Colon and/or Pancreatic Cancer Fears (TMI)

[Bulan77]

Hi there,

I've posted here earlier this year re: ovarian cancer fears, and I'm back, but with upper abdominal symptoms and concerns...

- bloating
- a change in bowel habits (more often)
- change in stools (small, thin)
- a feeling of constipation
- a feeling of pressure or fullness in my left pelvic area
- the same feeling of pressure or fullness on my upper left side, just at the bottom of my rib cage
- increased passing gas
- upset stomach
- slight rectal pain...

I have an appointment with the GI specialist soon, which I'm thankful for.

But right now, I'm just trying to keep a handle on my fears that I have some type of cancer (colon, pancreatic, etc.)

I realize these symptoms could be due to my anxiety, stress, sleep depravation, IBS, diet changes, etc... Even though I'm younger, with a mostly healthy diet and lifestyle, you never know. I've heard of plenty of people in their 30s with a cancer diagnosis.

Also, it runs in the family. Both of my grandfathers were diagnosed with colon cancer.

One case wasn't caught in time. The other case was fought with chemo and diet changes, and he's still alive and kicking almost 20 years later--and turning 90 this May!

One of my burning questions is... What could cause a constant feeling of pressure (like a mass inside, or like trapped air) in the upper left corner of the abdomen that lasts over 48 hours?

Is it possible for gas to be trapped in one corner of the colon for over two days? And how could that be, when I've got increased passing gas anyway? If it's passing, why would any remain trapped?

I'm very concerned and grateful for your input...

 

[drjean]

Well, I'm not a medical doctor so I really couldn't say... but yes, gas and anxiety,muscle spasms could all cause that... it's good you are going to the GI MD... I guess with cancer in the family you do that every year to avoid the anxiety? I have a colleague whose brother is now 4 years cured with pancreatic cancer... and this year 2014 they have implemented new drugs and protocols that are even better than any used before.

I wish you well. God can get you through this time... rest in Him.

 

[Senator Cheese]

It's good to see you taking a proactive stance in seeking a medical opinion on what is causing your problems.
When reading your symptoms, I noticed that they are very diffuse and you do seem to be very nervous in regards to possible underlying organic causes. I don't want you to relax in a false sense of security, but I want you to be aware that stress aggravates gastrointestinal symptoms tremendously - to the point where you may be experiencing symptoms that you would otherwise subconsciously ignore. The enteric nervous system contains more nerve cells than your spinal cord - keep that in mind. One thing that I can guarantee though is this: try to relax, meditate and pray. Worrying has a detrimental effect on your overall health and will get you no further.

I don't know your patient history and I don't even know how old you are, but you mentioned that you're in your 30s. If it makes you feel any better, I'd like to point out that the risk of colon cancer usually begins to rise at about 50 years of age (which is why the colonoscopy screening usually starts at around that age aswell). Yes, there are exceptions, but your risk is very low at your current age. Ovarian cancer usually starts at around 60 years of age. Pancreatic cancer usually peaks at 60-80 years of age.

If you're worried about developing cancer later on, keep in mind that smoking and failing to eat healthy (a balanced diet with many fibres) accounts for approximately 66% of all malignant cancer.

There are many possible reasons for your symptoms. Cancer would not be one that I would consider probable. Still, it's obviously necessary to cross out the most dangerous diagnoses first.
You specifically asked what can cause a feeling of a bloated "mass" that lasts longer than 48 hours (but then goes away). So long as this symptom cannot be objectified (as in, there is no palpable mass that anyone can feel from the outside), this type of feeling could be cause by pretty much anything. An irritative bowel, perhaps a gastritis (especially if you had a lot of good food to eat over the holidays). You've got the appointment, so wait on what the good doctor has to say. Keep praying and try to keep your mind off it - chances are that the results are going to show up something completely harmless (if anything at all).

