Good morning everyone, I’m a 76 year old man and I’m really hoping that I can get some comfort and guidance from you. My tale of woe started last September when I contracted shingles. The virus laid me low for about 6 weeks. I had not fully recovered when a got a very nasty bout of the flu. I found it extremely difficult to breathe and spent a day in our local A&E. In December I had a stroke and was admitted to the acute stroke ward of a local hospital. I spent 8 days there and was eventually discharged. I have been suffering from post stroke depression and have enrolled for a talking therapy course to try and help. I received an unexpected appointment from the hospital for a follow up chest x ray, which I attended.about a week later I was informed that something seriously needing attention had been found on the x ray and that I need to go back for a CT scan and I am awaiting an appointment for that. Since then I have been going frantic with worry about it and had hardly any sleep. I do realise that there are many brave people on these forums who are facing far worse situations, and I feel like a bit of a wimp asking for help before a diagnosis has even been made. I find it difficult though to imagine how I can get from one day to another at the moment. Thankyou for listening.
Hello Imdoingmybest,
A very warm welcome to the Macmillan online commmunity, although I'm very sorry you have the need to join. I'm Derek, one of the Community Champions on here.
Well, you've certainly had more than your fair share of problems recently and I'm not at all surprised that this is causing you problems and there's no need at all to feel bad about this.
I think with any potential health problem the most difficult time to get through is often diagnosis because of the inevitable wait for tests and worry about the outcome.
Have you spoken with your GP about your temporary sleep problem? Perhaps they could give you something to help with this temporarily?
I'd also suggest you consider giving our Support Line a call on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week), who will be able to give you valuable support and advice should you need this as you go through the diagnosis period.
I wish you all the best and do hope that your fears prove to be unfounded.
Derek.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Hi Imdoingmybest and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your ongoing diagnosis rollercoaster.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 25 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable) that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time……. but I will add that I am now over 10 years out from my last treatment, I turned 70 back in Nov and I am getting on with life.
When it comes to cancer our family mantra has always been….. “There is hope until hope runs out”
Coming from a fishing community your title ‘I’am completely lost at sea’ caught my eye…… so in the mean time can I suggest that you set a course to the Macmillan Support Line as you will find it a safe harbour during the storm.
The support line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… where you will get a friendly voice at the end of the phone to help you with cancer information, practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
Once you have a clear indication as to what you are dealing with you can then connect in with some of our support groups.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)…………
This link >> Cancer Specific Groups will take you to a comprehensive list of all our dedicated cancer support groups.
These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.
I am always around on this post if you want to chat.
Depending on where you stay there may be a safe harbour to talk people ‘face to face’
So 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.
