This month Stewart H spoke to Chris regarding his experience of the tests he had during his cancer treatment. If you'd like to know more about other people's experiences, you will be very welcome to attend one of our support meetings or please email [email protected] and we can put you in touch with someone who has perhaps been on the same journey as yourself.

Thank you to Stewart H for carrying out the interview and for Chris for sharing his experience.

Stewart: Can you tell me about the moment you first found out you needed to undergo tests or scans?

Chris: In my mid-thirties, I had my large bowel removed due to multiple polyps. Ever since then, I have had a yearly endoscopy to ensure none have returned, and if they had, they were quickly removed. However, whilst I was undergoing my yearly screening 2½ years ago, the gastroenterologist suddenly informed me that he believed he had found a malignant tumour in my rectum. I remember being totally shocked. I phoned my wife whilst getting changed.

The gastroenterologist then came to see me with a nurse and explained that he had found what he thought was a malignant tumour, which would require surgical removal and would result in me needing a permanent stoma bag. He explained that he had taken biopsies of the tumour, and I would need further investigations to clarify the size and location of the growth, and then my results would be discussed in the cancer multi disciplinary team meeting to decide the best form of treatment going forward. He was very sympathetic and told me that he would phone me the following week with an update on the biopsy results. He also gave me a contact phone number for a support nurse.

Stewart: What kind of tests or scans were you sent for, and how were they explained to you?

Chris: I was initially referred for both an MRI and a CT scan. I was told the reasons for the different scans, regarding the location of the tumour, but I'm not sure if I took it all in. However, the scan appointment letters and texts all come with patient information sheets regarding the practical aspects of the scans.

Stewart: What was going through your mind in the days leading up to your first test or scan?

Chris: My endoscopy was just nine days before Christmas, and with being told the likely diagnosis at the time of the investigation, both my wife and I were in total shock. Both scans were performed within a week of being requested. However, as this was the week before Christmas, we had to wait for the results and for my case to be discussed in the New Year. The wait was excruciating, with all sorts of things going through your mind.

Stewart: How did the medical staff treat you during the testing process?

Chris: The gastroenterologist was the only consultant I had seen. He phoned me, telling me that some of the biopsy results were back. He tried to answer my questions and tried to reassure me that I was not about to die. I phoned the support nurse, who was very helpful and organised for me to be seen by the colorectal surgeon immediately after Christmas.

Stewart: Were there any particular moments during the scan or test that stood out to you emotionally or physically?

Chris: The actual physical aspect of having the scans was straightforward; however, my mind was racing away during the scan, thinking about what the scans were revealing and what the radiographers could see while performing the scans.

Stewart: Did you feel well-informed and prepared going into the procedure? Why or why not?

Chris: I knew what was involved with scan procedures. I had been told they were being performed for clarification of the tumour and size.

Stewart: How did you cope with the wait for results?

Chris: We had family gatherings planned over Christmas. We initially thought about cancelling them, but agreed that we should continue and keep the news to ourselves while waiting for the results. Rosie and I decided not to tell any family of my provisional diagnosis. It proved very hard and in fact our two sons sensed that there was an issue with Rosie and me, and we ended up telling them before Christmas Day, but the rest of the family were unaware until after New Year.

Stewart: What were your thoughts and feelings when you received your results?

Chris: I was reviewed in early January. I was very emotional. The surgeon informed us that she would operate without delay if required, but the MDT recommended that I should undergo a course of chemotherapy and then a course of radiotherapy with additional chemotherapy before having surgery, as the long-term outcomes were more successful.

Stewart: Have your experiences with testing changed over time as your treatment continued?

Chris: The routine endoscopy, which I had every year, first made my diagnosis, which was confirmed by the MRI and CT scans. I have not had any need for these scans except for radiotherapy planning. What has changed is that due to having had secondary lesions, I now have my regular full-body PET scans every 3 months, which is like having a CT scan.

Stewart: Was there anything you wish someone had told you beforehand about what to expect?

Chris: All the scans are relatively straightforward to cope with, with the exception perhaps of the MRI scan, which can be quite claustrophobic. I close my eyes and start counting very slowly.

Stewart: What advice would you give to someone about to go through similar tests or scans for the first time?

Chris: When I was initially told of my diagnosis, I suddenly felt I had lost control of my life; I felt I needed to be in control of this illness. Even the smallest of things helped me, like instead of waiting for the scan departments to contact me, I phoned them to book an appointment. Don’t be afraid to challenge the system.

Stewart: Did you find any comfort or support from certain people, routines, or environments during the testing process?

Chris: I was offered support from different agencies, social services, Maggie's, and Macmillan nurses, but in the earlier stages, I felt in denial and found it hard to accept their help. Rosie drove me on and made me see sense whenever I was in dark places. She helped me more than anybody to get through it. Having such support from a family member or close friend is crucial.

However, over time, I realised that I had to venture out, joining our local Stamford cancer support group and Fighting Fit in Bourne helped me, and talking to other people in similar circumstances to myself made me feel that I was not alone but a part of a select group of people.

What is a CT scan?

A CT (computed tomography) scan is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays taken from multiple angles and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. These images show the size, shape, and position of structures such as bones, organs, blood vessels, and tumours. In cancer diagnosis, CT scans are used to detect and locate tumours, assess their size, check if cancer has spread, and help guide procedures like biopsies. They provide clear structural detail and are often combined with PET scans to give both anatomical and functional information. The CT scanner is a large ring that moves around part of your body as you lie on a flat bed. For more information go to https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/ct-scan/