Hi Lulu,

A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry to hear why you're here. You have done the worst possible thing at this stage. I know that it's a great temptation to consult Google, but this only ever serves to scare us further, won't apply to your mum and won't give you any answers. Most of the information here is aimed at the more spectacular and newsworthy cases, so try to stay clear.

Your mum has done the right thing by getting this investigated, even though this is a worrying time. Unfortunately, there is really no way to say what is causing her symptoms, until all of these tests are completed and she gets her results. I hope that she finds out soon.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much for your reply. I suffer from anxiety badly and my emotions are everywhere.

There's just nothing to suggest otherwise, if they do find something she will have to have a biopsy so it's very worrying.

Also forgot to mention she now has to wear a catheter due to bladder problems which she is still waiting for a test for.

Thanks again for your reply, I will keep you updated. Thank you so much.

Lisa xx

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

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

Hello Lulu and thanks for your post.

I see that you've been given some good advice by Jolamine.

A very experienced doctor can usually advise if something looks suspicious of cancer. But sometimes further tests such as a biopsy may be needed to confirm this.

Decisions about treatment are usually made by the local Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) which has a number of different sorts of specialists from different backgrounds involved in assessing and treating a particular condition.

Do mention your mum’s swollen legs to her doctors so she can be assessed and treated.

I know waiting when you are worried is stressful, but hopefully you'll  both know more soon Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene

Hi Lulu,

It is good news that they say that they can operate and that her legs will go down after this. Try to place your faith in your Mum's care team, as they will do all that they can to pull her through.

 Please keep in touch and let us know how things go on Tuesday. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx