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Need a hand hold from the night shift - cancer

34 replies

Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 03:38

Got a cancer diagnosis today, need a hand hold from the night shift

OP posts:
Moknicker · 18/01/2023 03:40

Im so sorry to hear this. Thats really tough.

Tamarindtree · 18/01/2023 03:42

Hope it’s been discovered earlier enough for treatment to commence asap.

Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 03:44

I've got an op planned for next Tuesday
The speed of the op makes me worry, makes it feel worse, but I'm glad I don't have to wait long.

OP posts:

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chanay · 18/01/2023 03:56

Thinking of you xx
I'm so sorry you're going through this

Tamarindtree · 18/01/2023 03:57

Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 03:44

I've got an op planned for next Tuesday
The speed of the op makes me worry, makes it feel worse, but I'm glad I don't have to wait long.

That’s good that you are b inv seem to quickly.

Worrying causes stress which is really bad for you. Try to spend the time visualising a positive outcome and use the power of your thoughts to turn away from anxiety.

Difficult I know, but try your best.

Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 04:05

I'll try my best @Tamarindtree. I find it difficult not to worry normally.
Everything is always worse in the middle of the night.
You're right I need to keep positive thoughts.

OP posts:
Moknicker · 18/01/2023 04:05

Good luck with the operation - glad they are treating you quickly
Treatments for cancer have really made great progress in the last couple of years so lots to be optimistic about.

Flatandhappy · 18/01/2023 04:05

So sorry to hear this but it’s really good that things are moving quickly if they need to. I literally work up one day with a sore red boob, in hospital that night, two days later I had a diagnosis of Stage 3 of a rare and particularly aggressive form of BC, started chemo the following week. No idea anything was wrong. I had a year of very aggressive treatment but am still here three years later with everything looking good. I thought a positive story might help! The cancer support thread here is great.

MinnieMountain · 18/01/2023 04:06

Have you found the Cancer Support thread in Health? It was really helpful for me.

Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 04:11

Thanks everyone for the support.
Sad to hear that others have had it. The positive stories are really helping.
I'll join the support thread in health

OP posts:
Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 04:11

Thanks @NiteWotcha

OP posts:
mamakoukla · 18/01/2023 04:31

Sending you a hug xxx it’s a lot to process; be gentle with yourself as you adapt to this knowledge. Keep a notebook to write questions. See if you can have a family member or friend come to appointments or ask permission to record them. I hope the op goes well and you make a swift recovery.

EweCee · 18/01/2023 05:01

The middle of the night is the worst 😥 Try remind yourself that no matter how dark your thoughts are in the middle of the night, come the morning, things are ALWAYS a bit brighter.

Positive story here too - I was diagnosed with Stage 3c ovarian cancer at 33 (just after I'd given birth 😬) and after surgery and 6 rounds of chemo, here I am 10 years later, cancer free against ALL odds. And that was 10 years ago, I still see my oncologist (although she is saying that as of next year, no more check ups needed!! 😀) and she has told me that the treatments and outcomes have improved massively in the past 10 years, so the odds are in your favour for better treatment and effective outcome.

I found it better to know as much as possible and asked for the straight up facts from my medical team. Other people prefer not knowing detail and that's fine too. Perhaps have a think about what you'd prefer and be up front with your medical team so they can give you as much or as little info as you want/ need.

I found the whole surgery/ chemo/ scans process a treadmill. You get on it and it dominates your life and then suddenly you're stepping off at the end and wobbling around with no support suddenly. So I suggest booking something to look forward in between treatments/ at the end to give you something to focus on. I did have a mental dip AFTER I finished treatment (and was cancer free) which I found odd, so just something to be aware of.

Also, I found Maggies Centres a huge benefit both during and after treatment - the offer support to anyone who is impact by cancer, so either yourself or those close to you. I accessed all sorts of support through them from support groups, returning to work workshops, exercise classes and just sitting in their gorgeous buildings as a sanctuary at times.

Best wishes 💐

Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 07:23

Thank you to everyone who helped me get through the first night. I truly appreciate the kind words and positivity.

OP posts:
GrabbyGabby · 18/01/2023 07:27

Cancer is never a fun diagnosis, but as you are having surgery it is likely that this is curable. And getting seen so soon is also fantastic. Fingers crossed you get the best kind of diagnosis. X

Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 07:29

Thank you. I've got stage 1, grade 3.
It was all a bit of a blur yesterday at the appointment. I'm going to ring the nurse today.

OP posts:
Chocolateismyfavourite · 18/01/2023 07:31

So sorry to read about your diagnosis. Like the others said it's really good they're doing it so quickly. I had a mastectomy on 30th December - that was really quick too, two weeks after I finished chemo, wasn't expecting it to be so quick either but so glad it was.
The night is always the worst for worrying, sounds like you have a good team looking after you.

Chocolateismyfavourite · 18/01/2023 07:34

@EEweCee I agree with everything you said, it is a bit like a treadmill, also, I am one of the ones you describe that likes to know everything, all the facts, and that helps me deal with it, rather than second guessing.

Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 07:35

They seem like a good team.
I'm now getting in touch with my friends to sort the logistics of the daily school run and all the things I can't do post op. I'm truly lucky in that I've got some great friends who've already got me through 6 tough years.

OP posts:
Chocolateismyfavourite · 18/01/2023 13:19

That's great you have a good support network to help you, my friends and family have been absolute angels

Worried11111 · 18/01/2023 18:58

@Chocolateismyfavourite that's good to hear
It's tough going isn't it

OP posts:
daisydoods · 18/01/2023 19:03

Thinking of you op Flowers

GrabbyGabby · 18/01/2023 19:13

Stage 1 is the best news you could hope for at this point. That and having the op next week is really in your favour for a good outcome.
You might need some post op chemo and or radiotherapy. Dont know what type you are dealing with but with luck you could be done and dusted with active treatment by this time next year.

What a start to the year for you

SallyWD · 18/01/2023 19:13

I'm so sorry OP. I really do understand the fear. What sort of cancer is it? I only ask because I had stage 1, grade 3 kidney cancer. I've been fine for 9 years following my surgery. Obviously it depends on the type of cancer but stage 1 is generally good with a lot of hope for the future. All the best to you.

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