I may be a bit premature in joining this group as I haven't had a definite cancer diagnosis as yet. I'm awaiting referral for further tests and investigations at my local hospital. I went to my local optician's last week as I'd felt there was something in my left eye and it felt gritty, and itchy. After various field and eye tests, I was told I had a "choroid mass" in my left eye and I was being referred urgently to my local ophthalmology department.
I have subsequently discovered that it's highly likely it's cancer, a choroid melanoma, and depending on the size, and whether it has spread, the prognosis may not be all that good. My whole life now seems "on hold" until I know definitely one way or another, as I can't really plan much in advance until I know what I'm likely to face regarding treatment options, life expectancy etc. I'm reluctant to tell anyone at the moment ( I live alone) until I feel I can tell them the whole story, presumably after I see the local ophthalmology consultant and get a confirmed diagnosis. I feel quite well in myself and trying to get on with my life as before, only it's not that easy is it? I'm also aware that difficult and frustrating as this wait to be seen, if my fears are confirmed, this may well prove to be the "easier" part of the whole cancer journey, I suppose because you always cling to the slender hope that the diagnosis is not going to be as bad as you fear.
Christine
HiChristine and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and I know how it feels at this stage in your diagnosis.
The online community is divided into different support groups so I'm going to recommend that you join the eye cancer group as you'll then connect directly with others who have been in the same position as you.
To join, just click on the link I've created and, once you've joined, you can start a new post in the same way as you did here and join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
It would be great if you could put something about your tests into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Christine
I can see that you've updated your profile and joined the eye cancer group. When you feel ready you can start a new post in the eye cancer group in the same way as you started a post in this New to the Community group.
If you have any problems just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help.
Anne
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
