Hi,
I was treated for Breast Cancer in 2011. I had a Lumpectomy, reduction on other side, Radiotherapy, Herceptin and Tamoxifen.
I have for the last 5wks or so had severe pain in my shoulder, nerve pain in my chest/ribs and armpit. Shingles was suspected but no rash transpired and pain became more widespread and severe. Returned to GP (different) Dr re examined but this time examined my left breast too as by this point I was also getting nerve type pain through my nipple to the back of the breast and also from the side to the same point. I was having night sweats and was exhausted by every afternoon.
The Dr said breast felt slightly lumpy so she would do an urgent referral back to the breast clinic. My appt came for the 13th Sept. However since Thurs last week my pain has become horrendous and over the weekend I now have a very swollen shoulder with a bony bump that is visible, pains in my arms along with all the previous pain points.
I returned to the Dr this morning and she was lovely and said she agreed with my concern that this could be metastases in the bone. She sent me straight to X-Ray for Shoulder and Chest and my breast clinic appt has been brought forward to Friday 8th.
At this point in time my head is all over the place and as I found these forums a great support first time round I thought I would pop back over.
Hi Phoenix363 and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but I am so sorry to hear about your ongoing challenges.
The cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) but I do see that you have already joined and posted in our Breast cancer support group. This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
All the very best for Friday
Hi Phoenix363 and good that the mammogram and that was clear but this now means the rollercoaster to get a clear understanding as to what this could be continues.
From my 24+ years on my cancer journey (you can see my story in the link at the bottom) combined with a good number of other health issues the one constant is that diagnosis = waiting.
I do hope that the system gets things in place quickly but remember there are holes in the NHS system at the moment so keep an eagle eye on how things are progressing and don’t be afraid to rattle the doors.
