Hi everyone…(I can’t quite believe I’m here). I am 54 and perimenopausal. Have been on HRT for 2 years.
Last Saturday I received a call back letter after a routine screening mammogram; on Wednesday I was having a 2nd mammogram, an ultrasound and 3 biopsies and being told my the consultant that a 2cm lump had been found in my left breast that was ‘suspicious’ and that they were ‘very worried’. She also said it was only one lump and there was nothing in my armpit. I have accepted that this is cancer. She has recommended that I have an MRI.
Next Wednesday is my first MDT meeting. I was in shock at this point and kind of zoned out afterwards and was on my own so no other questions were asked. Can someone please tell me what exactly the MRI is for? Does the fact that there is nothing in my armpit suggest the lymph nodes are likely to be clear or am I clutching at straws here? What exactly can I expect at this meeting?
I am completely paralysed with fear and keep thinking I’m going to have a panic attack at any moment. I’m really struggling to keep this from my children (I want to be able to have meeting first where hopefully there will be some positive news to relay) but this is so devastating I am not coping well at all. Thank you so much for reading. Any advice greatly appreciated.
I’m so so sorry that you find yourself here but you’ve come to the right place. Until the full results of your biopsies are back, they do not know what type of cancer it is, but there are several types and each has a different treatment plan. The mri isn’t offered in every nhs trust if you are in uk, so see it as an extra layer for your duagnostic team. It can identify lymph nodes that might be cancerous, even if not seen on ultrasound or mammogram.
The mdt will meet to discuss everything they’ve found, decide a plan of action and get you sorted.
You seem to be getting fast diagnosis and as it’s around 2cm, probably its been caught quite early.
It’s totally understandable to be terrified, but you will feel so much better when you have a treatment plan in place. Breast cancer is treatable, and not everyone needs chemo. Hopefully, you will have the answers next week and will know what is going to happen. All of us on here know how awful the wait is, and how frustrating and scary it is not knowing. But there is lots of help and advice on here too. Please let us know how you get on. Xxx
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. You have made me feel a little better, and I will take that gratefully. I will update as soon as I am able. Thank you again.
I can only echo everything bluesatsuma has said. I was diagnosed the same time as a colleague; she got given an MRI, I didn’t…she didn’t have node involvement, I did.
The periods of waiting are by far the worst, I think everyone here would agree with that. You should know more after the MDT and once a treatment plan is in place you will hopefully feel more settled. Best of luck x
I am so sorry you find yourself here. Sometimes an MRI is ordered if they suspect you have lobular cancer. This is because Lobular tends to show up better on MRIs than Mammograms.
I had lobular cancer and nothing was seen in my nodes using Ultrasound. I was then sent for an MRI too. Luckily that was clear and so were my sentinel nodes that were removed at surgery. I think the MRI is always a standard when they think it’s lobular.
You will be fine, I promise. It’s a horrendous time right now but once you know what you are dealing with, it will get much better xx
As others have already said, this is the worst part. Waiting for tests and results is so difficult and my heart goes out to you as I remember those feelings. I had surgery booked then had a MRI (because I have dense breasts, apparently) which identified another tiny area so surgery was delayed. I had further biopsies and also a second opinion was then sought following disagreement about my plan at MDT which meant another delay to surgery. I won’t lie, each delay and every extra test was horrific emotionally and I desperately just wanted surgery done. However, with the benefit of hindsight, I am so pleased and grateful that all these tests, discussions and even the disagreements took place as it meant I was being properly considered as an individual and what was right for me rather than simply ticking boxes. Thankfully all this meant in the end I had the best surgery for me with the best results I could possibly have hoped for and am back to loving life. It’s difficult, I know, but please try and trust the professionals and the process. I guarantee you will feel better when you know exactly what is happening and start your treatment. Best of luck with everything. x
I had lobular and had an MRI . It was 2cm rather than suspected 1.5.
My nodes were all clear too .
Had lumpectomy and 5 sessions of radio .
It’s scary for a few weeks but once you start treatment, it helps .
Thank you everyone, so much, for taking the time to respond to me. I am trying my best to be positive…I am prepared for a horrendous treatment , but please God let there be a recovery at the end of it.
Doctor Google has, quite literally, made me sick with worry. I am usually such a resilient, strong woman who just keeps going regardless, but this has knocked me for six, and the worrying about the impact on my children, mum, partner, is dreadful. I’m upping my exercise, have begun an alkaline diet and am trying to be positive. I’m just praying that in a year or two I can take the baton from you guys and share words of hope and reassurance with some other poor soul in this horrendous situation.
Thank you everyone again. Have a lovely weekend xxx
PS on the positive side, OFSTED are imminent at my school, so at least I’ll miss that. lol:)
Hey just wanted to reach out to you! The not knowing is the worst part like someone else has said.
We all know what it is like, please stay away from google, i also googled and drove myself nutty!
Im 33 and going through it at minute, they told me pretty much straight away before biopsies came back that it was.
Soon as i saw my Dr and he told me my plan i felt loads better. Im on my 4th chemo next week out of 6.
Just remember breast cancer is one of the most treatable! Specially when caught early.
They said mine was also 2cm but on mri was a bit bigger but it was not 3cm it was 2cm something ( cant remember now ) keep yourself busy in meantime and remember they will be putting a plan in place for you with the best treatment.
Jemma
@morion24 I’m sorry you have found yourself here - it can feel like a frightening time .
The worst part is the constant waiting for test results , it feels like it goes on forever but once you get your form diagnosis things will move quickly . Dont panic about having an MRi. All trusts vary based on their own protocol and it just helps them get the bigger picture , plus some BC’s show up better on MRI .
I was told on 23rd July at my appointment I had breast cancer , no lump was seen but my breast was full of microcalcifications which indicate cancer .
My biopsy results showed Grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma and high grade ductal carcinoma in situ . However they wanted more biopsies so when I returned for those it showed I had multi focal DCIS and needed a mastectomy.
My cancer is HER 2 so I will need chemo , I feel calmer now I’m on the treatment pathway. My murderous mammary was removed yesterday morning and I’m home and recovering .
This forum is a fantastic support hub. You are never alone and we are all here for you x
So it was confirmed today. No surprises there. Stage 1 Grade 1 DC, hormone positive, HER2 negative. An MRI is next to check both breasts because they are dense and to check the lymph nodes too…the consultant said under my arms felt fine today, so fingers crossed. I am nervous about the MRI but after a horrific week waiting, relieved to hear that my cancer is ‘early, very treatable and with good outcomes’. I am praying it stays that way.
Everyone was right saying the waiting is the hardest part. I still have a bit of waiting to do but I do feel better knowing the process has begun.
I’m sorry you’ve received the diagnosis no one wants - but hold on to what your team are telling you , DC is very treatable and at grade 1 it’s more of a pussy cat than a ferocious tiger if that helps , don’t panic about the MRI if you’ve got dense breasts it will show things a lot better .
You’ll soon have a treatment plan and things will move quickly . You are in good hands now x
Arty1, thank you. Loving the ‘more of a pussycat than a tiger analogy’! I am feeling much, much better today, I can do this now and yes, all of you are right saying the waiting is the worst part.
I hope you are recovering well and having a good day today. Sending you positive vibes and lots of strength and good wishes xxx
Good to hear you are feeling a bit better - no one wants to hear the word cancer and we automatically think the worst , it’s normal , believe me I’ve been through all the scenarios in my head !
I’m recovering ok I think , Annoying cording where they took my sentinel lymph node and fatigue that I wasn’t expecting but I’ve been for a longish walk today and don’t feel too bad x
