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Hi, 48 yr old female diagnosed with stage 4 bowel and liver cancer in march 2023, had emergency colostomy in aug 2023 and I am still struggling with having the stoma. i just cant accept it, it has changed so many aspects of my life, and I have developed a hernia as a result. I know I shouldnt be focusing on the stoma but it has completely shattered my confidence. I spend more time dwelling on the stoma than on the cancer which I realise is silly but I dont feel like my self anymore. Got news today that all of the tumours have grown in the last 3 months so will start on a different course of chemo. Anyone else with a stoma feeling the same way?

Hi All I am just wondering i have been having tummy pain since July. I have had 3 ultrasounds , mri and ct scan. So far they have found a 6cm fibroid and some cysts on my left kidney. But they don't think that's causing the pain. The gastronologist wants me to have a endoscopy and colonscopy and I am really scared it's something serious. My bloods are all ok they even checked the tumor markers. Anyone with some advice or that has been through something like this please let me know. Thank you

A family member has just been diagnosed with bowel cancer. They will need chemo and radiotherapy at least but we don't know the treatment plan yet. Are there any self help book or websites I can suggest they read? They are interested in altering their diet, supplements etc... anything really that could help or help with side effect of treatment and potential hair loss. Also is there counselling available for this person and their immediate family members. It's been a real shock. I think seeing a dietitian might also be good it this service available too? Thanks

Hi everyone 43 year old male, was told yesterday I had stage 2 bowel cancer. I was told in the gastroenterologist opinion it hasnt spread to lymph nodes . He told me I have to have 4 months of chemoradiation and surgery which was a lot to take in. I am seeing a surgeon next week and will have scans after that. I'm terrified tbh , love to connect with other Patients

Hi all, I had a colonoscopy 2.5 weeks ago which was normal. 10 biopsies were taken and I have a virtual appointment next week for the results. Do you think it being a virtual appointment that it might be good news? Would they bring you in if there was something detected?

My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer last june he had mets on his liver. He completed his radiation and chemo treatment and he also overcome covid at xmas! He had 5 spots on his liver he was scheduled for surgery to burn the tumors bout 1 month ago now, when they went into do the surgery there were no spots visable great news. He is now awaiting his rectal surgery to remove the tumor, the surgeon told him 2 weeks ago he would need a permanent bag and he would need to see a plastic surgeon, it was alot of info to get his head around at the time. Since that he a scope last week and they were very happy with it only a scar left he is having an mri this week because tumor had grown into the muscle, the nurse rang to cancel our app with the plastic surgeon which means bag may not b permanent? Nurse didn't want to commit to answering my questions when asked which i completely understand. my question is is it normal for a surgeon to give you news like he got 2 weeks ago then a week later change of plan?? Is it possible he mite only have a temporary bag or maybe no surgery at all??

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me here, I really do appreciate it. If TMI follows I apologise in advance. This past year Ive been experiencing severe pain in my right groin area which bores through to my lower back. The pain radiates down my leg and up into my collarbone and arm into my fingers. I suffer badly with thyroid and thought this may be the reason for a lot of my symptoms and issues. Unfortunately, in November I passed alot of blood through my back passage and my doctor referred me for an urgent colonoscopy which I underwent in the latter end of December. I underwent an endoscopy and colonscopy under twilight sedation. I have no recollection of the endoscopy but the colonscopy is quite vivid, it went on for over two hours. Apparently I hadn't completely evacuated my bowel and my ascending colon could not be examined. The gastroenterologist located ten polyps on my colon which they removed one in particular I could see they attached two clamps, it appeared to be larger than the others and bleeding alot. Two biopsies of my rectum were taken, two from my stomach and the polyps that were removed. The doctor said that she would make an appointment to investigate the remainder of my bowel in 3 months time and will see me every 6 months thereafter. Unfortunately I didn't get to speak with anyone after the colonscopy and I can't get through to the hospital. My GP received notification that the biopsies were taken and they mentioned histology. I haven't received any results yet and have been doing alot of research and I'm beyond worried at this point. In the colonscopy I could see on the monitor the polyps that were found were flat. My bowel has been causing me a great deal of pain and I am extremely constipated. It feels like there is some sort of blockage as my stools are dry whenever I manage to pass which is very little. My weight dropped by 6lb when I managed to have a movement last week. The pain has become more frequent and intense, my GP has given me pain meds to manage this. I am also on PPI daily. I've cut out all red meat, gluten, sweetners etc. out of my diet. Prior to this my diet was very good. Im fit but not as much as I would like because I suffer with extreme fatigue and dizziness. I have the worst brain fog too & I get extremely & uncomfortably bloated.My bowel movements unaided are probably once every two weeks and I never feel like I completely empty my bowel. My GP has requested that the 2nd part of the colonscopy be escalated and is also going to organise a CT scan whilst I wait for the next appointment. I did ask the doctor when I was undergoing the colonscopy to see me sooner and she said that my bowel had been through enough and I had to rest it. Unfortunately I can't switch off my mind and with the pain I'm seriously worrying as I been waiting for two months for my results. I would appreciate if someone can help or share their experiences with me as I am the first in my family to have bowel polyps and every story I read about them so far really gives me cause for concern.

My father was diagnosed with Advanced Bowel cancer in January, they think he may have a huge tumour growing for the last 5 to 10 years.He has just finished 5 weeks of Chemo and Radiotherapy. He has suffered many side effects and is on a lot of pain relief. He has no appetite and is loosing a lot of weight. He is very ill. I am going with him tomorrow to meet his Medical Oncologist and this is all still very new for my dad and the rest of us. I want to support him in the best way I can. What sort of questions should we be asking at tomorrows appointment?

Hi All, My Mam (62, fit and healthy otherwise) has just been diagnosed with stage 4 Bowel cancer. It was present in one lymph node and it is present in the liver also (we are not sure to what extent at this stage). She has had the tumour removed and has to wait 5 weeks before starting chemo (to recover from surgery first). They are going to try to shrink tumour in liver before removing. We are beyond devastated - as im sure everyone is fighting this disease. Anyway I'd love to know of some positive stories of recovery etc in relation to bowel cancer, stage 4 if possible Please I just really need some hope xx

My husband Tom (28) was diagnosed with Colon cancer in Jan this year. Thankfully the lymph nodes were clear despite initial fears as they were inflamed. Cancer was labelled 2B. It was a T4 tumour. The cells were moderate to poorly differentiated which are not the best kind. 6 months of Chemo is finishing soon. I am terrifed and unsure how to proceed. Tom's oncologist does not fill me with great confidence as we haven't seen him since January and there are some other worrying aspects of the care that bother me. I would appreciate any advice. What should happen at the end of chemo? I only know about the colonoscopy and the CT scan. Is there any blood test that can be done regularly or other things we can do to stay alert to cell changes. He tested negatively for lynch syndrome.