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Multiple primary cancers -what the heck?

JulesRM
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My cancer journey started in May 2021 with a primary breast cancer.  I asked if I was going to be checked for any more and was told no they was no need.  Cycle 4 I needed a PICC line which gave me a lot of pain.  GP was concerned and asked chest xray.  This showed a contrast area so next was CT 

I was advised  2nd primary lung cancer in the upper right lobe with enlarged abdominal lymph nodes.  Saw a consultant who thought he was back in the 1950s the way he spoke.  Needed PETCT. done. 

Now I am waiting for another consultant on Wednesday to go through it all with me. 

I fear they are going to find more  

Not sure what if any treatment I may receive  but I cannot help but feel like the sword of Damocles is hanging over my head.   

Trying not to catastrophise but bloody hell it's hard and my poor family are distraught not sure the best way to support them. 

I feel sick cant eat at the thought 

 

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    Did they take biopsies from the nodules in your lungs or elsewhere? If not, how do they know it's a new primary cancer?  Someone is free to correct me here, but the only way they can tell these things is by biopsy. Scans tell them nothing other than there are other nodules.

  • Offline in reply to ProfBaw

    They have taken  the left side  breast tumour out with surgery no lymph nodes involvement.  

    The lung tumour is on the opposite side in the right lung spiculated with a node below it and different to the tumour appearance on the left breast.  They are suggesting it is a primary lung and biopsy recommended posterior access.  

    I also have a area in the large bowel and the abdominal lymph nodes that need investigating 

    I have a leftside atrophic thyroid with a ? Cyst on the right side having USS and needle aspiration on Monday for that. 

    Three ct and a PET have all suggested the lungbis another primary 

  • Hello JulesRM and thank you for your post,

    I am so sorry to hear that as well as being diagnosed with breast cancer that you are now going through more tests and investigations. This must be a worrying time for you.

    I see that you have had a PET/CT scan and are due to have some more tests done and are now waiting to go through everything with your doctor. As you know your case is likely to be discussed at the MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) meeting. This an opportunity for the relevant cancer specialists to get together and discuss your case, review your scans and decide what needs to be done next.  I see that there are a few different tests that need to be done so the results of them all may need to be known before a plan for treatment is made.  

    I am afraid that is as much as I can say but I know waiting for results and a plan to be made is difficult so I hope you know more soon. 

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline 

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Caroline

    Hi sonthe MDT happened today and I have been advised a biopsy on Tuesday they still believe its a 2nd  primary and we can hopeful manage with surgery unless the colonoscopy I have to go for with the abdo lymph and a spot in the transverse colon.  If that comes back with cancer too the its chemo and radio 

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