Cancer Support Thread

GlasweJen

Gingervamp, I've not had a smear since my sisters came back positive 3 up years ago, she had to go in for treatment (too graphic for here but I'm sure you'll know what I mean - it involved burning) on her 21st birthday.

Mum had ovarian cancer, aunt died of breast cancer, grandad had bladder and kidney cancer, other grandad died of throat cancer - cancer is just everywhere in the family and part of me just thought "what's the point".

I've been checked for the BRCA gene but refused to know the outcome (they were using our family for research as can prove cancer back 5+ generations).

I'm going to call the doctors surgery and book a smear, your post woke me up to the fact that not getting a smear isn't going to somehow mean that I won't get cancer.

bouicca21

4 of my mother's 5 siblings died of cancer - all different ones. When I spoke to the oncology team they said, yes there might be a genetic predisposition, but the research simply wasn't available to confirm or deny it. It's so far only the breast cancer gene that has been identified - and that didn't apply to me.

GlasweJen

bouicca21 wrote: »

4 of my mother's 5 siblings died of cancer - all different ones. When I spoke to the oncology team they said, yes there might be a genetic predisposition, but the research simply wasn't available to confirm or deny it. It's so far only the breast cancer gene that has been identified - and that didn't apply to me.

We had a strong "female" cancers link which is why they wanted our family for research, I had the test done when I was 17 and didn't really understand the whole implication but the result is in my records if I ever want to see it.

I think the best thing that could happen was bringing in that cervical cancer jag, hopefully it will wipe out cervical cancer like vaccines wiped out small pox.

It's a comfort to think that my nieces wont need to worry as much as we are worrying, and hopefully none of them will suffer like my sister did.

DUKE

Now I don't wanna go all soft on you Gigervamp, but that's made me cry. I'm one of the lucky people you see. I too have never said why me, but it has to be someone, so why not me? My Dad died from lung cancer, & he was only a few years older than I am now. I was a smoker & expected to go the same way, so I was quite shocked when I had breast cancer (with all the trimmings) in 2009. In 2012 I was diagnosed with bladder cancer, & I've been treated for it ever since.

disabled_NCIS_fan

My gran had overian cancer I think it was when I was a kid. The family didn't tell us till after she got the all clear. During chemo she had 6 major strokes one after the other in the space of an hour I think they said. The thing is to look at her now, besides a few little things, you wouldn't realise it happened. The doctors did say if cancer come back they won't be able to stop it this time.

As for me I'm 24 and I'm in the process of being tested for skin cancer. Begins with M. I'm a bad speller. I have this mole on my stomach. Came from now where and is now over 1cm in size and itches. I rang the doctors to sort something else out and I asked did they know about when I'm seeing the doctor to see about removal and testing etc. She slipped and said "oh yes the cancer... No I mean minor surgery thing". I felt like saying just say it. Silly thing is I have always followed what they advised. I kept covered, I used sun screen as correctly as I could etc. The doctor recommended naming it. Why would I want to name it lol.

pondskater_2

I've been humming and hawing about posting in your thread Gigervamp. I am not really a sharer, really very introverted. However, here I am and this is my story so far. I have been trying to lose weight for the last four years or so but a few weeks ago I realised that my appetite had evaporated and losing weight faster than ever and I was increasingly lethargic. So off to the Doctor and blood taken, return to Doctor, who looked at the results and had a very worried look on his face. He told me that he was not happy with the results and that he thought that there was definately something going on which would need some investigation. Several weeks later and many blood tests, urine tests, x rays and a CT scan and all is revealed. I have advanced renal cancer! Large tumour on kidney spreading along vein towards my heart and several growths in lungs. Haven't seen Specialist yet, this week I will find out what treatment, if any, is available and possibly how long I can expect to live.
Every morning I wake and for two or three seconds everything is hunkydory then the realisation hits me, I have cancer :eek:
Anyway, maybe talking about it will be a good thing. thanks for this thread Gigervamp.
Best wishes to all.

candlelight_2013

Pondskater I am so sorry, hoping appointment with the specialist goes as well as it can. I think talking to people you don't know can often be easier because you are not trying to protect their feelings as you would with family.

I wish you all the very best with any treatment they advise and please come back and talk to us if you feel you would like to.

Much love

Candlelightx

Janey3

Every morning I wake and for two or three seconds everything is hunkydory then the realisation hits me, I have cancer

Have empathy with this pondskater and all who experience the same. Wishing you well for your specialist appointment too.

cliffsgirl

My dad has pancreatic cancer. He was diagonised 15 months ago. He had chemo for a year which shrunk the tumour by 2 cm. He's having a chemo break at the mo to build his strength up again, and he goes for a scan in 2 weeks to see what's happening and depending on the results will decide on further treatment.

minimad1970

My Mum is in a hospice and is now on a syringe driver and is asleep all the time. I've visited her for what I think is the last time today. Good luck to everyone and their families who are suffering due to this terrible disease.