Help and info please

[maytreefrannie]

Sorry if this is a bit blunt, I have had to go into hospital this week to have some tests done and have been told that there are some tumours in my head.

They think they are follow-ons or 'secondaries' from a bout of breast cancer over 11 years ago.

The doctor says they will do a biopsy on Monday to assess the extent/severity or otherwise of the tumours, also will do a CT scan of my body on Monday to (hopefully) rule out any other areas.

I'd appreciate if any grapes who have had experience of this themselves or in their families could give any guidance or information. I'm pretty upset but still can't help but be optimistic as I feel OK in my health.

I haven't been on the Vine much lately, first my computer packed up, then I went into hospital this week. I don't have Internet at the hospital but I am home for a few hours today and will be again tomorrow.

I look forward to any replies.

[dexterdoglancashire]

I'm so sorry to hear your news. Big ((((HUGS)))) from me and big licks from Dexter. I don't have any experience of things like this, but have you tried the cancer research UK website? Our thoughts and love are with you.
Bernie and Dexter.

[basketcase]

Sorry if this is a bit blunt, I have had to go into hospital this week to have some tests done and have been told that there are some tumours in my head.

They think they are follow-ons or 'secondaries' from a bout of breast cancer over 11 years ago.

The doctor says they will do a biopsy on Monday to assess the extent/severity or otherwise of the tumours, also will do a CT scan of my body on Monday to (hopefully) rule out any other areas.

I'd appreciate if any grapes who have had experience of this themselves or in their families could give any guidance or information. I'm pretty upset but still can't help but be optimistic as I feel OK in my health.

I haven't been on the Vine much lately, first my computer packed up, then I went into hospital this week. I don't have Internet at the hospital but I am home for a few hours today and will be again tomorrow.

I look forward to any replies.

Absolutely no advice - but I'll be thinking of you

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

Forgot to say hubby used the support of Headway. The equivalent charity in Ireland is Acquired Brain Injury Ireland - Welcome to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland

[zazen999]

MTF; I have no experience but my thoughts are with you hon.

When they scan on Monday, how long until you get some results through?

xxx

[kirsty b]

Take something to read or do in between investigations etc cos you will probably get really bored
Feeling upset about it is natural, don't let others tell you what/when/how to feel, its not them going through it.

My nephew had bone cancer, which unfortunately moved very quickly at the end (it was very aggressive) and as a family member looking in as it were, I felt really helpless. You want to do something, but can't and its frustrating. Theres a good chance people close to you may be feeling this way, yet staying optimistic
Until the docs do your scans etc and know what they are dealing with, the uncertainty must be a nightmare. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Macmillan and Clic Sargeant gave my sis and her family loads of support and advice, even when it looked as though Brad would recover well early on in his illness.

[SarzWix]

I totally agree - the Cancer Research UK website is the best source of information I could find when my mum was sick. I do have some knowledge of secondaries in the brain, but as this was a different primary cancer, the information may not apply. Rather than me cause unnecessary confusion/worry, it's probably best to investigate CR.UK's patient pages.

Best wishes to you, as you already know, positivity in your outlook can make a big difference to the effectiveness of any treatments, so tons of positive thoughts coming your way. xxx

[Jeanied]

MTF - make sure you take someone with you who can jot down all the information you are given. The professionals are very good at telling you what is going on and what is going to happen, trouble is, at times like this, it is hard to take it all in.
Oh, and make sure someone logs onto the vine for you and brings you all the good wishes from us all - I'm sure we will all be looking for updates and a chance to send you all our hugs, prayers and good wishes.
I know it is scary, but there are some amazing techniques these days so stay positive, and I wish you the very best for a good recovery.

[northepaul]

I just wanted to say Keep in there and send virtual positive vibes through the Vine to you

[miffy]

Best advice i can give you after seeing my Aunty through similar is to talk to docs/nurses ask them as many questions as you can and do not feel guilty if you feel angry, upset and scared!
My thoughts are with you and yours over the coming weeks, take careXX

[binley100]

The others have given the same advice as I would, ask loads, take someone with you etc.
So all I can add is that I;ll be thinking of you and sending lots of positive thoufghts your way. Hugs and love .

[Bren In Pots]

I've got no advice to give but wanted to say I'll be thinking of you on Monday when you go for your biopsy.

[lizzylemon]

Sorry to hear your news. Sending love and healing vibes your way.

I had a different type of cancer but for me these things helped:

All the information got put into a notebook so I could read it back to it whenever I needed to.

I questioned everything (I must have driven them mad) and I kept a very private diary for me to write all my feelings down. Sometimes it's so hard to be honest with loved ones but a blank page is great for venting.

I also looked into and partook of alternative medicines as it was my way of being an active part of the cure.

Much like you I never felt ill with the cancer and I was very lucky as the chemo didn't make me ill so I didn't take any medicines other than strictly necessary but that's a very personal choice.

My hair fell out but I wore my baldness with pride.

Above all, do what ever makes you feel good and in control.

XXXXXXXXX

P.S.
I HATE needles and got them to use a numbing cream that can be put on the area of skin before they put any of those big needle, tubey clipey thingys (veni flows?) in. Also, if they said no I refused to have it put it unless they had one 1st. Big baby maybe, but pain free needle insertion was worth it every time

[Seahorse]

I can't really add to the good advice above but loads more positive vibes and (hugs) from me.

[selfraising]

MTF really sorry to hear this ((((HUGS)))). My thoughts will be with you on Monday and sending you loads of positivity too.