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

@Dulcedelecherocks chuck me a DM and I'm there.

@Toofaroutallmylife glad things are moving quickly for you 

@Mrstraveller just for you. Please note they were arguing moments before and now they're all cosied up?!?

My puppy is staying on in France for two weeks with my parents. I last saw him 2 hours ago and I’m already distraught honestly I need to get a life!

Huffy obviously am not your husband (would be a bit outing that!) but FWIW that reaction sounds exactly like my someone-has-called-me-out-on-something-I-already-felt-guilty-about reaction...

Ah so cute

Loving the doggy pics ladies!
In relation to a FB group and the thread here, I know I would use both. I definitely spend too much time on social media! No doggy photos here, two felines but I would love a canine! Where I live there are dogs everywhere, and I mean everywhere! Pubs, shops, work places!

Namechange yep you hit the nail on the head to being called out! We are both quite proud and stubborn. We had a cuddle, said sorry and all is ok

Except my FACE! The steroids have made my face blow up like a chipmunk 🐿

Chemo really is the gift that keeps on giving

I want a puppy too. Would it be complete insanity to get one? I am off work for 6 months... DH works from home mostly

Huffy I got one in the middle of treatment! It was insanity for sure but the cuddles, walks, routine and general focus on non-cancer stuff has been worth every second of puppy stress. I luffs him!

@LondonHuffyPuffy I was wondering the same about a puppy! What I forgot (had a dog as a child), is that they need to be with you a lot! You can't really leave them for more than a couple of hours. Believe me, I've done the research and my lovely main client (self employed) has said I could bring my dog into the office when I go back! Me and the kids would love a dog, but I also don't want to lose the being able to go anywhere when I want (when I can again (hopefully))!
@Namechangeforthiscancershit Your not helping! I may have to do more research about a canine! My DD keeps looking at Dogs Trust!
@purpleunicorns yeah to being home, bet it feels lovely to be in your own bed.
@Toofaroutallmylife horrid time for you at the moment. It does get easier. I have a ridiculously dark sense of humour and it seems to have got worse! By the way I haven't seen mamma Mia 2 yet, but it's on the list!
Totally changing the subject lacies but does anyone bullet journal? My brain was goosed before the chemo but it's even more so now and it seems like an interesting concept! I've bought a pad so I need to put it into practice tomorrow (ps I love a list!)

I’m also in for Facebook group!

Ahh - my face has also blown up with steroids. I feel I’m retaining water - I’m drinking lots of water but not peeing out that much. I’ve also gained a couple of pounds despite eating better . Oh well “only” 10 more weeks to go!

I’ve never had a pet but DH got me a kitten for Xmas which we’ll get next week - can’t wait (and neither can my children!)

What’s bullet journal ranout - my brain is also goosed so I make lots of lists!

@Simmi1 your kitten sounds fab. What type, colour? Mine are both rescue cats so Heinz!
I can't really describe bullet journals I think it's basically having your diary and all your to do lists all in one place! I'll have a go over the weekend, I've also got my DDs birthday party and then family for the birthday to sort so I'm hoping I can get really organised!

Simm. Strange you should say that. I’ve also noticed I don’t seem to pee as much as I used to. Weird. I think I did look into bullet journaling and I think it must be for people who are more creative than me! I thought it was really just list making but in different categories. Probably Ive missed the point!

Ranout. I feel like you about a dog. Part of me would love to have one but I know my husband will want to go back to the life we had before should I get through this. And that was a life with lots of travel and few constraints.

Toofar. Sorry to hear your news but sounds like treatment will be underway very quickly which is good.

I’ve been wondering about bullet journaling so please keep me updated

toofar sorry to read about your diagnosis. It seems things are moving quickly though! That's good.

Leslie I've been thinking about you lots, I hope your new bed is comfy and not having to go upstairs is a help.

Keepcalm Hope you manage to keep your mind off Monday for at least a while this weekend! Maybe you'll get a new plan of action on Monday so that's one positive, right? Keeping everything crossed for you.

Purple Yay for getting home!!

Dulce I'd be up for a FB group. I'm in a secret one already from when I had my youngest 4 years ago. We are all besties, and we continued posting on our MN thread too. (I was always getting people mixed up with their MN names and real names tho!) Do I need to PM you with my real name?

I have a chemo break this week because my PET scan was delayed, and also my doc thinks I've got "something brewing" - I keep getting low grade fevers. It's probably just a cold. Results from interim PET are next Wednesday. Am just trying to keep it out of my head until then! (Not very successfully)

I've attached a pic of my puppy because just because!

