I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with metastatic breast cancer, kidney issues, lymphoedema and heart disease. Dealing with multiple health conditions can be incredibly tough, and it's understandable that you might have questions and concerns.
Hopefully, others with similar experiences will come along shortly to offer advice. That being said, if you feel like asking some questions to our team of nurses, they'd be happy to talk things over with you Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on this freephone 0808 800 4040.
Last but not least, please remember you're not alone, there is always someone here if you feel like a chat.
Hi Mygiddyaunt. I also have metastatic breast cancer which has spread to my lungs and lymphatic system. And yes, I have recently developed fungal cancer. Last week I informed my Palliative care nurse and I have a hospital appointment for next Thursday. I am not sure what the treatment will be, but hopefully they will be able to control it in some way. Apparently about 4 to 15% of cancer patients develop Fungal cancer in the late stages of this disease, so it is fairly rare. I guess you and I have fallen in to that 4 to 15% group. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone, xx
Thankyou for your reply. Whenever I mention I have developed fungal cancer there is a blank- eyed response. Yes it is rare I suppose and annoying as it has developed in my armpit. As you can Imagine difficult to dress I am managing to do it myself, my sense of humour follows through each time I am following procedure of dressing. Being careful to not touch the pad to keep bacteria away. Trying to defy the silicone outside sticky bits of the dressing not to roll over as I place it so it will stay put on my skin. The faces I’m pulling and the absurd muttering in the bathroom I reckon would make a cartoon. I might sound glib but I am always keeping a cheerful positive attitude to my cancer. This smelly rogue developed 6 months ago for me I don’t know if you are experiencing this fungal recently yourself? I am assured that it is not from an organ but is not curable, as my oncologist says
“I im keeping you going for another 3 years”,getting extremely good, sensitive help from my surgery, hospital and the lymphoedema clinic.
How are you managing? Hope your appointment at the hospital is successful and you are given all the knowledge and assistance for this inconvenient (as I refer to it) monster. Lastly but not least I thank you for getting in touch, it is a relief to know we are not alone. xx
Hiya. I noticed the 'monster' a few weeks ago, it is on my breast. I can only imagine how annoying it must be to have it in the armpit. Mine has not yet reached the stage where it has opened up (thankfully), but I know that it eventually will. The thing that worries me the most is the thought of the bad smell. My palliative care nurse told me the same thing that your Oncologist told you: It can not be cured, it can only be controlled. I don't think you sound glib at all. I laughed out loud when you mentioned what happened in your bathroom. Ever since I was first diagnosed with cancer 5 years ago, I have dealt with it by having a sense of humour. One of my cousins said to me, "How can you laugh about it, I would be in a terrible state". My reply was, "I can either cry about it or laugh about it.......and I have chosen to laugh about it". In fact, I believe that my positive attitude has extended my life. Back in November 2022, I was told that I had 'about a year' to live, but here I still am, in April 2024. As you say, it is a relief to know we are not alone, and I wish you well on this journey that none of us ever signed up for. Take care, xx
Hi again, great being positive isn’t it? Was going to write a bit more but that is history. Like you my life has been extended by being positive. I’m looking forward to my great grandson’s arrival next month and my 80th birthday bash in the summer. wishing you well, keep smiling!! xx
Thank you mate. Congratulations (in advance) to your Great Grandson's arrival. And (also in advance) HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR THE SUMMER! I am DETERMINED to reach my 61st birthday next February. This thing hasn't beaten me yet. Like you, I will KEEP SMILING, XX
I’ll keep thinking of you and let me know how you are.! Arranging this party myself is keeping me on the ball and the smiles will keep on my face like the Cheshire Cat . sending more smiles to you.
Don't forget mate, have a drink for me at your party, and of course I will keep you informed, and likewise, I hope you will keep me informed. To quote Marcus Aurelius: "Death smiles at all of us......the only thing we can do is smile back". Clever bloke that Marcus. take care, xx
My eldest son is called Marcus. He is my carer and friend. I now live in an annex I built in his garden when I decided to sell up. My daughter in law is wonderful and manages to keep sane around me . I’m very fortunate to have a great family nearby and a few miles away. My daughter within driving distance and her grown up family.
i will be drinking your health no question of that. Smile and someone will smile with you. Well I think that’s a line in a song. ( showing my age) xx
