Asking questions

Hi Julzee and a very warm welcome to the online community

I agree that sometimes too much reading and knowing too much can be unhelpful and make us feel more worried about our situation. The great thing about this community is that we will all still be here ready to share experiences and offer support whenever you feel ready.

Wishing you all the best with your upcoming surgery

((hugs))

May I ask why they have said they will do this? 

I have just had a call from the BCN saying I have to go to oncology tomorrow because the lump is bigger than they thought. (Came up in MRI results) and that they want to discuss the implications with regards to surgery. I am now thinking they may go for surgery first now too rather than chemo surgery chemo radiotherapy.

Thanks Latchbrook, getting myself prepared mentally and physically and keeping Covid free! X

Hi Cheese well, I hope your appointment goes ok today and you feel confident with next steps. When my consultant told me that they would do surgery first, I didn't know at that point that I should or could ask why. I suppose I am a newbi at this and just agree because I don't have knowledge and want to leave the decision to the 'experts' unless I'm given choices. Maybe you will have more answers today xx

Hello Julzee I had surgery first and as cancer was then found in one of the lymph nodes I will shortly be starting chemo, followed by radiotherapy. Treatment plans are very individual, and can be subject to frequent change, and I found that comparing my treatment with what others have posted isn't a good thing as there are so many variables involved such as type of cancer, grade, location, size and things like the persons age, general health etc is also taken into account.

I think you're doing the right thing by taking one step at a time and leaving decisions to the 'experts' when you can as too much googling and looking at other people's treatment plans can result in anxiety. Don't be afraid to ask or question something with the oncologist/consultant though if you don't understand what they are saying as they don't always speak in 'simple' terms. Hope your surgery goes well, and all the best for your future treatment x

Thanks Lalalou, this is really good advice and I know it will be a roller coaster, beginning to understand that making the good days count, helps strengthen my body and mind for any rough bits. Running along and cheering you on with your Chemo x 

Thanks Julzee  I'm starting chemo on Monday so fingers crossed it all goes well x

I really hope so and I may not be too far behind you. You take care and hugs for Monday x

Good luck today. 

Thanks cheesewell  I'm having a pre-chemo assessment first this morning, followed by the chemo, and I'm a bit apprehensive but I've written down a list of questions to ask. Having read some tips on here I'm also taking a fleece blanket and some lemon sherberts!