newly diagnosed with secondary

 I was initially told stage 2 treatable breast cancer but i have been experiencing a shortness of breath so ct scan was done and the breast unit have said i am now to be referred to encology as it is in the bone and lung.  So i have to wait another two weeks to see them.   I have never been so scared.  I am a strong person but i dont know if i am going to die this year or next year and i am falling apart.  I am in limbo with nowhere to go until they deign to give me an appointment.  I dont know what type of breast cancer it was they just said stage 2 and discussed options.  Then the ct scan was done which probably would not have happened had i not gone back to my gp on another issue and mentioned it - i said i had some chest pain and was short of breath when I had the first exam in the unit.  Had an MRI now and thatbwas just fab.  15 mins after i am told i no longer have a treatable lump i am lying there for the better part of an hour crying quietly alone in a noisy tube.  I went to the appointment alone and regret that hut it was only supposed to be a surgery or chemo first meetung not a bombshell delivery.  Not a happy bunny. 

  • HI Nelred

    I'm so very sorry to hear the worsening diagnosis for your cancer.
    To face it alone has been incredibly difficult for you. Can you make sure you have some support for your future visits not just for comfort and a shoulder to cry on but for having a backup to remember what is said in this stressful situation.
    I don't know how you have managed so far, I couldn't have without my partner.
    Please come here if you want to share your worries. You won't get a diagnosis, just understanding support.

    Kind regards
    David

  • Hello Nelred; I too am a bit of a "glass half empty" person and see the worst possibilities of situations.  There is no reason on the information given to assume that you will die within a couple of years. I am not saying it will be easy waiting to know what is going to happen - two weeks can seem awfully long - but why not post here every time you are getting really churned up. Make use of family and friends to lean on.  Also try to keep busy doing things that you like.  We will be here for you and the two weeks will go hopefully quicker than you imagine it will.  Best wishes.  Annie

  • Thank you Annieliz. I have always been a glass half full person and when faced with a situation I would look for a solution. This though has poleaxed me. I will get my head round it and it is early days. Trouble is that my back hurts a lot and I can’t catch my breath so I am constantly hovering on the ‘worst case’ scenario. I will be ok when I know what I am dealing with - going to be a long two weeks.
  • Thank you, I will most certainly take Him Indoors next visit.  I don’t know what I was thinking.  I am too independent - something that I have always thought made me stronger.  I am reminding myself that people care and need to be allowed to help - it isnt all about me, it is therapy for them.  

    Helen

  • Hi Helen

    How beautifully and concisely you described the carers needs.
    As a sufferer I am a passive recipient of treatments but the carers put so much effort into giving their love and attention without requiring anything in return or they say they are only doing their job. Many of the posts here are about the intense emotional pain of the carer.
    So here's to all the carers, family, friends, forum members, nurses, doctors, surgeons and especially my wife (who is not a surgeon), a big thank you.

    And thank you Helen for reminding me.

    David