I have pencil stools that are getting narrower

@dulu, I just had a colonoscopy a couple of months ago, I’m 74 years old and I have had this test done every 3 to 5 years, sometimes I had polyps and other times none. I mentioned this because I also had pencil thin stools many times but thankfully no cancer, I know that it’s a symptom but not a definitive one, not sure why this happens but definitely not always due to cancer. It’s normal to worry about it but you’re getting checked out soon and that’s the best thing to do, also, the colon is very treatable and the scope can remove everything right away. I read that it can take a polyp up to ten years to become cancer so this is why routine check ups are very important, I hope that helps you feel better and good luck with the results.

Dulu,

I'm sorry you are feeling fear of the unknown. Fear is much easier to deal with when you know what you are dealing with. I wish that fear wouldn't keep so many people from investigating what they are scared of.
If you become aware of changes in your body that cause concern, contact your doctor right away and explain your concerns. Your PCP believes your concerns are valid and sent you to a gastronoligist.
I would contact your PCP and ask to have their office call and have your Colonoscopy moved up over concerns of a blockage. Two months is too long wait.
Also ask your PCP to write a script for blood work right away. Ask for basic blood panels like a comprehensive metabolic and a CBC as well as CEA & CA 19-9. The last two are important as they are cancer markers for Colorectal Cancer. They are not sure signs, but can relieve some worry, if they come back normal, until you get your colonoscopy.
I'm not a professional, but have gone through a full bowel blockage with emergency surgery, that I had clear signs there was a something wrong months before I was forced to address it.
I could have started treatments much earlier and avoided a host of issues over the last 4 years.
Like all cancer concerns, early detection is the best way to attack it and the improvements in treatments are near miraculous now.
Do not beat yourself up over not acting sooner, you have acted now and are on the way to any recovery required. At a minimum you can ease your fears and know you have started on your path of celebrating many more upcoming Birthdays.
Happy 73rd birthday and the many more God intends to give you !!

Can you get an earlier colonoscopy ? I had noticed smaller diameter stools also. They found a tumor, looked like a polyp on steroids. It was cancerous. Had section of colon removed. They tested 22 lymph nodes and they came back clear. Oncology doctor said I didn't need chemo or radiation, but will monitor my blood work every three months and colonoscopy will happen every year. I did not have to have a temporary ostomy bag. I was dreading that. But I will have to accept reality of the outcome no matter what. I am now ( 2 months later ) testing for prostate cancer. I read what I can but get information overload. I am challenging the urologist and not winning any browie points doing so.
Please if you can, insist on a colonoscopy sooner. Time can make a difference. My tumor was growing quickly. Not to scare you just to make you aware. Do not put this off please. Keep writing.

@lockmith tight on about colonoscopy ! Just do it, not fun, but can spare you suffering and even save your life. Regarding pencil-thin stools—while there may be multiple causes, in my case, reporting it pronto to my team got me tested right away and my surgery date moved up- prompt action caught a blockage before it went really bad and ruptured.

UPDATE FROM MY COLONISCOPY ON 2/ 04
Hello everyone,
Happy to say no problems found. As, per doctor, pencil stools can be due to aging, lack of adequate water and fiber in my diet. Also, I have a small internal hemorrhoid. He recommends 1 tblsp of metamucil daily.
Thank you all for your concerns and responses.
Good Health, strength and happiness to all.
.

Can you get an earlier colonoscopy ? I had noticed smaller diameter stools also. They found a tumor, looked like a polyp on steroids. It was cancerous. Had section of colon removed. They tested 22 lymph nodes and they came back clear. Oncology doctor said I didn't need chemo or radiation, but will monitor my blood work every three months and colonoscopy will happen every year. I did not have to have a temporary ostomy bag. I was dreading that. But I will have to accept reality of the outcome no matter what. I am now ( 2 months later ) testing for prostate cancer. I read what I can but get information overload. I am challenging the urologist and not winning any browie points doing so.
Please if you can, insist on a colonoscopy sooner. Time can make a difference. My tumor was growing quickly. Not to scare you just to make you aware. Do not put this off please. Keep writing.