and didn't give it a thought. I rang my GP yesterday for my results. She asked had the DR discussed and I said that I received the findings but no one talked me through them. She went on to say that only some the biopsy results were back and that they were normal. She then asked me did I know a mass was found and I said yes should I be concerned. She said well yeah it is kind of concerning, which absolutely floored me as I had just been ignoring it so far(coping mechanism) I then said I haven't received a CT appt and she urged me to contact my consultants secretory asap. I rang the secretory today who was very nice and as soon as I explained to her she told me the biopsy results has just come back this morning. And that she will arrange my CT and APPT for as soon as possible. I was happy enough with that but then started thinking about it too long and thought okay if they have the biopsy results then surely that will tell a lot and they should let me know. So my questions are: 1) Would it be appropriate to ring the consultants secretory again and ask where and when I will receive biopsy results? as I'm so anxious I just want to know now or would my GP also have them now, would it be possible to ring them for the results? 2) If biopsy is (hopefully)good news why would I need a CT TAP? is this standard to organize CT TAP regardless? 3) What are the possibilities this mass could be? 4) Has anyone else had a similar experience? I cannot imagine waiting much longer for results bc its driving my crazy since I spoke to my GP Sorry for being so long winded! Anyone reading this with concerns for their health, please please go speak to your GP, do not put it off like it did.
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posted by shaunthesheep80
14 October 2021

Terrified of a test

Last reply: 15 October 2021 16:35
Recently had a smear, which was negative. GP referred me to gynaecologist. This happened previously due to cervical ectropian. Went for appt today expecting a colposcopy. But it was a consult. GP saw dark lesion on vagina, and consultant booked a biopsy for two weeks and mentioned ruling out melanoma. He said it was rare, but didn't mention any alternatives for what it could be. This was totally unexpected, and I am freaking out. Stupidly googled it. I have 2 young kids, thinking the worst. I'm terrified
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posted by Oak
07 October 2021

Period after several years

Last reply: 13 October 2021 16:46
Hi, I was treated for BC in 2021/13 - involving surgery, chemo and radiation followed by tamoxifen and then letrozole. I came off letrozole in January. my periods never really resumed after chemo and so I would say it's at least 5 years since I've had any period, including spotting, etc. My blood-work from 2/3 years ago indicated I was in menopause. This week I have a full on period with a good bit of discomfort in the area of my stomach where my uterus is and involving my left ovary. I'm wondering if this is common and could it be my body adjusting to coming off the hormone treatment. I've had some pain in my non-effected breast which I went to the GP with and have an appointment in the Breast clinic early next month. I'm wondering will I just wait until then or should I have the occurrence of the period checked before then? If it's common I'm happy enough to wait. Thanks for your time. I'm 50 years old.
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posted by Fifil
04 October 2021

Presence of precancerous cells following LLETZ

Last reply: 13 October 2021 16:42
Hi, I had my first abnormal smear about 8 years ago. I've been in and out of the Colposcopy clinic since then with only one normal smear in that time. I recently had my first LLETZ and got my results which confirm presence of precancerous cell (as they expected). No cancer cell were found. I another smear in 6 months. I'm very worried. It's alway been low grade changes. They think use of steroids might be the reason my body hasn't dealt with this it's self! What happens if there are still abnormal cell in my next smear? Thanks
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posted by Hector87
28 September 2021

Bowel problem

Last reply: 07 October 2021 17:10
Hi all im new to this For the past 9 months ive had a niggling pain in my low left abdomen i went to a GP twice to be told try ignore as it doesnt sound sinister. Recently in the past 2 weeks ive noticed blood in my stool. I go regulary every day no change in bowel habits just the constant niggling pain which is bareable. Im very worried it could be cancer. My stomach also gurgles a lot and i pass a lot of wind Has anybody any similar experiences if so please let me know.
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posted by brightonblue
09 September 2021

Counselling

Last reply: 09 September 2021 21:42
Hello, Do you have counselling for carers of people with cancer or do you know of any free services providing same? Many thanks.
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posted by claudia merfu
27 August 2021

Tmoxifen

Last reply: 27 August 2021 14:08
Hi, i started tamoxifen on July 4th, so I'm almost 2 month into it, i had my last period on the 7th of August and today it seemed like i got it again, or at least I'm hoping is my period and not just a random bleeding. I was diagnosed with stage 1a bc in April, had a lumpectomy and slnb which were clear.i have seen all my doctor's in the last couple of month and it seemed that everything was fine.my gynecologist suggested a total hysterectomy with dual oophorectomy, which i am considering because he said the bleedings will happen.i guess my question is if this is something that i need to address right away because the tamoxifen is already doing damages or should I wait because my periods will be irregular for a while?thank you
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posted by azzo
19 August 2021

Cocooning

Last reply: 20 August 2021 17:09
My mother in law has been diagnosed with lung cancer. When not in hospital she will be living with us. My primary school aged kids are due to resume school in September. Obviously they are too young to be vaccinated. Should we homeschool them instead? Is that what people do? We have isolated ourselves from everyone because of Covid, but all of us adults are fully vaccinated. Is it ok to go into work in person for a once off meeting? Is it ok to meet my own mother and father? Precautions are in place. Outdoora where possible, ventilation, wearing masks, hand washing etc etc. The spread of Delta variant is scary but cutting ourselves off from everything and everyone feels extreme. Is this what people do?
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posted by harris
04 August 2021

Prophylactic mastectomy

Last reply: 05 August 2021 12:10
I am currently on the public waiting list for a Prophylactic mastectomy. I am just wondering if there is anywhere that this can be done privately. Many thanks
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posted by Ebony2021
24 July 2021

Post radiation for breast cancer

Last reply: 26 July 2021 15:19
Hi, I was diagnosed with BC in Feb in my right breast, I had lumpectomy and a month of radi therapy which finished mid May. Everything healed and settled down into June. I started tamoxifen early June also. But since early July I have constant ache and discomfort in both armpits. So bad it woke me up at night. I've been back to my consultant in June & he referred me for mammo and u/s of both sides, which I had done 2 wks ago. The radiologist there said pain & lumps in right side are most likely due to radiation therapy and that the covid vax can cause swelling in area where I received my vax (left arm). While left armpit isn't as bad now as it was, the right has got worse since the mammo & u/s. Finding it uncomfortable to wear bra and to sleep, with heaviness & discomfort. Is this normal 10 wks post radiation therapy even when it seem to settle down in June. Or is it something I need to get re checked or mri? I'm anxious something is amiss. Thank you for your help.
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