Worried About Long Wait for Medical Tests

Hi Linda, I can completely understand why you’re feeling anxious waiting for tests and answers is incredibly difficult. It’s important to remember that right now, you haven’t been diagnosed with cancer. Your care team is being thorough by investigating symptoms and running tests to rule things out, which is a good thing, even if the process feels slow and stressful. In the meantime, it might help to keep a symptom diary by using the symptoms tracker in the app. Make note of any changes including changes in bowel movements, diet, and anything that improves or worsens your symptoms. This can be a helpful tool for your team and may even allow them to prioritize your place in line for the MRI and colonoscopy if things change. You’re not alone here and if it helps to talk through the waiting, ask questions, or just vent, this community is here for you. Glad you found us. 💛Suzanne (Community Moderator)

Thank you

Hi. Is your diarrhea loose and black? Can your doctor give you a take home kit for a colonoscopy? If the sample comes back abnormal, I wouldn't ignore it... It could be a sign of cancer... Discuss this test option with your doctor.

Thank you for responding. Diarrhea is pretty much straight up liquid. I'm having an endoscopy as well. At home testing; to my knowledge; doesn't do well for those with previous polyps. It's a miracle that I can maintain my potassium!

Sorry I never answered your question.Definitely not black stool

10 Sept for the colonoscopy isn't too bad but, depending where you live you might call around to other practices that are covered by your insurance to see if you can get one sooner. I was originally told 6 months when I had blood in my stool but found someone who got me in the same week!

Linda, my potassium was really low when I was in the hospital.... One day, they gave me 6 IV bags, one after another! Now that I'm on chemo, it's fallen a little again and my oncologist prescribed a horse pill for me! Potassium with electrolytes... I have to split the nearly 1" pill to take it daily 🥰

Sorry to hear about your potassium. When I had c-diff my potassium was the lowest Paoli ED had ever seen. This affected some cardiac chemicals and I had to be watched very closely. Good luck in your journey

Linda... Thanks.. this is my off chemo week🥰... Neuropathy and scalp sensitivity have increased. Also I was quite nauseous 1 day and also had some diarrhea on Sunday and Monday... Took some Imodium... All better. Round 3 on Monday to Wednesday next week...

Waiting for important medical tests can feel overwhelming, and those feelings are completely understandable. Many people in this community have faced similar anxiety during the waiting periods between appointments and procedures. Consider reaching out to your doctor's office to ask if there are any cancellation lists you could be added to for earlier appointments, and don't hesitate to contact them if your symptoms change while you wait.