Cancer progression

Your not alone. We all have heightened anxiety after this awful diagnosis it’s only normal. Especially after the treatment ends and your just left to get on with life. Do not feel embarrassed to get things checked if concerned either with your doctor or BCN.  That’s what they are there for. I’m only hoping it gets easier with time. Xx

You are not the only one. My main symptom, though every site says it's not really a symptom, has been pain in one area. No lump, just feels "thick" down the side of my breast. Finally got someone to listen and it is cancer. Trouble is I have pain that has spread into my arm, shoulder and neck on the same side so worried it has spread. Been told it hasn't spread but they can't be sure until I have had my op and checked lymph node. I am scared enough about the op but the thought that they might find more after is really starting to play on my mind. 

Hi Kim, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It took 3 attempts with consultants to finally get listened too, its shocking isnt it. My first lump was in my armpit and then one also appeared in my breast then, after scans I have cancer in my nodes and breast, but this does not mean it has spread to your other body parts and the nodes will protect the body for a while I believe. Stay strong, you have got this! x

Hello, I hope you are ok! Do you mind me asking when your treatment ended? I really hope it's worked for me as we all do. I just can't but know this wont be the end of the road how negative is that x

My treatment ended the beginning of September 21. I had a full node clearance and it still hasn’t settled down in my armpit and chest (I had a mastectomy no reconstruction) The reminder is there all the time but I keep saying to myself ‘ I’m still here’. I keep busy and that helps  

xx

Oh bless you, a full node clearance really does cause a lot of issues doesnt it :( I didnt have a reconstruction either.. Have you had any scans or anything at all since you finished your treatment? x

Yes I had a bone scan another CT scan and recently an ultrasound scan. This wasn’t because I had finished my treatment but because I had painful lumps under my skin on my back. They thought they were fatty lumps but scanned me because of the cancer just to be sure.  One thing to think about is all these scans don’t do your body any good and also trust the specialists. Remember all the positives they give you and if they were worried you would still be monitored. I know it’s hard and although I’ve had some checks I still worry but I do tell myself the positives like type/grade etc. Maybe you should talk to a breast care nurse and tell her your fears. They are very good. 

I had surgery last two weeks ago and am waiting for the results, hopefully they’ll be back next week. I was told I could have an Oncotype test to see if I needed chemo, but I haven’t seen oncology yet and it doesn’t sound like the sample was sent. I can’t seem to get a definitive answer.

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  I’m like you, I’m completely preoccupied that it has gone somewhere else in my body. There were traces in the lymph node they removed, but the drs seem to think as they were small I probably won’t need chemo. I feel like I just want a whole body check to make sure but know that won’t happen. 
  Would having chemo put my mind at rest? I hate the thought of it, but if it takes away this uncertainty I’m not sure if that would be the easier cross to bare?  
  
  Whatever happens knowing this group is here is such a lifeline, thank you all for sharing. It really helps knowing you’re not the only one.  sending you all hugs. We can do this! 

My chemo ended 12 weeks ago and radiotherapy 8 weeks ago. I'm still having Herceptin injections and taking Anastrozole but every pain, twinge or strange feeling has me convinced my cancer is back.

My asthma has flared up and I'm convinced the cancer has spread to my lungs - it hasn't but the mind is so powerful.

My lymph nodes were clear so I hold onto that but I reckon the fear of reaccurance lasts a long time, sadly it will always be there. Friends in my support group say that as each year goes by you tend to think about it less and less. 

Im trying not to worry about what I can't control.