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Blind sided by Cancer diagnosis!

PetiteChouette
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Hi, I'm Diane

Didn't feel particularly unwell, just a bit out of sorts. Blood tests then CT scan - then wham, told I had a large mass on my left kidney. A month later, major open surgery to remove both the tumour & kidney.

Histology took forever which was eventually explained as it was sent for genetic testing. Then second shock, I have a rare type of cancer called Liposarcoma, which is stage 3, high grade (they don't use numbers for this type) & agressive. 

So, here I am (caring for a husband who is disabled by a chronic condition) at the age of 68, never having had a day of serious illness in my life, until now.

I have so many people in my life who are dealing with cancer, either themselves or their partner. I find the uncertainty, the waiting for that phone call, be it an appointment or more testing hard to bear.  I also dislike the lack of face-to-face with the medical professionals. 

So thankful for friends & family. 

  • Hello Diane

    I'm so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. It sounds like it was a real bolt from the blue and I can understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed by everything that you've been through. I hope that your recovery from the surgery has been straightforward and that physically you're managing to juggle your own recovery whilst caring for your husband. 

    Do you know if you'll be having further treatment? It sounds from your post as if you have good support from family and friends but don't be afraid to reach out and ask for support if you need help caring for your husband if you need it. Your GP surgery is a good place to start if you need to access additional help. 

    We know that for many people the period of waiting for phonecalls, tests, results, and information can be really difficult. If it would help you to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them. I know they would be happy to listen and offer any advice, information, and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Do keep in touch Diane and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thank you, Jenn

    It's good to 'talk', as they say. 

    One of the things that worries me is the fact that soft tissue Sarcomas are relatively rare. I have read that there is no consensus on what causes them & I assume they are not at the head of the queue when it comes to research and advances in treatment,unlike the common ones. 

    Diane

  • in reply to PetiteChouette

    Hello Diane

    I'll be honest and say I'm not sure about research and treatment advances about soft tissue sarcomas however there is some information on our website about research and trials that you might find helpful. 

    You can also call our nurses to talk with them about trials and research or you could post in our Ask the Nurses topic area if that's easier for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    I have taken a look at trials on the website, there are 2 ongoing, neither of which would apply to me, such as chemotherapy before surgery. 

    I must admit that having looked at the posts that mention Liposarcoma, it would seem that my case is nowhere near as bad as many of those posting, but we each have to cope with our own situation!

    In some ways I have been lucky - from initial blood test to surgery was just 8 weeks. Having major surgery for the first time was, of course, a steep learning curve. I am my 'mother's daughter', as my family like to say and am not very good at taking it easy! 

    Diane 

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