I have found it helpful to read the posts on here over the last week and I am in need of getting some of the thoughts out of my own head so have decided to post!
I found a lump under my armpit and went to the GP. As I was also suffering ongoing fatigue and there is a family history of lymphoma I was really looking to eliminate that. On examination she wasn’t too worried about it but, given the location, referred me to the breast clinic.
I attended the triple assessment clinic last week and had the usual tests. There were no concerns with my armpit lump but the radiologist found a nodule in my other breast during the ultrasound. She said she wasn’t too concerned but wanted to do a core biopsy to be sure which she did there and then. The standard process now is a MDT review and a meeting with the breast surgeon consultant this Friday to get the results.
I am a pretty logical person and I know that, based on the radiologist’s demeanour and the general stats that the lump is more likely to be benign than not, but as the days creeps closer I can’t help but feel the anxiety rise. It was also unexpected to find the other lump so I’ve been taken a bit by surprise by the whole process. The waiting is really hard!! I’m doing things to distract but I am kind of torn between putting it out my mind and also being prepared for any result (I am a person that does better planning for worst case scenarios!).
Thanks for letting me vent here. I think it’s hard to understand the anxiety of the waiting if you haven’t been there!!
Hi @sugarloaf. You are more than welcome to vent on here. I find it helps to write on the forum rather than telling friends and family. I think it’s because it’s anonymous.
You are right that the waiting is hard, I don’t think you’d find anyone with a referral to a breast clinic that doesn’t feel the same. I’m pleased you have already been to have the triple assessment, you are now in the system to get to checked.
The radiologist do this day in day out and usually have an inclination to what it is but they rarely say until, it’s been reviewed. I found one lump and at the biopsy, the radiologist mentioned that the lump was hard and they had to push quite hard to get the biopsy. However, I had an MRI to size that tumour and they found an anomaly in the other breast. They thought it was an intramammary gland, I had an ultrasound and biopsy and when the results came back it was another primary tumour. So nothing is definite until you get the biopsy results. Not what I wanted to hear but I’m here now nearly 2 years later, post bilateral lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, then chemo for 3/4 months with Herceptin that lasted a year, radiotherapy followed by aromatase inhibitors and bone infusions for several years. Let’s hope that it isn’t something to worry about but if it is there is treatment out there.
The waiting is hard, sharing on here will help a bit but I would suggest trying to do something nice to keep your mind of it. Buy a new lipstick, get your haircut, go out and listen to the birds and appreciate nature. Whatever is right for you.
Similar story here. I found a lump in my right armpit a year ago so went to my GP. At the breast clinic this was quickly dismissed but when she examined me the surgeon felt something in my left breast (I’m very grateful for her being so thorough!). I too had no clue so can understand your shock. Unfortunately mine did turn out to be cancer, but there are many other reasons for lumps and bumps so, hard as it is, try to hang tight until you get your results. Do what you need to distract yourself, I found exercise and a journal to vent in really helpful during the waiting game (which most will agree is by far the worst part).
I will keep everything crossed for you that it’s benign, but, if it isn’t then as @naughty_boob has said the treatment is there. I had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, taking tamoxifen for 5 years and am back to being happy and healthy.
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it. As you say it can be hard to share with friends and family, especially as there isn’t anything concrete to tell them at this stage. Thanks also for sharing your story and your treatment journey. I appreciate that, and the reminder that the treatment options are there in the worse case scenario. I will try to distract myself for the remaining few days. I have just booked a manicure so I will at least have good nails! Thanks again; its really helpful to share.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Interesting how similar our experience is in terms of the underarm lump leading to another discovery. It is great that your surgeon was so thorough. I was impressed with the team that I met and how thorough the were, and it did give me comfort that I will be in good hands no matter the outcome. I’m sorry that your lump turned out to be cancer but I’m really pleased to hear that you are now happy and healthy. Thanks for your advice about distracting myself. I will aim to do that for the next few days. Thanks again for taking the time. It really helps to share a little with others.
Hi all,
I have a MAMMO CESM booked on Thursday and hope to get biopsy results on 31st.
I’m 69 and my brain is working overtime.
I don’t think I have been this worried before in my life.
The waiting is awful.
Big hugs to everyone
Welcome to the forum @jen56 . The good news is you are in what is generally considered to be the worst phase right now. The waiting is hard and without specific information, the mind fills in the blanks with worst case scenarios. We’ve all done it. Once your biopsy results are in you will be able to focus on the practical steps to sort things out. Of course, there maybe a benign reason for having the biopsy, there are many things it could be and let’s hope you have one of them. If you do have a cancerous growth, then there are a raft of treatments available these days which can resolve matters effectively and the vast majority of us go on to live cancer free lives. I was 66 when diagnosed, am 69 now, I had a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and am on an oestrogen-suppressant drug for five years (almost halfway through yay!). It took about 18 months not to be thinking about it every day, these days it barely crosses my mind. There is plenty of hope for the future for you. Let us know how you get on and whatever happens, you’ll find a ton of support here on the forum.
@Tigress
Thank you for your kind words. My brain is in overdrive. I know things will be better once I know what’s happening.
I’m not a patient patient
I’ve already gained a lot of information from the forums, and it is helping.
I will be back when I have my results
@jen56 The waiting period is very hard. I am waiting on the results of a core needle biopsy that I had a week ago. I will get the results on Friday. You mention not being a patient patient and I understand that! For me, I have realised that I don’t deal well with uncertainty! What you are feeling is really normal and it is hard. The only advice I can give is to plan some things that you enjoy and use them to distract a bit. Chat here any time you need to.
I wanted to pop back on and update after my results meeting today. The lump is benign (it’s a fibroadenoma). It’s quite small (10mm) so the current plan is to leave it alone.
I wanted to say a big thank you for the support. It is a very anxious time waiting for any results. I will pay it forward by offering support where I can go others dealing with the waiting game. Sending love to all. x
