Hi, found this site whilst searching for any and every bit of information.
im 57 and went to GP middle of February as I was getting breathless, after bloods and ecg I was sent urgently to hospital with possible blood clot, this wasn’t the case I was found to have build up of fluid on right lung. During further tests including 2 ct scans and 2 mri scans it’s been found I have a very large mass in uterus, gynae say it’s a fibroid and I need urgent hysterectomy as they think it’s causing pleural effusion. Lesions we’re found on spine and I was also referred to breast clinic as part of checking everything, a 15mm lump was found, hormone receptive and stage 1 so need a lumpectomy. On Monday I saw orthopaedic consultant who said he thinks lesions in vertebrae look malignant so biopsy is next week.
other than initial breathlessness I am fit and well, no symptoms although now I think every twinge is something.
im feeling completely devastated, 2 months ago I was well and now I’m facing so many unknowns, I’m keeping busy but sometimes the overwhelming sense of fear takes over and I can’t stop sobbing.
my husband is fabulous and supportive but I can’t bare to see him look so worried, same with sons and their partners, they are all acting strong but I know how they really feel.
we are foster carers for teens that are with us long term, I feel so guilty that they have had terrible past and we wanted to offer them a happy home life, I know it’s real life that things happen and sensible me understands but emotions are taking over.
btw, breast clinic put me on anastrozole immediately, symptoms are ok, just feels chaotic not knowing what treatment or surgery will be first .
sorry for long rambling post, I’m a bit all over the place!
thanks x
Hello Shrophire Tan
Welcome to the Online Community. Am sorry to see you have so much going on and still waiting for answers and facing all these unknowns. It is such a stressful and worrying time and it is no wonder your emotions are all over the place and also that you are concerned about family as well.
It is good that you are being seen quickly and that tests are being done. These tests will hopefully find out what is going on and where. From that they will be able to talk to you about possible treatments. It must be hard when you are seeing different people for different symptoms and understand that it must feel chaotic. I found the testing and waiting around was the hardest part in a way- once I knew what I was dealing with and what I needed to do I felt more in control.
I understand the need for, and you searching for information. I was exactly the same. However I recommend that you avoid using Google as a lot of the information can be out of date and not always accurate.
I will pop some Macmillan links below that you may like to have a look at.
-This link will take you to some information about being diagnosed and about some of the different tests that you may be having. At the bottom of the page there is information on different ways to contact Macmillan that may be helpful. I found that the phoneline was helpful- sometimes I just felt like talking things through.
Diagnosis | Macmillan Cancer Support
-I am sorry to see that you need to have a hysterectomy for the mass in your uterus that the consultant thinks may be a fibroid. There is a link here to information on hysterectomies. I had one myself for my womb cancer but they are performed for different reasons. I found this information helpful myself before I had my surgery.
Hysterectomy | Macmillan Cancer Support
-This link is for the Macmillan booklet for Breast Cancer. It has information that you may find useful.
I am sorry to see you have been diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer and are having a lumpectomy.
MAC11616E12breastcancerwomenLowres20190129 (macmillan.org.uk)
-Here is some information on the hormonal treatment that the breast clinic have started you on.
It's good to hear that your symptoms are ok.
Anastrozole (Arimidex®) | Macmillan Cancer Support
The online community is divided into groups and you are more than welcome to post here, however there is a specific Breast Cancer forum that you may find of interest. Sometimes it may be helpful to share experiences with others going through similar.
Breast cancer forum - Macmillan Online Community
I hope that these links might help. Being diagnosed and continuing to have further tests is such a tough time. I hope that the rest of the tests help sort out what is going on and that with firm answers that they will be able to give you the answers you need re treatments.
Please do not hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further support.
Take Care
Jane
