In the early days it can just be a blur, try to think positive positive positive, as much as possible. 

Easy said that done but it really can help if you are thinking right, try not to think about things too much, find something to take your mind off it all.

Like you, I did not really feel positive or negative in the start, but later on if gave me strenth to thing that way.

The best of luck to you.

I think it sounds perfectly normal to me Lpw!    Your family will obviously be very positive and want to support you in every way possible which is great but I think, as a fellow cancer-patient with a bit of experience of tests etc., you will tend to stay open-minded so that there are no massive surprises one way or the other.  I think it is the way we protect ourselves.

Fingers crossed for you and let us know how the biopsy goes.  You will feel much calmer when you have a treatment plan and know what is involved - meanwhile keep taking it a step at a time.   Good luck x

Hi,

One step at a time sounds sensible to me. I'm not at the same stage as you, but two years ago I was in a similar place. I've always been pretty pragmatic about my cancer and my treatment. A positive attitude is essential, but so is a dash of reality. As you say,until you know exactly what you are dealing with it is hard to know how best to react.

Normal doesn't apply in our situation - everyone reacts differently. There is no right or wrong way to approach or deal with any of this stuff, we all have to find what works for us as individuals.

Good luck with your visit to The Christie.
Dave

I know everyone is only trying to help by being positive, but I feel like they are going to get a huge dose of reality in the next couple of days and while I am mentally preparing myself for any outcome I'm not too sure the people around me are.

My toughest task will be telling my 9 year old son. My 4yo won't understand but it's going to be a tough one telling the oldest. 

That will be hard and I think McMillan give advice on telling children - you should be able to contact them at the hospital if you ask at reception.  Then you could pay them a visit whilst you are there.  They are really good at giving advice on finances etc, and explaining things that the consultant may not have time to do - so its sensible to make yourself known to them.  I also seem to remember that I have seen the Moderators here put up some links for guides on how to talk to the children - hopefully they will read this and pop some up for you if they have them. They are a lovely lot!

You really cant worry about how oher's will cope with the news of the next few days - personally I think you are being realistic and sensible and lets all hope you are in for a good surprise re treatment outcomes etc.  Keep in touch x

Max56, I have just read your story and it is inspirational. It goes to show that regardless of what people tell you, you decide your own destiny! You can fight this, as you have proven and as long as you don't give in, which I know you are not, you make the decisions not your GP. 

Stay strong and keep fighting x

Dave, as I have just said to Max56, your story is also inspirational. It's great to see that whatever your GP tells you is just a guideline to what you do with your body and if you are strong enough, you can beat this thing into submission. 

Good luck with your next routine CT scan (not that I think you need any luck).

Hi Lpw

As Max has said McMillan have information on how to help speaking to children. I had my treatment at Christies and can not speak highly enough of them. They have a MacMillan information dept so if you have not already found it suggest you call in. As to how you are dealing with this there are no rules we all deal things in our own way. People around you are being positive because that's how they are dealing with it plus they want to be positive for you. Have a good chat with those closest to you tell them how you feel. I am a great believe in talking don't bottle things up. Good luck

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Thanks river56. I have a couple of friends of a similar age that have been treated at The Christie and they couldn't say a bad word about the place. My wife and myself actually did a fundraiser a few years back at our local pub for The Christie and raised £800 as her nan was treated for breast cancer there, which she has kicked to the kerb and is in the clear from.

I am not great at talking to people close to me as the only time I show my emotions is when they do and I am probably the strongest link in our young family.

I am sure I will at some point, but for now if I show any weakness, it will soon cascade down through to everyone else.

Lpw ......   Just to say that I had my liver resection arranged through the Christie - you are in good hands. Hope to hear how you get on and if it is tricky to open up to family just now, remember there are lots of people here to chat to. I have met some great friends on the forum and hope you do too x