Cancer support 67. Waiting for tests, just diagnosed or needing a handhold through treatment

[purpleunicorns]

Welcome to the 67th cancer support thread, the previous one can be found here.

If you're looking for advice, have any questions or just need some support while you're waiting for test results or treatment to start then pull up a seat and make yourself comfortable. You can rant, cry or scream if you need to but we do have some laughs along the way

No questions are silly so please don't feel embarrassed about anything you want to post. The chances are at least one of us has been there at some point!

There's a whole variety of people with different cancers at different stages and nobody goes unanswered, the people on here are amazing (even if I do say so myself ) and they have been a massive support to me over the last year.

If you have a friend or family member with cancer then there's a support thread for you here with lots of practical advice to help you support your loved ones

At the beginning of each thread we give a brief summary of who we are and what we have to save us trailing back through old threads

Here's mine: Im 35 and was diagnosed last October with cervical cancer, despite chemo and radiotherapy I found out in June that it had spread and I'm now having palliative chemo to keep me stable. A scan a few weeks ago showed that there was no new growth after 4 lots of chemo. 2 more chemos to go for me so I'm hoping it stays that way

Wishing you all the best Leslie , so glad your equipment has arrived, there's nothing worse than being uncomfortable.

There's no shame in the odd bitch fit, you scream and shout girl and have one for the rest of us whilst your at it x

Lovely Leslie. You can rage against the storm - it's allowed. Hope the bed makes things easier for you all and you can get comfy. Very gentle hugs to you and your lovely mum and family. To pull a bunch of complete strangers together on the internet into a unified support group is quite something.

Husband has finally pottered in so can rescue the pasta bake out of the oven, hopefully it isn't a dried up crisp!

Yes it was very quick. The nurse visited about 12 and she had already ordered it, but for tomorrow. Then when she realised I couldn't do the stairs she phoned to reschedule. It was here by 4! I suppose they need to be quick as time is generally of the essence in these situations...

I haven't tried it out yet, but the delivery man did demonstrate the different settings.

Flying I love pasta bake. I hope it wasn't too crispy.

Pasta bake was fine. Had a smile at the delivery man demonstrating. I imag8ne a man in a brown coat and a clipboard - a bit Two Ronnies like.

Girding loins ( or lions) to go and fetch son 2 from trampolining, never an easy drive.

Sending love Leslie x

Sending lots of love to you Leslie xx

Oh purple what a bore that you’re still in.

Leslie a friend of mine has a hospital bed at home for a completely different (progressive but non-malignant) condition. It did cost a pang at the time, but with hindsight she says she wished she’d got it sooner. The way it moves makes everything so much more comfy for her - hope yours does for you. Just hope it doesn’t smell funny!

I had to go back for more bloods today, because the lab said one vial was inadequately labelled. Specialist nurse emailed later to say that the tests had been run and all is fine. That’s the routine tests (FBC, and various organ function tests). The big result (whether I have achieved full molecular response or if I need to switch drugs) comes on Monday.

Fingers crossed for you for Monday iVampire good news about the other results.

Thank you everyone.

Good morning leslie I hope you managed to get your new bed working and you’ve had a comfortable night, I’m sorry you need it but I hope it helps. I’m thinking of you lots, even though I’m not posting much. You’re an amazing support and comfort to others. I don’t do Facebook so I can’t see you but in my mind you look like Maxine Peake, based on your previous name. I really hope you have a better day.

Popping on to say good morning to you all especially Leslie and @purpleunicorns and @iVampire

I managed a day trip with friends on Thurs but knackered yesterday and only did 2hrs at work.

Today is full of the joys of eye tests and a funeral. Am also hoping for a call from the hospital as am becoming rather anxious that having been told on 14th Dec how URGENT everything was nothing has occurred since treatment wise...... I'm not complaining, I appreciate any and ALL care, I just need to get back to having a plan in place.

Then again, be careful what you wish for eh?

Happy Friday all

keepcalm, I’ve been doing this for nearly five years now and have come to the definite conclusion that sometimes you need to give the hospital a nudge, especially as we’ve had Christmas in between and things sometimes slip through the cracks. I’d give them a call, otherwise you’ll spend another weekend fretting, do you have a contact?

Diagnosis confirmed this morning- malignant vulvar melanoma. CT and MRI scans over the next couple of days. Off we go ....

Toofar sorry to hear your news x

Sorry to hear that Toofar good luck with your scans.

KeepCalm good luck with the eye test and funeral. And I hope you hear from the hospital.

mrsrhod sadly I look nothing like Maxine Peake. How are you?

My new bed is very comfortable. I phoned the GP about my cough so he has prescribed some antibiotics and also sent out their special paramedic to take a blood sample and check me over. He listened to my chest and wasn't worried. Phew. Now just waiting for my blood results.

Hugs to all

Leslie I couldn't help myself and sent you a dm. Feel free to ignore it if you're not up to it!! Xx

Hospital have pre op assessment and op dates through.

Oncologist wants to see me on Monday however

Am now stress eating jelly babies which will naturally help with my BMI

Toofar so sorry to hear your news. A plan is always a good thing though - it's reassuring to know that the best treatment available is bing planned for you.

KeepCalm ditto for you too. Things are happening. Good luck for Monday.

Leslie glad your bed was comfy.

I'm feeling surprisingly energetic today and we have taken down the Christmas tree and decs.

Hi leslie you seem to be getting excellent care it’s good to hear you didn’t alarm the paramedic too. I’m ok thanks, the swollen joints the anastrozole has given me are complaining with the cold weather but that’s nothing

kerpcalm glad you’ve got some news at last despite the new anxiety that goes with it, enjoy the jelly babies

toofar sorry to hear your fears have been confirmed, this is a great place for support though, do keep posting

Thanks @mrsrhodgilbert and @TwitterQueen1.

Honestly I'd rather she just phoned and said can I come in now or can we chat on the phone. That's the wkend f*cked 

@Toofaroutallmylife sorry to hear your news but fingers crossed they'll have a fabulous plan

ok, so maybe porridge for breakfast and hummus for lunch was just a bit too exciting for my bowels....

hope things are improving today Purple

KeepCalm I'm glad you've heard back. But it's horrid to be left hanging over the weekend.

TQ very efficient sorry about the bowels.

mrsrhod yes, I've been so lucky with the care I've received. Sorry you're still achy.

Blood results are back and I'm not neutropenic. Phew. So hopefully the antibiotics will clear up any nasties.

So I thought I'd make a suggestion. A few years back I met a wonderful group of people on here and one day we got bored and decided to set up a secret facebook group. That way we can share photos etc without fear of being outed in RL. 6 years later we are still going.

This might not be everyone's cup of tea but if anyone is interested I would be more than happy to set it up. It would involve us knowing each other's names and I would have to add you as friends to add you to the group (can delete after if you so wish).

Let me know your thoughts.

Dulche I’d be up for that!

I'm in Dulce - I will pm you. thanks

Me too :)