My doctors dismissed my symptoms – now I have stage 4 cancer

Health

By Jane Herz

April 26, 2023 | 6:15 p.m.

A British father-of-two has been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer – almost two years since he started seeing a doctor.

Richard Scott, 41, said he started observing blood in his stool and feeling extreme exhaustion, prompting him to see a doctor in March 2021.

“Over the months my symptoms persisted, I trusted the advice of my (GP) and as they didn’t seem concerned about my symptoms I was reassured,” Scott told SWNS.

He said he had been screened for inflammatory bowel disease, with tests showing elevated levels of calprotectin, which returned to normal after further examinations. Calprotectin is a potential biomarker of colorectal cancer.

He returned to the doctor in April 2022 with the same symptoms, along with aches, pains and more frequent bathroom visits.

An increased presence of calprotectins was again identified.

Scott said he was eventually referred to a gastroenterologist – and was diagnosed in August 2022 with stage 4 bowel cancer which had spread to his liver.

“The last few months since my diagnosis have been a real mix of emotions,” he admitted to SWNS.

“My treatment, especially trying to come to terms with my diagnosis and how very advanced the cancer was, was difficult – not just physically, but also emotionally and financially.”

The charity worker recently underwent six months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove a tumor from his liver.

Scott thinks he may have to have more surgeries and get a collection bag for his trash.

As he recovers, Scott’s wife, Anny, has to perform many tasks for him.

“I now depend on Anny, and she had to give up hours at work to take care of me,” Scott explained.

“I face an uncertain future, but I am determined to give my all to fight this disease and spend as much time as possible with my family.”

The couple have two daughters, aged 6 and 10.

“We used to do everything as a family – going on vacations, traveling, outdoors, but all of that is on hold because of my illness,” Scott noted.

“I tried to stay as positive as possible, not just for myself and my recovery, but for Anny and the kids.”

Scott said he also contacted a medical negligence lawyer to help investigate why it took him so long to be diagnosed with cancer.

He wants to help others know the warning signs of bowel cancer.

“It is essential that people do not think they have to live with a cancer diagnosis alone, because help and support are available,” he concluded.