After cancer

When i knew i had cancer i could deal with the fact i had it and it was being treated.

But since my surgery i have been signed of for 6 months but now I'm worried about weather i have it growing again and don't know or i don't have it at all not knowing is driving me insane 

  • I no what you mean it is the waiting for the results that are driving me crazy

  • Hello Drifter; sorry you are getting worried about your cancer returning.  From what I understand this is not uncommon and it is understandable.  I would suggest that you give a telephone call to the nurses on this website (Freefone 0808 800 4040 9am-5pm Mon-Fri) and discuss your fears with them.  I am sorry that I am unable to give you a quick answer to your worries but feel sure that the nurses will be well versed in this kind of situation.  Best wishes.  Annie

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    Hi Drifter,

    A very warm welcome to Cancer Chat.

    The feeling you describe is all too familiar to most people who have had a cancer diagnosis. Recurrence is the very nature of this disease and, we all have to learn to live with the possibility that it can return.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer, one 8 years ago and one 7years ago. I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen first time around and a double mastectomy followed by Letrozole for 6 years the second time. I found both lumps myself and was seen quickly when I phoned my breast care nurse to discuss my findings with her. I have been advised by my care team to contact them immediately if I suspect any re-growth.

    Have you had any radiation or chemo since your surgery, or are you taking any drugs? These should help to limit growth, but if you suspect anything untoward at all, I would advise you to contact your breast care nurse. You can also see your GP and ask for a referral, but this usually takes quite a bit longer.

    Do you check your breasts regularly? I do, even though there is no breast there any longer, as I couldn’t have implants. It is easiest to do in the shower with a nice soapy hand. This seems to make it easier to feel any lumps.

    I sincerely hope that you don’t have any further problems. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on. We are always here for you whenever you feel like talking.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  •  

    Hi Denise,

    A very warm welcome to Cancer Chat.

    Waiting on results is always a scary time. We always seem to think the worst, even though this seldom turns out to be the case.

    When are you hoping to get your results back? It doesn’t usually take very long, but it always feels like a lifetime. Try to distract yourself from the wait by keeping yourself as busy as possible.

    Please let us know your results when you get them. It is always a good idea to take someone with you to your appointments. It can also be helpful to draw up a list of questions to take with you.

    We are here for you whenever you want to talk.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • Hi Drifter Know what you mean every little twinge, pain or niggle and my first thought is"is it back". I take comfort in the regular checkups and blood tests which are now every 6 months. I think this feeling is probably never going to go away so I have to deal with it. Usually by telling myself to stay calm and stop being silly and then distracting myself. It's like the worrying - worry and if everything is ok then you have wasted time and energy worrying, if it's not ok then how has worrying helped.

    Find your way of coping and get on with life it's the only one we have.

    Good thoughts River