Afternoon All. just a note to say hi and share my story.
Recently diagnosed with Sarcoma (age 47), although I don't know much until a further referral - Looking for a bit of hope to be honest.
10 weeks ago I saw an ENT consultant in Northampton for a lump (5cm) at the bottom of my neck where my shoulder meets the base of my neck. They were concerned it was an abnormal lymphnode so was scheduled to have a CT scan and the node removed (no biopsy, just straight removal).
2 weeks later under local anaesthetic they discover the lympnode was ok but there was a lump - which they removed there and then. The CT Scans from my lungs up to my head were all clear as I think they were worried re lung cancer or blood cancer.
Anyhow, was informed at the time not cancer and was a birth defect..... booked to come back in 6 weeks. Had been panicking before the operation as did some reading as to why removed so quickly and put 2+2 together, so I was over the moon about being given the all clear.
Back in 6 weeks, and informed that the lump was a tumor and had tested positive for sarcoma. Consultant was surprised by the length of time to complete the biopsy results.
I've been referred to Leicester last Tuesday 25th and awaiting a response back.
Read a few things and so worried, struggling to sleep. have a young family as well so super scared to be honest.
I've no pain/symptons and run lots and general very healthy....
Just really struggling and not sure how I can push hard on the process as the not knowing is a worry, although scared about finding out as well.
Anyway, hope everyone else is doing well and that this thing can be beaten!
Best
M
Hi
Unfortunately especially with cancer 2+2 very rarely means anything. We have had very quick appointments before now that just turned out to be a cancellation and surgeons will often try to be helpful due to the risks involved in anesthesia - that bit on the consent form where it helpfully says we might die!.
A key element in any cancer diagnosis is the grade - now different to the norm the cells are and often how fast they grow. Taking time to diagnose can be quite a positive sign in that the grade might be very low - certainly true for my wife.
Leicester is part of East Midlands Sarcoma Service (see here) - sarcoma is quite a rare form of cancer and so expert centres have been established - great that you are being put in their care.
The hospital is likely to want to monitor you for some time, hopefully this will just be seen as being extra careful though my wife is less that happy if they want another MRI scan.
You talk of having a young family, you might be interested in our guide to talking to children and teenagers and if they are in school it can be helpful to get their teacher on board to - our son's school was a marvellous support to us and meant Michael got consistent answers whichever adult he talked to.
Do post anytime - someone is always listening.
<<hugs>>
Steve
