Diagnosed yesterday, brain tumour and lymph nodes in neck and chest lit up like a string of Christmas lights. Am absolutely terrified. What do I do now?
12 Likes
Oh my lovely what a shock for you. I am so sorry. Your life’s taken another new path and you’re in the hands of your medical team who will help you through this. You may find it helpful to tell us a little about your journey so far if you feel you can. Connecting with others who can show empathy and understanding is what we are here for and if that can lessen your fears and anxiety even a little, then that’s worth it. You are worth it. 
9 Likes
Thank you for your kindness.
Diagnosed Feb 2022 with HER2+, 6 rounds of chemo, mastectomy, 7 days of radio, all ‘perfect’ since about September that year.
Sudden weakness down one side three weeks ago… diagnosis even worse than I’d expected
5 Likes
You’ve been through the mill all right. I’m working my was through the journey.
Now you have any step but it’s come about much sooner than you hoped. Thank goodness it’s been diagnosed and youre not still in the wilderness of not knowing what is happening.
I hope your medical team can come up with a positive plan for you. Keep in touch. Write what ever and whenever you need to.
Sending lots of love and hugs 
5 Likes
Thank you
4 Likes
Welcome to the forum but I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I can understand why you have used that user name. I’m not in the same position as you but am HER2+ so very aware of it’s aggressive nature even with the drugs Herceptin and Perjeta.
The forum is such a supportive place and hoping many lovely people will reach out and support you. I notice you have already found and posted within the secondary section of the forum but just wanted to signpost you to the BCN pages for secondary including Live Chat.
- Secondary breast cancer is full of uncertainties. But you can count onLiving with Secondary Breast Cancer to be there for you, no matter what. You’ll be able to talk, listen and learn with people who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings. Our groups are open to people with a secondary diagnosis. Monthly sessions, facilitated by a therapist, are held in a variety of locations across the UK and online. Find a group. And if you are 45 or under? Our Younger Women with Secondaries Together events provide information and support
- LiveChat: Open to people with a secondary diagnosis. A private chat room where you can talk to others in a similar situation.
I hope you have a positive way forward and a supportive team.
2 Likes
Thank you x
When I was initially diagnosed with cancer, I didnt feel the need to connect with other ladies in the same position, but this time I really feel the need for your support, so thank you x
5 Likes
Dear frightened,
I can see you have had some good advice from our other lovely friends on this site. I can’t offer any more, but would like to know we are all here for you.
I would say having a notebook to hand to scribble down any worries that you have before seeing your cancer team I always managed to forget the most important questions.
Take one day at a time, at the moment, hopefully you will have a plan in order very soon. Keep posting to let us know how you are getting on.
With the biggest hugs Tili 
2 Likes
All I can suggest having secondary cancer myself, do things you’ve always wanted to go places you’ve often thought about. That’s what I have done and it has helped tremendously as I now don’t sit and think about the future, well not as much,
Not much of a statement, but I can assure you that I works wonders for me. I was told I had less than two years 2 1/2 years ago and I found that worrying about these times is not the right way to think. I expect every day that tomorrow is fine like normal. My tablets restrict my daily living, very tired bowel troubles etc I know we’ve all got them. I hope you can try to make the rest of your life comfortable and happy for yourself xxx
8 Likes
Thank you. I’m currently at the stage where I genuinely don’t know if I’ll make it past Christmas. Everything I’ve read says 2 to 7 months and nothing I’ve been told so far suggested anything better. I have an MRI scheduled for Dec 27th and I’m worried it’ll be too late to get me any treatment.
5 Likes
I really feel for you, the stage you are at (newly diagnosed) is terrifying. Do they have a treatment plan for you yet?
I have secondaries in my chest and was diagnosed over 2 years ago. I have been surprised at how I have been able to live a good and fulfilling life since then, not to say I don’t feel sad or scared sometimes, but so far it has not been as bad as I feared.
I also have a good friend who had HER2+ secondary in spine and brain and she was diagnosed many years ago and is still living well.
It’s so hard to stay positive, but there is hope that you will have many years of living well too.
Take care.
Lisa x
4 Likes
Oh my god Lisa, that sounds amazing! I’ve got brain mets, a tumour in my tonsil and all my upper body lymph nodes are infected: I haven’t got any plan even being discussed until I have the MRI - other than steroids - hence my general terror…
6 Likes
Now is time for you to stand on your faith. Pray and fight.
3 Likes
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and hope the medics are able to provide you with a positive plan to reassure you. If I have learned one thing in the last year it is that every day is precious. Make them all count
2 Likes
Can I suggest you try and get an urgent referral via your oncologist to a clinical psychologist . They can help with coping strategies to deal with your fear . I’m in a local secondary BC group in N E and lots of us have had referrals which have helped enormously with coping with fear /anxiety/ worry . Hopefully you can get some help as it’s not easy but the strategies they can talk you through will help . Xxx
4 Likes