Results are back and scared :(

[AnthonyMS]

Hi Everyone!

Just want to start by saying that this site has been so helpful, I've been reading over so many peoples posts over the last couple of days!

I'm a 37-year-old male and last December (2018) I started noticing small amounts/streaking of bright red blood in my stool so my doctor ordered a Fecal Occult Test which came back positive. He got me in to see a specialist in February and I just had my Colonoscopy this past Friday (November 29).

During the colonoscopy the doctor noticed a single slightly large polyp (he didn’t say how big it was plus I was slightly sedated) which was completely removed and sent off to pathology, he also fixed up a hemorrhoid that he found.

After the procedure as I was being wheeled back to recovery all the doctor mentioned was to follow up with him in 2 weeks.

I made an appointment to see the specialist on the 17th and today (Wednesday) I just got a call from my family doctor’s office saying my family doctor wants to follow up with me sometime next week to go over my results. Now I’m terrified and am hoping it’s not bad news

Anyways, I just wanted to vent and get some support from y'all. Thanks for listening...

[jep]

Hi, I’m sorry for the stress you are feeling right now....can you call your family doc tomorrow and get a bit more info? At least that way you’ll know what you’re dealing with (rather than waiting)...

Hoping you get good news....keep us posted...
jep

[del]

So sorry to hear what you are going through. Waiting for results is terrible and I think everyone on this forum can empathise with you. Can you organise an earlier appointment if the results are already back with your family doctor? For what it's worth, even if it's a benign polyp, I think the doctor would still want to follow up with you to discuss it due to your age.
In the meanwhile, try to keep yourself busy and avoid Dr Google!

[ginabeewell]

My own experience is that if it is really bad news (eg cancer) they tell you immediately / ASAP. They don’t make an appointment. They want to make sure you are prepared to go into treatment, fast. For what that’s worth.

[AlexandraZ]

I agree with Gina - they don't mess around when it's cancer. They would most likely tell you right away.

We're in Denmark, but my boyfriend had an ultrasound on his liver because of liver pains, and right away the doctor told him his liver wasn't right. The next day my boyfriend's regular doctor called him and said it looked like he had liver mets and he'd need a CT ASAP to find out where his primary tumor might be.

I would imagine it's similar in other places.

[AnthonyMS]

(Interesting, I posted a reply yesterday but it never posted )

I managed to get an appointment on Dec 9, much sooner. When the receptionist first called to book a follow-up I just blurted out the 16th thinking that would be a good day (since I’m off work that day) but it looks like they have openings all the week before.

I’m hoping that since the receptionist asked if I could come in next week or the following week that the results aren’t as bad as I’m thinking. I would assume if it was serious they would want me in ASAP.

Thank you everyone for the kind and reassuring responses it really makes me feel better It’s nice to be able to speak to others who have gone through all this! I’ll keep you all posted

[AnthonyMS]

Hi everyone! I thought I would update this in case anyone was wondering.

Had my follow-up with my family doctor today and got the all-clear

I had a 1.3cm Tubular adenoma without high-grade dysplasia! I have to go back in 3 years for another scope but I don't mind at all if it means keeping this colon healthy!

Thanks again to all of you who replied and made me feel better - this forum is truly a godsend

Cheers,

[Cured]

Anthony- wonderful to hear the good news.

I suggest some things for your lifestyle and preventative measures. Of course don’t smoke.
1. Exercise, as it separates the people who tend to get cancer from those who don’t.
2. take fiber daily. I use Konsyl, psyllium husks, which is like Metamucil but without the sugar. The idea is that the fiber gels around your BM and helps your colon stay clear.
3. Take 1 regular 325mg Aspirin each day.
4. Check your vitamin D level, through a simple blood test. Your Dr can order this when doing the usual blood tests. Most of us can’t get enough sun year-around for our Vit D Levels to be high enough. Through this group I learned that people who have colon cancer have low levels. My Onc never disagreed on this- but neither he or his nurse brought this up originally. Vit D is needed by many organs and studies are ongoing to learn what is optimal. I take supplements daily unless I have been out in the sun a whole lot.

Those are the things that are known. For those of us who have cancer, there are diets which are suggested.

[AnthonyMS]

Thank you and also thank you for the helpful tips

I started supplementing fiber a few months ago and have noticed a big difference in how I feel as opposed to not taking any. I've been using Metamucil but would prefer one without sugar so I'll definitely check out Konsyl!
Vitamin D I take on and off, I could probably be better about incorporating it into my daily routine.

Thanks again for all the support