I’ve still got to wait until Friday afternoon for my biopsy results, but today I saw the letter written after my ultrasound and mammogram last week and they have said the tumour is 8cm big. Compared to other measurements I’ve seen, this sounds huge. I’ve heard that the size of the mass and being under 40 (I’ve just turned 37) are all signs of a more aggressive cancer and I’m terrified.
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Hello @joy_ofbooks Welcome to the forum that no one wants to join but it’s such a supportive place when you’re here.
I’m so sorry you find yourself here and are waiting for a biopsy but that you saw a letter written after the ultrasound. Out of interest who showed you the letter? It seems strange that you saw it without a medical professional present to explain what it meant. It definitely something you need explaining.
I had two tumours, one in each boob, 0.9mm and 20mm with no lymph node involvement and I’m 55. Depending on the type of breast cancer you have the size may be different.
When you have your biopsy results on Friday it will be explained what they found and if treatment is needed. Until then, maybe you could call the BCN nurses and chat this through.
0808 800 6000 from 9-4 Mon - Fri Sat 9-1
Let us know how you get on Friday, will be thinking of you.
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Thank you for your message @naughty_boob.
I saw the letter on the NHS app. I think it’s been delayed in the post to me. I’d already been told at the breast clinic that the scans showed it looked like a breast cancer, but I wasn’t told the measurements. The doctor said surgery was a definite, but the rest would be discussed on Friday when the biopsy results are seen. I’m just very concerned when other measurements from people on this forum and others seem so much smaller than 8cm. I’ve wasted so much of my life struggling with my mental health and now I’m worried it’s going to end before I have a chance to live it.
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I’m sorry you found out that way although a letter wouldn’t be any better. I live in Wales and the NHS app is very basic, check and order prescriptions only.
A call to the nurses may be beneficial but they aren’t open until 9am.
MacMillanhave a phone line open 8am-8pm on 0808 800 0000 Emotional, financial and physical help for people with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
Don’t forget the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123 free call for when you need to talk.
From their website
“We offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you.
We won’t judge you or tell you what to do, we’ll listen to you.”
You can access counselling via MacMillan and Maggie’s ( if there is one at your hospital) and maybe through your workplace, if you have on.
When you get your diagnosis and if it is cancer as you suspect these links may prove helpful
- Someone Like Me: Will match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. They’ll be a phone call or email away to answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen. Call on 0800 138 6551 or contact our email volunteers
- Younger Women Together: For people 45 and under. You can choose the support that suits you: online, one day or 2 day residential events. Find an event.
I’m HER2+ which is deemed as a more aggressive cancer but the treatment in the form of Herceptin and Phesgo have been a game changer. I’m 22 months on since finding my lump, cancer free and a good prognosis. Hopefully when you see your team on Friday you will feel much better knowing there is a plan, should the biopsy prove postive.
Two more sleeps until Friday
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Hi I have an 8cm tumor in my breast it’s HER2 positive and in my lymph nodes under my arm. I am about to start my 2nd lot of chemo I’ll be having 6 then I’ll have an op and then radiotherapy. Take every day at a time I’m here if you ever need to talk.
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Hi @joy_ofbooks i’m sorry you have found yourself here, but glad that @naughty_boob has replied to you with lots of information about access to support. Welcome to the club nobody wants to join. You can be assured that there will be someone on this forum that’s been in your position. This part is the worst for anxiety as you hsve no idea what lies ahead. Once you have all the information and the medical team have a plan you should feel a bit better. I also had a large tumour measured in centimeters rather than millimeters that was deemed aggressive, Her2+ve, which was treated with chemotherapy first which resulted in complete resolution of the tumour! We are a great bunch of ladies who support each other through all the ups and downs of treatment. Hopefully you will find out soon all the info from your consultant. Best wishes and big hugs to you.
Penny
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Hi @sacha welcome to the forum as well. I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
As you have just posted I’m assuming you haven’t joined the monthly chemo starters group where you can be supported and give support to others having chemo at the same time. I found it very helpful and met some lovely ladies.
This is the link for the January thread as you said you are due your 2nd cycle soon, assuming a 3 week cycle.
There is also a thread that has been going for over 1 year called HER2+ and need some buddies. @pennyp is also in the group. It’s a very supportive and friendly group with lots of us at different stages of our treatment. As generally HER2+ treatment lasts longer than chemo alone, it’s nice to connect with others in a similar position.
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The total area of concern for me was estimated at 3.6 cm. But they thought my IDC was only 1.8 cm of that. The invasive part, if you have any, is all they’ll care about and that total area could be made of other things besides the invasive component.
Hi @joy_ofbooks I am really sorry to hear about diagnosis.
