Hi, first time posting here & really don’t know what to think.
Was seen in breast clinic on Thursday after GP referral for a new lump and slight nipple inversion. Have been referred a couple of times before with lumps that were just cysts. Had mammogram then ultrasound & they confirmed new lump was indeed a cyst. But, they found some micro calcification in one breast which the radiographer seemed concerned about, she said it can suggest malignancy but could also be benign or precancerous & would take some samples to determine what it was. I was so shocked I didn’t really take in what she was saying. I then saw the consultant who initially seemed less concerned said they hadn’t written that they thought it was cancer but then spotted that they were going to do a core biopsy. She also then went on to say it was caused by abnormal cell growth & could be benign, precancerous or malignant & if it’s either of the latter two, surgery would be the next step. I then went back into the ultrasound room where they did 3 core biopsies & inserted a metal clip/marker which she said was to help them locate it if surgery was needed.
I honestly don’t know what to think. I was completely gobsmacked at the whole thing & I’m really kicking myself for not remembering exactly what was said word for word.
I’ve read through so many posts on here where people were pretty much told at this stage but I feel it was really mixed messages for me. Or am I being naive? I don’t want to think the worst but why mention surgery at this stage? Why insert the marker? Do they genuinely not know?
Like everyone else waiting for results, I can’t stop thinking about it, the wait is just awful.
Did anyone else have mixed messages at this stage? x
Hello. I almost popped a post on yesterday along the same lines as yours. I’m sorry your going through this too, the wait is really awful.
I had my appointment on Monday. I have a large visable lump above my left breast, I honestly thought they were just going to say it was a cyst… but they didnt say that. Instead I lay down for my ultrasound and they stopped and sent me for a mammogram. Then back in for the ultrasound and 3 core biopsies. They said they dont know what it is, it could be a fibrodanoma gone awry or its something else (i cant remember if thats the term she said because my heart sank) also had a clip inserted and another mammogram.
I have my results hopefully on Monday and I feel like Im in limbo. Ive been to the clinic 2 times before abd each time they told me there and then what they were in the consulting room i started in, but this time they took me into a small room with tissues and comfy chairs. Honestly dont know if im just overthinking it all.
Sorry for the full unload, you just sound very similar to how im feeling at the moment and it feels nice to be able to share and get it out with someone who knows (if you get me)
It sounds like at this stage they think they could be looking at DCIS or LCIS in the area they took biopsies from. Certain patterns of calcification can suggest cancerous cells which is what they look for on a mammogram. DCIS and LCIS has not developed the ability to spread yet but does have the potential to, so it still requires surgical removal. Looking at the biopsies is more definutive, until then nothing is certain, but they tend to have a pretty good idea what they are looking at IME and strongly hint at the time without saying for sure. They probably would of looked at your lymph nodes under ultrasound and would of let you know if they were a concern, so that is good.
I think they can’t categorically say anything till the biopsy results, and I guess they have to pre warn you. My microcalc was spotted on first mammogram, then when I had US the Dr said she wasn’t overly concerned at it but it could also be a sign of early pre cancer (dcis) so I had biopsies. Results confirmed dcis they gave me stage and grade, and I had op (lumpectomy) last week, results start of next month. The waiting now is the hardest bit, usually a week or 2, I’d recommend ringing the nurses on here, they were brilliant when I spoke to them. Good luck xxx
Hi, thanks for your reply & I’m sorry you’re going through this too. It truly is awful, I feel like I can’t switch off from it at all. I’m trying not to overthink it but your mind just runs away with you doesn’t it.
So do you have an appointment on Monday for your results? I’ve been told that I should hear from one of the nurses within 2 weeks with a date for my appointment so no idea when that will actually be.
Don’t apologise for unloading, we don’t wish it on anyone else but it is nice being able to chat with someone who is going through the same. I really hope all is well for you, keeping everything crossed for both of us! x
Thanks for your reply. I’m pretty sure they did say my lymph nodes looked ok which is good news. It all seems like such a blur now.
As you say, they know what they’re looking at & I can’t help but feel like they were trying to pre warn me without saying for sure but I guess I’m trying to cling on to the hope that it is benign.
I really feel for everyone who’s going through or been through this agonising wait x
Thank you so much for your reply & I’m sorry about your diagnosis. Your situation sounds very similar to mine. The radiographer seemed very serious & concerned but the doctor less so initially. It’s just a horrible waiting game now isn’t it.
I hope your surgery went smoothly & very best of luck for your results x
Thankyou, I understand you there. Even at work, trying to busy myself with jobs and keep my mind off it and it jumps back into it constantly. Over thought every little thing. Have you got people around you to talk to about it with. I found just saying it out loud felt like I was getting some of the thoughts out.
