Hello Geds, so sorry for your diagnosis,  As Pauline says, we all understand exactly how you feel at the moment. If you can, let us know a bit more about what type of cancer you have then others on the forum in a similar position will, I'm sure, be along to advise and help you.  

I hope by the time you read this that your treatment plan has been sorted and you are not feeling quite so lost.  

Please let us know how you get on.

Hazel x

Thank you both for your kind words.   I was terrified all day, especially as I received a copy of the letter sent to my GP confirming the diagnosis.  However, I now believe in miracles because when I got there, the consultant told me the biopsy results revealed that the tumour is actually a rare kind of sarcoma - a schwannoma - that is actually benign.  Because its deep in my abdomen he recommends doing nothing for now rather than a difficult operation, but to scan again in 6 months time to see if the tumour has grown.  So all in all nothing like as bad as I feared.   My family were so happy it made a grown man cry!    My best wishes to you and I intend to stay on the forum if thats ok, in the hope that I can offer some hope and comfort to others; I never expected to go through the emotions I have experienced this last week and now I know how bad it feels I really want to help even if its in some small way with a few words of comfort and hope.

Thank you so much for getting back to us, Geds.  That is, indeed, good news.  My friend was diagnosed with a Schwannoma in her head about 18 months ago.  She was given the same advice as you and has not had any problems from it.

I do hope you stay on the forum - we need some positivity - cancer can be a long, lonely, painful  journey and hearing good news is wonderful.  Best wishes.

Geds, I am so pleased for you, reading your post has made my morning!  Not only a better diagnosis, but you've also found how much your family truly loves you.  Please do stay on the forum, I'm sure your story will be a great help to many others, and thanks for your good wishes.

Stay safe,

Hazel x

Thank you Pauline and Hazel, my experience has certainly changed my outlook on life and the support and love I have received from family and friends has been truly humbling.   I will stay on the forum in the hope that I can provide a little support for others even if it is only in some small way.  Every good wish and prayer helps. Regards to you both and thank you once again.    Steve

Hi Steve,

We do love good news here. I found some information on schwannomas (funny name!) on our site which you can read here.

We are so pleased for you and hope you are going to celebrate with your lovely family, maybe go out for a nice meal or something?

Do keep coming back to the forum and thank you for offering to give support to others - we will be very happy to hear from you.

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you Lucy, the information you found is very useful - it mirrors what the consultant told me last night, except I had forgotten most of it because of the emotions of the moment!  My wife and daughters were with me and we were lucky enough to be able to celebrate together when we got home.  Thank you once again.  Steve

:)

You're most welcome Steve. I am glad it was useful. It is common that people can't process all the information provided by the consultant - it can all be a bit too much on the day. If you ever have any question, our nurses also know a thing or two about schwannomas so feel free to ask them anything on this free number 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

What a nice way to celebrate and what a supportive family you seem to have!

Best wishes,

Lucie