Hi Maisie,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that you have had this diagnosis, especially when you are caring for your mum with late stage Dementia. I know just how hard this can be, without having to deal with your diagnosis as well. Do please speak to your mum's care team and arrange carers as soon as you can, as you will need the extra support once you start treatment. Presumably, you have had another biopsy to clarify whether or not there has been any spread via the lymph nodes. Not all swollen lymph nodes are cancerous. Sometimes the lymph nodes respond to minor infection, causing them to swell. You are best to get clarification at this stage, so that your treatment can be adjusted accordingly if necessary.

Waiting for the results is always a stressful time. We usually advise people to try and keep busy during this time, but it sounds as if you are already doing that with your mum. Try to steer clear of consulting "Dr Google", as much of the information is out of date, poorly researched and aimed at the more spectacular cases. This won't give you any answers, but can worry you even further. I sincerely hope that your results will not show any spread. Once you know exactly what your diagnosis is, you will be able to discuss treatment options and you will find it all a little easier to cope with, once you start to move forward with treatment.

I  had 2 bouts of Mucinous Cancer within a year of one another. That was 15 years ago and I still have a good quality of life.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi there MaisieP and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about all you are going through at the moment, it sounds like you have an awful lot to deal with both your own and your mum's health.

Do make sure you get the help and support you need at this time alongside carers for your mum to take the pressure off you a little.

If enlarged lymph nodes are picked up then they are biopsied to check for any cancer cells but there may be another cause such as a recent infection.

Hopefully you will get the results back soon and then can have a chat with your doctor about what needs to happen next.

Times like this can be overwhelming so try and take things one step at a time if you can. I also hope you have the support of other family and friends around you to lighten the load.

Please get back if you need to and you are also welcome to call us if you ever want to talk things through over the phone. Our number is 0808 800 4040 and we're here weekdays 9-5.

Wishing you all the very best

Take care

Naomi