Oh, bullet journals! I've kept a bullet journal for 3 years. I couldn't be arsed with faffing about colouring shit in or doodling little pictures or keeping track of how many glasses of water I drank per day in mine though! Mine was purely functional and not very Pinterest worthy. I found it so crucial to running my life in general though - kept all my self employed business stuff, kids appointments, uni stuff, bills, house stuff, everything organised in one little book.

Is anyone on here? This is my first post. A shadow was found in my kidney last week, yesterday confirmed a tumour so tests to come over the coming weeks to find out what it is. I haven’t slept or eaten in a couple of days, I feel so tired emotional and sick... I’m an otherwise healthy 35yo mummy of two darling little girls 2 and 5. Am currently sitting on the sofa bawling my eyes out. Just need a hand hold if anyone is about x

Oh Widget, I don't post much here, but I wanted to say hello. You are in a difficult stage right now Tests and not knowing much for sure, it is draining and terrifying

Hi widget, I’m up too. So sorry you’re going through this - not knowing one way or another is a horrible thing.

Do try to keep your strength up though. I’m wide awake at the moment so I’ve come downstairs for a hot drink and am then going to try to get more sleep - my kids are 11 and 14 which makes things both easier and harder, if you see what I mean.

Hope you get some rest xx

@LondonHuffyPuffy not insane at all, just don't get two LOL

@Simmi1 lovely to see you, kitten sounds ace. Have you got a name?

@BitOfFun hope you're maybe reading and lurking and doing okay 

@Widget123 Morning! Sorry to find you here but welcome. You'll find a lot of people 'up' here and ready to hand hold. Just breath. If you need to cry then that works too but breath and be kind to yourself. Nothing off limits here and there's always someone about

@Tahitiitsamagicalplace thank you Natirally my mind is working overtime I'm supposed to be looking for a new car as my van is getting collected on Monday but I sat here last night thinking 'what's the f*cking point' AND I had that glorious moment at 6am when I woke up and everything was fine before remembering a few seconds later that I have bloody cancer

Anyway. DH away to work. Pups up and mental. I have to take DD1 to work for 10am and then try to find the house under all the shit. We have our last lot of visitors tomorrow and tbh I can't be arsed. They've been abroad since before Christmas and whilst I'll try to be gracious about their wonderful time I'll also probably loose half my teeth grinding them

Morning all, ranout looks like the kitten will be a bengal with tiger stripes. I would have loved to adopt from a shelter but DH has already ordered through a breeder. All good though. My girls are very excitedly suggesting names - most really silly but I like Coco.

Oh so sorry Widget - waiting is such a horrible time. My girls are same age as your children - it’s soo hard.

Hope you’re ok leslie - thinking of you lots too. Good luck for Monday keepcalm. I meet my breast surgeon on Monday to talk about my mastectomy and lymph node removal.

Hope everyone has a lovely Saturday xxx

That's a great name @Simmi1
Good luck for your appointment. I'm all booked in for next wk pre op and operation the week after. Operation naturally on the day of DD1's first exam bless her. We're trying to keep it quiet so as not to worry her.

Morning Widget, firstly hugs, secondly your never alone on here. I have found there's always someone with a word of advice etc. That tips up sooner or later.

Be gentle with yourself x

Good morning

I barely coughed during the night. But it has returned with a vengeance this morning at least I got a good sleep though.

KeepCalm bloody typical eh. But I suppose even it wasn't the op that day she would still be worrying about you. Has the school applied for special consideration for her? Good luck with the visitors. I also woke up this morning thinking everything was fine and all the things I might do today. Then I remembered that it is a massive challenge to even walk to the loo

Simmi yay for the kitten! :)

Widget welcome, but sorry you need to be here fingers crossed for your other tests.

Tahiti good luck with your PET scan and I hope whatever is causing the temperatures clears up quickly. Thank you. Not having to go upstairs is such a relief.

London as you'll see on Facebook, I am also suffering from a major case of steroid face, after a month's course. It is improving a bit, but at its worst it actually hurt to smile as my cheeks were so tight it should wear off quite quickly after you finish the steroids, but it's just yet another indignity!

Waving to royal. I hope that you had a lovely Christmas I hope with time it'll gradually fade further and further towards the back of your mind.

purple I hope you had a comfortable night in your own bed good luck today

I hope everyone has a good Saturday.

Purple I hope you had a good sleep in your very own bed. Your hospital stay must have seemed never-ending. Enjoy being at home.
Widget sorry you find yourself here. Do keep posting - you can scream, cry, rant and rave on this thread. As well as have a laugh.
Leslie I hope the coughing eases - it must be so exhausting.

Waving to everyone else.