After finding a lump a few weeks ago, I was sent to a screening clinic last Tuesday. I had mamogramms, ultra sound and a core biopsy done. The doctor seemed convinced I have BC as she saw a lump and calsification in my right breast. I have to go back next Tues for results to find out the type and grade, even though she seemed sure that it is BC, and I am brused from the biopsy I still can’t belive it. I have told my family and my boss at work but it doesn’t seem real, I keep thinking that the doctor must be wrong and the results will be clear. But I can’t match this up with what the doctor told me, can she be sure without the biopy result? She has made an appointment for me to meet with a surgeon already. I feel very confused, and can’t get my head around this.
Hi Et,
Sorry you have had to join the Forum, but you will get lots of support from everyone.
Taking in the diagnosis is very difficult, but yes the tests you have had so far more or less let the docs know what they are dealing with. The core biopsies if the tissue taken floats it is normal breast tissue, if it sinks it is abnormal tissue. Waiting for the results are the worst, but once all the tests are back you will at least have a battle plan set out for you.
Why don’t you phone the helpline and talk to someone there. I wish I could be of more help I do know exactly how you are feeling.
Please keep posting on here and feel free to scream if you feel the need, we all have at some point.
Love
Irene
et
I agree with all that laptalass says. Waiting for the results is by far the hardest part. Everyone will tell you to be positive, but they’re not you and its easy for them to say!!
We are all here for you and let us know how it goes
Julia xx
Thanks for your posts they really help. I’m sure it is the not knowing for sure and not knowing whats going to happen next that is so stressful. In a way I’m glad I’ve had this week to get my head around it, but it all feels very unreal.
Hi Et,
Was thinking about you today and just wondered how you got on.
It all seems very unreal, especially in the beginning.
Please keep in touch.
Irene
hi et
when i was diagnosed for the second time my radiologist confirmed from the ultrasound that it was breast cancer even though i didnt get the results of the biopsy till 6 days afterwards confirming this.
i was grateful that he was honest with me and told me that it looked like a new primary tumour so i was able to get my head round it a wee bit within the 6 days and was booked for surgery the following day so was all really quick and couldnt really get my head round it at the time… felt like it was all happening to somebody else and i was just watching it unfold… but now 5 months later and nearing the end of my chemo iv adjusted to it all.
i just wanted to let you know i was thinking about you today.
love Lulu
Thank you for thinking about me, it helps so much not to feel on my own with this. As expected the biopsy confirmed I have invasive ductal BC, grade 3. Like Lulu says I was better prepared for this result having been told last week, but I think I still had a little bit of hope they were wrong up until yesterday.
I am looking at mastectomy and most likley chemo after that, I feel gutted that all my plans will have to be put on hold. I have just finished studying for a degree over the past five years with the Open University whilst working as a teaching assistant and was planning to go to uni to do a post grad teacher training course next year. I know I can do it all later but I’m 48 and feel time is against me for a career change after I turn 50. Still I suppose there is never a good time to go through this.
I am due to meet with the surgon on Monday, so I should have an idea of time scale after that, and maybe even a date for my op. The breast care nurse said I might have to decide on when to do the reconstruction. It seems to be a complicated choice as she said if I have it done at the same time it could delay chemo as post op recovery takes longer, but if I do it later it means another op. Has anyone any advise/experience on this?
Hi et! it is a shock isn’t it. I also had an extra week waiting for trucut biopsies and that extra week has to have been the worst. Im 48 like you and looking at probable mastectomy depending if the tablets im on make my lump shrink enough to do anything less. I just want it all taken out!
I think you have done amazingly well getting through an OU degree while brewing a major illness and keeping down a job (do i guess you’re running a family too?!) and maybe there might be a way to continue studying with something low-key or related online modules to stop you losing confidence even if the treatment keeps you grounded for a while? Pursuing your interests and making use of the time is something any future employer should respect you for so good luck. Aparently cancer counts as a disability so they cannot discriminate against you on the grounds of illhealth any more than if you were blind, so long as you could do the job. Follow your dreams and good luck
Thanks hymil. I had my mastectomy last Thursday, and am back home recovering, a bit sore and tired but glad that bit is over. Will have to wait for the pathology report to see what will happen next.
I expect if I have to be off work for a while I will do something useful with my time, though as you correctly guessed I also have a family to look after, three children, two of whom are grown up ages 20 and 24 and a 13 year old still at home.
I hope your results are not too stressful. The waiting is the worst bit. The op is not too bad I just have to adjust to my new shape, (very odd) but I will probubly go for a reconstruction once I’m through treatment.
Keep positive,
et
Here’s to a speedy recovery!
Hi, Goodluck with the healing. It does get better,the waiting for the results is the worst.Then you just feel glad it is all over. Lots of positive (((((((hugs)))))))) Jellylegs
Hi ET, You appear to me coping with all this really well. I bet you are glad that your operation is over. I was diagnosed when I was 39 and it came as quite a shock to the system. I had reconstruction done at the same time. Just wanted to let you know I am still here after 20 years and to offer you a glimmer of hope and wishing you a speedy recovery. Best wishes ET, love Val X
thanks scotishlass. It good to hear that you are still here after twenty years to tell the tail. I hope to be around for another thirty years yet. fingers crossed.