I think I'm about to be diagnosed with cancer, and I'm fairly scared.

Hello to all. Mark is still in hospital but he wanted me to put something on here this evening (I am Megan, Mark's other half).

We still have no answers which is very difficult – though reading some of your comments I'm realising that perhaps we didn't understand that this is going to take some time. Mark had his CT scan today, more blood tests and another chest x-ray. He is having more scans and tests tomorrow. I know he will want to update you all when he is allowed home.

I've never posted on a forum before, but I have been amazed at all your supportive comments. All I can say is thank you, they really do make a difference. I would also like to send my best wishes to all of you who are going through your own difficult times at the moment, thank you for sharing your own experiences and showing Mark (and me) that he is not alone.

Hopefully next time Mark posts he will be out of hospital with some good news!

Megan

We all like to argue, bitch and bicker on this here forum, but when the shit hits the fan its great to see everyone being so positive, helpfull and careing.
Mark/Meg I thought about you today. worrying about your diagnosis even tho' Ive never met you, and probably never will!
Lets have a massive STW group hug !
Good to read your post too Stu

…..Keep your chin up. Keep positive.

Dunno what else to say that hasnt been said.

Thanks for the update Megan – and a very well written 'first forum post' 🙂

Hope you get some positive news tomorrow.

Meg, who is at best 'sceptical' about the concept of a STW forum, actually checked this thread last night when I was in hospital. Result!!!

That's a result??? What happens when you're ordering bike parts in 6 months time and you don't realise that she's monitoring your internet usage???

A tad less facetiously: good luck on the morrow, and Meg, if you read STW more often you'd realise that under the gruff heartless exterior most of the people who post on here are big wet softies. Especially the northerners 🙂

You're in my prayers

Message for Meg.
Being the carer of someone you love is often the hardest thing to do. When my other half was diagnosed with cancer I felt I had to be strong and supportive in front of him yet I dissolved into tears the moment I was on my own. Please dont try to do this alone -its too big and too hard. I dont live very far away so email me if you want to chat/let off steam or simply want to sit with someone else who has been though it.

Thankfully another happy story here as in 6 months the 5 year cancer free target it hit and much celebrations will be had!

There's not a lot I can add beyond what everyone else has said, from personal experience with my father's cancer the following are helpful to us though:

Take a notebook along and write down what's said, it makes such a difference afterwards to have it there rather than try and remember.

If you've got questions you want answers to from the doctors then write them down before your consultations, before you leave read through the list and make sure you have an answer written against each one. It can really save the "Oh I wish I'd asked that" moments afterwards

If you're not happy with your doctors or what they tell you then ask where / who can offer a second opinion and then take it.

People like MacMillan Nurses can be tremendous allies even if it's just at cutting through hospital red tape for you. Even if you think it's not for you give them a try rather than say no straight away

Never underestimate the power of a positive fighting outlook!

Really thinking about you both and wishing you all the best. Get well soon 🙂

Best wishes from me and my Mrs. Good luck and stay strong.

Hi. Sorry to hear your (potentially) sad news.
I went through a kind of similar problem a few years ago at uni. I was in a coma for six weeks and the neurosurgeons and consultants told my parents that they didn't expect me to come out of the coma, or even last the night! I did last the night and when I came out of the coma the following morning, my parents were told they needed to arrange disabled access to our family home, as it was unlikely I would be able to walk again due to the head injury sustained during some Russian cossack dancing (don't ask!). I regained my mobility fully after about six weeks' physiotherapy and thankfully I live a normal life and have no physical restrictions, so I'm still fully able to continue my favourite hobby – cycling! So, specialists can be right, but also even when the odds are stacked against you, someone is watching over you. I believe your days are numbered – that is The Man Upstairs has planned your every breath – even in life's turmoils. It wasn't my time to go nine years ago. Whatever will be will be – because worrying never added a day to anyone's life. Hope this helps. Dan

Thank you for taking the time to update us on Mark's (& yours) progress Megan.
Good luck and best wishes for the times that lie ahead, we're all thinking of you.

It makes me smile to know that the STW'ers are a bunch of good eggs really. I have fortunately very little experience i can share or any advice. I just want to add another stone of good luck to the mountain of support given already…. good luck & stay strong Mark, and Meg.

All the best mate and good luck
me and my family have just come through this with my mom
it's hard but just try to stay positive
take care steve

The STW's aren't a bad bunch at all, and it restores my faith in humanity to think that people put their differences aside and group together and offer their support. I really wish you the all the best.

