Hi, I was just recently (2 mos ago) dx'd with a rare slow growing ovarian cancer. They removed the entire tumor and believed they got everything but didn't really look everywhere to make sure!?! (this type of tumor usually doesn't spread). Before surgery I complained of pressure/pain in the upper left abdomen and across the top of my abdomen. No one was concerned nor did they examine me in the colon area. (I saw 3 drs -1 GP and 2 specialists and a gyn. resident- prior to surgery). After surgery I still complained about this discomfort and now have rectal bleeding. The rectal bleeding actually started in Jan 2001 and my dr did the FOBT (negative) and then told me it was hemorroids (no rectal exam)- am always constipated. The bleeding was so minor - just a touch of blood on the tissue maybe 4-5 times in a 1-1/2yrs. Mentioned again to dr. in Jan.of this year, again a FOBT (negative) and now blood again a few weeks ago. Now, with the pressure/pain and the rectal bleeding and the recent ovarian cancer he believes I have colon cancer, a separate cancer from the ovarian cancer. What a blow - was just told I have an excellent prognosis from the ovarian cancer and now this...I'm only 33 yrs old. I'm still waiting for the results of my barium enema I had last week and will be scheduled for a colonoscopy. Although it hasn't been officially dx'd there isn't much else it could be, I have pain/pressure in the colon area (according to dr - one localized area on the left side was a concern), rectal bleeding (worse for a few days after barium enema), now one area on the upper right side is also very uncomfortable. Occasionally my stool shape is thinner than normal. I've always been slightly anemic due to my heavy periods. If I press my abdomen against a counter it also hurts. The pain/pressure isn't there all the time but was still there after the barium enema. I don't have diarrhea or watery stools or a sudden urgency to go so it can't be, Crohns, or Colitis, IBS, or diverticulitis. I sure hope my dr is wrong but I can't think what else this could be. It's really scary. I thought I was home free with the excellent prognosis on the ovarian cancer and now to be dealt with this blow is just devastating. My greatest fear is this is spread too far. I'm in Canada where health care seems to take forever - I'm sure I won't be in surgery until late Aug or Sept. maybe even longer if drs are vacationing. What should I be asking my dr. for, for tests, and referrals? I know I should request a CEA blood test and I'm having a colonoscopy anything else I should be requesting?


Thanks. Please keep me in your thoughts.

I'm so sorry that you are going through so much constant upset. I do think however that your doctor may just be jumping to some major conclusions. From what I gleaned from your post, he has yet to get any definitive test results back. How could they have dismissed your complaints for so long, and now suddenly jump to the most drastic diagnosis? Try to keep a positive outlook. There are many more benign things that it could turn out to be. Even if it turns out to be what is suspected, you will get treatment, and you will recover from it. I'm keeping positive thoughts for you.