Roll up, roll up and join the lacies for CANCER SUPPORT THREAD 59 - anyone with cancer is welcome (and those awaiting test results)

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Hello everyone,

This is the cancer support thread, which has been running for many years under different names. Most posters have breast cancer, but various other cancers are represented too! Whatever cancer you have, feel free to join us. We also welcome those who are awaiting test results to find out whether or not they have cancer. We know how difficult the waiting can be and we are happy to hold your hand. Hopefully you won't need to join us permanently

Feel free to ask any questions. There will usually be someone who knows the answer or will know where you can find it.

Whatever you do, stay away from Google!

You can post anything you like here. We don't mind swearing or complaining or angry ranting. We aren't brave or inspirational and you don't need to be either. Nobody signed up for this, but we support each other as best we can

The previous thread is here

@WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo thank you embarrassed to say they couldn't find any breathing problems . They thought it was a severe panic attack. Really need to pull myself today got weeks before I get answers. Need to get over myself

No need to be embarrassed VLCos I hope you have a restful day ahead so you can recuperate

Thank you

Well I had my Consultation today-He barely even looked at me, asked if I accepted the risks involved and said I could expect it to be sometime in July..so more waiting.
Sorry to hear about your panic attack VLCos it is amazing what the anxiety can do to our bodies isn't it?
Just reassure yourself all will be known soon enough.
It does really help me just reading on here knowing I am not alone(waiting for tests,having similar symptoms)
Do feel a bit like a gate crasher and my worries pale into insignificance, so thank you Leslie and Co for your patience at letting me vent whilst I wait.

@charliebear78 glad you got on OK and hope you get a date soon.
I know it's really strange anxiety it's not something I've ever had before. Feel a little silly wasting people's times .

I echo your sentiment RE the wonderful people on this thread especially @WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo you are wonderful and so supportive . This thread is my only outlet to say my worries. My OH is the kind of person who doesn't want to talk about what its until they are a reality.

Leslie I'm so sorry to hear about MAS but thank you for passing the news on. You are providing fantastic support here but I hope you are also getting plenty for yourself. I haven't posted on here for a long time because both my diagnoses (for uterine and bowel cancer) were more than 5 years ago but I thought it might of some comfort to some of the newer posters that some of the oldies from this thread are still around xxx

My MN has gone completely haywire this evening so struggling to get anything to post or threads to reload hoping this will get through quickly!

thenight how are you? It's lovely to see another oldie :)

VLCos vent away here that's exactly what the thread is for. It's difficult when those around you have different coping strategies.

charlie I'm glad you're getting the tests finally, but sorry still a while to wait! You're a gate crasher at all.

Waving to all

Leslie I'm good thanks. I don't have many hospital visits anymore. I have been discharged for the uterine cancer and recently had a clear colonoscopy so probably not many more clinics for the bowel cancer.

VLCos waiting for tests and living day to day with that anxiety is just horrible. Don't feel embarrassed - I was a complete wreck at times having previously thought that I was such a cool together kind of person! I hope the time goes quickly for you and you manage to distract yourself a bit.

@thenightisyoung hello ! Thank you so much for your kind words means a lot Glad you are doing well !

@WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo I think he just thinks let's not have drama until we have something to worry about . I suppose he is right .
How has your day been ?

Thank you for all the support. Getting more nervous as the date draws closer. But have pretty much convinced myself is definitely a cyst. Boob really hurts today, period due though, so am thinking it's getting a bit squished by the general swelling at this time of the month. Also keeps feeling like I need to let down milk and itching like mad, but I haven't breastfed in over 8 years! I hope you are all well xx

Hello lacies. I haven't been here for a while, but you are always on my mind. It's been very busy with DC!
leslie thank you for sharing with us the exceptional legacy of MAS. Sad as it is that she has left this workd, she has not left it without making her special mark on so many levels, one of which is this thread.
Tomorrow marks two years since I discovered my tumour. It seems like during this time I have lived mire than a lifetime of anxiety, pain, anger, sadness but also thoughtfulness, peace and strength.
I am seeing my doctor tomorrow gor my follow up and so, of course, am anxious all over again
chewingsounds like you had a great holiday. Hope all goes well with that scan.
Waving to amber, mrs and everybidy ekse. So sorry to see new members, but glad you came to the right place.
Have as good a day as possible.

Hello all :-) hope everyone is having a good day .
Had a good nights sleep as I was shattered. Today my breathing is still iffy and feels tight .anyone who has anxiety do you have any handy tips ?

Royal, have just read about your check up tomorrow. I'm wishing you well and hoping you get the all clear again and can get in with the summer.

I'm about 6 weeks into the anastrazole and don't seem to be having any particular symptoms although I've had a few hot flushes. Some of those are probably due to the recent hot weather plus my hair might be getting a bit thinner. I seem to be prone to that. I'm supposed to have a bone scan during the first three months but no word of that. I'll chase it up in July when I'm back from holiday.

Leslie, you are doing a fab job of keeping this going and I'd like to add my hope that you're getting plenty of support too irl.

