I should have posted in the new diagnosis section but didn’t really know what I was doing. Again, thanks for the kind messages, it means a lot and makes me feel supported and know I am in good company here.
I had such a freak out this afternoon when I arrived home to find my pathology report in the mail. Twice in the document it referred to metastatic tumour in the lymph node. I thought the doctor didn’t want to break it to me but I must be stage IV. Cried and cried and upset my 7 year old who also cried. Then I tried to call a GP and the doctor who mailed the report but couldn’t get on to anyone or get an appointment. Eventually I rang a friend of a friend who I had never spoken to or met but who is is a retired breast cancer specialist who explained that the use of this word on the report does not mean I am stage IV it just describes my tumour in the lymph node because it is a secondary cancer from the primary in the breast. She answered lots of my questions that I thought were too silly to raise on here. Like will I make it spread if I roll into my tummy in the night (no!) and is it safe to swim (yes) and if my bra digs into my lymph area will it metastasise (no it will just be uncomfortable!). I even managed to laugh a few times in the conversation.
She gave me great advice like so many people have on here too and reassured me that the hospital I will be treated in is great. So I am much relieved. Indeed this thing is like being on a roller coaster!
Im sure things will get easier for me once treatment commences. Thanks again. I am very grateful for kind people supporting me and am feeling much more hopeful.
