Newby - Dealing with lots of Cancer Related Issues

Hi my name is Cath I'm 59. I was diagnosed with bowel cancer 10 years ago and had a bowel resection and adjuvant chemo. I was then diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 just as we went into lock down. We have had a lot of cancer in the family , mum has had 5.differnt cancers and 2 reoccurrences and my son and  brother have both had cancer. We have been working with clinical genetics to try and find a reason for so many cancers and earlier this year both myself and mum were diagnosed with PTEN hamatoma tumor syndrome, this is a gene alteration which means we are more susceptible to developing a number of different cancers. We are awaiting my son test results and will find out at the end of July. I have been advised that the best course of action is to have a risk reducing double mastectomy and hysterectomy, I'm also waiting for an abdominal wall reconstruction due to complications following my bowel surgery. Current frustration is being faced with all this surgery and the waiting lists are horrendous, and having PTEN the worry is that I may develop another cancer while I'm waiting. Also got all the worry for mum and my son. Feel like I have been dealing with cancer fo

  • Good morning Cathr9999

    I'm so sorry to hear about all that you've been through over the past few years and that your family was given news about your gene alteration. It sounds like it's been a really difficult time for you all and I can understand that you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of all the surgeries that you're facing and the worry of what else may be going on for you and your family in the meantime. 

    You don't mention in your post if you've had any counselling or psychological support to help with all that you've been through. It sounds like it may be helpful to be able to unpack all that you've been through and develop some coping strategies to help with the news regarding your PTEN status. Some hospitals have access to a specialist cancer psychologist so it's worth checking with your clinical team to see if this is a service they may be able to refer you to. You can also ask the genetics service about counselling. If you have a Maggie's in your local area you can access counselling support at their centres. Alternatively, you can get in touch with your GP to ask about counselling services. 

    If it would help to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to offer any advice, information and support they can. 

    I do hope that you don't have to wait too long for your surgeries and that you're well supported as you move forward with these. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thanks so much for your reply. Yes I'm being supported by the team at my hospital x