Diagnosed today

I feel for you Mandy. It is a shock to have a cancer diagnosis and especially scary when investigations are ongoing with big unknowns. It is natural reaction to be teary and upset especially considering your child as a single parent. I know it’s easier to say than do but try not to let your mind race ahead too much during this waiting stage. Accept your thoughts ann fears (they are human nature) and try to let them pass without brewing too much as it is still unknown. I tried to distract myself focusing on small tasks to complete. it wasn’t totally successful but helped at times. 

I’m sure there will be lots of support here for you from people who have experienced or are experiencing similar. Try and stay strong! 

I have been diagnosed with tonsil and lymph node cancer and start radiotherapy and chemo on monday. i have a 13 year old daughter who i have kept informed throughout my diagnosis (about 3 weeks ago). The consultants and clinics have been very accommodating with including her and there is lots of different forms of support out there for both of you. 

Hi leone

Thank you for your reply and support. It is a scary time for you too and I hope your treatment on Monday goes well. 
That’s good that the clinics have included your daughter. I have done the same and been open with her , cried together too . 
You’re right about it being hard not to let mind race ahead, I will try to focus and small tasks and try to push the fears to the side a bit. Incredibly difficult waiting, I’ve got MRI shortly and that should show where the primary is.  Then hopefully get a treatment plan.  Mandy Thank you

Hi Mandy. I hope you get the MRi and results quickly. I can’t complain about the nhs in Wales where I am - they have been amazing. I don’t think they could have acted faster. 
I found having a plan really helped me get onto the next step of dealing with the diagnosis. I’m now keen to get on with the treatment to combat the cancer as fast as we can. Now it’s the fear of the side effects of the chemo and radiotherapy however I’m trying to remind myself of all the positives! 

Hi Mandy

Easier said than done I know but try to keep busy with things you enjoy. Feeling scared is totally normal. Once you have had your scans and no what's what with regards to treatment plan you will start to feel more in control which helps. Try not to think to far ahead just take it one day at a time. Sending hugs. Xx

Hi Mandyjay and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

Thank you for your support, yes taking it slowly and trying to keep mind occupied. Yes it’s the not really knowing the plan that makes it so hard feels like  no mans land doesn’t it? Just random tearful outbursts and feeling powerless is so difficult to deal with trying to be strong xx

Hello

ive been told it’s in the peritoneum, they are unclear whether I have ovarian, uterine or bowel cancer as primary site so should get MRI hopefully next week xx

There is a group for peritoneal cancer but as it's for primary cancer it might not be suitable. You could join and post in the other groups if you wanted to before you got your official diagnosis. If this is something that you'd like to do, the links are below:

• ovarian cancer
• womb cancer
• bowel cancer

I hope you don't have too much longer to wait to know what type of primary cancer you're dealing with and what the treatment will be.

Hi no man's land is a good description, I finished my treatment on Wednesday and have to wait until end of January potentially end of April to find out if it worked. In my head I'm going with it worked. Crying is good it's a release. I understand the feeling powerless, but take the power back with what you can eat healthy try and exercise get plenty of sleep. Xx

Thank you for your help 

warmest wishes 

Mandy xx