My mum is 58 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer about 5 years ago, she had a masectomy and the cancer was successfully treated and she has been in remission.
My mum has been ill with cough, breathlessness, pain down one side of her body for about 2 months. She had a blood test done which confirmed her white blood cells were high. Her GP put her on antibiotics, which calmed it down for a bit but now its back again. When I spoke to her today she is so breathless.
Anyway she had her annual check up today and her Consultant has ordered a bone scan and further mammogram.
I am wondering if the cancer has come back, how likely it is etc… we have to wait now for an appointment to come through.
my mum still smokes and has done since she was 13.
Sorry to hear that your Mum is not feeling so good. Unfortunately cancer can come back at any time as it’s always in remission rather than the well worn phrase of being ‘cured’ Her consultant is obviously doing the right things by getting further tests done and, it’s only when the results are back, you will know if there any further problems to deal with. The waiting for results is always the worst bit (well, I find that) so try not to worry too much either you or your Mum - easier said than done! If it’s taking too long to get an appt maybe you can call one of the Breast Care Nurses where she’s still being looked after? Hopefully it won’t be too long and, even if it turns out that the cancer has come back, you will know what’s going on. This website is invaluable for any questions you might have once you know what you’re dealing with.
Take care and I hope it turns out to be nothing to worry about.
Nicky
Thanks for replying, much appreciated. We got an appointment through for a week Tuesday. Which is good, at least its not a long wait. Your right the wait for results is the worse.
I went to see her today (i live nearly 200 miles away) and she is obviously poorly. Her consultant has said there is something there as Antibiotics are not clearing whatever it is. Keep positve, and Nicky you are so right, until we know what we are facing then there is not much we can do.
the worst thing of cancer is that you worry all the time it’s come back. Usually it turns out to be something else entirely, but the waiting to know what it is is always the worst. I hope for you and your Mum that it turns out to be something else entirely. And like Nicky said, you can always come back here for advice and help if you need to. I know I have found a lot of help here. Reading through your post I noticed that you mentioned your Mum smoking. I am a smoker as well, have been since I was 14. When my oncologist gave me my diagnosis my sister was with me, who is non-smoker. My sister turned to me and said…do you see now with your smoking? The oncologist said to my sister:" I’m sorry, but breast cancer is NOT caused by smoking." Some other cancers are, but not this. So please, don’t blame your Mum for doing this to herself. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t say smoking is good, because it isn’t and I wish I had never started. I really do pray that everything will turn out ok for your Mum
Thanks for your messages, my mum had her mammogram last week, and yesterday she had a bone scan. Whilst doing the bone scan they decided they wanted to do an x ray as well, which has shown up to fractures to the ribs, without any trauma. My mum has not done anything to cause those fractures.
The radiologist said the test results would be sent to her oncologist and an appointment made.
My mum does not want to know before Christmas, as she wants to really enjoy herself.
I am trying to source as much information as I can, about whether the fractures are indicative of a possible secondary cancer.
Can I just say thank you to you for replying and taking the time despite your own illness and worries to reply to me.
Hi Emira, I think there is a possibility of bone secondaries although I know very little about osteoporosis and other conditions. Ribs are a common place for bone metastases to be found. I was diagnosed (in my early 40’s) 5 years ago when my hip spontaneously fractured. I had a hip replacement and with the help of bisphosphonates (bone strengthening treatments) I’m now fully mobile and have not had any further fractures. Best Wishes to you and your Mum…xx