Hi there. I was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer in 2017. I had surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and herceptin. The tumour was only about 2cm and no spread to lymph nodes or anything so was pleased when treatment finished and thought I would be closing that chapter. I am taking tamoxifen and have my yearly mammogram in July each year all of which have been clear. Then... Just after Christmas I started getting breathless when running and was suffering with reality bad back ache and chest pains (a lot of this I put down to working from home over the last year and being in an awkward position when hunched over computer). Obviously went to doctor and have had chest x-ray (all clear) and am seeing chiropractor to try to sort out my back. But then last week, I noticed my left shoulder (same side as original BC) was a bit swollen above collarbone - went to doctor again and my supraclavicular lymph node is swollen. Then checking again last night I am fairly sure another node is also swollen (but this might just be me worrying!). He has made an urgent referral so fingers crossed I will get seen soon. I guess I have 3 questions. Firstly has anyone been in this situation and it turned out to be nothing to worry about? Secondly, if it is a recurrence what sort of treatment is offered? Thirdly, any ideas on what to do to distract the mind while waiting for an outcome (I want to avoid driving myself crazy while I wait). All your thoughts appreciated. Thanks
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
I don't have the experience you're after but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. This is probably because this is such an active group that your post has slipped off the first page before someone with the right experience has seen it. By replying to you it will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list.
Although I had a different type of cancer to you I do understand how worrying it can be when you think you may have a recurrence. My best advice while waiting for test results is to immerse yourself doing something that you enjoy, whether that's a hobby or activity, or simply having coffee with friends. You might also find this article on how to ease worry when waiting for medical test results useful.
While you're waiting for replies it would be great if you could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. 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.
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"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi again
Yes I'm well thanks, touch wood! I have my next check-up in about 3 weeks.
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"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
