Struggling with diagnosis

I had breast cancer in 2022 and beat it in 2023 I found out 2 days ago it’s came back and spread to my lung Im so scared I’ve got 3 young children and I’m struggling to come to terms that this has happened to me again and this time it’s worse my anxiety is through the roof. I don’t have a treatment plan yet and don’t know how bad this is I’m still at the waiting stage I’ve got fluid in my lung which is very painful I can hardly move. I’m only 38 years old and so worried for my life has anybody been in the same boat as me has any one got any breast and lung survivor stories that I can get comfort from I’m really struggling and had trauma from my dad passing away in 2022 from lung cancer really struggling not to compare myself to him please help a very frightened mum thanks 

Parents
  • Hello Michelle2006

    I'm sorry to hear that you've just recently been told that the cancer has returned and spread to your lung. Undoubtedly this will have been very difficult news to hear and it's understandable that you're feeling frightened. 

    What is the plan regarding further testing? Have the specialists told you when they may be able to talk through treatment options with you? Hopefully, it won't be too long before they have all the information they need to be able to put together a plan. 

    In the meantime, it's understandable that you will have questions and concerns. I'd suggest putting down in writing anything that you want to ask the specialists as it's easy to forget things we want to ask when at the appointment. You'll also be able to write down any information that they give you. It may help to talk things through with one of our nurses as well. I know they will 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. 

    I hope that you're well supported by friends and family Michelle. Keep in touch with us here at the Cancer Chat community if it helps to have a safe space to write down how you're feeling. We're here for you. 

    Sending my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi Jenn,

    Thank you so much for your reply. I was going to phone the support number you gave me but I find it really hard to talk about it out loud it makes me very emotional and I didn’t want to just sob down the phone to someone. I have an appointment today and tomorrow which I’m so anxious about I feel everytime I’m at the hospital there’s no reassurance it’s just bad news after bad news. Makes me feel so low and sad. I have so many friends and family who are there for me and sending so much love and prayers my way and I also have 3 little girls who I need to fight for so I need to dig deep for strength I’m just so frightened I want to enjoy life and not have to worry all the time. I pray someday we find a cure because no one should have to go through this it’s very intense. Anyway thanks for you support Jenn was very nice to hear from you.

  • Hey Michelle, 

    Jenn won't be back on the forum until later this week so I just wanted to let you know that if you don't feel comfortable talking about this, you can make a post in our ask the nurses section of the forum instead. You can discuss anything you like and our nurses will respond to you as soon as they can.

    We're sending all our strength and support your way Michelle and hope you receive some favourable news at your appointments.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Reply
  • Hey Michelle, 

    Jenn won't be back on the forum until later this week so I just wanted to let you know that if you don't feel comfortable talking about this, you can make a post in our ask the nurses section of the forum instead. You can discuss anything you like and our nurses will respond to you as soon as they can.

    We're sending all our strength and support your way Michelle and hope you receive some favourable news at your appointments.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Children
  • Hi Michelle 

    I'm really sorry to read your post, its absolutely heart breaking the someone so young can experience so much trauma , and uncertainty.  I was on looking for info on lung cancer myself as my partner was told yesterday that she has 3 shadows on her lungs and we now have an agonising couple of weeks to wait before we find out what the diagnosis is.  this was all very much out of the blue. Yesterday she took herself to A&E from work after suffering chest pains and shortness of breath, following an ecg and blood tests she was then taken for an Xray.  I have no Idea what I can do or what I should to!  I was obviously met by an hysterical woman that if I'm honest I didn't recognise, she has always been the stronger person in our relationship I and just feel so useless  Like yourself I just seam to get hit by one thing after another, I don't know why life can be so cruel but for some reason it seams relentless and as soon as you think things are back on track someone or something seam to came and know you back down .

    I wish you all the best and I hope the outcome is the most positive you can receive       

  • Hi Andy 

    I’m so sorry to hear that your partner is going through this also it’s definitely not easy and the worry, fear and anxiety can creep in at any moment. My partner is the same he is unsure what to do and what to say because you love you significant other so much you don’t want them to have to go through something like this but you only feel this way because you care. Tell your partner to keep pushing for a CT scan because the waiting for a diagnosis is the worst part. I have recently found out I’m incurable and I’m devastated but I can’t change it so I need to accept it and move forward with my treatment plan and fight for a long as I can as my children are so young and they need me so I will fight with all my strength. Be strong for you partner Andy I wish your partner the best outcome and all the support and healing vibes in the world 

    take care and thanks for replying to my post 

    Michelle