Novice - just been told

1 minute read time.

FormerMember

18 Apr 2011

Hi, my name is Nigel and I live in Kent. I am married with a 16yr old daughter who lives with her mother in Australia and I also have two step daughters aged 16 & 18. Up until the end of last month everything was fine having recently celebrated my 50^th birthday, work is busy but enjoyable. I am a Regional Health & Safety Manager and my Wife, Beverley is an Executive Assistant.
In March I went to my Doctors with a nagging pain in my chest, which to be honest had been niggling me since before Christmas.

After an X-ray, came the CT scan followed by the bone scan, not forgetting the blood tests, I was told last Monday that I have a malignant tumor on my 7^th & 8^th ribs, and that I have suspected myeloma in both thighs and just below my right knee.

I am waiting to see the specialists at the Royal Orthopedic Hospital in London - Bolsover Street, they are discussing my case this Thursday 21st; so at the moment I am in the no-where land mode, I am provisionally booked to see Prof Briggs on Thurs 28^th Apr; so hopefully then I will know what type of bone cancer it is and what stage it is at.

I am trying to stay positive but it's the "Not knowing. My sleep patterns are terrible as the pain in my ribs keeps me awake even though I am taking strong pain killers, just like Bob JK , I do not know what the future holds but I have to remain positive. Feeling very low today.

FormerMember over 14 years ago

hi nigel

welcome to the site im so sorry that you find yourself having to be on here but we were all the same at one time the awful not knowing is the worst part and the waiting to see what the treatment is funnily enough once you know what is in front then you can start to get your head round things if you know what i mean i was very scared of everything was told in sept 2010 i had secondary liver cancer so i have had to get my head round about that being a single parent of one 16yr old and a 20 yr old still at home i was devastated but im not going to let this bloody thing get me oh no im going through chemo right now no 5 on friday out of 6 who knows what is next but it so wont beat me got a lot of living to do hun know its hard to stay positive and strong but you can do it and being on this site is just wonderful so many lovely people who helps at every turn any questions you need to ask someone is always here to answer them or just give us all support so hang on in there hun we are all here for you love and hugs jen xxxxx
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Hi Nigel, firstly my heart goes out to you as I know what a nightmare this is. My 15 year old daughter has been treated for bone cancer for the past year. She has Ewing's Sarcoma which is an adolescent cancer. Her's started with pain too and she't been treated at Stanmore and University College London and is under Prof Briggs. From all the research I've done, it certainly seems that you are in the right place and will receive fantastic treatment.

When I first heard that my daughter was ill with cancer - of all things - I thought my World had ended. it was devastating. We've been through a long hard journey and there maybe more ahead - but we are still here! You think you won't manage it - but you do. And believe it or not there are actually sweet moments along the way and we've met some fantastic people.

Happy to chat if it helps.
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Hi Nigel, I really feel for you and understand what you're going through. I was diagnosed with Myeloma in Feb 2008 after having all the tests, xrays, scans etc. The worst part is the waiting and not knowing like you say. I have had various treatments including a stem cell transplant and am now in remission so there is hope...don't ever forget that. I know it sounds easy for me to say, but believe me I understand how scared and uncertain you are feeling. If you want to send me a private message please do, and i'll help you any way I can. I know the 28th can't come soon enough for you, and i'll be thinking of you.

Take care, love & hugs Lorraine xxx
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Nigel

Feeling low during the waiting period is a common thing. You want to know what is wrong with you so you can then get your head around it...

My son 16 and my dad 72 [died 14 April 2011] have both got cancer journeys... I have been through two lots of of waiting and test after test... it is hard.

How to keep positive, well talking on here helps, chat room or messaging... writing the blog works for me... keeping in touch with one or two special supportive people via personal messages helps...

I believe that what you think about can affect what happens to you... so think about what it will be like when the doctors tell you your cancer treatment plan and how this will pan out over the coming months. Imagine what challenges you will face with your family around you and plan for how to make sure you all work together... maybe talk about changes you will make to make sure those around you are involved in your care and support... plan something happy to do on a regular basis - my nana had cancer but kept hers at bay for a good time by booking her cruise holidays and telling herself she didn't have time to be ill... she amazed her doctors with this positive attitude...

Put some things in your diary now... some things you want to do, concerts, films, places to see or eat in, just pre plan and focus on being busy come what may...

Wishing you all the best

Julia x
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FormerMember over 14 years ago

Hi Nigel

I was diagnosed with bone cancer in may of last year. I am under professor Briggs at Bolsover street and strangly enough I am there for an appointment on the 28th april. I wish all the best for your results and really can empahise with you in regards to the tests and results because this time last year I was in the same position that you find yourself. I cant promise things will get better but I can reassure you that Professor Briggs is excellent at what he does and that every person I came across at Stanmore where I had my operation were fantastic so kind and caring I could not have asked for better care and support.

I wish you all the best and know that you are in very safe hands.

regards Diane
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