Hi, I am new to this site and I am looking for advice. In 2008 I found a lump in my right breast, I had a mammogram and biopsy taken. The doctor old me that there was no cancer detected and that the lump was scar tissue from previous surgery were an implant was inserted due to breast asymetry. In 2011 I noticed that’ my nipple was becoming inverted and again when to hospital for it checking. They did another mammogram and again the doctor said nothing abnormal detected and I was discharge. Several months later I returned after requesting another biopsy and it was found that I had lobular invasive breast cancer stage 2. surgeon said that after reviewing the slides from 2008 it was discovered that these contained cancer cells so I was misdiagnosed. I was offered a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, or a mastectomy, this was providing that there was no positive lymph nodes. As I had an implant in the breast I was concerned that the radiotherapy would make the implant hard so I opted for the mastectomy. As it happens after surgery the surgeon said I had done the right thing as there as some cancer cells under my nipple. My sentinal node was positive for micro cells and a further 21 nodes were clear. I am starting FEC chemo next week. I am really worried that I had this cancer for such a long time without treatment and although they are saying with every thing considered the are still classing it as early breast cancer (it was slow growing and from 2008 to 2012 it had grown 4mm). Please can any one help me with this one.
Hi susy
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site.
While you are waiting for replies could I suggest that you gie the helpline here a ring and have a chat with one of the staff, they’re here to support you through this. Calls to the helpline are free, 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Hi Susy
Have not heard of such a misdiagnosis before …but I’ve not been here very long…
its likely that many of us would have had our bc for a while before it was discovered …especially small less aggressive ones.
I never felt a lump with mine …but the breast did eventually dimple…although not in any way that I could find in any of the ‘books’ which is why I waited for my next mammogram rather than going to the doctor in advance.In your case you know how long it has been there which is very worrying for you…
However it has now been found and diagnosed and dealt with so look forward …BUT I would be very questioning from now on in…a bloody nuisance in fact…so that they couldn’t make any further lazy diagnoses.
Hopefully someone else will be along with a more experienced view than mine…
best wishes
Mary M
Hi Susy
My situation wasn’t quite the same as yours, but I had my first routine mammogram and it didn’t show anything suspicious. Then 12 months later I was diagnosed with what turned out to be a 3cm tumour. I really don’t believe that it grew from nothing to 3cm in 12 months at my age (50). I know tumours have to be a certain minimum size before they are detectable on a mammogram, but I still can’t believe there were no signs visible on the first one.
However, I tell myself there is little benefit to me in thinking too much about the “what ifs”. I’m lucky to be here, reasonably fit, healthy and active, and back at work earning a living.
In your case the main benefit in making a fuss about what happened would be to try to ensure that the same misdiagnosis doesn’t happen to others - which is very important.
Only you know if you feel up to bringing this matter to the attention of the medical authorities while you’re going through so much other c***p dealing with the BC. Sometimes it can make you feel better knowing you might be helping others in the future. Or of course you could leave it on hold until you feel better able to deal with it.
Hi Susy. Sorry you’ve been messed about so much, and Im keeping everything crossed that the MX and FEC will finally sort things outfor you. I think what your case, and the case of Cheshire Cheese demonstrates, is that Doctors do not necessarily always know best, and it’s important to be assertive.
In an ideal world, all doctors would be dedicated professionals who are on top of their game, and provide consistently high standards of care irrespective of cost - but this is not an ideal world. When doctors get it wrong are incompetent, the consequences can be devastating.
I truly hope everything will work out for you Susy, and also hope that your experience will caution those of the doctor knows best/I just want to trust my doctor brigade.
Susy, a couple of things for you.
Lobular can be difficult to spot on a mammo, and it often doesn’t present as a solid lump but as an “area”. I haven’t had it, but there are plenty of others on the site who have had.
“Early” means that it has not progressed outside the breast. Also called “Primary”, as opposed to secondary where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Having a lymph node is seen as still being in the breast, as the node has prevented the spread to the rest of the body. Hope that helps.