Good morning, I’m new to this and I’d like some advice please. I had my nipple, a 1.5cm tumour and two lymph nodes removed last month. 4 weeks later I saw the surgeon who told me that they found cancer in one node. An operation is scheduled for 29th July to remove all the nodes and I have pre op tests tomorrow.
I am now feeling sick at the thought of the side effects I’ve been reading about what might happen to my arm. In particular how to prevent cuts, scratches, insect bites etc. I am a magnet for insects biting me. We have a small dog who might scratch me accidentally, I cook from scratch, what if I cut my hand ? I’m overthinking everything I know. But, I am so frightened. I’ve been reading that it isn’t always necessary to remove all the nodes, so why are they having to be removed ? Before my first op, radiotherapy was mentioned for five days. But now, surgeon said that isn’t an option ? Then I suppose it’ll be chemotherapy after the second op. I can’t tell my partner how I’m feeling, I cry alone when I get a chance which is hard because we’re both retired and do most things together.
I’m thinking of refusing the operation and take my chance on how long I’ll live. My partner has gone out this morning to his health walk group as he does every Thursday, he’ll be back by lunchtime. I’m sobbing now and I need to take our little dog for his walk before it gets too hot.
What is it like to have the operation? How did you cope? I’m 68 in a few weeks, I’m looking into the next few years with dread if my arm ends up in the conditions that I’ve been reading about over the last 8 days since I saw the surgeon.
Hi Sleepysuzie and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but so sorry to hear about your journey to date..
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 26 years (first diagnosed in 1999 at 43) with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable) then Asbestosis and recently Prostate Cancer that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but talking with and getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated…….
…….. support group.
This group 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 please click on the link above……. then once the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
You can then introduce yourself to the group by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
As always the Macmillan Support Line is open between 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 and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local 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.
