Hi folks. I found a lump two weeks ago, went for tests on Tuesday. They did mammograms (called me back for second round after finding calcification), then scans and biopsy. I have a lump and they found a swollen lymph node that they biopsied as well. The consultan surgeon said it was “most likely cancer”. She said that in a few different ways, but added they have to wait for the results of the biopsy to be sure. Now, to me this means I have breast cancer. She didn’t leave much room for other conclusions. Do they ever say this and then you go back and it’s benign? I’ve started telling people at work but feels really odd not to know. Any help?
Thanks
Hi Judes,
Only the biopsy can confirm one way or the other I’m afraid, but it does happen that sometimes they think it is cancer and it turns out not to be. My own experience was that based on mammo and ultra-sound they said “it’s almost certainly cancer” and then from fine needle biospy were able to confirm an hour later (I was ‘lucky’ to have a one stop clinic) but not all the details until the Core Biopsy results, which took a few days.
From what you’ve said, it sounds as if they are fairly certain, and I think they are careful what they do say. The waiting is the worst, once you know what you have to deal with you find the inner strength to deal with it.
Be kind to yourself, try not to dwell on the ‘what if’ scenarios, and take full advantage of this forum and the main site helpline to get extra support at this time.
Takae care.
Thanks RevCat, that’s helpful.
I too was told I had almost certainly got cancer from just an ultra sound. It took the biopsies to find out what type. They have been known to be wrong but they are preparing you for the worst.
Stay close to the forum, there are lots of great ladies on here who will gently support you through this very worrying time. I held off telling work people until I had to because of the amount of time I needed off to attend lots and lots of hospital appointments.
Your head will be a mess at the moment. and as RevCat has said, you need to be kind to yourself, try not to over think this. You need more information and then a plan. At the moment you are in the worst place ever which we call the waiting room.
Good luck with it all. And if you ever want to send me a message please do.
Debbie
Hi Can’t really add to what has been said apart from I agree. Just wanted to say thinking of you at this time and sending you lots of love.
take care and be kind to yourself
KatyD
thanks debby and katyD. i thought they probably wouldn’t say that without being fairly certain. glad i’ve found this forum x
Hi there,
I had the same thing happen and was told that it did look to be cancer, but they would need to do a prone biopsy to confirm this.
I went back ten days later and low and behold it was High grade DCIS which was upgraded to invasive after the surgery.
I did ask the nurse after I had been told how certain they were that I had had cancer, and was told they were pretty sure, but had to go through the biopsies just to confirm it, because they have been wrong.
Please keep away from google, as lots of it is really out of date and very very scary. This and a couple of other reputable sites, will tell you everything you need to know, without scaring you to pieces.
Keep posting on here as the ladies on here will give you tons of support.
xxx
How are you now stargazerlily?
I have just started chemo last week!! I had three operations, two to get clearance of margins, and one for my nodes. My nodes were clear and I was told that I would just need radiotherapy and tamoxifen, but for some reason unbeknown to me, my hospital forgot to tell me I was something called Her2postive, for four months, and this changed the whole course of my treatment. In I was diagnosed the day before the Japanese Tsunami in March, but only found out I was her2pos in July!!!
I am lucky (if you can call it lucky) but I am lucky to be having a drug called herceptin, which does something to the receptors on the her2pos cells, and starves them from growing. Not sure if that the correct part of the science, but thats the idea. I am also having chemo along side this too, as herceptin is only licesnsed to be given with chemo, not alone. My chemo will last for four and a half months, as I am having 6 cycles, of two weeks in a row, one week off and repeat! I will be having herceptin x 18 and will finish in Sept 2012! I will also be having radiotherapy, for six weeks after chemo.
I wont lie and say its easy, its not and at the moment, my head is all over the place, as I have only just started chemo, BUT it does get easier, and every part of this journey has seemed hard at first, but you soon get into a routine with it, and I am sure once I have got used to the chemo I will be fine.
My advise to you, it take one day at a time, and dont look to far ahead, and that way it wont seem so daunting.
xx
hi judes,
well yes they do make mistakes, but they are getting better and better at spotting the signs. but even if it is cancer it could very well be very well behaved, hiding in your breast, not trying to get anywhere.
I found my lump in May. operated in June. Radiotherapy in august and going to the clinic next week to be signed off. so it has been 5 months of disruption. I have never really felt ill or been in enough pain to take pain killers. I have been tired, but then i love my bed, and my husband is a bit suspicious that i am milking it. The cosmetic effect is not that bad. no dent, just got one nipple a bit higher than the other. If i were younger and single I might think about improving it, but there is no way at my age I am going through more surgery.
I hope you do come back and say that they got it wrong, but take heart–its not going to be the end of the world for you.
Hi judes
As well as the support you are receiving here if you would like to talk things through with someone please don’t hesitate to call the BCC helpline. Here you can share your feelings with a trained member of staff who will be able offer you emotional support as well as practical information. The number tocall is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 9 to 2pm.
Best wishes
Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Judes
The waiting game is just horrible. I was diagnosed 2.5 years ago and I remember that wait for biopsy results well. Mine was very clear cut and they were 99% sure it was cancer before those results. However, being left in limbo while waiting was dreadful. My tumour was large and in my lymph nodes so I had the works: surgery, chemo and radiotherapy - all finished 18 months ago and I’m now on tamoxifen and getting back to a normal life.
I have a neighbour who always says ‘prepare for the worst and hope for the best’. I’m not sure if that’s helpful to you or not. I really hope that isn’t cancer but if it is, you won’t be alone. There is so much support on these forums and with the helpline.
Please do let us know how you get on.
take care, Elinda x
thanks everyone.
now i find myself bargaining. having these elaborate debates with myself about what i’ll accept and what i won’t.
ok, so it’s probably BC, i’ll accept that. I’ll accept a nice well-behaved lump that has spread anywhere. i’ll accept surgery and radiation, even chemo. i’ll accept disfigurement, would prefer to keep my nipple but i’ll manage.
what i WONT accept is that this has spread far, or that it’s a secondary from a melanoma I had two years ago.
just a little bit unsure who i’m talking to and how i’ll enforce my refusal to accept nasty spreading cancer.
xx
hi all
went to hospital today and they didn’t have biopsy results from the breast lump but results from lymph node biopsy show cancer. will find out more tomorrow. so i;m in your club. very glad i found you.
xx
Oh Judes, sorry you’ve had to officially join us. But welcome! You’ll find the forums a great support. Good luck with the rest of the results and the treatment plan. Let us know how you get on. xx
Oh Jude,so sorry you’re now in this club.
Hope you soon get your treatment plan sorted and feel more in control again. Take care.
(((hug)))
hi jude… sorry your here m8 … no one wants to join this gang .bit of a pain not having all your results today … but with a bit of luck tomorrow you will know whats going on , and your treatment plan will be set … let us all know how you get on angie xx