I am in the pits

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I found a large lump on the back of my arm last week. Since then I have seen the GP, had an ultrasound confirming it wasn’t lipoma but in my tricep, 7.5cm and vascular. MRI has suggested it appears to be sarcoma. Seen specialist today who has told me he is sure it is and needs biopsy to confirm it. I didn’t feel at all positive after the appointment. I have ct scan tomorrow to see if they can see anything else elsewhere and I am terrified. Biopsy will be done quickly. I am not coping well at all. 3 young children. I have signed myself off work because I am just terrified. What can I do to keep myself calm? My stomach is in knots and feel like I’m in fight or flight mode (flight mode currently). I feel like I don’t have headspace for this or any fight at all. 

  • Hello  

    I am Brian one of the Community Champions here on the online Community. I have just noticed your post has gone unanswered. I can't give you a specific reply as I have a different cancer, however by me replying your post will be "bumped up" to the top of the group and I hope seen and replied to by other members of the group.

    I know it's hard not to worry when "cancer" is mentioned and with 3 young children finding the time for "me" time can be hard. When you get chance, why not give our Support Line a call on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week). I am sure the great folk on the Support Line can help you with your feelings.

    Best wishes - Brian.

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    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Please try to keep positive until you’ve had a biopsy - I know it’s easier said than done. My husband had a smaller although still quite large vascular lump on his forearm last year. Ultrasound and MRI all suggestive of sarcoma but biopsy confirmed it benign. 

  • Thank you GS23. The anxiety was so overwhelming yesterday I had to really drag myself in to the ct scan. I just couldn’t hold myself together at all. The fear is all consuming. Never having had any anxiety at this level before I spoke (cried) to my GP who prescribed me Diazepam to try to help with the physical symptoms of anxiety. I actually managed some sleep last night which has helped and I have been much better today thankfully. I’ve gone about my day as normal. Now I just wait to hear about Biopsy. This has certainly made me evaluate my current circumstances and if, WHEN, I get through this there will need to be some changes made to prioritise what is important to me that’s for sure. Thank you for replying to this. It has helped. I can’t imagine the relief your husband and yourself must have felt receiving that news. Right now I’m too nervous to hope for that. I just need to be here for the children.

  • Irose31909

    Glad you were able to have some help with managing the scan . Our bodies are built to react by fight or flight which is fine if we’re in a different era . I controlled it with concentration on my breathing giving me focus . This will slow the body down giving some relaxation. 
    The waiting is very difficult but you are reacting as anyone would in the same circumstances.

    GS23 is quite right in out lining the difficulty in diagnosing hence the need to have a biopsy because it is so rare that is the only real way to confirm.

    Best Regards