Hi pb,

I have just had a recent diagnosis of breast cancer but have been told it’s secondary and I’m due to go in for a scan tomorrow to try and find the primary source. My consultant has said it could be in my stomach, pancreas or oesophagus. My consultant originally thought it was a cyst and was astonished with my result. I’m trying every distraction going and have very supportive family and friends - it definitely helps.  But I agree it’s the waiting that is horrendous and all we want is to crack on with an action plan. Keep me posted on how things go for you x.

Hi Ollie,

Not much longer to wait now. I sincerely hope that your scan tomorrow reveals your primary source.

Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Pb42,

I am so sorry to hear about this latest set-back. I am afraid that I do not have the same diagnosis as you. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years.

I just wanted to wish you all the best for your hospital consultation tomorrow.

Do please let us know how you get on and, remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Pb,

I have myeloma. Diagnosed in October 2016, I achieved complete remission from initial therapy chemo by February 2017 ( cyclophosphamide, Thalidomide and Dexamethasone [CTD]). I never felt well enough to have a stem cell transplant.

Myeloma is a different disease for everybody who has it and outcomes vary enormously; some go on to lead very active lives for a long time, others can continue to be ill nin some way or another.

Treatment is aimed at quality of life, though the definition of quality of life, will again be different for evrybody. My quality of life could be considered fairly restricted according to some but I'm at ease with it. I have different values to most.

I've just read on an American forum of someone who's given up because his quality of life is not what he wants and he's had enough. He'll be refusing further treatment other than palliative measures.

What you can be sure of is that the treatment options are far greater than they were even a couple of years ago. How you respond to them will be individual to you.

All in all though, I think I prefer having myeloma compared to some of the other cancers, which might seem a wierd sort of thing to say.

Please come back with any questions you might have and I'll try to help.

Taff

We have a friend with Myeloma who has had it for 12 years and lives a very active life. Let us know how you get on tomorrow.

Dragonfly

Hi Jolamine, went to see my consultant today. Confirmation of breast cancer and also in lymph nodes. Scan showed clear in all major organs and now have a further two week wait to investigate the mucas membrane of my stomach by having an endoscopy and also need a pet scan of a small lesion in my pelvis. I’m in a lot of pain from lump and lymph nodes and I’m so aware all these weeks of investigations are turning into months. My anxiety levels are so high x.

Thanks Jolamine for your reply and your advice has really helped me in keeping myself calm looking at this logically. I’m taking codeine and paracetamol for the pain which helps a little but doesn’t take it away. Hopefully I may get some news this week of future appointments. Thanks so much xx

Hi Ollie,

I am glad to hear that my reply has helped you to look at this logically and keep yourself calm whilst waiting. This is never easy.

Here's hoping that you get some news of your forthcoming appointments soon.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx