Hey all!
I got back from my biopsy today, suspected Sarcoma of some kind, approx 7cm long in my thigh, which by my reckoning puts me in potential Stage 3 territory, which is obviously concerning to me.
Will have to wait after 2 weeks for my results, but I saw my MRI while waiting for the procedure to start, and everything is feeling much more real and threatening than it did before. From my research prognosis is better than some other forms of Cancer, but is still sitting at around 50% 5 year survival for stage 3, 17% for metastasis or stage 4. I am feeling that my prognosis is not as good as I thought it was, though I am not sure if this is me catastrophising.
Anyone got any tips, advice, etc? I am coming to the terms with the fact that this may actually kill me, not sure how to deal with this, how to broach this with family, friends, etc. Personally I believe they have the right to know if this is bad news, even if it is not worst case scenario news. Not sure how to do this.
I look forward to talking with all of you.
Thanks!
Hi YoRhA and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Be very carful in doing your own research, especially using Dr Google as there are many factors that need to be taken into account when looking at prognosis and the only people who can truly give you this information are your professionals….. I was stage 4 with my rare type of cancer in late 2013 and I am still here living a great life.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer type journey can help a lot.m (I have a completely different cancer).
The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) abd U do see that you have already joined our dedicated Soft tissue sarcomas support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link> Soft tissue sarcomas then you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
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 and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
