Had a mastectomy with sentinal node biopsy 2 weeks ago. Showed lobular cancer, more widespread than thought and 2 nodes +ve. Now waiting for CT and MRI then axillary node clearance, radio and chemo. Am quite scared that scans will show other nodes elsewhere. I’m a doctor and know the 5 year survival rates of stage 3 and stage 4 cancer. Ironic that I’ve had depression for 27 years and spent quite a lot of that time suicidal. Been good last 7 years, and I want to live!
Hi Pastamissus,
Welcome, although of course, you’d rather not be here.
Quite a few us here are in health care, so you’re not alone & it certainly doesn’t make it any easier being on the other side.
Inevitably, anxiety goes with the territory, but the uncertainty is always worse than knowing the outcome as the mind is all over the place with the ‘what ifs.’
When the treatment plan is confirmed, it does feel better.
With stats, it’s probably best avoided as it’s not specific to us as individuals & many of us here just ignore them. Also, as I’m sure you are aware, current stats are based on info that’s 10 years plus old & a lot has changed since.
Although it doesn’t feel like it, thankfully it can now be dealt with, many of us are through it & getting on with life.
ann x
They certainly have P, ditch those memories, I have!
ann x
Hi pastamissus, sorry you find yourself here. I was stage 3 at diagnosis with a large tumour and 9/12 lymph nodes affected and risk of residual disease. In spite of this, I have chosen optimisum and I have an action plan to minimise my risks so I can never have any regrets that I didn’t give it my best shot by not managing my health. I have found that having an action plan helps to manage thoughts too. Here is my story: lifeafterlola.com
The scanxiety really is an awful time because and we can all relate to that. Once you have your treatment plan in place you can chat with others going through the same on the “going through treatment” threads. I found this very helpful. xxx