Secondary Cancer confirmed I dont know what to

[EachandEveryone]

Im numb. I went to the haemotolgist with a lump in my groin 5cm. He really thought it was lymphoma and was direct that it would be cancer. The biopsy was sent off a week ago. And hes just rang its mestatic. Its like a dream. I feel fine. Thats it for me isnt it? Im only 55 where could it be from?

I had a lump in my neck in 2009 - consultant 99% certain it was a cyst. It wasn't - it was secondary cancer in the lymph nodes. I was just 40 with a 9 and 3 year old. After much exploration the primary was located at the base of my tongue. Chemoradiotherapy followed CT and PET scans. 13 years later I'm still here. I hope this provides a tiny bit of positivity OP.

Sending you my thoughts today OP and wish you the best for your scan 🌹

Thinking of you! ❤️

I'm so sorry OP!

My sibling was diagnosed with secondary cancer in their early 30's. Chemo doesn't necessarily mean debilitating IV chemo, my sibling has a pill form, their hair hasn't fallen out and they still work full-time whilst being a parent to young children too.

When they first got their diagnosis my world fell apart. Now in my life there's the "before their diagnosis" period and life "since their diagnosis" period. At the time I just thought of their diagnosis as a death sentence. But you truly do have to treat each day as it comes.

My sibling has had good consultations following regular scans and also had some slightly not good news at some consultations. You might have peaks and troughs.

As others have said this really isn't a death sentence nowadays. Advances in medicine is changing all the time and I am so so grateful to still have my sibling.

I haven't read the whole post as some stuff is still triggering for me so I have to be ignorant to protect myself so I'm not sure who if anybody you have told. But do confide in somebody, for mental support. There are great charities out there as well as websites that specialise in products that can comfort and help you during treatment (particularly chemo).

My sibling is living their life to the absolute best they can - even more than they did before the diagnosis. As cruel as it sounds It can sometimes be a blessing. You really do have to find the small blessings with this horrible and cruel disease.

I hope none of my post is upsetting to you. Sometimes people wish well but will use terminology that can actually evoke upset, which happened to me in the past. I truly wish you the best xxx

Blooming heck at least 2-3 weeks for the results

Results are taking an age at the moment OP.

UCLH have an excellent track record with cancer - and - knowing people with cancer up north right now would be my first choice.

im sorry for your diagnosis.

London hospitals are the best funded in the country and for a younger population. I would stay where you are for now.

I'm sorry you are going through this. Unfortunately culturing cells cant be rushed but the waiting is very hard. I'm sorry you are going through this.

I know I was told the 3 weeks was necessary for the lab to do it's work - tough waiting though.

Good luck today

Oh good that's a long wait. You poor thing

Sorry to hear you’re going through this. Just here to offer hope of a good outcome after a similar experience.

I was in the same position earlier this year with having secondary cancer diagnosed from a lump in my groin. Scans and a further biopsy confirmed the primary cancer which I’ve now had treatment for.

My first check up has shown it’s working as intended so staying positive and looking to the future.

Hey OP

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this, it's beyond shit!

There's a long running MN thread for ladies diagnosed with cancer and I think you'll find them very supportive, you should pop over and introduce yourself:

Cancer Support Thread 84 - gently crunching our way into autumn http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/4640409-cancer-support-thread-84-gently-crunching-our-way-into-autumn

for you.

What bloody awful news, so sorry.

It does not mean the end op.i no someone with secondary. who is living past every stage.and is loving her life,and loving living it better than she ever did before! She had depression and anxietys.she had body hang ups.and this has literally made her mind go fuck it and she is living for every moment.embracing herself,embracing every second she has. She's like a beam of shining light.my bouncy little bean she is.
She's had help from charities and been all over on adventures to tick off her bucket list!
She's 32.no age at all.but is fighting like a loon for life.and trying every treatment they can throw at her and goes on every trial list.
Fanily is key.or support.
Tell anyone and everyone and get your warriors around you.get your team.feel loved and held.
and don't be afraid to burden us with anything too!

Sorry to hear this OP, having been in similar waiting situation before I can offer that phoning MacMillan was the thing that I found most incredibly helpful looking back.

So sorry to hear your news, the wait for results will feel like such a long time, I hope you can get some support, McMillan were great with my MIL.

My thoughts are with you

So sorry. What a horrible shock that must be.

But my great-auntie was diagnosed with secondary throat cancer in her mid-60s. She's 97 now and still going strong.

It's a horrible wait. Wishing you all the best and a full recovery.

Sorry to hear your news. I’d go home up north, I’m also a norther living in the south and that’s what I’d do. Please don’t give up, I have a friend with stage 4 cancer who is still fighting on, a lot of options these days

So sorry 😞 x

There's a Macmillan centre with info services at UCLH. Can you drop by there? I found them a bit useless in early stages of diagnosis, but worth a go.

The waiting and not knowing is the worst

What a horrible time for you, I'm so sorry. Did the radiographers doing your scan tell you it is 2-3 weeks for results? In my experience they always say that, even when it's actually going to be a lot longer (eg routine scan no worries) or a lot quicker (eg part of treatment planning). In your case I would honestly expect the scan report to be fast tracked sooner back to your consultant.

They also will be getting more information as to the specific cell type from your biopsy. These days the results all go to an MDT (multi-discplinary team) meeting where the imaging/biopsies etc are all discussed and a plan made. As soon as they know where the primary is you'll probably be assigned a Cancer Specialist Nurse who specialises in that area who are usually a huge support and really helpful point of contact / someone to ask questions. In the meantime as others have said the McMillan helpline might be helpful for you.

I hope you have some answers soon and once you know what the plan is it will feel a little more faceable. (I'd also stay in London for the time being, if you move up north you'll probably have to be re-referred into the system by your new GP and that is going to add weeks at least to getting treatment started. Once things are underway a planned transfer of care might be much easier).

💐Sorry you are going through this.
The new immunotherapy and other drugs are amazing; I hope they can get you on a treatment plan ASAP. You may have more options than you think. I will be sending good thoughts your way.