 

[Bulan77]

Well, I'm not a medical doctor so I really couldn't say... but yes, gas and anxiety,muscle spasms could all cause that... it's good you are going to the GI MD... I guess with cancer in the family you do that every year to avoid the anxiety? I have a colleague whose brother is now 4 years cured with pancreatic cancer... and this year 2014 they have implemented new drugs and protocols that are even better than any used before.

I wish you well. God can get you through this time... rest in Him.

Thank you, drjean. I haven't done any GI tests before these symptoms popped up, given my age (36). But one GI specialist recommended that I begin regular preventative screening at age 40, rather than the usual starting age (50), given my family history.

That's amazing news about your colleague's brother! It's certainly unusual with pancreatic cancer. They must have caught it early. Do you anything more about how they found it?

 

[Bulan77]

It's good to see you taking a proactive stance in seeking a medical opinion on what is causing your problems.
When reading your symptoms, I noticed that they are very diffuse and you do seem to be very nervous in regards to possible underlying organic causes. I don't want you to relax in a false sense of security, but I want you to be aware that stress aggravates gastrointestinal symptoms tremendously - to the point where you may be experiencing symptoms that you would otherwise subconsciously ignore. The enteric nervous system contains more nerve cells than your spinal cord - keep that in mind. One thing that I can guarantee though is this: try to relax, meditate and pray. Worrying has a detrimental effect on your overall health and will get you no further.

Thank you for this!! Yes, I know that what you say is true. So I've been diligently trying to relax, with some success, and I've noticed some of my GI symptoms ease a bit.

I don't know your patient history and I don't even know how old you are, but you mentioned that you're in your 30s. If it makes you feel any better, I'd like to point out that the risk of colon cancer usually begins to rise at about 50 years of age (which is why the colonoscopy screening usually starts at around that age aswell). Yes, there are exceptions, but your risk is very low at your current age. Ovarian cancer usually starts at around 60 years of age. Pancreatic cancer usually peaks at 60-80 years of age.

I'm 36, and I do realize that my chances of having cancer are low. But you know how it goes with anxiety... it focuses on the possibility that I might be that person in the minority. This struggle against health anxiety is so hard.

If you're worried about developing cancer later on, keep in mind that smoking and failing to eat healthy (a balanced diet with many fibres) accounts for approximately 66% of all malignant cancer.

True, and I'm thankful that I don't have to overcome those sorts of hurdles. I've avoided alcohol most of my life, and smoking entirely. My family has always eaten pretty healthy--meat, cooked veggies, and salad were typical. But I've worked on improving my diet over the last little while. So I do have some reassurance in that...

 

[Bulan77]

You specifically asked what can cause a feeling of a bloated "mass" that lasts longer than 48 hours (but then goes away). So long as this symptom cannot be objectified (as in, there is no palpable mass that anyone can feel from the outside), this type of feeling could be cause by pretty much anything. An irritative bowel, perhaps a gastritis (especially if you had a lot of good food to eat over the holidays). You've got the appointment, so wait on what the good doctor has to say. Keep praying and try to keep your mind off it - chances are that the results are going to show up something completely harmless (if anything at all).

It's been a consistent sensation now for the last five weeks. And over the last week or so, I've also had some aching and sharp pains as well. But as you say, it could still be a result of something harmless--recent diet changes that I've made, or the way I've changed my posture as well.

Tests so far have come back clear (abdominal ultrasound and spinal x-ray).

My doctors keep telling me not to worry, and yet I can't let go of the chance that something sinister might be going on. So I'm reaching out to other kinds of health practitioners--an osteopath, a naturopath, and a homeopath. They sometimes think outside the box, which I need right now. At the very least, I know I'm doing my due diligence...

 

[Bulan77]

I'm having another rough evening here. I began the day feeling like I had lost my appetite, but I ate anyway.

Then this feeling of *extreme* bloating came gradually as the day wore on. I feel as if I have a lump of wet dough lodged in my gut.

And on top of that, I have my usual intermittent pain in my left side, just under my ribs, and sharp cramping sensations in my stomach area.

