I did not know how serious it was

I empathise with Sandrax, having nearly missed a cancer indication. I did not notice any change in my left breast until becoming aware of an inverted nipple. I was given a GP appointment within 48 hours.

The doctor quickly identified a large tumour - which I could easily feel when directed to explore the tissue. I had not previously noticed it, as the lump was situated towards the back of the chest area rather than the side. The subsequent scan confirmed this diagnosis. Clearly,I had not checked my breasts frequently enough, or as thoroughly as I should.

I believed that, because over 3 generations no woman in my family (who was a blood relation) had ever had breast cancer, my chances of developing the disease were minimal.
How wrong I was.

A mastectomy was arranged within a few weeks, followed by extensive chemo and radiotherapy in due course. I am still here! and will forever be grateful to our NHS for its timely help and support.

Recently, I had to have an operation called vitrectomy for a detached retina.
Unfortunately the damage was worse thsn it might have been.
I woke up half blind un one eye and took myself to SpecSavers on my bike. The optometrist told me I had a cataract and referred me for the cataract operation, three months away. I wasn't happy and paid to see a private eye consultant 9 days later. He said he was surprised that SpecSavers hadn't picked up the detached retina.Two days later I
had the operation at the NHS eye unit.
If SpecSaveers had referred me to the eye unit straight away, I would probably have had a better outcome. I can see out of that eye, but it's very much sub-optimal compared with the very good vision i had before.

I had a macular hole in my right eye. This is not the same as macular degeneration. A hole can be successfully repaired if they get it in time. Fortunately mine was found in time and I have almost all sight back in that eye,

The symptoms were floaters like a curtain, everything darker than usual and pixels missing from faces on TV so that it looked like someone had taken a bite. I went to the optician who referred me to the hospital. If it is not treated you can lose the central sight. Fortunately it had not spread to the other eye. Always best to get checked out.

Thank you for the kindness of responses here - I am really touched. I hope the warning will help someone or some people sometime.

I believe that is the kind of macular degeneration that can be treated so it is good that it has been picked up and it will be treated. Unfortunately my DH has the other kind that cannot be treated. I believe seeing flashing lights is also a symptom of a detached retina so nobody should take that symptom lightly.

Thank you Applegran and all the luck for your treatment!

Yes my DH has lost the sight of his left eye to ARMD … we had not heard of it until he was diagnosed!! A good informative post Applegran!

Other small indications that something is wrong.

I am well past menopause and noticed a tiny amount of blood. I phoned my GP who said it was probably not important but needed to be checked and referred me to the hospital saying if I did not hear from them in 2 days to get back to him to chase it up.
I saw the gynaecologist in a week who did a biopsy - again saying probably not important but it needs checking.
It was ovarian cancer. I had a complete hysterectomy - keyhole surgery. I was out of hospital the next day. Apparently the tumour was growing through the wall of the womb and only 1.8 mm. from getting out and spreading.

4 years on I am clear of cancer.

Thanks for sharing your make us aware. I’d have assumed it was a migraine symptom and ignored it.

Applegran Much appreciated, hope the treatment is successful 🎄🎄

MiniMoon

I've had posterior vitreous detachment in both eyes. It caused a Web like flash in the corner of my eye and large opaque floaters. I asked about it and was told that it's part of the normal aging process. If the flashes persisted for more than a few days, then I should seek help. Fortunately they didn't and eventually my brain cancelled out the floaters.
It was worrying at the time.

Me too except that I still have the floaters 😟I told the optician it was like having the starship Enterprise whizzing about in front of me but I think he was too young to know about Star Trek, or maybe not a scifi fan 😁

I have had flashing lights associated with torn retinas which need prompt treatment.

MiniMoon me too. Flashing lights should always be checked but are not always related to Macular illness

Applegran. How thoughtful of you to share this information. You might well have helped save someone's sight from deteriorating.

I've had posterior vitreous detachment in both eyes. It caused a Web like flash in the corner of my eye and large opaque floaters. I asked about it and was told that it's part of the normal aging process. If the flashes persisted for more than a few days, then I should seek help. Fortunately they didn't and eventually my brain cancelled out the floaters.
It was worrying at the time.

Thanks for the info

Eyes are one area where you don't want to mess with things. Major changes to vision, eye pain, or signs of infection/inflammation around the eye warrant seeing an eye professional URGENTLY.

My Husband had Age Related Macular Degeneration in one eye . This was really a problem for him as he already had a Cataract in his other eye. He was finally registered as blind.

When my symptoms of wet AMD first became apparent I also was referred urgently .
Good luck with the treatment plan, I wish you well.

Thank you , and I hope all goes well for you

Thankyou Applegran . Good luck with your treatment.

Thank you Applegran. It’s good to have awareness such as this.