Question Re Endoscopy Result?

[jd_1984]

A family member was diagnosed with bowel cancer 2 years ago.
Long story short, it was found early and successfully operated on - part of the bowel removed. After 6 months with a colostomy bag, a further op joined the bowel back up with success and things went pretty much back to normal.

2 years on and a routine endoscopy was carried out and family member told at the time he was now "all clear". 2 small polyps were taken out and he was told that they weren't offensive.

Fast forward a month from the endoscopy and a letter was received saying he had an appointment with specialist the following week and requesting that he urgently gave a blood sample in advance of the appointment.

Needless to say this has caused great concern as he thought he was in the clear and now suspects the worse - i.e somethings been found.

All they have told him is "inflammation" was found ??
They have also asked him to provide another blood test to check kidney function.

What could all this mean. Feel really bad as he was elated last month to get "all clear"???

[anneasquith]

I'm not a doctor but, maybe on further/longer examination of the biopsy an abnormality has been found .?

[jd_1984]

Yeah we guessed so. Its not necessarily going to be bad news, I guess they need to be 100% sure. I think its just he felt the ordeal was over and now its back to the doctors after a month of feeling great... I suppose its common, we will just support him as best we can

[anneasquith]

It's like one step forward and two back sometimes, its difficult , I'm sure his surgeon will keep him informed .

[Sqad]

I am a bit confused here:

\\\All they have told him is "inflammation" was found ??\\
Was that comment made on the biopsy/endoscopy or the blood test?

My guess is that the further appt is nothing to do with his cancer or polyps and that a routine blood test has found him to be anaemic....just a guess.

anneasquith
\\ I'm not a doctor \\\

We all know that now as you have told us so often. I for one am amazed as reviewing your answers, I was sure that you had a medical qualification....

[anneasquith]

Appointment with specialist, next week. Require bloods for kidney function. Squad ?
.

[Sqad]

Anneasquith......I am only guessing at your question, but routine blood tests, anaemia or not, involve kidney function tests........

What had you got in mind with the OP information?

[jd_1984]

Sqad

Inflammation from the endoscopy I believe.
It does sound a bit odd the sudden talk of kidney function test, but I really am not a doctor!

I guess we will know more next week - remaining positive that its unrelated. The endoscopy team gave him a very positive review after the procedure but I assume its always pending further analysis?

[Sqad]

Ah! well.....my guess, is that the blood tests are a routine check.

From what you say......no big deal.

[237SJ]

Maybe there is the possibility that they want to give him a drug that requires renal clearance and they need to know the condition of his kidneys.

[237SJ]

Just seen Sqad`s last answer - sorry, ignore me.

[jd_1984]

Thanks - that's the hope.
Unfortunately the patient isn't in a very optimistic mood I think he just wants to hear what the doctor has to say. Uncertainty is often worse than knowing what you are dealing with!

[Sqad]

No! no! don't ignore the post of 237SJ.............;-).......I am just annoyed that i didn't think of it first..;-)

[jd_1984]

I have taken 237sg's post on board - it seems perfectly plausible to me

[Peter Pedant]

I have been thro this
I am sure that you should wait and see
it is only a week or so

asking for a blood test beforehand is pretty common

get him to turn up for the appt and it might be useful to make up a list of questions to ask beforehand. You could ask to record the interview as well.

bear in mind that there is an elbow in the mortality curve for ca gut - it flattens to almost normal if you are clear of disease at 2 years
I admit he is at the two year line....

o and please keep us informed

[jd_1984]

Hi folks,

To those who replied to this post - just like to say that all is well with family member. The appointment and requested blood test was routine and possibly wasn't clearly explained to the patient who assumed (as it was so soon after the endoscopy) - it was bad news.

The inflammation was "something and nothing" and not concerning to the consultant. He will continue to be seen periodically.

Thanks again.

[anneasquith]

Great news.

[Sqad]

Thanks for the feedback ....much appreciated.