I feel so vulnerable in this war against anxiety...

But I'm breathing through the fear, and trying to focus on other things, like my son (he's almost 2!! ) and all the ways he makes me smile...

Now this may sound utterly ridiculous to some (or hilarious to others), but trust me when I say that it's perfectly reasonable coming from someone with health anxiety...

I wonder if my lunch is responsible for this feeling, which I'm ashamed to admit to have eaten: Two small apple strudels, a small blueberry muffin, and a couple savoury danishes. I suppose it was a lot of processed flour to have all at once, especially after a diet of mostly fruits/veggies, whole grains, and fish/chicken over the last month.

Since I'm trying to avoid "Dr. Google," this forum is the only other place I can try to find sensible information about what I'm feeling. Has anyone else felt this way after a meal?

 

[Bulan77]

Food Sensitivity
About food sensitivities, what triggers them? Several people have suggested that I go on an elimination diet.

I'm 36 and have had no problem with any foods, so I wonder how this problem would start seemingly out of the blue?

TMI
Apologies in advance about this, but today I've had quite a bit of pain up and down the left side of my abdomen. This morning I had quite a large BM which looked normal in every other respect.

But I've had gas and pressure ever since, and later this afternoon I had another BM (that's a lot for one day!). But what troubled me about this one was that it might have been a little pale. I couldn't quite tell.

This morning's looked perfectly normal in colour. Then this one looked mostly brown, but also just a little gray-brown.

Again, I apologize for having to share the gory details, but I'm quite concerned. Does anyone have experience with this?

Blood Test Results
Meanwhile, my urine and blood test results came back, and it seems everything is within the expected range.

BUT I've heard certain problems (incl. many cancers) don't show up in blood tests.

My question is, are there specific markers in the blood that would indicate colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, or any other cancer related to the GI tract?

I'm hoping someone here might have experience with this. Can anyone fill me in, so that I can ask my doctor more informed questions about my symptoms and test results?

 

[brinny]

i don't have much to offer, praying for you (((hug)))

 

[Paul01]

I think you should be every bit as diligent about getting your health anxiety professionally treated as any physical issues you may have going on. I speak from personal experience. A few visits to an anxiety clinic changed my life.

 

[brinny]

praying (((hug)))

 

[PROPHECYKID]

Hi there,

I've posted here earlier this year re: ovarian cancer fears, and I'm back, but with upper abdominal symptoms and concerns...

- bloating
- a change in bowel habits (more often)
- change in stools (small, thin)
- a feeling of constipation
- a feeling of pressure or fullness in my left pelvic area
- the same feeling of pressure or fullness on my upper left side, just at the bottom of my rib cage
- increased passing gas
- upset stomach
- slight rectal pain...

I have an appointment with the GI specialist soon, which I'm thankful for.

But right now, I'm just trying to keep a handle on my fears that I have some type of cancer (colon, pancreatic, etc.)

I realize these symptoms could be due to my anxiety, stress, sleep depravation, IBS, diet changes, etc... Even though I'm younger, with a mostly healthy diet and lifestyle, you never know. I've heard of plenty of people in their 30s with a cancer diagnosis.

Also, it runs in the family. Both of my grandfathers were diagnosed with colon cancer.

One case wasn't caught in time. The other case was fought with chemo and diet changes, and he's still alive and kicking almost 20 years later--and turning 90 this May!

One of my burning questions is... What could cause a constant feeling of pressure (like a mass inside, or like trapped air) in the upper left corner of the abdomen that lasts over 48 hours?

Is it possible for gas to be trapped in one corner of the colon for over two days? And how could that be, when I've got increased passing gas anyway? If it's passing, why would any remain trapped?

I'm very concerned and grateful for your input...

What is your diet like?

Also to calm your fears you need to increase your knowledge on what causes cancer and how it can be easily overcome. Reality is that the predominant cancer treatments generally makes you worse in the long run and sometimes the short run too.