New here. After being referred to the breast clinic last week for a likely cyst, I now find myself waiting for biopsy results tomorrow.
The doctor who reviewed the mammogram, did the US and biopsies was very kind and levelled with me there and then. One solid mass, a much smaller one very close to it and a couple of dodgy looking lymph nodes. He’s pretty certain it’s cancer.
He told me I could ask anything I wanted and my brain went completely blank. So, I asked him ‘what would you want to know if I was your wife?’ He told me that he’d want to know what treatment might look like, and based on what he’s seen and his experience, he thinks that the most likely treatment will be breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy.
Could the doctor really make a reasonable guess at this from the imaging alone? I have no doubt (unfortunately) that it is cancer, but that seems like a big statement for him to make at that stage in diagnosis?
Has anyone else been told this much before the biopsy results, MDT meeting? X
Im sorry about your worry. I had ultrasound and biopsies nearly 4 weeks ago and told there and then it was cancer. Had to go back last week for results and treatment plan that appointment was cancelled as biopsy results were not back. Had a ct scan on saturday and go back for hopefully all results tomorrow. The waiting is the hardest but myself ive remained positive, whuch im hoping will help me through the process. I know its hard but try to be positive and a good mindset, it doesnt work for everyone i know as its the hardest news to hear, everyone on this forum are amazing with help, tips etc, i hope you get good results xx
Hi @kellzh - sorry to hear you’ve just been through this and I understand what a shock it can be. Of course they can’t be sure yet but I think they like to prepare you for any possible outcome. Similar happened to me in February. After the mammograms and ultrasound they started talking as if it was cancer and said they like to prepare people. I had seen the US image and it did look dodgy! I did have breast conserving surgery which really wasn’t too bad at all so please don’t worry. There was a lot of bruising but all cleared up well.
Unfortunately the waiting around for results is the worst bit but there are lots of people on here who are really helpful.
After the surgery everyone’s case is different but hoping for the best outcome! Take care and do other things you enjoy in the meantime!
I am sure it was a hard thing to hear, but well done you in asking such a great question. I think that your radiographer gave advice based on his experience of examining many patients.
Back in 2020 I went for a mammogram and US on a lump and had a biopsy then. After the biopsy I met one of the breast care nurses and she told me that it was definitely “something”. This gave me chance to talk to my husband and mentally prepare myself for what might be discussed at my follow up appointment.
Its horrible isnt it, they cancelled same day as appointment, to be honest its better for me really as had a ct scan saturday so at least they will have everything for me tomorrow, please leat me know how you get on fingers crossed for you xx
They are very experienced in knowing what cancer looks like versus other types of lump. Mine tackled the same issue similarly by saying he was fairly sure it was cancer, that occasionally other things could look the same but that I should expect a cancer diagnosis. Whilst a shock at the time, it helped when it came to the results meeting. I was prepared and had used the time to understand a bit more about the different types of breast cancer and how they were treated. It’s all horrible but it does become easier once you have a plan and start treatment.
Yes I was told at second screening by a BCN after all the investigations including biopsy had been done that it was most probably a tiny cancer and when I asked about treatment she said lumpectomy and radiotherapy . Due to my age and appearance of the tumour etc. I think they were also suspecting ER+ which indeed it turned out to be so hormone therapy was also discussed.
She did say I apologize in advance if it turns out to be one of the many rare benign breast conditions out there but from it’s appearance it looks worrying - I think that’s virtually word for word.
I’m not surprised your mind went blank - I think you did very well asking the question about his wife . I will have to remember that in case I need it for the future .
So sorry that you find yourself here - the waiting for results is pretty awful - some of us think it’s the worst part of the process .
You are exactly right. I think in the long run his approach has really helped prepare me for the next meeting. I really hope all is going well for you and thanks for replying x
Thanks for your reply and I hope everything is going well for you. I agree, I am almost positive that the waiting will be the worst (I am sure there is more to come) but forums like this have been a massive help. X
Sorry that you find yourself here. From experience this is the worst time waiting for results. They won’t know 100% at US with biopsy, but with experience they will know what things look and feel like.
