Hello. I was diagnosed with grade 3 HER2 positive invasive ductal cancer and into lymph nodes last Tuesday. Have gone private through work as NHS scan date wasn't until 29th March and I'm going out of my mind until I know if it's spread. Had CT scan yesterday and seeing consultant Friday but I also have costochondritis on the opposite side of my chest and am in agony. Breast care nurse suggested ibuorofen gel as it may work quicker. Think I will be awake again tonight! So scared about what's coming.
Hi and sorry to hear about your diagnosis and how hard it is to be in limbo about your scan results. The waiting is the worst part and private health care really does speed things up hugely. Is there anything that can keep you busy in the day to distract you - easier said than done I know! I found being in near constant company was much better than being left with my own thoughts that would spiral in to negativity very quickly. I went walking a lot, had a deliberately unachievable long list of tasks at home so I never ran out of things to do and asked friends to keep me busy, which they kindly did. Do you think any of that would work for you until Friday?
I can remember being very scared of my scan too - I had a large grade 3 ER positive tumour with nodes. I know there are lots of us on here with stage 3 tumours who were scared like you, lost lots of sleep, and then went on to have normal scans.
I found that I was much calmer once I was actually having treatment for my cancer rather than having all the necessary tests to make the right plan for me.
Thank you so much for replying. I'm supposed to be working from home but have had to go off sick due to the pain of costochondritis. I so wanted to carry on "as normal" for a bit but can't. I'm going on short dog walks and my two dogs are always there. My poor husband doesn't sleep either. Couple of days to go. Best wishes to everyone on here.
Hi I know how you feel because myself and loads on here have went through those stomach turning feelings. I also had people tell me to keep busy etc and I used to yell into myself that it was impossible!!!
But, as soon as everything written down in front of you ie plan of treatment, you will soon roll through it all. A very good friend of mine who had my cancer helped me enormously through messenger, urging me on, sending clapping emojis once I had ticked each step of my treatment. I honestly believe she helped me enormously and will never forget it. I am still getting treatment but can’t believe I’ve nearly finished this one… june. So , honestly please please take one day at a time. Worry can make you worse, you will pick up loads of tips along the way. Best wishes with your treatment xxxx
