If you have cancer causing asymmetric abdomen, how long could you live normally?

[ConstantWorrying 8]

I first noticed abdominal asymmetry around the summer of 2018, and then about a year ago, I noticed a horizontal bulge further down. Some weeks after that, I noticed that the asymmetry that was higher up had worsened from what it was in 2018.

So if this is some kind of colorectal cancer, or perhaps small bowel cancer, wouldn't I have noticed other symptoms by now? From what I read, the tumors start inside the organ, and will usually grow to the point of obstruction, rather than growing outside the wall and causing asymmetry before any symptoms of obstruction. But perhaps I'm mistaken?

[MARC 429]

In order to help put your mind to rest and end all speculation, which is very stressful, I believe an appointment to see your physician is in order. 

[ConstantWorrying 8]

2 hours ago, MARC said:

In order to help put your mind to rest and end all speculation, which is very stressful, I believe an appointment to see your physician is in order. 

That won't put my mind to rest when they confirm it's cancer. 

[MARC 429]

My GI physician told me once to stop self diagnosing and leave the diagnosing to him. 

[MARC 429]

Where did you get your medical degree from?

[Iugrad91 501]

So you’d rather not know and worry the whole time that get a diagnosis and be treated? 

[ConstantWorrying 8]

11 hours ago, Iugrad91 said:

So you’d rather not know and worry the whole time that get a diagnosis and be treated? 

It's over anyway if it's cancer. 

[MARC 429]

What school did you get your medical degree from?

[jonathan123 2368]

Hi CW.. We all have medical degrees and mostly form Dr. Google and his medical school of hair raising opinions, none of which is worth a toss because we need actual medical examinations by those who know what they are doing. You are suffering from that awful emotion, anticipation.  In CBT they call it 'catastrophising'. Everything is negative. There is no bright side to anything. I can't give you reassurance because I am not a doctor. Only they can do that. In health anxiety we are often afraid to go to the doctors 'in case'. Now common sense, logical and sensible reactions have very little meaning in anxiety. We don't 'think straight'. But we must allow those who know to decide if anything is wrong. As MARC says, leave the diagnosis to the diagnosticians. If you had what you think you have' I doubt very much you would be on here talking to us. 

[Iugrad91 501]

15 hours ago, ConstantWorrying said:

It's over anyway if it's cancer. 

Well then just forget the worrying if it’s over and live what life you have left in peace. You don’t really want to do that, though. You want to know you’re ok. Perhaps schedule a physical and discuss with your doctor. 

[MARC 429]

I have been a CPA for many years and have had my own small CPA firm for almost 19 years. People have complained to me over the years and fail to do anything to rectify the situation they are in and just keep complaining. The individual who started this post, fits in the same category and this will be my last response to the post, as all of us need to take responsibility for our own actions, including myself. 

[ConstantWorrying 8]

Nobody addressed what I actually asked, though. Common sense says that if tumors grow from the wall into the inside of the organ, rather than outside, it would cause obstruction before it would cause asymmetry on the outside. I wouldn't think it would cause asymmetry outside 2.5 years ago, and somehow I'm still able to have bowel movements. Plus, if it grows outside the wall of the organ to where it causes asymmetry, I would expect it to metastasize immediately after that.  

[Iugrad91 501]

Well I don’t think any of us are doctors, so while what you say makes sense, we are not qualified to say what it might or might not be. Chances are you don’t have bowel cancer. It may be just the way your body is, we are not symmetrical at all. It could be your lower ab muscles on that side are stronger because of your activity, how you sit (desk job?) or any number of things. Speculating isn’t going to keep you from worrying. Perhaps ask your doctor and see what they say.

[Holls 1505]

On 4/29/2021 at 4:29 PM, ConstantWorrying said:

I first noticed abdominal asymmetry around the summer of 2018, and then about a year ago, I noticed a horizontal bulge further down. Some weeks after that, I noticed that the asymmetry that was higher up had worsened from what it was in 2018.

So if this is some kind of colorectal cancer, or perhaps small bowel cancer, wouldn't I have noticed other symptoms by now? From what I read, the tumors start inside the organ, and will usually grow to the point of obstruction, rather than growing outside the wall and causing asymmetry before any symptoms of obstruction. But perhaps I'm mistaken?

Hi. I remember long ago when you first posted about this. 🥺 I'm so sorry this fear has lingered that long for you. I'm not a Dr. But I can tell you what I know from my  friend having colon cancer and also a close coworker. They both had symptoms. Dark blood clots when having a bowel movements, neither had an obstruction. 1 had chemo and surgery and the other had just surgery. Both are absolutely fine and it's been more than 7 years ago. Their symptoms were noticable and concerning. I'll add this too.. my best friend had liver cancer and she had tons of symptoms.. you wouldn't have a mass and no symptoms. I agree that sometimes when we are in a worry cycle it's best to have the Dr just squash the worry with a quick check up. That way in the future when you mind wonders to this, you can say nope, Dr said it's fine. I've had to break down and do that several times. It's always hellish to wait and go through with the appointment but the relief is what we seek and need. To me you have nothing to worry about, but that's easy for me to say. I understand that worry train and how relentless it can be. Bug hugs. !!!

[Gog13 2]

Hey man:) maybe this will ease your mind 🙂 i had alot of symptoms and i really had the same tought at one point that my abdomen was more swollen in one place than the other....and i had alot of symptoms like migrating stomach pain alot of gas constipation and stuff. I somehow convinced myself that i am 100% going to die from colon/liver/stomach or some sort of cancer ...the anxiety that was brought to the table to this point ruined my fking life...to this day i'm suffering from neuropathies induced by stress and anxiety...as for my cancer fears ...i went to the doctor and he dismissed me in 10 minutes with nothing but some liver fat witch will go away with some diet...i couldn't believe what i'm hearing. My point is dont ruin your life like i did cuz anxiety can couse much more trouble than a visit to the doc...what you find on the internet is always black or white...once you'll get to the doctor you'll see that there are alot of shades of gray in medicine is not always this or that and thats it. I wish you all the best dude...as for colon cancer my doc told me by the point you'd see your abdomen swollen you'll definetly poop blood and have lots of pain...imagine your intestine being pressed against the abdomen with no symptoms at all...it's not possible man 🙂 it could be anything 

[Holls 1505]

@Gog13 I love that rational thinking!!! I'm going to use that when I have a new worry... " There are lots of shades of gray in medicine" it's so easy after you Google to only see it one way and usually it's the absolute worse case scenario. Hugs !! I'm glad you posted, I have way less anxiety than I ever have but learning new ways to cope always always help!..

[Jennifer1 8]

On 5/2/2021 at 2:42 AM, ConstantWorrying said:

Nobody addressed what I actually asked, though. 

The wife of a friend of mine lived 1 year and 8 months, she suffered terribly in that time.