Hi all, new to the forum.
Last week I was given a mammogram, ultrasound and 6x biopsies to investigate 2 lumps and the lymph nodes ‘to see if it has spread’
The doctor who did all this then comforted me as I cried and said I know it’s hard to take in etc etc. She then handed me over to a Macmillian nurse who did similar sympathy sounds. Then an appointment was made for me for tomorrow with a breast surgeon, the explanation being a ‘where do we go from here’ type appointment. The nurse mentioned the various types of treatments.
Looking back no one said out loud ‘you have BC’ and yet everyone acted as if that was the diagnosis and didn’t reassure me otherwise? There was no ’ let’s see what the results are’ type coversation. I spoke as if I’d just been given a BC diagnosis and no one corrected me.
All week I’ve been wondering if I imagined this ? That no one said the actual words and I jumped to a conclusion ? But would they let me think that of it wasn’t true or in doubt ?
I feel like I’m going mad here !
Hiya, you will have been going over and over trying to analyse what they meant I’m sure, I know I did! I did ask what they thought my outcome would be and was told they would expect it to be a benign result, well it wasn’t so they got that wrong! I don’t think they offer too much unless they are pushed but they wont lie to you, I know it’s just awful waiting on results but you have done the hardest bit and will know tomorrow one way or the other, please let us know how you get on xx Jo
Well, they can’t have known the results from the biopsies when they had just taken them, so maybe they were making the assumption from the mammograms? I can understand why you are doubtful about your diagnosis, but this should have prepared you for tomorrow because you have to know what is going on, so now you need to start asking questions! So get a notepad and pen and start by writing down anything you want to ask, don’t be afraid to just come straight to the point and ask “Do I have breast cancer” You will set out your stall, in other words, ask them to be straight with you! I guess they were trying to be kind and gentle but you have been left confused and doubtful. Knowing everything can be a bit scary but not knowing and guessing is even worse!
If if you can, take someone with you to the appointment as a second pair of ears is very useful, especially when you are feeling very wobbly and emotional!
You have come to the right place for support and information, so be sure to come back and tell us how you got on with the surgeon.
Amanda x
Thankyou for your replies.
Surely they wouldn’t be talking in those terms and ‘letting’ me assume I have BC if there’s a chance I don’t ?
When I sat and cried no one said ‘we don’t know what this is yet, wait for the biopsy result’ .
Is it possible to be sure of a diagnosis from mammogram and ultrasound ?
Sorry I just realised I’m repeating myself, today’s the day :-/
So, lump number 1 is regular invasive ductal breast cancer. Treatment will be lumpectomy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy as its the type to be receptive to hormone therapy. Lymph nodes are clear. However lump 2 was inconclusive from the biopsy and so I have to go for an MRI for that next Weds and then back to breast clinic in two weeks. It’s a throw of the dice as to whether it’s the same type as lump 1 and overall treatment plan will depend upon what that diagnosis is.
Thanks everyone for your replies and support. The lymphs being ok is a good thing so just need to wait (again!) to see what’s going on with Thing 2 - yes I have christened my tumours !
Well, not too bad, good that the nodes seem clear. Hopefully the MRI will show Thing 2 is benign. Once you have you diagnosis and a plan in place, you can feel a bit calmer.
There is a general section of the forum with ladies (and Barry!) who are at various stages of treatment, some have even finished. We give each other lots of help, advice and support, so do come over!
Amanda x
Thankyou x