Hi I’m a 32 y/o female.
I lost my mum 3 years ago to ovarian cancer, shortly after her death I gave birth to a little girl who is my whole world. Three months ago I found a lump in the right side of my neck which has grown.
Around 2 months ago I went to the GP who said they were “90%” sure it was just a fatty lump but referred me anyway for an ultrasound. It is actually a 2cm lymph node and had cystic change and increased vascularity.
I was then referred to a specialist who put me on the 2 week pathway. I had a biopsy done a week and a half ago - a relative came with me and said it was a large black circle on the scan and whilst I know nothing about ultrasounds everything I’ve been reading says that’s not good(?) I am still awaiting the results and my specialist appointment isn’t for another 2 weeks which has me going out of my mind.
I can’t concentrate at work, every second my brain isn’t occupied I think about it. I cannot leave my daughter without a mum and it’s bringing up grief I’ve desperately tried to bury. I’m just looking for reassurances that the long wait time before my appointment means it can’t be that bad surely?
I’ve been absolutely exhausted lately but I put that down to having a toddler and night sweats that I thought was just hormones :-(
Hi Lw123 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but I am so sorry to hear about your ongoing diagnosis.
I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 26 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable), Asbestosis and recently Prostate Cancer that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time.
I will say, based on my long experience that not all black circles in scans can necessarily point to cancer…… over my 26 years I have had false alarms in scans and biopsies…… as for the wait…… some biopsy testing can take a number of weeks, at times I have had to wait between 2 to 6 weeks for results.
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)………… so should you be diagnosed with cancer (a lump in the neck can point to a number of different cancers) you can have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups where you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.
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.
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 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 or just want to chat.
