Staging

Hi GANDER,

Welcome to our online community. It’s natural to feel frightened and unsure about what may happen in the future when you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer. Especially when you don’t have all the information yet.

The stage helps to describes the size of cancer and whether it has spread. If a cancer spreads, it usually goes to the nearby lymph nodes first. You should have more information about your cancer staging after your surgery and lymph node removal. The results can take up to 2 weeks. This information can then help to decide if you need any more treatment.

As I said, its common to have these feelings. Talking to friends and family can help. Some people find focusing on the things you can control can helps, especially before surgery. For example, trying to eat well and keep active. Some people focus more on the practical things like preparing meals to freeze for the days you maybe don’t feel up to cooking. Whilst others find things like mindfulness and breathing techniques can help when starting to feel overwhelmed.

The Macmillan Cancer Support Line can offer lots of different types of support, depending on what feels right for you. You can also sign up for regular email support.

Hope everything goes well for your surgery on the 14^th.

Best Wishes,

Amy C

Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Our Ref: FY