On a scale of it will be fine to totally fucked how bad it this?

[fortifiedwithtea]

I am 55 years old. I have been complaining of pain for years. But 18 months ago the pain suddenly got worse as in more widespread. I felt ill. The doctor did some blood tests. Nothing came of it.

I continued as I was until Davina McCall did that programme on the menopause. That’s me I thought. Had another phone gp call. But the go said he wanted to rule out arthritis before recommending HRT.

I delayed the blood test until I could get a blood test done with my daughter. We both have disability so kill 2 birds with one stone.

Daughter’s gp rang her last Monday, And advised her course of treatment. As thursday I rang for my results confident nothing heard meant negative. Well Who ever I spoke to told me apart from low Vit D and pain markers up no problem. Great I thought have my holiday and arrange for HRT appoints when I get back.

However , today is our first full day of our holiday and I got a call from a gp at our surgery.

Things are definitely not fine. Blood test shows a protein which indicates bone cancer. I may have to fly back early. Its really urgent. Doctor thinks I will need a bone marrow biopsy and bone scans.

Oh fuck!

Oh, I have no words but didn't want to read and run.

Sending positive thoughts your way.

deep breath. It's bloody scary but you've got this. Keep talking

Ohh op you poor love, sending all my love and best wishes 💐

Oh bloody hell fire. Just massive hugs to you and fingers crossed that it’s just actually something and nothing. Xxxx

Honestly, I don't know, but why did the person you spoke to on Thursday say everything was okay apart from low vitamin d? Are you definitely sure the call from the GP was meant for you? I am always wary after I once got a call from our surgery about a medical procedure and they had contacted me in error. Sounds incredibly stressful for you

That's so worrying. I hope you have someone to travel with you and keep you company.

Oh OP, sending huge unmumsnetty hugs

Don't panic, I know easy to say. You don't have enough information, yet. Take a deep breath and decide what you need to do next.

My mum was 55 when she was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. She was successfully treated for over 20 years and you’re starting in a better place than her given time and science has moved on so much in that time.

There are so many options for treatment.
If that’s what it turns out to be.

Demand lots of pain relief for the marrow biopsy. And good luck x

Have you insurance to get you home ? How long are you on holiday for ?

You don't know how bad til you face the tests. They may have got it wrong, they may be right. Now's the time to go home, do what you need - and then deal with the outcome when you know for sure.

How long are you away vs how long to wait for an appointment? You could stay if it's a few days away. Or, if it will make everyone miserable, go home. Have a holiday when you know.

How awful for you.
Also no advice but sending good wishes

The blood test I think you are referring to takes longer to come back than the others, which might explain the mixed message from your surgery. It probably wasn't back when you spoke to the receptionist. Sending you lots of . Lots of treatments are available these days for bone marrow problems x

I’m sorry for your unsettling news. It’s fucking terrifying, but science has come a long way and it won’t do you much good to think the worst.
Will be thinking of you, do keep us posted.

My mum has a blood disorder that presents as cancer. Although she hasn’t technically got cancer she sees an oncologist as it could progress to cancer (multiple myeloma). Her condition is called MGUS. it could be something similar to that OP. It’s something to do with the pars proteins or something.

tea

I’ve seen you here and there on here over the years. (Back in the days when it was a bit green fields and the locked gate to the gobby bugger field kept me in check)

I’ve nothing useful to say but I’m keeping everything crossed for you.

I sincerely hope that your ‘oh fuck’ changes to a ‘thank fuck (it isn’t what you fear)

Sending positive thoughts and best wishes. 🌻

@LivingInABuildingSite that is very comforting, thank you.

@notapizzaeater yes we have insurance. We are only booked for a week and its only Jersey. Doctor told me there is a 2 week protocol to get me seen . So I guess we can holiday whilst arrangements are put in place.

Tbh it all got a bit of a blurt. My husband and daughter were with me. Handed phone to DH and he put the doc on loud speaker and recorded into his phone.

Someone asked was the phone call defo for me. Yes I’m afraid it was. This gp referred by name to the doctor who had requested this round of bloods.

Can I ask where the pain has been?

Oh, I’m so sorry, OP. Well done you for pushing for more tests.

Ahh @fortifiedwithtea I’m so sorry you’ve had this crappy news - especially whilst on holiday!
Take a moment, catch your breath and then decide whether to come back early. Will you be able to enjoy your holiday? It may be better to say to hell with it, get home early and get started! On the other hand you could say no, we’re going to take advantage of this break and we’ll deal with this head on when we get back!
Only you and your family can decide and there is no right or wrong - it’s whatever works for you!
I’ve been where you are albeit a different cancer and you are most likely all over the place at the moment, but let your hubby and daughter hold you, decide with you and hug each other tight x
Sending you lots of wishes xx

You must be reeling 💐

I'm the worst for going a thousand miles a minute!

But sometimes it's best to just take things one step at a time.

Sometimes they're right, but sometimes they're wrong. My GP thought I had a cancerous growth, fast tracked me and thankfully it was something entirely different (can't remember the name now but basically blood vessels misbehaving).

It's SO difficult not to worry, but try not to until you know what you're dealing with.

If it was me I'd see when the first available appointment for the next step is snd be home in time got that

Let's hope they're wrong & it's something easily treatable xx

What a scary call. I really hope things are okay for you OP

Oh my gosh i’m so sorry! I really hope that you get the treatment you need and all is okay.

Gosh I'm so sorry op. Sending you so much love x