I found a lump, saw GP, they referred me. Had an appt on Monday at the breast clinic. They did a mammogram, couldn’t find anything. The consultant spoke to me and I pointed it out. She found it and explained it could be a lymph node after an infection/illness. They then did an ultrasound, and the nurse called for the doctor who reviewed and said there were changes. After that it was biopsies of both lump and lymph glands. Then back to mammogram to find the clip they had left. Then was seen by a consultant and a breast cancer nurse. It was all surreal, I was on my own as had no idea they would do so many tests. The consultant then explained that they had found something a 1 cm x 1 cm they could operate but would get the results and when I came back they would have had an MDT meeting whereby they would come up with a plan and a rationale as to why that plan. No one said the words you have cancer , but the definite message was you have cancer without saying the words. When the consultant left, I asked the nurse if they already knew the result, and she said yes they have a good idea and are not normally wrong I am beginning to doubt myself, as keep going over and over it in my mind. I have to wait 3 weeks to the day for the next appt. When I get the results and plan, it’s like they are laying the ground work with me to prepare me for the bad news. Am I going mad ?
Speak to your breast care nurse tomorrow - that’s what they are there for. The biopsy results can take time but the breast care team are there for you in the mean time. Wishing you my best. X
Hi @matilda1 I’m so sorry that you have had to join us on the forum but you will find a lot of support here whatever the outcome of your tests. It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it? I was recalled after a routine mammogram and had a number of tests the same as you and was told there and then that it was breast cancer but that the biopsy would say what sort. I actually found having some certainty made it easier to deal with the wait for results but that may be just me. What the nurse said at that same time was “don’t worry, we’re going to fix this” and three years on from that appointment, so far they have. You have a 1cm lump, mine was 1.5cm so one and a half times as big. Both would be considered small and most likely Stage 1 should it turn out to be invasive. This will be eminently treatable. For reference, I had a lumpectomy as a day case, 5 sessions of radiotherapy a month later and some tablets to take for 5 years.
This phase that you are in now, waiting for the results of tests, is universally acknowledged to be the worst part of the whole procedure. Those three weeks will seem like an eternity but they WILL end and if you have a form of BC, you will receive a treatment plan which will make you feel much more in control. In the meantime, try to distract yourself with things you like to do. Do you have support at home to give you a hug when you need it? Keep posting here until you get your results, we’ve all been where you are now and can empathise and understand.
Thank you very much for your reply, it has made me and my husband so much better. I was beginning to doubt myself, and at times even convince myself that I have misheard. I could kick myself for not asking questions but I was so shocked and upset I genuinely thought that it would be a quick mammogram and then go back if necessary, with everyone telling me it would all be fine. So had actually convinced myself it would be. I have learnt quickly though and will be asking questions and taking my husband. Once again thank you xxx
Thank you very much
Don’t berate yourself @matilda1 - you’ve been plunged into a situation you weren’t expecting, don’t really understand and definitely don’t want. Make a list of questions prior to your results appointment, although some of them will be answered as a matter of course and others will occur to you after the appointment is over - that’s where your designated breast cancer nurse comes in. Take your husband or someone close to you with you to the appointment as you won’t be able to take in everything that is said and it is useful to have someone who can take notes to fill in the gaps as well as being moral support. If it is your style, you could ask if the appointment can be recorded on your phone - some medics agree, some don’t. The important things to know are the stage, grade and the type (this will be comprised of oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 markers). This is assuming that your lump is cancerous in the first place, most lumps biopsied are not. If it turns out to be breast cancer, try to hang on to the fact that a staggeringly high percentage of women have treatment and go on to lead cancer-free lives. You will be passing strangers every day in the shops, on the street, in restaurants etc, who have been where you are now and who have come out the other side.
I was in a similar situation just over a year ago. I’ll say well done to you for being vigilant and catching it early. You are right, they usually have a pretty good idea if a suspicious lump is cancer or not and hint strongly at the time.
What I clung onto while waiting for results was that whatever it was, it was only about 1cm. Size is important and under 2cm is a good thing.
In the end mine was 16mm. A bit bigger than thought, but still under 2cm. Fingers crossed for your node biopsy as that is a concern, sometimes they do come back as normal. Make sure someone is with you at the next appointment. I think part of the strong hints is so that people don’t come alone next time as its tough news to hear.
You’ve done the best you could meantime, not easy to spot a 1cm lump, the average I’ve read is 2 cm by the time it’s found.
Thanks so much for your kind words