Dd2 will be home from university on Friday at the end of year 2. I was diagnosed three years ago when she was doing her AS levels. I didn't think I would even see her finish school at the time. I'm very aware that I will never have complete peace of mind again but the horror is retreating.

thenight that's very good news

VLCos I'm generally the same, but it's not always easy so definitely vent here I was a bit worn out yesterday, just usual chemo side effects. How are you feeling now? I hope that your breathing has eased a bit. Have you tried mindfulness at all? I know it's a bit of a fad, but I've found it quite relaxing. Also don't be afraid to ask your GP for a prescription to help if you need it

lairy that sounds horrid. I hope you are more comfortable today

royal two years is fantastic, though anniversaries are nerve wracking too. Good luck with tomorrow's appointment

mrsrhod three years! It doesn't seem that long at all. Though probably does for you how is DD2 getting on at uni? I hope she has a great summer. Also good that the anastrazole is not causing too many issues. Thank you for asking I do have real life support and tbh at the moment I feel alright - life seems "normal" ish :)

I hope everyone is having a relaxing evening

@WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo Hope you have had a nice day :-)
Really strange day had breathing problems at exactly the same time as yesterday. I do realize the more you focus on it the worse it gets. I am normally a very get on with it person. I find it hard to just take it easy and find it very difficult when I am finding something difficult.
I found I get breathless doing anything a bit active and coughing a bit. I am going to see my GP tomorrow just to get a second opinion. I totally accept there is anxiety but I just want her to make sure and if it is maybe she can give me something to calm me for a couple of weeks.
My OH is very into mindfulness I might borrow one of his apps/books. I Tried to do some breathing exercises during the tightness today but i couldn't focus .

Evening all.
I've been a bit achy and tired after chemo and had some sniffles which could be hay fever I guess. Had ultrasound today which showed shrinkage in the lymph node and lump so that's good.
freddie my appointments for the next few weeks are now sorted although they did try to give me an injection at chemo which I didn't need . Good job I am on the ball!
royal good luck with the check up tomorrow. I can imagine it is very nerve wracking. I will soon reach my one year cancerversary - how time flies.
mrsrhod Hope your dd is enjoying uni. I hope to be still here when ds starts uni next year. He has a politics exam tomorrow of all days and I am tired of hearing about Corbyn et al!
Leslie hope you're not feeling too rough after chemo.
Good luck to all those awaiting results.

Sorry I am unsure of all your names but want to say ...

Good luck to all with your tests and results.

For all of you going through treatment, I am sending good wishes.

I am 1 year since my diagnosis now and am due my next scan on Friday. I am having a CT of my thorax, abdomen and pelvis with contrast, does anyone know if that will show a breast lump? I have one and saw my go who thinks it's due to weight loss I can feel my breast tissue joining to my rib however it started feeling heavy that side and is now painful, just wondering whether to see gp again or wait until my scan results are back?

Hi zebra I shall be having the same CT scan soon and it will show any breast tumours. I would probably wait until the results are back before contacting the gp. Will your oncologist go through the results with you?

@chewingawasp I haven't got an appointment yet for the oncologist but I have seen them after every scan so far so hope to see them. Thank you for your response and good luck with your scan too.

It was a cyst. A big fat cyst! Apparently there are several others in there too but nothing to worry about. Has been aspirated and I am on way home. Thank you for all your support, it has been really appreciated xxx

Fantastic news @lairyhegs I am really pleased for you.

What a relief lairy

zebra I'm sure a CT would show anything troublesome, and you could ask your oncologist about the lump too. I imagine your GP would just refer you back to your medical team anyway. Fingers crossed for something harmless :)

chewing shrinkage is excellent news I'm not feeling too rough at all thanks, just a bit tired which I think is anaemia

VLCos good luck with your GP. I hope they can provide some reassurance and I hope that your breathlessness is better today

I hope everyone is having a good day so far

Brilliant news lairy

Great news lairy..I hope many more who are awaiting tests get the best of jews.
I was told all is good today. I still have my 6 month mammogram coming up, but hearing there is nothing suspicious today was a relief!
My doctor mentioned injections to help bolster my bones against the hormonal treatment. He is recommending it for when I next see him. Anyone here had any such injections?
mrs glad to hear the anastrazole is not causing you any annoying symptoms. My onc did say it was "lighter". Hope that bobe density test is sorted for you.
I had a nasty episode ten days ago with my lymphedema arm and had to rush to A&E. It was all red and hot and I had a fever. Seems the final verdict was cellulitis and the course of antibiotics sorted it out. Apparently it is a serious matter and should never be ignored. I was scared it was DVT.
Hope you feel less tired soon leslie. Are your prevoous abdominal issues improved now after that surgery you had?
Waving to everyone ..you are all in my thoughts.

Great news royal fingers firmly crossed for your mammogram so you can fully relax. (Well, not fully, I think that's a pre-cancer luxury, but hopefully you know what I mean! ) scary about the cellulitis. I'm glad the antibiotics sorted it. And good that it was a DVT. Do they know what caused it? I hope it doesn't happen again

Yes my issues have been basically completely cured by the surgery! it really has transformed my life. I am so glad I did it. Apart from some fatigue and anaemia and my mannish haircut you'd never know I had cancer