So, I have my initial appointment at the breast unit at the local hospital on Monday. I have a weird little dent that is only apparent when my breast is in a particular position.
My mum is currently being treated for breast cancer. She had found a large lump. At her initial appointment she had a mammogram, and then needle biopsies (is that the correct term??) in both breasts. The consultant then told her that although they had to wait for the path results he was confident it was cancer, and she met a Macmillan nurse.
So, is this what usually happens? My referral letter doesn’t specify a mammogram, just says I may have tests if appropriate. Would you always be given a mammogram for a dent? My GP couldn’t feel any lumps, and said he couldn’t really see the dent just a faint ‘something’ on the surface in that area…although the dent is very clear to me and my husband when we look…I can even see it from a little distance if I look in the mirror. Also, the GP said it didn’t look like pictures of thethering in books…which as I type it now, doesn’t altogether fill me with confidence lol
Sorry, I know there are probably no definite answers, but it’s difficult not knowing what to expect. I’m also worried that the doctors at the unit might have trouble seeing the dent like my GP. It is on the underside of my breast, only visible when my breast is sort of squashed inwards (wonderbra position lol). Because of its position I can only see it when I look in a mirror, so with my GP I was squashing ‘blind’ as it were lol and he was peering through his specs lol Does it sound mad to get my husband to take a couple of pictures to show the doctor, just in case I end up in the same faintly surreal situation as with my GP??
Sorry if this all sounds mad, or as though I’m making something out of nothing…which I’m worried they might say at the breast unit :S It’s ridiculous, because I’m 45, but I’m worried about getting ‘told off’!!! :S lol
Before I answer your question, have you and your husband planned what you are going to do this weekend?? It is going to be one of the longest in your life worrying about Monday. A short trip or some joint retail therapy or impromptu barbeque? anything to take you away from the situation.
If it mentions tests then it sounds like the normal sort of breast clinic. Initial consultation, then mamogram, perhaps ultrasound and then probably a fine needle biopsy or a core biopsy to see what the lump is. If its a one stop clinic they can test the needle biopsy on the same day and ask you to come back later for results, but most places say you have to come back next week.
Dont worry about them not being able to see the dent. They are experts, their eyes are trained for abnormallities. Your GP has only seen pictures of tethering in books, so he is no expert is he? The consultants know how to manipulate to show tethering. There was a student at my examination and they asked if I minded them showing him how its done. And anyway lack of tethering is an indication that its benign rather than proof.
Is your husband going with you?? If so the fact that he says he has seen it will mean they will take both your words for it and do a scan of that area. If it reassures you you could try taking a photograph to keep as a back-up in case the pesky thing hides. But I doubt if you will need it.
And you are not making something out of nothing. It is a change that both you, your husband, and eventually your GP can see and it needs investigating.
remember 9 out of 10 patients that the clinic see are not cancer so they are used to people going with benign changes. I remember when waiting for my scan a woman came out beaming and said to her husband–its not cancer(they could tell from the scan) and when i went in he said " we have had such a good run of luck this morning" I was the first biopsy they needed to do.
Sometimes they can see from the scan that it probably is or probably is not cancer and will tell you. Sometimes they just are not sure, and they will tell you that too.
Good luck monday, be prepared to be there for hours, and come back to let us know how you got on. Hopefully it will be to wish us a fond farewell.
Every time I think about going to the breast unit, I think they won’t be able to see it and I will have made a fuss about nothing. But then when I look at the dent, I think ‘but there IS something I can see’, so it must BE something, so I need to find out WHAT! I think it also seems to have a sort of tail or line at its lower edge disappearing down to the very edge of my breast. I’m not sure whether that is new, or whether I just didn’t see it when I first noticed the dent in the summer. Of course now I keep scrutinising the flipping thing! lol
Good advice about the weekend. It’s difficult because I have 3 children still at home, the eldest a 16 year old girlie who is ‘tricky’, putting it kindly so very moody and snappy as she has just started 6th form. But obviously we haven’t said anything to them about Monday…but I could do with a bit more TLC from her right now instead of tantrums!
My husband is coming with me. I am meant to be working that night, but I have asked them to organise provisional cover. If I get a quick ‘all clear’ I will be fine to work, but if there are any concerns or I have any invasive tests I shan’t go in.
You are all so lovely on this site, and it has made such a difference being able to come here.
are you sure a quick all clear will make you alright for work. It could be such an emotional relief that you cannot stop crying.
had you thought about quietly telling your 16 year old?? she must have picked up something is worrying you both, and might appreciate being taken into your confidence or do you think it will just completely freak her out.
what would she say if you did need more tests and she found out you had been to the clinic without telling her?
Hi ohdear, i agree with OAL, i think it might be worth mentioning to your daughter, teenagers can be sensitive & caring when the need arises, i know it doesn’t happen very often though does it,lol. It may help u as u say if she can show u a little more TLC.
As for the dent, it can be a sign of BC, i did have quite a dent where my tumour was which i could only see in the mirror when i put my hand above my head. But they will do all the tests needed & hopefully you’ll come away & give us good news & if it isn’t the news u want then the treatments are excellent.
Good luck on monday & let us know how u get on, take care x
Thank you hjv123 - I did tell her in the end, and she said she was glad I had done so. Not sure just how much TLC I’ve had tho… lol
I’ve been reading through other threads and am a bit confused. Are you given a mammogram AND an ultrasound at the initial appointment, or is it one or the other?
I have taken a picture of the dent just in case as it is on the underside of my breast and a bit tricky to see. This has made me feel more confident as I had been worrying myself sick that they wouldn’t be able to see anything :S lol
I have also been trying to find any benign reasons for a dent other than a lump but am none the wiser…does anyone have any ideas?
Have also followed your advice, and whatever the outcome tomorrow I’m not going into work tomorrow night as I think you’re right that even if I get the all-clear I will probably still be very emotional.
Hi ohdear, well she is a teenager after all isnt she, we can’t expect too much of them,lol. But i think its good you’ve told her.
At my initial appt i was examined by a dr then given an ultrasound ( i didnt have mammogram there as i’d already had a routine one the week before so they had those results) but they would normally do one at the clinic. During the ultrasound my lump was biopsied & i went back the next day for the results. Different hospitals may do things differently & i think some people have to wait longer for their results. I think it’s a good idea that you’ve taken a picture, my dent was quite hard to see. I havent any idea about benign reasons for a dent, its not something ive looked at though im sure there are some.
I think your wise to take monday night off work, either way your emotions will be all over the place.
I’ll be keeping everything crossed for u on monday, good luck & please come back & let us know how u got on, take care x
Well, so far so good! The ultrasound was clear and I was given a mammogram as well to be completely sure. I could have had the results this Wednesday, but have something I cant get out of, so going next Wednesday. The doctor felt the dent was due to the normal change in breast tissue because of my age (grrr!! lol), and she couldn’t find a lump. She did the ultrasound herself there and then.
I did have the dubious distinction of nearly fainting during the mammogram (was promptly sat down with my head between my knees and a cold wet cloth on the back of my neck!!). I think I have the wrong shaped bazoomas, as it was so unbelievably painful, and they said I have a prominant breastbone that was getting in the way lol. I do feel very sore and sort of bruised.
I was really impressed with the whole breast unit, the service and the staff, who were very kind, especially the poor radiographer who did my mammogram!
so very moody and snappy as she has just started 6th form. But obviously we haven’t said anything to them about Monday…but I could do with a bit more TLC from her right now instead of tantrums!