What would you tell yourself on the day you were diagnosed?

Hi

I was diagnosed with lung cancer four years ago,  My last scan was clear so now I have only one year to go under surveillance. . I had surgery and do remember its a bit uncomfortable for a while.  Don't suffer pain unnecessary, ask for help.  I remember my medication had to be changed because of nerve pain.  You will come through this, just be prepared to take your time.

Hi Dylan

My advice, don't go to the hospital alone to hear results because in your head there can't possibly be anything wrong.

I wish I had known about MacMillan Improving the Cancer Journey team sooner. 

My daughter and my friend held me together.  Find someone you can speak with who will not share your story.  I was obsessed about keeping my diagnosis private

You MUST accept it!    There are many here who have been through the mill.... your team WILL help you,  you must be positive and help them to help you....{it s what it is )

I was just 70 when diagnosed with stage 4 Prostate cancer,it was a massive shock that knocked me back a mile,I've always been very healthy with no ills.

I went on a drinking,smoking and drugs binge for a good month.

When I came to my senses,( I still drink )I swore my wife and I would travel,and travel,so far we have been to 10 countries and loved every minute.

That was four years ago,I'm still in great condition and taking the Hormone tablets,with a slight embarrassing side affect,my breasts have grown,not too large,only a few CMs.

A big draw back was my diminished libido,but my wife has also accepted this.

I've grown to accept death,my soul will depart my body and enter a new chapter...eventually.

That is my story

.Mike.

Hi Brian,

didn’t get round to reading any responses because I am sick of my own negativity. I read time and time again the positivity shown by the majority of people on this website and at the moment I just can’t go there. I have  a telephone conversation on TUESDAY AT 0900 hrs with the oncologist to hear the decision from the lead anaesthetist as to whether I can have IV sedation for the PET scan, if it is a no I will do what I did for the only successful MRI scan I had, go round my friends and relatives and procure some  benzo’s and self medicate. As a nurse for a very long time I know this is not a good idea but without the scan I / the oncologist will not know where the spread has gone. Then it is on to 33 fractions plus 2 years hormone treatment. I know some people fly through the treatment so hopefully I will be one of the lucky ones.

pps is extreme fatigue one of the symptoms of the cancer, even before the treatment starts.

Thanks again Brian for the ongoing support.

I would say things are going to change but there are also positives that can happen as well as the obvious negatives. I would tell myself how much progress there has been with cancer treatment (and continues to be) over the years. I would tell myself that there are so many amazing people who work in cancer care. 

I would tell myself "you are going to be looked after". Take one day at a time.

I found out 2 years ago and had tumour in right breast but had no lump just a strange rash which turned out to be the cancer reflecting out.

Was diagnosed with stage 2 and went for the double I'm not how this forum works, so apologies!.

It has made me feel stronger and when people say you're got this I'm like f off!

Hi i agree with you i heard cancer and crumbled. But now 9 months on i feel stronger than i have in months. I can walk again without my legs buckling under me. 

Every day is a bonus to hesr the birds sing see the sun coming the the window are all positives. 

Keep smiling and thank god for every day. 

Xx

Hello Goldsmiths 

A warm welcome to the online community from me, although I am so sorry to find you joining us.

The Community is divided into cancer specific groups and to "meet" others on the same or similar journey to yourself i would advise you to join the breast cancer group - here's the link you need:

 Breast cancer forum 

Once you click on the link I have provided and the page opens up, click on "join" on the black banner at the bottom of the page. You can then introduce yourself in the "New Here - Say Hello" section.

If you need any help in navigating the Community. please do get back to me.

Best wishes - Brian.