Hello and thanks for your post,

It is natural to worry when a close family member is going through different tests and you also don't know what to expect.

Try if you can not to overthink it for now. It is not until the doctors have assessed your mum and done further tests that they can give their opinion as to the cause of her symptoms that you will both know any more.

Google is so general and will not replace the information that the doctors will get from their assessment.

It can be helpful for someone to go with your mum as there is often a lot of information to take on board.

If at any stage you or your mum would like to ring and discuss any of this with one of the nurses on the helpline then you are very welcome to give us a ring.

Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine

Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunately they have found a mass and just by looking they can tell its possibly cancerous, is this 100%?

I have so many questions...we now have to wait to make sure they can operate to remove it...what if they can't operate?

I'm absolutely devastated.

Many Thanks 

Hi Lulu,

I am so sorry to hear this. With the benefit of experience, many consultants can identify cancer by the shape and texture of a lesion. However a biopsy is the only way to tell for certain, as this tests the cells for the disease. You will find it helpful to collaborate with your mum to draw up a list of questions, which concern both of you. Can you attend her appointments too? Most of us either don't take in all that the consultant has to say, or we forget about 80% of what is said by the time that we leave the hospital. I always make 2 copies of my questions. I take one and give my hubby the other. As I ask the questions, he writes down the replies. This had proven to be very helpful, when trying to deal with various medical terminologies.

Please keep in touch and let us know how your mum gets on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Lulu,

I am so sorry to hear this. With the benefit of experience, many consultants can identify cancer by the shape and texture of a lesion. However a biopsy is the only way to tell for certain, as this tests the cells for the disease. You will find it helpful to collaborate with your mum to draw up a list of questions, which concern both of you. Can you attend her appointments too? Most of us either don't take in all that the consultant has to say, or we forget about 80% of what is said by the time that we leave the hospital. I always make 2 copies of my questions. I take one and give my hubby the other. As I ask the questions, he writes down the replies. This had proven to be very helpful, when trying to deal with various medical terminologies.

Please keep in touch and let us know how your mum gets on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for your reply.

I'm just so worried if they don't operate will they just leave her? Her legs have swelled up due to the mass blocking her lymph nodes, so she's really struggling to get around.

My sister and dad have been going with her so far.

I just can't see any hope at the moment and have a fear of the unknown.

Thank you

Xx

Hi LuLu,

It might be worth asking if it would help her to be referred to her local Lymphoedema Clinic. I'm not sure if she would need to have the mass removed first, or if they could help her straight away., but it's certainly worth asking the question. Try not to look too far ahead, as most cancers can be treated these days.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx