Good morning all, I have a 2 x 3cm firm-ish lump in left upper quadrant of breast and have the follow up appointment booked next week for the results.
When I attended the hospital for the initial check and scans they took 3 biopsies which included 1 taken from the lymph node (Sentinel I think).
Does anyone know if the lymph node biopsy is standard procedure or do they only do that if the lump looks concerning on ultrasound? I’m 48 so realise that age will come in to it.
Thanks all
I had lymph node biopsied as was slightly larger than “normal”, this came back as benign.
Lots of things can make it look larger such as shaving your armpit, a mild cold etc
Hello Misty2025,
I have been reading the Breast Cancer Now website for a while since I stumbled across it during my obsessive Google research. I know it isn’t good to do, but my mind wanted to become as educated as possible to prepare myself for whatever is coming my way. I am 48 and was immediately told it was cancer at a diagnostic mammogram appointment. Immediately, a biopsy of the lump and lymph nodes was scheduled. Again, I was told immediately that it’s cancer. My surgery to remove the tumor and bad lymph nodes was just done on June 18th. I’m still very much in the healing stages. I elected to have double surgery to remove cancer and reconstruct what was left for symmetry, which was called a partial mastectomy of the right breast with removal of 12 lymph nodes. Then, a breast reduction of my left breast for symmetry. It was very emotional to be told I would lose both nipples and would later need to have them tattooed. Something changed during the surgery because I awoke to being told my nipples were saved, and I was hopeful that they had the blood flow they needed. I have a follow-up appointment this afternoon to check how I’m healing. I was diagnosed with Invasive ductal carcinoma, with lymph nodes also positive for cancer. The biopsy came back as estrogen +, progesterone + HER -. I was immediately told surgery was needed first. I was informed I was a clinical stage 2, but that could change once the tumor was removed and they were able to test all, including the cancerous lymph nodes. I am scheduled to meet with a medical oncologist on the 8th of July. She will let me know the next plan of action. I was warned that radiation would be needed, and chemotherapy is very possible. I have found this website to help me get through the process and let me know I’m not alone. My head is my worst enemy, and I have found that my feelings are normal. I am so grateful for all the tips and tricks the ladies post that I have used to help me in this journey. Waiting for appointments and results is the worst. I found that recording the doctor’s visits helped me be able to go back and relisten. A lot of Information is discussed and it becomes difficult sometimes to digest it all right away. I too have a notebook I write everything down in and questions because you will have many. I worked up to the day before my surgery. It helped me keep my mind focused on something other than the cancer. My advice is to get some good post surgical bras in advance. The one they give you is absolutely horrible and so uncomfortable. I finally am able to switch out the one the hospital sent me home in. I apologize for rambling on and on but this is my first post and I just wanted to share my experience to date. Your feelings matter and express them with your loved ones as much as possible. It will help you more than you know.
Hi Veronicaj
Thanks for your message and the heads up on the post surgery bra.
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis and the surgery you have had to endure. Have everything crossed for your appointment.
Let me know how it goes and hopefully you won’t need to have chemo, I had my 2nd treatment yesturday at a reduced dose due to some problems with neuropathy but on the plus side, the lump has reduced by about 50% now.
Bye for now and take it easy, you sound like you’ve been through alot already.
Misty xx