CT scan fear

Hi KellyCol, sorry to hear of your diagnosis.I felt the same each time I saw my surgeon I seem to have another piece of news that I didn’t want to hear. In total I had 10/14 nodes positive. I too had spread to lymph nodes under the arm and had a complete axillary clearance. Once done I was told the cancer had all been removed from both breast and armpit which was a relief. However I was worried the cancer had spread as I had twinges by my ribs and every little ache or pain sent my mind into overdrive so I know how you feel. I had a PET CT scan which included a special radioactive tracer to check for spread. The scan was fine and painless. I had to wait a hour for the tracer to get round my body first and again this was painless. I only had a few days to wait for the results and I was lucky it hadn’t spread and it put my mind at rest. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to worry. It’s good you can have a scan to check and your surgeon/oncologist will be to advise and make any tweaks necessary to your plan if needed. Cancer treatment has come on so far now and it is all tailored to each individual.

Wishing you all the best on your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Thanks so much for your reply, it really helps to talk to people who have been in my shoes. Difficult to talk to my husband because I don’t want to upset him. Just so hard to focus on the positives and stop your mind taking you to that dark place. 
How are you doing now? X

Hi KellyCol I had a CT scan as part of my diagnosis, which is still a work in progress (2nd biopsy needed for the HER2). I had the scan on the Tuesday before Christmas and was told the result in the new year, a 2 week wait. I kept on thinking about what it would mean if it had spread and had to mentally shift my focus each time to something more positive in the here and now. When I heard that it hadn’t spread I was very relieved. I hadn’t really thought about it having spread until after the CT scan - they didn’t really say why it was being booked.

Hopefully yours won’t have spread either, but now you won’t stop thinking about if it has spread, having the scan will mean you can move forward from the not knowing.

Hi KellyCol, I’m doing ok, today is one of my low days with achy muscles and sore skin. Normally lasts a couple of days and then I start to feel like my normal self. Tiredness is the main thing, with some low energy days. I try to keep up with a bit of walking on those days too. If you click on my name you can see my journey so far if you like. Others post theirs too which is good so you can see who has a similar diagnosis. I think the MacMillan nurses can offer some support to husbands too. I know it must be difficult for them to come to terms with this too. They don’t like seeing someone they love have to go through this either. I’m lucky my husband and kids have been very supportive and understanding. I hope they can help. 

Wish you all the best and keep in touch. 
Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Thanks for the advice, and good luck with the rest of your treatment x

Hi, I can relate to this. I was warned by Consultant that at my age (60 then) that the CT scan would likely show up something somewhere, (ie. a false positive). Indeed it did … two lesions on the spine that they knew were not cancer, but they had to go through a tick box exercise (further scans) to identify exactly what it was. So had an MRI and a full bone scan. Both negative for cancer, the legions were haemangioma (collections of red blood cells). It was scary, but I’m glad it was checked thoroughly. X

The CT scan 'to check it hasn't spread' was the scariest part of the whole thing for me, and waiting the 2 weeks for results was the worst 2 weeks of my life.

I can completely relate.

Glad to hear you were ok. Thanks for sharing x

Horrendous isn’t it?!!

I think if it has been found in the lymph glands they have to check the rest of you out. I completely understand they have to do it, it’s just so scary x