In my case the radiographer commented on how tough it was to biopsy, implying a solid mass rather than a cyst with fluid.
Here’s some links that may be helpful, the wonderful BCN nurses are there for you, even if you just want to chat.
Website: You can register for our services. Or find our publications, more information and support or how to volunteer. It’s all here.
Helpline: 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). Speak to our trained helpline team. No questions are too big or too small.
Ask Our Nurses: You can message our nurses here on the forum, or confidentially. Whatever you prefer.
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.
Moving Forward: Finishing treatment can be hard, and it can be difficult to move forward with your life. You can access our support online or face-to-face. Our online information hub and Moving Forward journal provide extra ideas and information. Courses run over 2 weeks, with 2 3.5hr sessions. Or trained facilitators and volunteers are there to help. Find a course near you.
Publications: Download and order publications. You can read online or order your copy for free. From managing menopausal symptoms, hormone treatment or triple negative breast cancer, our information is here for you.
BECCA: Our free app is your pocket companion to primary breast cancer.
Speaker Live: sessions are on every month. They focus on the topics that matter to you, lead by expert speakers from across the UK. You can register for one of our webinars, and watch it live, or as a recording. We also have Facebook and Instagram Live sessions run by our clinical team on a huge range of topics. You can find them all on YouTube
Secondary breast cancer is full of uncertainties. But you can count onLiving with Secondary Breast Cancer to be there for you, no matter what. You’ll be able to talk, listen and learn with people who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings. Our groups are open to people with a secondary diagnosis. Monthly sessions, facilitated by a therapist, are held in a variety of locations across the UK and online. Find a group. And if you are 45 or under? Our Younger Women with Secondaries Together events provide information and support
LiveChat: Open to people with a secondary diagnosis. A private chat room where you can talk to others in a similar situation.
Access Fund – all our events are free, but if you need help getting there or accessing our services, let us know. Email us at accessfund@breastcancernow.org or call 0345 077 1893.
Will be thinking of you, let us know how you get on. This is a really supportive community.
Pretty much sounds like what happened to me . I was on my own too. I was so shocked and was in a right state - I came to this forum and got lots of encouraging support which made me feel better and the ladies here were right- once I got a definite confirmed diagnosis and a treatment plan it was a relief .but the initial consultant was correct in what he saw on ultrasound and mammagram xx
Hello I am sorry to hear you are waiting for news. It can be stressful. I have just been through the exact same situation. A likely cyst was triple negative breast cancer. At the clinic when I was called for more tests I was given an indication it wasn’t an ideal situation but they team used very vague language and quite rightly as they didn’t have the full results. I’m two weeks into my diagnosis and hopefully starting chemo and immunotherapy next week or week after.
I’m waiting my CT results and need another lymph biopsy which are causing me the most anxiety. Not knowing if it is contained.
Whatever your results well done for finding it and getting checked out. I found that telling myself nothing is certain until you have the facts, helps manage my outlook.
I send you my very best wishes.
Hi kellzh how did your appointment go ? Mine is invasive ductal stage 2/3 grade 3 its gone to 5 lymph nodes also , ive opted for a mastectomy and chemo after , if her2 results come back positive then it might be chemo first, my op is booked for 22 july, sending love xx
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis and sending you my very best wishes. Hopefully you’ll at least feel that you now have a plan in place, and can take some positive action. Thanks for thinking of me. My appointment got pushed to this coming Friday, however my work health insurance has just kicked in so I have an appointment with a private consultant on Weds morning - just need to get my results emailed over to him in time! I still have my Friday appointment so hopefully it will be Friday at the latest, ether way. X
Thank you for your kind words. My first results results appointment was cancelled also, but luckily i had a ct scan and most results were back together , just waiting on her2 results. Ive kept so positive but thats me anyhow positivity overload its all my loved ones crumbling but we all have this and we will kick cancers butt xx
It might be helpful to join the monthly chemo starters group, link above when you start chemo. There is a new one each month, just search for it. I think it helpful to read some of the previous month’s to get a feel for what you’re getting into to. Some might not like to know.
