Hi Originally posted this elsewhere on the forum. Apologies for re posting but this might be a more fitting location. Thank you to Tigress for replying earlier. Just getting to grips with the forum.
Hoping for some advice/reassurance from this lovely forum which I have just found. I am 56.
A few weeks ago I had a routine breast screening via a mobile unit. Last Friday received a follow up recall letter to attend Saturday 9th August. In a state of panic yesterday I decided to phone the dept and spoke to one of the breast care nurses. She said the mammogram showed a 37mm lump and it has been scored in between 3 equivocal and 4 suspicious. She confirmed on Saturday I’ll have a more detailed mammogram including armpit. Called it tommo something? Followed by an US and a biopsy. She said I should receive some results on Saturday but will wait a couple of weeks for biopsy results. Going through the conversation in my head I am now stressing out. As I am assuming that on Saturday they will tell me I have cancer and the couple of weeks for the biopsy will be to determine what type. Is this correct? I’m going out of my mind wondering what else she could mean as had thought she would say I won’t get any results until the biopsy comes back. Please can someone advise? Is a between 3 and 4 mammogram score always cancer? Sorry to ramble but I’m very worried. Thank you.
Hi Sjowakey, this is a very stressful time! The scan will allow them to assess the lump and its features better and categorise the lump more accurately. Based on this a biopsy will be undertaken or not. My lump was categorised as a 5 (highly suspicious) so I knew it was very probable I had cancer when leaving the clinic. Ultimately a cancer can only be ruled in or out based on the biopsy results. When I attended the results appointment, Cancer was confirmed and the type and grade explained along with Managenent plan (surgical) and more loosely over all management plan.
Good luck with your appointment and everything crossed that all is ok with further scanning. If not, there seems to be soo many kind people on here that will help support you. Try and distract your self if you can. Best wishes xx
Hi @sjowakey Sorry to hear all you have been going through, it’s understandable you feel anxious. I’m in Wales and wasn’t given a category. I was diagnosed in May 2023. I found a lump in April and within 2 weeks had a mammogram. I then had to wait 3 weeks to be called to see a breast surgeon to have an Ultrasound and biopsy. The radiographer who did the biopsy said it was hard for her to get the needle but made no further comment. I then waited 2 more weeks for the results that I had cancer. There were some Covid backlogs but most people are called for a full assessment within 2 weeks now.
I think your centre are doing amazing calling you back so soon for further investigation and that they may be able to give you some news on Saturday. Don’t be surprised if they can’t say too much, the biopsy is key to a proper diagnosis such as grade of tumour as well as hormone receptors. The time for scans, tests and waiting for results is always the hardest time. At the moment there is just a suspicious area and I would try to focus on that.
The scans and test will be reviewed by a multi disciplinary team to decide if and what treatment may be needed which will be individualised for you.
I know it’s hard to say but try to so something nice tomorrow to distract you from your thoughts. Saturday will come around soon enough and you may get more details.
The BCN nurses are available to talk to 0808 800 6000 m-f 9-4 and sat 9-1. MacMillan also have a helpline 7 days a week 0808 800 000
Take care
Thank you for replying. I hope that you are doing ok
Thank you. Not sure what I will do today. I keep thinking this could be the last normal day for quite a long time and then having a little cry. Hope you’re ok after your treatment.
I get it, it’s very difficult. I hope the weather is nice for you, maybe get outdoors and listen to the birds, watch the clouds or go for a walk. All really simple things but can be very beneficial for your mental health.
Please call the helpline if you need to talk to someone.