So after my third operation, the surgeon finally got clear margins. However, they couldn’t sign me off to oncology as the radiographer wanted to investigate another area from original mammogram from 7 months ago. I had a 3D mammogram and then a week later, i had an ultrasound and the sonographer said it was normal ad sent me home. Then today I get a call saying i need a vacumn assisted biopsy guided by mammogram due to asymmetry. I’ve already had 2 tumours and all my lymph nodes out. Started to feel like I’m trapped on an endless rollercoaster. Is this common? Is this going to be another cancer? They’ve had 8 months to sort this as theyve known about it since December. Meanwhile it has potentially grown. Thanks
1 Like
Hello bluesatsuma,
Thank you for posting. It is understandable that you have questions after being told that you need a
vacuum assisted biopsy on an area of your breast seen on mammogram 7 months ago. It is natural to be worried that your oncology referral has been delayed. It may be helpful to ask your breast care nurse or treatment team how long the further investigations and results will take.
Asymmetry on a mammogram can have a number of causes including some benign conditions and further scans or investigations are sometimes needed to obtain a clear diagnosis. It is not possible for us to say why the area on your mammogram was not identified earlier so it is important to talk to your team and ask them to explain to you why it is being investigated now. They have all your notes and scans and will be able to explain the reasons for recommending a biopsy.
If you are finding it difficult to have your questions answered and are in England, you may want to contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). You can find your nearest PALS office on the NHS website. In Wales, you can contact your local health board and in Scotland the Patient Advice and Support Service can provide advice and support with this. In Northern Ireland you can seek advice from the Patient and Client Council
Having a breast cancer diagnosis and waiting for results and investigations can be a very anxious time and it may also be helpful to talk to your breast care nurse about how you are feeling. They may be able to support you in reducing your stress and anxiety and can refer you to talking therapies or local support such as complementary therapies if needed.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Katy
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.