Yes they told me I would hear back in a week, then an appointment came through a few days after. Monday morning at 10.30 and I’m terrified. I hope it isnt too long a wait for yours to come back. Fingers crossed for that and for good outcomes xx
Bless you, it’s completely understandable that you’re terrified. I think overthinking is a completely normal response, I don’t see how you can’t go through everything in your head!
I’m keeping busy too & trying to take my mind off it as much as possible but it just keeps coming back to me.
Just my husband & 3 of my work colleagues know. My colleagues are also extremely good friends, we are a very tight knit group & we talk about everything so they’ve been a huge support & it really does help to be able to talk to them about it. I feel awful keeping it from my sons & parents but I don’t want them worrying especially if there’s nothing to worry about.
Hi, Thankyou. I’m glad you have people around you. A couple people at work know because ive had to book days off, and because my emotions were all over the place the first couple of days after and I’ve only just told my sister but I havent told my mum. She worried a lot last time I went to the breast clinic and that was where they told me I just had lumpy boobs. I didn’t want to put it on her again this time when they don’t know what it is.
I hope you’ve managed to have a nice weekend and relax a little
I’ve just been spending lots of time with my little miss, keeping busy. My partner is going with me in the morning. I’ve been hoping for a phone call to tell me I dont need to go in. Xx
It’s been a really quiet weekend, I’ve had some rare time home on my own which has actually been good. It’s just given me some me time which I really needed after a manic week at work & then with my appointment.
I hope you manage to get some sleep tonight ahead of tomorrow & I wish you all the very best. Keeping everything crossed for you xx
Well it wasnt the news I was hoping for. Its cancer. And a little on the aggressive side. Mri booked for Thursday to make sure its just the one then I’ll be going straight in for chemo to reduce the size before they remove it. Still a little in shock but trying to stay positive. The doctor said even tho its aggressive, its treatable xx
Oh @molly.m I’m so sorry to hear that, I had been thinking about you today & keeping everything crossed. You must feel so shocked & dazed by the news. I’m so sorry xx
Thankyou. I am. Feel all floaty and out of it. Told my mum this evening and we had a good chat. I’ve got a good group around me. Its just nit something you really think will ever happen. My little girl over heard us talking about me loosing my hair and offered her play wigs for me trying to look at the good things now.
I can only imagine. It must all feel so surreal for you. Bless your little girl, that’s so sweet. Glad you’ve got good support around you & people there to help you through. Hope the MRI goes ok & sending you my very best wishes xx
That’s so kind of you to be thinking of me! I’m not too bad thanks, constantly thinking about it, lurching from one outcome to the other, as we do. Not heard anything yet, no idea how long it takes in general here but the nurse said I should get a call from them within 2-3 weeks about when my appointment will be. Could be ages yet. I go into panic mode every time my phone goes!
Hi, Im glad your doing ok. I’m sorry your waiting a while. Its the wait for them to discuss your result with the team I think that makes it take longer. The waiting is horrid and I do hope its sooner rather than later for you. Here if you do need to vent at all tho Do you have any days out planned? I’m finding work is helping to keep me distracted. and even tho I have a diagnosis im still kinda floaty until I get my mri results. And I’m doing ok. Trying to be positive, everyone around me telling me how strong I am, but I had a wobble tonight. Think the adrenalin of the past 2 days has gone. Plus note tho, I may be getting my eyebrows done tomorrow never dad them done properly before.
You’re bound to have wobbles, it’s only natural given the situation, it’s a lot to take onboard. Sounds like you’re doing amazing to me. I’ll be fine one minute, then feel really panicky the next, just out of the blue, I don’t even have to be thinking about it. I’m meeting a very close friend for lunch at the weekend which I’m looking forward. She doesn’t know anything at the moment & I think I will tell her, I’ll just see how I feel then. I’m finding work is helping me too, my colleagues were amazed that I went in on Friday after my appointment & biopsy etc the day before but I need that routine & distraction, otherwise I’d just be at home mulling over it all. Lik you, I think it’s best to try to keep busy & focus on the positive things, the wobbles are inevitable but I think by staying busy, it keeps them to a minimum.
Thank you, I really appreciate that & you too if ever you want to vent. Do you know how long you’ll have to wait for your MRI results?
I have just come back from breast clinic following the results from core biopsy. It was an agonising 8day wait. They put in titanium marker clips at the biopsy in case they need to do surgery. I have quite a few microcalcifications in the right breast and they too were very concerned. It was a recall mammogram by the way so completely out of the blue. They then told me there was no sign of malignancy and I was to resume three yearly mammograms. I still feel unsettled as microcalcifications are very common in older women so I wonder if yearly mammograms are the way forwards? Good luck with your results but don’t despair as BC said that DCIS is completely curable
trying to look at the good things now.