As the title says I’m in total shock. I was first diagnosed in April 2007. Everything was going fine until I started getting a constant ache/pain in my femur and some aching in my shoulder, which I mentioned to my Onc who arranged bone and ct scans and x-rays. The results of the bone scan were faxed to my GP and they were clear so I reckoned the other tests would be clear too. How wrong was I, nodules in the lungs - 80% chance that it is secondaries. I have to have a biopsy and believe me I am clinging to that other 20% that its something not bad.
Is there anyone else out there who has a similar story. Anything positive to grasp on to would be greatly appreciated.
I can completely understand that feeling of shock. I to was first diagnosed in April 2007, like you everything was fine until I started getting back pain last September. Here I am 6 months later diagnosed with bone and liver mets. It felt like a complete slap in the face after feeling my life was really back on track. I can still remember the disbelief and why me again???
However the waiting for test/scan results is definately the hardest time, your mind does run away with you. I am now undergoing chemo again and feel a bit more positive now that I have a treatment plan in place.
There are many women on here that have lived with secondaries for some time and I am sure they will be able to pass on their advice/support. Having read some of their posts, there is life after secondary diagnosis, but it is a scarey road.
Sending you a hug and fingers crossed for some good test results.
I just wanted to wish you all the best for your results. I have just been diagnosed with bone, liver and maybe lung mets. HUGE shock. You have good days and bad days but we’re always here to try and reassure.
Same here just like you and Jax. First diagnosed in April 2007, finished treatment in November 2007 and got back to ‘my life’ in January 2008. I was fine until I started with back ache in September, closely followed by a chest infection (Pleurisey. Chest Xray showed shadows so referral to my Consultant for a bone and CT scan, talk about scared and shocked!!! Within the week I had secondaries diagnosed in BOnes, lungs and liver!
But, good news in January after only two chemos all the tumours had shrunk. I have been told that there are lots of treatments. YES of course I would rather not be in this situation and still find it hard to believe it is happening (like watching someone else on the TV) but I do feel that I still have a future.
I hope you get your test reults soon then you know one way or another, the hard bit is when you don’t know what is happening.
My chance of getting secondaries was so remote - having had DCIS - that I actually became a case study at Cambridge University, when that happened. So having been the ‘wrong’ side of good statistics. I hope you are the ‘right’ side of bad ones.
Hi Carolyn
Getting a secondary dx is one of the biggest shocks I think any of us can have - especially if it’s totally unexpected and no symptoms - like I was. There is a huge amount of support on these forums and they really helped me get through those early days when you don’t know what to do, read, trust or hope for. Here’s hoping that the nodules are not BC but if they are there are a lot of different treatments available - as has been said already and although it’s not what any of us want we all seem to get on with chemo or whatever is needed and then come out the other side with a new ‘normal’ life - it is possible - honest!
Hoping you don’t have long to wait for your results - the wait is the pits.
Nicky x
Hi Carolyn,
Just wanted to add my hopes for a good outcome from your tests. Somebody has to be in the 20%, why shouldn’t it be you?
Cling to hope, but prepare yourself as much as you are able in case of the worst.
Big hug
Jacquie x
Thank you so much for replying with your support and reassurances, especially those of you who have had shrinkage of tumours. It’s very obvious you all know exactly how I feel, having been there yourselves. At the moment I think I have totally shut down – any little thought that comes into my head gets totally ignored and put away somewhere although I am totally shattered putting on a brave face all the time and I’m probably very stressed too.
I’m still waiting for my biopsy date and as usual the waiting is driving me nuts – I just want to know exactly what’s what and get started on the ‘cupboard full of lots of different treatment’ that my onc referred to.
Lolly73 – you asked if I had lymph involvement. Yes I did, I’ve also got mild lymphoedema.
Thank you again for all your support and I will keep you up to date when I eventually know something!