The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

Delicate subject

About a month ago I had a black tarry stool for about 3 days, it went ago, so no worries.  Yesterday and today after a bm I have bright red blood.  Btw, I am in remission with stage 4 NHL.  Any help appreciated.

Comments

  • Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3
    Max Former Hodgkins Stage 3 CSN Member Posts: 3,831 Member
    Generally....

    A black tarry stool can indicate bleeding far up the colon. Bright red is usually hemorrhoidal, or near the end of the trac (rectal area).  I know this mostly from colonoscopy literature that I have received in the past.  Something in the diet can also cause this, but usually not for three days.

    I would get it checked.

    A family doctor can usually do a hemoccult test in his office, and they are inexpensive.  A colonoscopy is more expensive, but is a major lifesaver .  Begin with a family doc.  Way less expensive than the oncologist.  The GI trac is not a popular place for lymphoma to migrate to, but it is possible.

    max 

    .

  • allmost60
    allmost60 CSN Member Posts: 3,178 Member
    Colonoscopy....

    Hi Carol,

     First thing that came to my mind was...are you taking any kind of new medicine? About 10 years ago my doctor put me on celebrex and after only two doses I had blood in my stool. He sent me for a colonoscopy which came back fine, and then had me stop the celebrex. Once I quit taking the celebrex I didn't have anymore bloody stools. Please call your doctor and get this checked out. Let us know what you find out.

    Best wishes...Sue

  • carolp99
    carolp99 CSN Member Posts: 70

    Generally....

    A black tarry stool can indicate bleeding far up the colon. Bright red is usually hemorrhoidal, or near the end of the trac (rectal area).  I know this mostly from colonoscopy literature that I have received in the past.  Something in the diet can also cause this, but usually not for three days.

    I would get it checked.

    A family doctor can usually do a hemoccult test in his office, and they are inexpensive.  A colonoscopy is more expensive, but is a major lifesaver .  Begin with a family doc.  Way less expensive than the oncologist.  The GI trac is not a popular place for lymphoma to migrate to, but it is possible.

    max 

    .

    Max

    Thanks Max, as fast as it came up it stopped.  I find that any little thing that comes up I get so anxious.  Hope that lessens in time. Thans again for the response.

  • carolp99
    carolp99 CSN Member Posts: 70
    allmost60 said:

    Colonoscopy....

    Hi Carol,

     First thing that came to my mind was...are you taking any kind of new medicine? About 10 years ago my doctor put me on celebrex and after only two doses I had blood in my stool. He sent me for a colonoscopy which came back fine, and then had me stop the celebrex. Once I quit taking the celebrex I didn't have anymore bloody stools. Please call your doctor and get this checked out. Let us know what you find out.

    Best wishes...Sue

    Sue

    Things are fine now.  Like i told Max I hope that I don't get so anxious with every little thing that happens.  Thanks so much for the response.