Saying hi :) (awaiting diagnosis)

FormerMember over 3 years ago

4 replies
484 subscribers
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Hi everyone,

with great trepidation, I once again have to turn to the incredible Macmillan community for support. I was treated for womb cancer 6 years ago, and recovered fully, but it seems that my body is once again creating things that shouldn't be there.

It started with a swelling and pain in my abodomen - which may or may not be related - and then swelling and pain in my lymphodes near my left armpit, which spread to my breast, followed by a pussy boil, constant changes to my nipple and areola - as if my nipple is being retracted bit by bit - redness on my breast and then the start of what could be dimpling (it's hard to tell because there are stretch marks). Then swelling in my right side lymph nodes and now changes to my right nipple too, as well as the pain. Constant pain and fatgiue. I'm seeing the breast clinic for my first assessment a week today. I'm petrified it's a fast growing breast cancer due to the rate of changes I am seeing. I'm trying to think about what else it could be... some kind of lymph node or bacterial infection? My GP gave me steroid cream to use, but all this has done is dry out the boil.

I'd welcome hearing thoughts on what this could be, as alternatives to cancer. And whether the speed of changes I'm seeing have anything to do with what cancer / stage it might be. And suggestions for distractions until next week!

Thanks in advance. Having read through some posts, I'm reminded what a warm, safe space this forum is.

Much love x

Rinie53 over 3 years ago

Hi KatieBH

Really sorry you are going through this again. The waiting is definitely the hardest and your mind goes all over the place. The good news is you are getting seen and you should know a little more next week. I had no evidence there was a problem and went for a scan on a lump in my tummy. That’s fine but you can imagine my shock at being referred to the breast clinic. They pretty much told me there that it was breast cancer, without saying so. It’s so difficult as you will already know. Hopefully there are some others on here that maybe able to help you with your symptoms and hang in there, i can’t say try not to worry as we do naturally but fingers crossed for a good outcome and remember they are on it now and will do the best to get you well. Good luck.

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to Rinie53

Thanks Rinie.

I'm seeing one consultant on Monday re a CT scan I had for the tummy lump (which has got bigger since the scan) and then the breast clinic on Wednesday. My GP was insistent they can't be related but I am not sure. Will find out more on Monday, I guess. I've had to fight very hard for the referral for the tummy lump and in that 4 month period, my breast situation has become so much worse. If it turns out I should have had a 2 ww referral for the tummy lump in the first place, I'll be very annoyed.

The waiting is the worst because you want to be doing something to help yourself and can't. x

FormerMember over 3 years ago

Hi Katie I'm sorry you are in the most difficult part of all this . This may as you say be an infection . Cancer they tell me at the hospital usually grows slowly . If it is cancer they will treat you very quickly if that is what is needed. Sorry I can't be more helpful , take care

Jayne X

Rinie53 over 3 years ago in reply to FormerMember

I know exactly what you mean it is so frustrating having to place yourself in the hands of others. My lump in my tummy is not related so they say but you do wonder. Just read posts on here when I first found out to get some perspective. At least it means doing something but also you can have a good weekend and enjoy the little things as Monday will come soon enough xxx

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