Hi all, I have just joined as I need some inspiration as I am really scared.
I am 53 and had my first mammo 3 years ago. I had my second one in June and I got a letter saying I needed to go for further investigations. I went to the Breast screening clinic and saw a small white circle on the x-ray. I had a biopsy via ultrasound scan. The doctor could see another dark spot which she wanted to get information on. I was put on the x-ray machine for them to try and biopsy. Poked, proded, moved, spiked but they couldnt get to it. I was sent home to wait a week for the results of the successful biopsy.
When I went back they confirmed that I had a cancer, approx 3.5cm. They again tried to biopsy the second bit. More poking and proding. They thought they had it, took a biopsy and put in a marker, when viewed on the x-ray, the marker was nowhere near.
The Dr said that I could go for surgery on the one bit but if it turned out down the line that the other bit was cancerous too then I would need surgery again. She advised that I have an MRI to try and identify the other bit.
I had to wait nearly another two weeks to get details of MRI appointment. I am a large lady and when I went for MRI, the machine was too tight and it didnt happen.
I had an appointment with a surgeon last Thursday and he was lovely and gave me the option of going for a mastectomy or trying to find out what the second bit was and if it was benign then I would only need a lumpectomy. They asked another local hospital who I believe has a bigger MRI but they said no. Who knows why, maybe they couldnt get me in in a timely manner.
The surgeon went back to the Breast screening department and they decided to try again to get a biopsy. Lying down in the most uncomfortable position imaginable they finally, after about an hour of trying, managed to get a biopsy and they put in another marker, which I believe is in the right place.
I have an appointment this Thursday for the result. Currently waiting to find if I need a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.
I have no idea what kind or stage it is. I am having major what ifs. How and when will I find out what kind it is. How and when will I find out if it has spread.
I just needed to get this out there to people who actually understand the words I have used. Family and friends are very, oh you will be fine, but will I?