My thoughts are with you at this time and i wish you both the very best, good luck.

Good luck – my best wishes

paul

MrsMM and I have an invite to a party on saturday, sadly we can't make it….
Why am I telling you this?

Because its an 'End of Treatment Party' for the 5 year old son of good friends – he was diagnosed with liver cancer last year – with the help of the NHS and his family, he has come through it… 😀

Keep positive (I know that's all too easy a thing to simply say…)

Our thoughts are with you.
Chris & Sharon

Thanks for the update Meg. Like others have said, underneath all the crap on here, it's a really special place. Keep us informed of how you two are doing.

Thoughs are with you, I know what your going through, staying positive is absolutley vital. x

All the very best. Thinking of you.

Hope he is keeping his chin up – thoughts/wishes with you both.

I know that there's nothing meaningful that I can add to what so many people have already said – you've all said it better than I ever could too.
Anyway, from Karen and me – all our best wishes, positive thoughts and love go out to both of you.

Good luck to you both. I can't add to what's already been said, so i won't try but one thing that someone up there said is so simple but so valid that it needs repeating

worrying never added a day to anyone's life

Treat each day as it comes, and try to smile a little every day.

All the best. Stay positive.

I'd like to think positive vibes help the healing process, so I'm throwing some out there too. With the support of the whole forum just think what can be acheived 😛

You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong for each other.

Wow, it's genuinely moving how many amazing and thoughtful responses are in this thread. All I can do is add my support.

My wife had a bit of a cancer scare recently so it's something we talked about, and a conclusion that we came to is, firstly, that even though it might be scary as hell: it's better to know.

I can imagine for some, as has been mentioned in a previous comment, actually finding out and knowing what you have (or may not have) can be a relief. If you are unwell, your first and foremost concern is to dig deep, fight, and get well again.

Good luck & stay positive and strong.

Mrs. Willard's mum had a nasty form of cancer a few years ago. She went through a lot of chemo and bone marrow transplant, but she beat it. It was tough on both her and her husband, but she never quit, nor did the rest of the family.

People out there love you and are rooting for you. We're here for you and will do our best to pick you both up.

Chin up.

James

not much to say but all the best Meg and Mark!

I came through cancer a couple of years ago, and i know the scary process it can seem at times… an at others – it feels like its happening to someone else and your just watching a film of the events.

Best wishes to you both. Stay strong.

Thoughts from the G family too.

Mrs G's Dad and my Mum have both been through it.

All the best. Leon and Sharon.

Time for an update.

Its bad news. I was informed this morning that the likelihood is that I have a primary and secondary cancer. The secondary are hotspots on my bones, which is worrying, but the Dr's have told me that a bone marrow test on Thursday is the best way to find out the location of the primary cancer and what it actually is. I think I scared them with my matter-of-fact attitude towards the whole thing, but as yet the only person that knows just how terrified I am is Meg, who can see right through me. I'm not worried about the fight; I know I can do that part, its more the effect it has on those I love thats causing me grief…

With regards to the cancer, I don't know how the hell I'm going to deal with it, but I will. I intend to nail this mofo to the floor, or at least go out kicking, screaming and getting my monies worth.

I cannot thank you all enough for all your words of support. Meg and I have got to scuttle back to the hospital now, and I feel pretty lost without email or even the internet, but it's always nice to come home for a while and catch up. I don't know when I'll be able to do this again, but I'll try and make it ASA.

Thanks folks,

M&M

i feel quite humbled by your attitude to this. i really hope that you do indeed "nail this mofo".

i wish you both everything that you need.

I'm amazed at your attitude and openess about all this, I wish you all the luck in the world.

respect to you petesgaff,believe me you will kick it's ass!!!the best of luck mate!!!adam

That's not good news – sorry to hear it.

Good luck with the treatment. They can do so much more now than they could even a few years ago. All the best.

The very, VERY best of luck to you both. Attitude is everything, and your positivity will go a long way during treatment. You can do it!!!! 🙂

I think a Positive Mental Attitute can can be very beneficial IMO with coping with this sort of thing – don't deny its happening but keep positive that you can beat it. Fingers Crossed for you ! 😀

best of luck to you Mark, I really wish the news was better for you but i applaud your attitude, you give it hell my son.

I'm sure I speak for all the STW massive when I say that we'll be with you all the way.

Mark sorry to hear the diagnosis, now you fight and if you or Meg ever need anything just ask.