Cancer support Q&A. Post your questions to panel of Mumsnetters, all of whom have experience of living with cancer - ANSWERS BACK

[RachelMumsnet]

Macmillan know that it can help those who have cancer (or who have a family member/friend who has cancer) to talk to others who have experience of cancer to share advice/tips and receive support. And we certainly know, from the many amazing cancer-support threads on Mumsnet, how valuable this kind of peer support can be.

With that in mind, Macmillian and Mumsnet are inviting you to send in your questions to the 'experts'; MNers who have experience of cancer. Send your questions to the panel before the end of Monday 18th February and we'll post up their answers w/c Monday 25th February. Here's some background info about the panel:


KurriKurri
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, aged 48. I had a mastectomy, followed by a second op. for lymph node clearance as it has spread to nodes. I then had six months of chemo, followed by radiotherapy, a year of herceptin and now I am on tamoxifen for five years.
As well as my family who have all tremendously suportive, I have had support from two local cancer charities, from two different cancer sports groups I joined, from MacMillan, Breast Cancer Care, from the MN tamoxifen thread (brilliant women), and from friends who have also been through cancer."

SweetestThing
"I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer in my parotid (salivary) gland in April 2011. I had surgery to remove the parotid gland and the lymph nodes underneath, where the cancer had spread to, followed by 30 sessions of radiotherapy. During the surgery, my facial nerve was severed, so I have facial paralysis on one side of my face, which has meant further surgery, physio and ongoing Botox!
I've had fantastic support from the NHS all the way through and have found it to be very joined-up (not always the case, I know). A specialist Macmillan nurse was with me and my husband when we were given my diagnosis and I used their website and drop-in centre a lot, even now, almost two years after my diagnosis."


BlueyDragon
"I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in August 2012. Since then I've had surgery to remove the tumour; I am currently undergoing chemo to mop up any stray cells. The early days of diagnosis were a horrible shock to me and my family and friends, but between them and the medical professionals (including the Macmillan nurse at the hospital and the Macmillan helpline) we're getting through it. Now I have to deal with going back to work after prolonged absence and whilst still dealing with the chemo after-effects - my employer has been fantastic up until now so I'm hoping for a similarly supportive approach when I go back"


tacyn
"I was diagnosed in early 2012 just after the birth of my second child with a soft tissue sarcoma. I have had a lumpectomy to remove the original tumour (on my bum/hip) then further surgery following wound infection. I had 4 weeks radiotherapy on this site then 4 months of inpatient chemo (a doublet regime) to deal with the spread.
My condition is chronic (Incurable) so although I am currently not in treatment and cancer is in remission, I have to be scanned every 3 months to see if more treatment is needed. I have had support from Macmillan, my specialist nurse and the dr/nurses that treated me. I also see a dietician, psychotherapist and a physio to help with the effects of this plus massage and acupuncture. Most importantly my family and friends keep me going."

Pamela, a Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist will also be on hand to answer questions.

[RachelMumsnet]

This Q&A is now closed. We'll send the questions over to the experts later today and post up the answers by the end of February.

[RachelMumsnet]

The answers to the Q&A are now back from the panel of mumsnetters and from Pamela, the MacMillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.

Thanks to everyone for sending in questions and a huge thanks to KurriKurri, Sweetestthing, BlueyDragon and Tacyn who gave up their time over the last week to share their own experiences of living with cancer and answer the questions. We think this Q&A will be a huge support to a lot of people.

Macmillan Cancer Support Q&A

[Wigeon]

Just noticed the answers are back for this - thank you so much to those who were on the panel, in particular BlueyDragon who answered my specific question, and to Pamela from Macmillan .

[chimchar]

thanks so much for your answer to my question...i'm a lot clearer now on what I might treat my friend too....off shopping tomorrow!

[Meganlillymai]

Hi forum. I'm new to this. I don't currently or in the past have lymphoma it's just one of my biggest worries in life. I forever check my glands and if one swells I worry for weeks. 6 months ago I was I'll with a little cold and one of my glands had swollen. 6 months down the line it's still swollen all though now painless. It's very squishy and mobile and hasn't grown? Should I be worried. I'm also full of cold again and all the glands under my jawline have swollen and are slightly tender. Should I be worried or am I just being stupid yet again. I don't no if its glands under my jaw either as when I hold my head up right they are normal but when I put my chin my my chest and feel them they feel huge!????