I was diagnosed in 2021 and my tumor was 12.5cm. Unfortunately, it has spread to the lymph nodes, I had 3 with cancerous cells present. I was 43 years old at the time and yes, my oncologist told me that I had very invasive and advanced lobular breast cancer. And yes, when you think about sizes everyone is different but the most important thing is to not overthink. I know how difficult the wait is but once you get your treatment plan it will get a bit ‘easier’…
I had 3 surgeries, 6 months of gruelling chemo, 15 radiotherapy sessions and 2 years of biologically targeted treatment - Abemaciclib. Now only on Letrozole and Prostap injections every 3 months. I started taking Letrozole in 2022 and still got 4 more years. I can tell you that it definitely gets better…I am well aware that I’ve got a high chance of the cancer coming back further down the line but am trying to stay positive for my kids and enjoy my life - every day counts!!!
Wishing you all the best for your treatment 
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Hi @naughty_boob thankyou,
No I haven’t joined the monthly chemo starters group I’d love to join this and the HER+2 one also. I had my second lot of chemo this morning. Hope it’s not as bad as the first lot. Thankyou for your help and support it’s really appreciated 
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To join the threads click on the links I provided and reply at the bottom of the page and introduce yourself.
I can @sacha you in the threads aswell if you would prefer.
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I’ve tagged you in both threads. So if you have notifications on you will get an email saying you have been tagged.
Otherwise if you click on the 3 horizontal lines next to your icon, click on Latest the posts will be in the ‘unread’ section and will have the number of unread posts on the thread highlighted in pink.
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Hi joy_ofbooks, I’m so sorry where you find yourself & how you learnt some of the information. It swings me back to Jan 2023, & maybe my story can bring you some confidence at this early stage. Showering on Thursday 12 Jan I noticed that there was something very odd about my left breast. The upper half (I could see) was slightly enlarged & I could feel what I described as a hard carapace the size of my palm - no lump & everything mobile. My thought was must look in the mirror. I was in a hurry forgot until Friday evening. What I saw was upper left breast swollen, nipple subducted & below that classic orange peel. I saw my GP first thing Monday (I waited to call then). Her face said it all, examined me & told me I was being referred to the cancer unit. By following Tuesday I saw the senior registrar. Again his face said it all. I was sent for mammogram & US. Although they did not confirm cancer, explaining that needed biopsy results, it was discussed that it did not look good, also there was possibly issue with nodes. I remember seeing my mammogram- left breast lit up like a Xmas tree on its side. Treatment was to be determined but most likely an operation & possibly mastectomy. I asked questions & was told what could be said (much of which I don’t recall). CT & bone scan scheduled for Friday & app the following Thursday with consultant & team. My daughters cam with me. I was diagnosed with grade2 invasive lobular cancer, 10cm+, HER2+, ER+, plus 2 nodes impacted. Good news NO metastasis. Big smiles. My surgeon was very positive. She wanted neo-adjuvant chemo, the mastectomy with axillary clearance & then 2nd round chemo - oncology would decide on radio. Multi-disciplinary team would decide that Friday. I was called in to see oncology the Monday after next. 6 cycles of chemo was explained- 1st to reduce tumour make surgery easier/more successful outcome; targeted & hormone therapy to counter HER2 & ER; after surgery some radio therapy on chest area; & finally 12 cycles & oestrogen inhibitor for 5-7 yrs. The team all seemed very positive, stats looked good (Predict) & by 3 March my chemo was underway. I had eco cardiograms for HER2 treatment (more good news - excellent heart function). Cold capped so maintained my short hair - otherwise body hair free 
. Chemo was grim but by C3 I noticed a significant change in my breast. An US showed a 40% reduction (that was v good & unexpected). It helped me get through the remaining chemo. By the end my body was trashed, I was alive, & my cancer had reduced to micro traces. Spectacular. I had mastectomy - very successful & a further biopsy of nodes. They showed sentinel clear but micro trace in no 2&3, so axillary clearance of levels 1&2 - luckily of 19 nodes removed only the original 2 impacted. All treatment to that point was successful - I was cancer free at that stage. I was the seen by radiologist & report for therapy. That’s when I saw in writing what I had been told & it penetrated. Grade 2 lobular with 80% of breast tissue & 2 nodes at outset. Reduced to some 7/8 spots of micro tumour spread over a 10cm area & in 2 nodes. I had 15 sessions of arm pit & lower chest wall. All this followed by the 12 cycles of chemo, incl the HER2 therapy & ER tablets. Final chemo was early June 2024. I’m cancer free, fully recovered, tolerate Kadcyla well & 84% upwards of surviving 10 yrs. Plus with lobular recurrence stats are low. I’m in that happy remission group. Sorry this is so long, but I hope to show that even with large tumours, there is real hope. I will be thinking of you, hope you get your full diagnosis soon. In the meantime, keep safe & well. 
Anaxx
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I hope you’re ok. The size isn’t a major factor. It’s more of how aggressive it is. Lobular bc appears much bigger as it’s like a web. Do you know the type of your bc? Is it her2 positive?
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