Hi
I have never done this before so please bear with me. I am a known BRCA1 carrier. Two wks ago I found a lump that large that it shocked me. My GP refered me to the breast clinic, my appointment was yesturday. I had an ultrasound scan and a core biopsy, I get the results on the 18th. The Dr spoke with me afterwards and told me it looked suspicious.
I know I’m being silly because I have many check ups and I’m always told not to worry unless you have need to but I am scared. I have put on a brave face for friends and family but I just needed to tell someone I’m scared!
I watched my mother die from this horrible disease when I was 6 and have supported my sister through it twice in recent years. So if it is bad news I’m very aware of whats to come, sometimes knowledge is not so good!!
Sorry for waffling on, just need to tell someone how I feel! x
Hi amethys I have BC and am at present having chemo I also have a sister who has had BC and a recent recurrance - my mother also had BC but didn’t die from it and I did have a cousin who died aged 42 so I know how you feel. We have never been tested for the BRCA gene but I am due to go to the genetics clinic on 20th. I could easily say try not to worry about things but know you will anyway so what I am going to say is whatever the outcome of your tests are you will cope and if it is the worst then there will be lots of people to support you. Were you allocated a BC nurse? If you were give her a ring as sometimes they know the results and can tell you or a relative before your appointment. I opted for this and so was able to cope with my bad news in the comfort of my own home and was ready with questions when I went back. This said I hope yours is good news and it may well be as I have another sister who found a lump the same time as I found mine and hers turned out to be a cyst!
My fingers and toes are crossed for you XX
My mother had bc twice and survived it twice - I have not got any sisters or female cousins, but like you I suspect, I felt it was just a matter of time before I developed bc as well. Half knowing it is going to happen does not make it any easier !!!
I know the doc said it looked suspicious but lets hope you have a pleasant surprise when you get your results. After my core biopsy I got into a right panic because the lump seemed to grow out of control - of course it was just swelling from the biopsy, but your imagination does go mad at a time like this.
Whatever your results the people in the forums will be here to support you and not one of us isn’t or hasn’t been scared. Things start to feel better once you start treatment (if you need it - hopefully not) as it focusses your mind and you feel something is being done about it so you can concentrate on getting better.
Sorry to hear that you have a suspicious lump - fingers crossed the test results come back that it is not BC. If however you do not get the all clear then as others have said you will get immense support from the ladies on this site.
Good luck
Dear amethys
I am sorry to read that you are having a worrying time at the moment, if you feel it would help to talk to one of our helpliners for further support, please do give them a call. They are there to offer anyone concerned about breast cancer, support, information and a ‘listening ear’. The number is 0808 800 6000 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.
Best wishes
Lucy
it’s all very well people telling you not to worry but I dare say if they were in your situation they would also worry. However, I’ve found coping with a diagnosis easier than the uncertainty of not knowing one way or another.
I found a lump and didn’t have a family history but I knew enough about breast cancer to know that any lump should be checked out. I wasn’t told mine was suspicious but as far as I was concerned it was. And I certainly worried although I told myself 9 out of 10 lumps are benign.
In your case any lump is going to be suspicious as you have a family history and an identified gene associated with higher risk, plus at age 6 it must have been awful to have lost your mother.
I do hope it isn’t cancer, but early detection is still key to treatment
good luck
Mole
Wow you ladies are great, I’m so glad I found these forums!
Thank you all for your kind words and support. Its great to be able to speak with people who know just how your feeling.
Holly- I’m so sorry to hear about yourself and family, I really hope you recieve good news on the 20th, I will have everything crossed for you, I wasn’t allocated a BC nurse just given a telephone number if I had any questions. I had so many questions in the middle of the bloody night but do you think I can remember what they are now!!! I do have a very good friend to attend my appointment with me nxt wk, for that I am very thankful. Good luck for the 20th, I shall be interested to hear your news.
Firebird & Mole- You both took the words right out of my mouth, you must be able to read my mind!! Its only being one day since my biopsy and my mind is way ahead of me already! Your so right… its so hard not to worry. With or without a suspicious lump, knowing I have an identified gene has made me feel like a ticking time bomb, lets just hope its not about to explode! I am glad I took the gene test (it may not sound like it) because I have a 15yr old daughter and I felt she should be entitled to this knowledge so to be extra aware herself from a young age.
Losing my mother was awful as I’m sure it is at any age but I have to say, I had a great childhood, my father was a fantastic man. His cooking didn’t leave a lot to be desired but he did a wonderful job! He sadly passed away Feb '08 and there are many things I wished I had asked him about my mother but unfortunatley I was a coward and couldn’t bring myself to ask.
I know it seems very daft but I am now the same age my mother was when she passed away (34) and this makes me feel that it is now my time to have my strength tested, I just hope not!
Thank you all so much for taking the time to give your support, you are all true angels!
xxxxx
Lilacblushes- thank you for your kind words of support, everyone here seems so lovely.
I will be back to natter some more and hopefully I can support others as you ladies have me today!
xxx
Good luck for tomorrow amethys - let us know the outcome.