To be scared (on 2 week cancer pathway)

[toothfairy73]

I posted a week or so ago about me being terrified of having a transvaginal scan (I have complex PTSD).

The scan found a solid cyst on my ovary. They need to rule out cancer. I am on the 2 week pathway and have an appointment on 25th Feb. This was scary enough, although they have said it could be a dermoid cyst. Research found that women with PTSD have an increased risk of ovarian cancer (which is why I had the scan).

My GP gave me a copy of the scan report to take to Guys. It was open. I looked at it 2 days ago and discovered it also says I have an ill defined and irregular endometrium. I had no idea what this meant. I googled it and it is a sign of cancer of the womb. It's all I can think about. I cannot seem to find any other possible cause of this.

Does anyone have experience of this? Is there any other possibility?

I have no medical knowledge but I’m up and wanted to say hello, you’re not up alone!

Do you have any visualisation or relaxation techniques you can do to help over these next few days to give your body and mind some rest and calm anxiety? The smiling mind app is good for lots of different meditations.

Not putting the above to say it’ll make it go away but just to look after yourself until 25th.

Cancer of the womb runs on my mums side of the family, the handful of women who’ve had to have their womb removed have gone on to make a full recovery xx

I do not have experience of your current symptoms op but I have experience of the 2 week pathway and the horror of waiting. Please be reassured that the NHS is (waa for us in our case) a giant beast that will swing into swift action to get you sorted as quickly as possible whatever your diagnosis is. Try and step away from Google (I know, I know) and wait for the results. Take a pen and a friend who will be able to be your strength in case you need it to your appointment.

In the meantime be kind to yourself - try to eat, sleep, get out of the house. Good luck op

OP, I'm sorry you're going through this.

Did your GP mention some of the specialist organisations that offer Helplines that you can call? Eve's Appeal for example because they have specialist trained gynae nurses?

eveappeal.org.uk/supporting-you/

Target Ovarian Cancer also has a nurse-led support helpline:

www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/information-and-support/support-you/target-ovarian-cancer-support-line

I can't comment on your exact circumstances but have plenty of experience of the two week pathway.

It is scary and incredibly difficult as your brain only wants to focus on the worst what if scenarios. Please try and avoid Dr Google, hard I know but it won't help.

Try and treat yourself gently, while you will undoubtedly worry the pathway is there to ensure whatever the outcome you get prompt answers and treatment. Please contact Macmillan or one if the other specialist organisations who can help support you through this as well.

Gentle hugs

There are other causes for your symptoms, but stay away from Google.

I've been down the two week cancer route three times, none has been cancer, although according to Google I was a goner.

I found a combination of meditation and mindfulness and rejecting bringing in anything negative (news/television/conversation subjects) while I waited.

It often isn't just a two week wait because once the initial possible diagnosis has been ruled out, they start more tests.

I had a transvaginal ultrasound on Saturday. I had an ultra sound 2 years ago, followed by a biopsy of the womb. Last time, the lining of my womb was thicker (which can lead to womb cancer). My biopsy came back fine.
This time, my womb is enlarged. I looked it up and it can mean: pregnancy (obviously), cancer, hormonal changes such as onset of menopause and cysts etc.
I'm now waiting to have my ultrasound read and get the results. The sonographer said she couldn't see anything but didn't know why my womb was enlarged.
It's easy to jump to conclusions and I immediately Googled 'enlarged womb' and lots of womb cancer things came up.
I do feel for you but try to focus on the fact that you're going to get it sorted. Try not to Google things (I know it's hard!)
Feel free to inbox me - not sure you can do that on here...

Thank you everyone. I will try relaxation/meditation and I've emailed one of the organisations suggested. I keep waking at 3am and that when I worry; and whenever my stomach hurts

@ArranUpsideDown thank you so much for recommending the Eve Appeal. I spoke to someone from there yesterday and I feel so much calmer. She has explained what the different terminology means on the report and what the next steps are. I'm so much calmer about tomorrow

I'm pleased it was helpful to you. You'll be in my thoughts for tomorrow.

Thank you @ArranUpsideDown x

All the best for tomorrow.

Thank you @Cottagepieandpeas. I went today and they have referred me for an MRI which is booked in for next Thursday (5th)