New year, new thread - cancer support thread 68 - join us if you have cancer, or are waiting for cancer-related tests

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the new thread. Our previous one is here.

Anyone with any cancer is welcome, or anyone waiting for tests because they might have cancer. If you're new, just jump in wherever. Don't feel you need to catch up with previous posts. We talk a lot! Ask any questions you need to. Someone will hopefully have an answer. And feel free to post photos of cute pets too.

Whether you're new or not, it's helpful to post a little introduction on the new thread to save people trying to remember everyone's different diagnosis and treatment.

Thanks everyone, I've got 3 weeks breathing space if nothing else

Ooh are you getting one of those air mattresses Leslie? I had one in hospital once and it was so comfy. Just a shame you've spent all that money on buying your own mattress. Do they keep the bed in your living room? Is it definitely the chocolate that makes you cough? Could you try making them with a different milk to see if it helps?

I'm so pleased for you TQ! Although it's rubbish about hanging around at hospital for so long, there's nothing worse than just wanting to get home. And you ARE intelligent, you just have a lot going on at the minute and somethings gotta give even if it is just needing a bit of advice about what to take and when. Chemo brain is a real thing so go easy on yourself!

I didn't realise you were having chemo everyday Tahiti. That's rough, do you have much longer to go?

Hi all,

Im slightly freaking out, I recently had a breast MRI as part of a high risk screening program. The breast part came back normal but the dr secretary said there was something on my liver they wanted to check out and booked an US.

Has anyone had this?? Did results come back normal? Why would I have an Ultrasound after an MRI? They got back to me the next day after the MRI so I'm thinking the worst! I have two small daughters and the worry is consuming me

sarstz many, many people have unexplained lumps and bumps on their liver. They are actually very common. I have at least one too. Generally they are completely harmless and no-one does anything about them. I have cancer but no-one is the least bit interested in my liver bumps!
The US is to determine whether any further investigations are required - even if they are it still won't mean you have something nasty, it's just 'unknown'. So try not to stress too much!

Twitterqueen1 Thank you!!! I suppose I just needed some reassurance, I was just confused at why the mri wouldn't be enough and how fast they got back to me.. Now I'm feeling guilty that all you wonderful ladies have been diagnosed with cancer and appear to be SO strong! And here I am with my silly questions... I thank you again, sometimes google is your worst enemy

sarstz the waiting and worrying is so hard. It's tough to stay away from Google, I know! Fingers crossed it's nothing to worry about. It's good they're checking it out though!

Purple I'm here for two weeks. I get chemo for a few days, then a few days break, then chemo for a few days again. Then hopefully after the two weeks I can go home if I'm well enough, but then I'm back to do it all again!

Sarstz did they say how long it would be until your US? As TQ says liver lumps and bumps are really common but I know that doesn't make you feel any better right now. Honestly the waiting and not knowing is the worst

Tahiti if you can get up and walk around as much as you can otherwise you'll end up so weak when you get home like I have. I look like Bambi hobbling about

I've just had my best friend round discussing my funeral plans, I'm going for a humanist funeral and the songs and everything else are pretty much all sorted just incase. I'm hoping it won't be for a while yet but I feel better knowing it's all written down and other people don't need to worry about it

purple I'm glad that you feel better for sorting your funeral but I know it can also be difficult and emotional

sarstz Last year I was informed that I had a 'fast growing tumour' on my liver. I won't bore you with all the details but it hadn't shown up on a CT scan I had previously had, but was spotted on an ultrasound of my kidneys. I was fast tracked for further tests and ultimately a biopsy. The liver biopsy showed that the lesion was NON cancerous. It is a Focal Nodular Hyperplasia = nothing to worry about.
As others have said, not every lump/bump has a bad outcome. The waiting is terrible. but fingers crossed it turns out to be nothing sinister

Wombat Thank you for sharing! It is the waiting thats the hard part! I have a new appreciate for all of you, I have never encountered a stronger group of women
Purple My US is Thursday, thank you for offering your support, I'm so sorry you have to go through this, your strength is encouraging

@purpleunicorns well done you. It's something that prays on my mind too so I imagine I need to start writing some stuff down. I'm known to be a bit of a control freak

Am sorry am not managing to keep up with you all. Am still rather sconed in painkillers....

I had to go back to hospital today for a Check up which went Fine. Just checking up on my wound. Got a row re not taking painkillers properly and to go back in next week.

She was very nice especially when I burst into tears on her 😳

There had been a miscommunication regards my coming in so nobody knew I was there and we had to wait a wee while which she was furious about. I just wanted in and home again. And am now throwing painkillers down my throat like smarties.

They’ll have the results on Friday and I’ll be told by the oncologist on Monday what’s happening then.

I cried all the way home. It’s never bloody ending. I forgot there was to be a meeting on Fri and we’ll be told what’s going on when we go in on Monday.

If anyone wishes to join my wallowing self pity party feel free...... OR give me a kick up the arse

sarsatz I’m learning that different scans are good for different things (I think I assumed that MRI showed everything, but apparently it’s got strengths and weaknesses). The waiting is horrible- distract yourself as much as possible and be kind to yourself

keepcalm - I’m sorry you had such a rubbish day. Sometimes tears are the only answer, so wallow away. I hope you get a decent night’s sleep and feel better in the morning

My good news is that the polyp in my bowel wasn’t the melanoma spreading- but it was pre-cancerous so I’m going to need more investigating at some point. At least it will be under sedation next time.

