Core Biopsy - Worried

I had a core biopsy yesterday following FNA results of C4 a month ago. I had initially been told it looked like a cyst during my FNA however, yesterday they were using a stronger machine and I was told it looked solid rather than cyst-like. If that didn’t freak me out enough, I then found out I have an enlarged lymph node nearby along my breastbone. The doctor said she would mark it all as extra urgent as she knew how anxious I was (however, I can’t help feeling she was marking it as extra urgent because of the severity of her findings). I am totally beside myself with worry that the cancer has spread and it’s too late for treatment! A bit OTT probably but I can’t seem to overcome these awful thoughts. I had an appointment booked for next wed for the results but had a phone call today changing it from 3.45pm to 9.30am. This has also worried me that the results are really bad! Is it possible that they’d have the results the following day which is why they’ve brought the appointment forward?!

Hi Bonbai. 

I am really sorry to hear you are going through this anxious time. Our users are very supportive and I am sure they will be along soon to offer their support.

Please do call our helpline in the meantime at 0808 800 6000. They will be able to talk to you about your biopsy, your upcoming appointment and offer a friendly ear. The opening times are below.

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Late opening Monday and Wednesday 5pm-7pm,
Saturday, 9am-1pm 

Best wishes, 

Lizzy

Hi Bonbai, I’m really sorry that you are having to go through this. It’s so horrible waiting for results. I think we drive ourselves potty trying to second guess what the outcome might be; I wouldn’t read too much into the appointment time being changed. I wish you the best possible outcome on Wednesday. Be kind to yourself and big hugs X 

Thank you your reassuring responses. I’m trying so hard to keep busy but I still can’t stop thinking the worst. I don’t think I’ve got many tears left in me, mainly over my 2 year old son. I’ve spoken to the lovely ladies on the helpline who have been wonderful. On one hand I can’t bear the wait for the results but on the other hand, I don’t want to hear them as I don’t think I’ll be able to handle them. Charys, your message specific to lymph nodes is helping and I keep going back and re-reading it to reassure myself when I have a wobble. Rainbow, thank you for your reassurance about the appointment time. I know you’re right. xxx

Thank you Charys, you make a lot of sense. So sorry to hear you’ve been recently diagnosed. xx

Hi Bonbai,

i just wanted to try and reassure you, I was diagnosed at the age of 42, nearly 7 years ago, I had the whole works thrown at me due to my age and the fact that I had 3/11 lymph node affected, a quadrantdectomy, chemo and rads and have been on tamoxifen for the past 6 years and will continue to do so for the full 10 years.

If you’re going to have a cancer diagnosis BC is by far the best one to have… 

Hold your head up ladies, you will be able to deal with the diagnosis and any treatment if necessary. 

Please try to remain positive ladies my oncologist told me the mind was a very powerful tool and I could increase my chances of survival by nearly 10%. I’m still here just about to celebrate my 50th birthday… Something I never thought I would reach.

Big hugs and positive thoughts  X

 

Hello,

 

When my consultant gave me the bad news about my cancer being worse than first thought,  I said what a load of rubbish (or words to that effect!) and he responded that I needed to be positive.  He said he knew of women with diagnoses of grade 1 cancers giving up and going on to die before women diagnosed with grade 4 at the same time … He went on to say we have everything to be positive about, we live in a country with excellent breast cancer care and follow up.  

 

The Anti-cancer book also mentions the importance of a positive frame of mind and goes into detail amazon.co.uk/Anticancer-New-Life-David-Servan-Schreiber/dp/0718156846

 

xx 

 

 

Thanks for your kind words Susu and OAD, I will look that book up.

I get my results tomorrow and am really struggling today. I’m highly emotional and every time I look at my son, I just want to break down. I’ve been trying to be positive and the last 2 days haven’t been too bad but with the appointment so close now, I’m struggling to control my thoughts which seem to be on a downward spiral. Especially because I think I’ve found another enlarged lymph node but in my opposite armpit last night?! I wasn’t looking for it, I had an itch and suddenly found it. I then did check my other armpit and think I’ve found a matching one!!

This sucks! I know it won’t be good news tomorrow as my lump is rapidly growing. I found out over the weekend that 62 days from an urgent GP referral, I should be starting treatment, based on NHS targets. Well, my Doctor urgently referred me c.22nd Feb so we’re now past those 62 days and I’m none the wiser. Am angry that it took a month from my FNA with C4 results to have my biopsy and am panicking this delay has potentially caused me my life. Bit dramatic I know but I just can’t help myself at the moment. Does anyone know if this kind of delay is normal?

Bonbai thinking of you tomorrow. I think we all panic about the wait. But there is nothing likely to change from it being over 62 days. Let us know how you get on xx

So, I got my results today. Grade 3. My Doctor did give it a name but I can’t remember it, all I remember is that it’s ductal and hormone reception is weak, which I understand isn’t great. I go in for a lymph node biopsy on Mon, with chemo (FEC T) to start by the end of the month. In the meantime, a CT scan and mammogram before deciding on lumpectomy or mastectomy. I totally understand now though why you say it’s actually a little bit easier once you know. I now have an action plan.

Hi Bonbai I have been looking out for you all day. I’m so sorry that you got the results you did but I know what you mean, it is a little bit easier once you know. I guess I am a pretty strong person as my eldest son is profoundly disabled and I have learnt over the years being positive is the one thing that gets you through that is actually totally in your control. But being positive doesn’t mean we don’t need support and we are all here for you as we truly understand. Things will move pretty fast now there is a definite answer. Take good care of yourself and use this forum for anything you need to. There will always be one of us with an ear ready xxx

Hi Bonbai,

 

Sorry to hear your news, my diagnosis changed (from DCIS to grade 3, HER+) which I was totally unprepared  for and shocked by.  Everything about this really does suck but at least once the doctors and you have a better idea of what you’re dealing with something can be done. I hope everything goes well. Contact me if you want to chat some more.

 

Isabelle xx