Good morning, on the 30th October 2020, I found a lump in my left breast. I was so sure I found it on time and felt optimistic when I was referred to Guys hospital Brest Clinic. I had a mammogram and biopsy done. On the 30th November it was diagnosed I had early breast cancer and more results were being waited upon to determine what treatment was the best option. During this period I had been having pains in my right hip and upper thigh. I had an X-ray which stated I had early onset of arthritis.
The pain in my leg and hip started to get so painful I requested an appointment with my GP as was not sure this pain was mild arthritis. On getting to the GP, he took one look at how I was struggling and said he was referring me for a bone scan.
I had another wait of a month and informed all my results were back and I was being referred to the Guys Cancer Centre to discuss my treatment options. On the day of my appointment I was informed the results of the bone scan was back and it was bad news. I was told I was terminal and the cancer had spread to my bones. I was in complete shock as up to this moment I was optimistic I will be ok. What hurts the most was the amount of time I lost going back and forth to the breast clinic with no clear treatment plan, I got the regular excuse of Covid was responsible for the delay in my results coming back. It also hurt and shocked me that one minute I was told by a consultant I had early Brest cancer to being told we are sorry there is nothing we can do but give meds’ to slow the spread.
I was trying to keep it together for my children and could not cry. Now all I seem to do is cry. As soon as anyone asks me how I am I just burst into tears. The cancer has spread to both pelvis, left hip and femur bone, base of my spine, lower rib cage, spleen and liver. This is a hard journey. I am almost immobile I live on the second floor flat and cannot climb stairs. I am housebound and only get to go out to the hospital for appointments and need a four man crew to carry me downstairs.
I have been trying to get a move but Southwark council are not helpful. I am told to keep bidding. I have explained I am in the wrong bidding band as I am unable to walk and my current band is band 1 E+. Almost all the flats I have seen on line have at least one step and some even more. All I want is a ground floor flat, a tiny garden I can sit in and a home adapted to using my wheelchair.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It is staggering how fast things can change and how life becomes so hard to deal with.
You may find talking with others who are on the same type of cancer journey can help you navigate this difficult time so can I recommend you join our supportive Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only group as this will be a good place to connect with folks going through the same type of cancer journey.
To join a group just click on the link above then 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 sounds like you have a lot to deal with and need help with so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available as this service can give lots of cancer information, practical support in how to navigate some of the challenges you are facing, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
All the very best ((hugs))