That means I’m moving on to an operation to remove the melanoma on Saturday. I know I’m really lucky it’s moving that quickly. I’m slightly freaked by the description of the op as a “radical vulvectomy”- I’ve never been radical in my life. It looks like I’m going to need a skin graft too. I am very grateful for the packing lists up the thread, and have decided that a new nightie and slippers are essential!

ranout best of luck for tomorrow

Toofar great that it wasn't the melanoma. Good luck with your packing/shopping for Saturday :) is it a day op or will you be staying in hospital afterwards?

Big hug for KeepCalm the GA itself and the painkillers can add to tearfulness too.

sarstz good luck with your ultrasound

Tahiti I hope the swelling goes down soon. That sounds miserable! Can they not give you diuretics or anything?

purple well done for getting organised that must've been tough.

My new mattress is very fancy. It's still an air mattress, but the inflating/deflating is much gentler. And most importantly, I'm not sinking into it and getting poked by the bed frame!

I've officially stopped chemo and cancelled my oncologist appointment tomorrow. So I'm having palliative care only now.

purple chocolate and milk both make me cough. I don't mind too much about the chocolate, but a glass of cold whole milk is my favourite treat ever! I have had some oat milk in the cupboard for ages, but I haven't built up the courage to try it yet

Leslie that must be a very surreal feeling cancelling the oncologist. Has he been in touch with you about it?

FWIW I actually like oat milk! And almond milk if that’s any good.

Sartz I didn’t know this before but livers are actually very lumpy things apparently. I do/did have cancer in mine, but also have blobs that come up on scans but are nothing at all to do with it. Your questions aren’t stupid. We are here to get you through this crappy time.

Hi,

Good luck for 2mo ranout will be thinking of you.

TQ what a pain to be hanging around all day, I am similar & chemo brain is real, try to be kind to yourself although I agree, it is frustrating...

purple that must make you feel a bit better to have your plan decided (& with your bestie too) horrible to have to be deciding all of this, but practical. I thought my day had been fairly rubbish, but I think it was certainly easier than yours

Leslie that must be such a tough decision to actually say that is enough. How frequently will you see the palliative care team? I just want to give you a big hug (& you too purple)

I hope the pain killers kick in soon for you keepcalm you are bound to be all over the place at the mo following your op, try not to worry/stress too much if possible (easier said than done I know) I hope you get some good news on Monday. In the meantime rest rest & sleep as much as you are able (in between your excersises!!)

Good news toofar
sartz welcome, we have all been where you are, waiting for results. Hopefully it will be nothing to worry about, but the waiting is hideous. Avoid doctor Google where possible.

I had a CT scan today and my radio ink markers done. Am now fretting something new will show up on the CT. practised my breathing (holding my breath for 15 seconds so my heart avoids the radiation) which went well! Am really not looking forward to the radiotherapy, but in the scheme of things it seems very trivial to what some if you are dealing with at the moment.

Am shattered now though, I hope everyone is feeling as well as poss & hope the hospital stay goes as quickly as poss for you tahiti night lacies

Popping in to send love to all Lacies, I am thinking of you all... especially Leslie, TQ, Purple and Ranout - I hope you all have peaceful nights, and that tomorrow is kind.

Leslie It must be very strange - years and years of wondering what's coming next, what the next treatment will be.. it's a huge leap. I hope you're managing to find some peace amongst all that's going on inside and outside your head.

Tahiti I hope you've got plenty of books, music etc to keep you entertained. Are you allowed visitors? They must be long days indeed.

Purple It's good to get funeral requests and other similar stuff sorted. I'm working on mine.

Noodles thinking of you too

Just skimming past to send love to @Tahitiitsamagicalplace and @ranoutofquinoaandprosecco and @purpleunicorns and @WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo who has now graduated to fucking legendary rock star status imo

TQ, good to hear that you can stay on your current regime. How's your hands?

Purple, I really hope that you get on that trial.

KeepCalm, it's hardly surprising that you're having a pity party. Your poor body has been through a lot as well as your mind. Hope you're feeling a bit better now.

Ranout, thinking of you in surgery today, enjoy the tea and toast afterwards.

Toofar, a bit of a relief for you too, although it sounds a bit mixed good-bad news iyswim. Good luck with the bag packing.

Tahiti, I hope the time in hospital goes quickly for you.

Noodles, well done on the breath holds. Rads can be tough, going to hospital every day isn't fun for anyone, but it will be over in a few weeks.

Leslie, ah fuckity fuck fuck. Remember that we are here for you on this thread if you want to rant, rage or whatever. Or alternatively we can see if we can find a suitable alternative to chocolate milkshakes.

My good news is that both of my scans were clear. I was convinced that there was something sinister going on. I have to go and see my GP about the ongoing pain etc and I can get back in touch with BCN whenever, but hopefully I won't need to see her until my annual check up later in the year. Thank you all for the handhold whilst waiting for those results .

Noodles radiotherapy is a breeze compared to chemo, I had no side effects at all from mine apart from being tired after having to go there every day.

Flippy that's brilliant that your scans are clear. So pleased for you!

Oh Leslie that must have been a tough decision. I hope you're comfortable and I hope you know how much we all think of you. I know you don't like to be called amazing but you really are and you've helped so many people on here, especially me

I've just met my Macmillan nurse and he's absolutely lovely, he's sorting me a wheelchair out as I get so weak and tired so easily at the minute and he's increased my pain medication so I don't need to go to the doctors

Noodles and namechange Thank you! We shall see tomorrow... or longer I suppose it will be a bit of a wait, I appreciate the support :)

@FlippyNeck am thrilled!!! Hurrah 

@purpleunicorns hurrah for useful Macmillan person

Yay Flippy! fantastic news . How lovely to get some good news on here.

Flippy that is SO BRILLIANT