Hi everyone
Last Tuesday I went for tests due to a referral from my gp I was so sure it was just a cyst I had, but after mammogram and ultra sound and four core biopsies I was told I will need treatment and to come back next Wednesday for results from biopsy . They never actually said it was cancer until my mum asked and the reply was yes. I’m confused as to what next Wednesday is going to bring will they tell me what treatment I need or will there be still more tests? They have told me the lump is 3 cm and some lymph nodes are swollen. Does anybody know what I could be looking at hearing next week as I am so confused. As to what I have been told and need to prepare myself. I’m a 38 confused and very worried my daughter is 8 and I am a single parent and so worried about my princess to. Please help me get my mind set right xxxx
Hi Lyns
Welcome to the forum. I’m sure other members will soon be along to offer you some support.
Our publication “Your breast clinic appointment” may be of some help to you. Here is the link:
www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/your_breast_clinic_appointment_bcc_70.pdf
You might also find it helps to talk things over with one of our Helpliners. They can offer practical information and emotional support. The opening times are 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi Lyns
Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, your story is very similar to mine. I was diagnosed with Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) on 28th June. The lump is 3.5 cm with 2 swollen lymph nodes. The initial biopsy from the LNs were negative, but I have been told this doesn’t mean they are not cancerous. The will confirm LNs involvements after the surgery.
First 2 appointments I saw surgeons because surgery is the usual first course for treating BC. However, in order to have a less invasive surgery they suggested I should have chemotherapy first to shrink the lump. I was then referred to oncologists. During the oncologist appointment they will go through all your medical history, discuss their findings so far, then suggest best course of treatment that they think is suitable and duration.
Everything moved fast once I signed the chemo consent form. I was also referred to bone scan and CT scan. On CT scan they are checking the LNs status in other organs like liver, kidney, etc… Basically, I saw oncologists one week, and week after I had my scans and first chemo cycle. In your case they may go for surgery first, you will find out on Wednesday.
Since you are not sure whether you are seeing onco or surgeons, my suggesting is to write down all your questions relating to both courses so you can ask relevant ones during your appt. Have someone with you to take note. You can ask for copy of your pathology result to have a look when you at home and have more time. They will explain as much as or as little as you want to know. During your appointment a breast cancer nurse will be present too, they are very good and happy to answer any questions you have anytime during your treatment.
You never know, you may just need a lumpectomy with no further treatment. I know is not easy, but try not to think only about worst case scenarios. Waiting for results is the most difficult part of this process.
You can find great support here. I know is a bit quiet right now, is all because of the website update. Everyone trying to find where everything is! There is also a section here for young women with BC, which also directs you to a facebook page.
You and your Princess will be fine… 
Keep us posted.
Take care
Mahsa x
Hi Lyns
So sorry you find yourself here. The results will tell you whether your cancer is hormone sensitive, HER 2 sensitive, or triple negative. These results will help the medics decide on your treatment. They will also confirm which type of breast cancer you have. There are several types. They won’t know for sure what size the lump is until after surgery, it might be 3cm, it might be a bit smaller, or bigger. The size isn’t really an issue at this point, but if it is large and you want a lumpectomy and not a mastectomy, they might suggest chemo to shrink the lump down to a smaller size. I hope this information helps a little.
My own situation was 3cm ductal invasive cancer, Oestrogen and Progestrogon positive, HER2 negative. After my mastectomy (also had three nodes removed, one with cancer cells in it) I had chemo as my cancer proved to be grade 3. I’m now taking a hormone tablet to stop my body from creating Oestrogen and reduce the risk of more cancer later.
Sending you big hugs and best wishes for your results next Wednesday.
By the way, don’t Google, most of what you will find on there is out of date or even wrong. Just stick to this site or the Macmillan site for information and advice.
Poemsgalore xxx