Good afternoon All,
Earlier this year my GP did a blood test for Cancer, as she was concerned by the results of a recent ultrasound scan I'd had, which showed a growth on one of my ovaries. When my GP called me to tell me that the result came back positive, it was a massive shock as I was convinced it was just a fibroid (which the woman who did the ultrasound had told me) and that nothing was wrong. She told me she'd make an urgent referral to the Gynaecology Department at the hospital, and I now have an appointment on the 9th March.
The hardest thing to deal with is not knowing what I'm facing, I'm finding it hard to accept the fact that I may actually have cancer, convinced that it's a mistake and that it'll all turn out to be nothing to worry about. My husband has been wonderfully supportive, I initially tried to hide the extent of the emotional impact this is having on me, because I don't want him to worry, but it soon became apparent that it wasn't going to be possible - I was feeling isolated and alone with my feelings which just magnified them, so I'm trying to be more honest with him. Up to this point, I haven't spoken to my children about it (19 & 23), because as a mother, I want to protect them from the worry, I don't feel it's fair to burden them with it, but having spoken to a MacMillan Support Nurse via online chat today, I've decided to tell them this evening. My son has recently moved out of home, and although he now lives with friends & had a lovely girlfriend, I'm concerned about how he'll cope with the worry now that he's not at home with us.
Some feedback about your own personal experiences in this situation and advice about telling your family would be much appreciated. I don't know if I'm making this harder for myself by not telling some of the people who are close to me about it, or whether it's a good idea to not say anything until I know more about what I'm dealing with - I feel a bit selfish for wanting their support.
Many thanks in advance,
Vanessa.
Hi Vanessa and welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you needed to find us and especially sorry to hear about your ongoing diagnosis tests.
A cancer diagnosis journey brings many questions, confusion and lots of stress but talking with other people who are walking the same type of journey will help you navigate this rollercoaster.
Gynaecology Clinics cover a number of cancers and if you want you can have a look through the list of our Cancer specific Groups. These will be a good places to connect with others navigating the same type of cancer journey.
Have a look at the list then to join a group just choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens. You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
((hugs))
