PET Scan Result

Hello Penny

I am glad that you are recovering well from your hysterectomy.

Am sorry to hear that your PET scan revealed a cancerous lymph node. Waiting for appointments and results is always tough. I think most people on here have felt that way at some point in their cancer journey. 

I hope that your appointment with the oncologist comes through quickly and that it gives you the answers you need about the treatment that you may need to have. In the mean time do not be afraid to contact your CNS team with any worries or symptoms. They are there to support you through this. The Macmillan Support Line is there if you need it. Sometimes just expressing how you feel can help I have found. Have they given you any idea as to when your appointment will be?

I understand the eating and trouble sleeping- I have been like that at times during my cancer diagnosis and treatments. It's hard. The only thing I found that did help was to try to keep in a regular routine, get up and go to bed at similar times. Regular meals- even if they are only light meals or snacks- just regular nutrition. I tend to go for things like scrambled egg on toast etc. But it's about what you fancy really. Sometimes I find keeping busy helps but at other times chill days would be better. I would say that at times like those I tend to go with the flow and see what I feel up to. It also helped to just accept and acknowledge what I was feeling was normal and to be expected. Don't hold back if you do feel upset or emotional. And reach out for support when you need it. I found the worst thing for me was to sit at home and worry so I tended to go out for walks or even just sit in the garden- getting out in nature helped me. 

I had chemotherapy last year and although it was not great, the thought of it for me was far worse than the reality. When you see your consultant and discuss the treatments- if it is chemo then they will talk you through the reasons for it and all the potential side effects. Although I found this quite scary- actually I did not get most of the side effects and apart from couple of blips I coped fairly well. They do monitor you regularly through it. I can understand that it is scary to know that there is still cancer in your body but that is what the chemo is designed to do- to mop up those cells and because it works on the whole of your body- I found that a bit more reassuring. 

If you have any questions about the chemo or anything else, please do ask. If you click on my name my profile will come up and it will give you a bit of an idea on the timings. 

I hope that you get your appointment through soon.

Jane

Hi Penny55 

I'm sorry to hear that you are worried and anxious. However it is understandable and it is probably a fear of the unknown. The thoughts of chemo and the side effects may be causing you to panic. Lots of us ladies on here have had chemo and have come through it. It's not nice but it is do-able and worth doing. It is a shock for you that you still have cancer in your body, it is difficult to do but try to turn your mind around so that you are not as stressed. Jane's suggestion of walks is a great one and I walk to keep myself sane. It calms me and changes my perspective on everything. I am very grateful to be able to walk as last year I was really struggling. 

I hope you get a treatment plan soon. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/booklets/understanding-chemotherapy

The above is a link to the chemotherapy booklet, it may help to lessen the fears, knowledge is power so they say. Best wishes for your treatment.

A x

Hi Penny,  sorry to hear you're feeling so anxious. Waiting for appointments and not knowing what will be happening is so stressful. We can all empathise with that situation. The good news is that you are recovering well from your operation. I would also suggest you contact your CNS to see if they can give you any more information, but also to explain your concerns and worries. Sometimes, having a chat with someone who understands can 'lighten the load'. Stress can consume you and, as you say, can affect your appetite and sleep. I would echo Jane2511 and sister moon's advice about getting out in the garden or going for a walk, things like that can be calming. I joined a 6 week online Macmillan support group for people who had recently completed their treatment. It was very helpful sharing experiences and concerns. I know you're not at that point yet but, maybe, something for the future. Macmillan have a Facebook page which you may find useful. Hope you hear something soon. x