Wife just diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer

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Today has been a tough one but we got answers to why my wife has been so ill for the last 4 years. Four years ago she was send to Heamatology as she had low white blood cells and abnormal plateletts and had lost alot of unintentional weight.

They couldn't find blood cancers so she was told to eat more and they took bloods the results of which were abnormal but filed as the pandemic came.

Fast forward 2023 and going on at out GP with even more weight loss down to 5st 12lb she collapsed at home. She remained in bed 24/7 since and was passed from Nurology at hospital to Heamatology each consultant saying we can't find anything in out field of speciality.

I managed to get the Heamatology Consultant to agree to a CT scan on her whole body. We found 3 lumps one one breast one on Lymph node same side and three on her lungs.

Today we had the biopsy results grade 3 breast cancer and she's 5st 2lb so very weak in a wheelchair. She can't have the proposed treatment and needed surgery as she is too weak and ill. NHS has robbed her of a chance by a late diagnosis basically and she under 60yrs old. Just thought I would vent my anger and frustrations.

Vanessa - Macmillan 9 days ago

Hi My wife has breast cancer

This sounds like a really difficult time, and I am so glad you have joined our community and felt able to post what has been happening to you both. Our online community is a place where you can access support and ask questions of not only our experts but also people who have been affected by cancer.

My name is Vanessa and I am one of the information nurses.

I’m not sure what will be the best help to you both at this time but thought I would begin by ensuring you have some information about breast cancer.

You also mention significant weight loss. We would always advise that a thorough assessment is made to establish if there are any reversible causes for a reduced appetite, for example nausea or loss of taste due to oral thrush. These can then be treated. Your wife’s hospital team, or GP can undertake this assessment.

Cancer can unfortunately affect peoples appetite and ability to maintain weight. We do have some information about strategies to try and gain weight- we call this the building up diet. Your wife’s GP can also prescribe nutritional supplements.

It may also be helpful to talk to your wife’s GP about referral to additional community-based services which may be helpful to you both. For example, if her mobility is reduced, she may need assessment by a District Nurse or occupational therapist for pressure relieving equipment and equipment to help maintain her independence and safety.

Your anger and frustration is understandable and there are ways you can raise your concerns.

I also wonder if you might benefit from giving our support line a call. We often find we can explain our answers in a bit more detail over the phone, giving you the opportunity to ask more questions if needed.

We do also have a range of resources available to support you and your wife.

I hope you find this information helpful. You can also always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.

Take care

Vanessa G, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref: VG/CF

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Wife just diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer