Hi - I was recalled after a routine 3 year mammogram and had to have a core biopsy resulting in being diagnosed on 5 November. Was told it may have to be a mastectomy but won’t know until 25 November when I see a consultant at the hospital.
Is it usual to have to wait what seems to be such a long time before seeing anyone to hear what’s going to happen? Like all those newly diagnosed, it’s difficult and emotional enough without the wait. Once you have seen the consultant at the hospital and his “team” is it another long wait until the op? Does anyone know?
Thanks - Just Annie
Hi JustAnnie,
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
I can only tell you about my own experiance…I was diagnosed in January 04
Had core biopsy on the Monday returned for results on the Friday…confirmed cancer and was to have Lumpectomy this was booked there and then by Consultant for the following Friday.
I should imagine things differ depending which hospital you are being treated at and by which Consultant.
Were you put in touch with a Breast Care Nurse? …if so she may be able to explain why you have to wait.
Hi Justannie,
the waiting can be one of the worst times,wanting to get treatment started.I must admit it does seem unusual to have been given a diagnosis without a plan for further treatment until a later date. Could you contact a breast care nurse and ask her to explain the wait.
On the positive side,i was diagnosed on 6th June,had a lumpectomy,which i was told on that day,and planned surgery for the 3rd July,however as i was anaemic that had to be investigated first. This led to me having the surgery 7wks after diagnosis. So sometimes people do have longer waits than others.
Hope this has helped a little,but probably the best person to put your mind at rest is someone on your medical team,at least if only to explain the delay.
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care forums, I am sorry to read of your recent diagnosis. As well as the help and advice from the many informed users of this site you may find BCC’s resource pack helpful, it has been designed for those newly diagnosed. The pack is free of charge, if you would like a copy just follow the link below: breastcancercare.org.uk//content.php?page_id=7514
If you feel you need to talk to someone in confidence then please give the helpline a call, the staff here are all either breast care nurses or people who have personal experience of breast care issues. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 the lines open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9am - 2pm.
Hi Tracy & karen, thanks for the advice. I have asked the question re the waiting time and was told there was a mix up with appointments and unfortunately, the consultant I need to see will now be on 25th and not today as I was originally told.
I have been trying to stay positive and happy but last night was really bad and I couldn’t sleep at all. Kept waking up and listening to radio or reading. Got up at 6.00am for work and just cried and cried. You all seem so brave on this site - I felt ok when I was diagnosed on 5th November but the waiting is so hard.
It’s really nice to know that there is support on this site and when I look at what you are all going through, my wait is quite insignificant. I have sent for the pack suggested by Sam (thanks) and will try and keep as calm as possible until my appointment next week.
Thaks all for your support
with love - Annie x
The waiting is horrible-mine was 3 weeks from dx to op so yours seems a long time.Can you have a private consult earlier?You could then have your treatment on NHS.My surgeon charges £87 for a consultation.If you ring the secretary for yours you may be seen quicker.
Hi horace, thanks for the info. I had thought of doing that but it’s now Wednesday and I go next Tuesday to see the full “team” at the hospital so I am going to hang on to that now. Once I know what’s going to happen and how I will feel better able to cope with it all! I think I must have had a gloomy day yesterday!!
Take care
Hi JustAnnie, just typed you a huge message, and it didn’t go through! So let’s try again. Yep, the waiting is the worst, especially as they got yours wrong too. My emotions are all over the place too, upbeat and jolly one minute and weepy the next. Got my op next Wed., so one more week to lift-off - literally! Sorry to invade on your input, but can anybody help with this please - are the surgeons likely to lie to you to keep you sane, or do they have to tell you the truth. It’s just that mine said it wasn’t necessary for me to have an MRI scan - saying he didn’t think it had spread, but now I’m wondering if it’s because he knows it has and that’s why it’s not necessary?! Good luck for next week. Love to all, Jackie. x
Hi Jackie, sounds like it’s the norm for emotions to be all over the place! I hope you get on OK next Wednesday. Do they not take a sample of lymph node when they do the op to see if it’s spread? Not sure about the MRI scan. Maybe I will get to know these things on Tuesday when I go to see the “team”. Good luck with it all and try & look after yourself until Wed.
Ann x
The surgeon will take sample lymph nodes when doing the operation (Sentinal Node Biopsy). Until those lymph nodes are under the pathologist’s microscope he can’t know if it has spread or not - that’s how they tell. I’m sure if he thought you needed an MRI scan he would give you one - but I’m sure he isn’t lying to you , how would he know at this stage if it has spread or not? I really wouldn’t worry about that now and just concentrate on having your op done - if possible just try to think of each new stage as it comes along and don’t jump too much into the future. Hope all goes well next Wednesday.
YOU ARE IMPORTANT
Somene gave me this poem last night and I would like to share it with all on this site. Unfortunately there is no acknowledgement as to who the author is but it is really beautiful and applies to us all I think?
Remember……….
You are Important
In moments of doubt you may say it aloud
I’m nobody special – a face in the crowd
I won’t be remembered for the things that I’ve said
I’ve little to show for the life I’ve led
Well listen to me, get your head off your chest,
Don’t judge your importance by faith and success
You’ve set yourself standards and values of worth
You’re kind and considerate – the salt of the earth
For the genuine feelings that set you apart
And the caring affection that springs from your heart
With the warmth and the wisdom in the words that you speak
These are the talents that make you unique
Plus one added extra required of a star
You’re the last one to know how important you are!
Hi Justannie
I have left a message for Jackie too and yes it is normal for your emotions to be all over the place. I think that most of us know how you are feeling, I know I found it so hard to be positive, was crying all the time, hardly slept and the waiting is just the hardest thing.I am not sure if that’s what you wanted to hear but I just want you to know that you are not alone when you feel like that. Another thing is that every case does seem different, I had lymph nodes removed during my lumpectomy and although they were clear I still needed a mastectomy. You should get to see a breast care nurse and hopefully she will be a help, mine was. She was able to explain everything that was going to happen but only the things that were relevant to me. As I said to Jackie, my only advice is to take it all one step at a time and only deal with what you need to for your own case.
Will be thinking of you x