Feeling down

[Susie67]

Diagnosed stage 1 breast cancer in late June 2021, lumpectomy early July, then back for axillary lymph nodes removed as there was cancer found in one lymph node.  Biopsy from the axillary lymph nodes came back clear.  That was two weeks ago.  Recovery started well, but last 4 days I have a lot of swelling in my armpit right around to the front of my shoulder.  It's quite uncomfortable, there is a hard lump at the front of my shoulder, lots of numbness around the scar.  Had an appt two days ago to see the nurse, but got cancelled due to c-19, today's appt the same.  Hoping tomorrow's appt goes ahead, but also have an appt with the Lymph nurse, so should have two opinions.  Just feeling a bit down - partly because prior to diagnosis I felt quite well, now not feeling good!  Also seeing the oncologist on Friday and wondering what the on-going treatment is going to be.

Has anyone else had bad swelling like this?  I am feeling worried about what it could be.  Doing the exercises and lymph massage regularly.

[JohnDenning59]

Hi Susie, I'm new to this forum site and I just found your post. My name's Colin by the way and I'm 59.

I was diagnosed three weeks ago with pancreatic cancer and I've had a few scans and what not. Chemo starts the week after next I think and then they want to an operation.

There is one thing I've learned so far - stay away from Doctor Google!

You said that you're feeling down. Understandable, of course, who wouldn't be. I've always had a belief, though, that has seen me through some really dark times in my life.

If we allow ourselves to fall down, those who love and care for us hurt also. But conversely, those who don't care about us, don't feel a thing. If anything, knowing that we are sad makes them feel happy.

I don't know where this journey is going to take me, personally, but despite everything, I am going to stay happy. I've been watching funny channels on You Tube whilst avoiding anything negative. Negativity really is our enemy, you and I, because it robs us of what happiness we have left inside of ourselves.

I actually named my tumor. I called it Tomor. It was a name that came to me out of the blue after I'd considered the alternatives. Terry the Tumor, Tony the Tumor. Nah, for some reason Tomor kept popping into my head.

I googled the name afterwards and found out that Tomor was some kind of entity, a guy with a long white beard accompanied by two eagles and the winds.

I say to him now - Damn you, Tomor! Get off of my goddamn pancreas!

Feel free to talk to me. Take care and remember, our sadness affects those around us that love us. Our positivity is similarly reflected upon those same individuals.

That' my theory, anyway 🙂

Colin

I'm more than happy to talk to you some more.

[Susie67]

Hi Colin,

Thanks for your reply.  Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but your positivity is encouraging and inspiring!

I like the idea that you are talking to your tumour and telling it to get lost.  I'm "lucky" that mine is breast cancer, at least it can be cut out fairly successfully, just have to contend with any stray cancer cells and the possibility of recurrence.  I have been amazed at the support group of nurses, physios, specialists, etc who are there to help, plus groups like this one. 

I'm feeling a bit better - the swelling has gone down (with the help of some drainage) so I am more comfortable.  

I agree that it is good to stay positive and try to watch funny stuff - I love watching Michael McIntyre and have watched a few old Fawlty Towers episodes lately.  I live near the beach and walk my dog there every morning and get a coffee - small pleasures, but good ones.

Outwardly I am coping really well with it all.  Inside maybe not so well.  On the plus side, my 3 adult sons now all ring me very regularly to check in and see how I'm going. Two of them are within an hour or so's drive (in opposite directions) and the third one had just taken off on a 6 month trip around Australia when I was diagnosed.  Another thing to be grateful for - they are all grown up, have jobs, have partners, and usually have enough going on that ringing mum more than once every couple of weeks is not top of their minds!

I hope all goes well with your chemo and the side effects are not too bad and I hope you have someone to support you through it.

Keep smiling ֍

Susie

[ActuariesDiseas]

Oh, Hi Sussie. Just be positive and continue doing the massage and always end it by gently pushing the fluid on the toes upward. Wish a successful and chemo.

[Crystal]

Hi Susie, 

I have just diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. May I ask how soon you got your surgery? 

It’s a complete shock to me because I’m only 37. 

Thanks in advance. 

Crystal 

[Susie67]

Hi Crystal,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I had a breast cancer scare (that ended up being nothing) when I was a similar age to you and I was terrified.  Now I'm 67 it was still a shock but no where near as bad as how I remember being so scared in my 30's.

Here's a bit of a timeline so far:

9 June, first mammogram that showed a potential problem 

21 June,  2nd more detailed mammogram and ultrasound 

1 July ,1st appt to discuss with surgeon

7 July, lumpectomy surgery & 2 sentinel lymph nodes (1 was positive) (think I stayed 2 nights)

16 July Surgery to remove additional lymph nodes - stayed one night

Nurses visited daily for about 2 weeks at home.  Then physio and lymphodema monitoring at the hospital.

6 August appt with oncologist to discuss chemo and hormone therapy

17 August appt with radiation oncologist to discuss radiotherapy

i hope that helps.  All the best with your treatment.  If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

Susie

[Susie67]

Thanks, will do!

[Crystal]

Hi Susie,

Thanks for the details. Thinking of all the treatments while I’m working full time is daunting. I don’t know how I can cope with it, but I will keep being positive. 

Thanks, 

Crystal