Hi bluesatsuma
Thank you for your post. It sounds like you’re experiencing a difficult time at the moment.
It’s understandable you’re feeling worried about this area that was identified on the original mammogram and was raised by the radiologist at the multi-disciplinary team meeting.
Most people find waiting for results can be a very worrying and stressful time. The length of time you may have to wait for the results of your recent 3d mammogram will vary between hospitals due to their workload and staffing levels.
It’s important to speak to your breast care nurse or treatment team about how you’re feeling so they can help to support you. They can give you an idea of how long you may have to wait for your results and help answer your questions about why it wasn’t mentioned earlier.
They may also be able to arrange a meeting with the consultant radiologist to discuss the situation if that is something which may help.
Although, it won’t be possible for your treatment team to say what the cause of this change might be without the results of your mammogram, it may help to remember that not all breast lumps and changes seen on mammograms are cancer. Some can be caused by non-cancerous (benign) breast conditions and you may not need to have any further surgery.
If you would rather not speak with your them or don’t feel you’re getting the answers to your questions, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). They can help to resolve your concerns and if necessary, handle complaints procedures and use feedback to help influence change. PALS will work with staff, managers, and if relevant, external organisations to provide support and advice to people concerned about the care they are receiving.
Experiencing fatigue (the feeling of tiredness or exhaustion) after receiving treatment for breast cancer is very common. For those people like yourself who need more than one operation, this tiredness can sometimes be worse. Other factors may also contribute to fatigue, such as: the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis; altered sleep patterns; reduced activity and poor diet.
There are things you can try to help manage your fatigue as discussed in the previous links. You may want to keep a diary to record when you feel most tired. This can help you plan activities you enjoy in the times when you have more energy. Trying to stay physically active can help. Eating a healthy well balanced diet is also important. The following tips for better sleep may also be helpful.
You may also be interested to know; we offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer. 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.
Do feel free to call our 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
Heidi
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.