Hi all,
This is the first time I post something on the forum … not too sure where to start… my sister had a very aggressive hormonal cancer when she was only 30 (7 years ago) and her doctors told her I had to be monitored very closely.
I do self exam monthly and I have automatic appointments yearly. This month, I found a lump in my right breast where the area has always been some of a worry: to the doctors and to me, it;s always felt really thick and compact.
I went to the breast clinic this morning and after an ultra-sound, they did a biopsy. I am really nervous obviously even though the consultant said he was confident it was nothing to worry about. Would he say that just to make me feel better? If he was that confident, why do the biopsy? Could it genuinely be to give me peace of mind? I was embarrassed going there this morning - I feel I am paranoied … but my sister’s consultant was confident her lump was nothing, she was sore, etc and I guess I wonder if it could be just the same for me… what do you think? would consultant be positive just so you don’t worry until the results are there? thanks a lot in advance.
Hi
I know it is perfectly natural to worry and go over everything in your mind. I did. I think you have to look at it this way - Most lumps and bumps are nothing serious. If it is worrying, they will remove it and they will treat it in the best way they can. If you do have cancer like me, you may find that getting the news isn’t half so bad as all the worrying about the news. I waited a while after a lumpectomy for results and it drove me crazy. I have a grade one cancer and have now had a mastectomy and will start chemo in the next couple of weeks but there are so many types and stages and areas of cancer which you will see from this site. There are also hundreds of ways of coping with it and dealing with it, but the main weapon I think is a positive mental attitude. Have faith that most people get the right treatment at the right time and come out of it pretty well. And most people with breast worries don’t have cancer. WHatever happens, good luck. You can’t tell in my experience from the reaction of consultants. I got told there was nothing to worry about and there was, but other people get told it is looking worrying or a cause for concern straight away. Try to keep busy.
Love Ruth
I suppose at least one way or another, I will know for sure. Thanks a lot for your answer - I have not told anyone in my family apart from my husband as I don’t want them to worry especially after what happened to my sister - so it’s really nice to hear someone else’s experience and point of view.
Hi Ruth
No I don’t think the consultants would have said that just you make you feel better. My consultant told me straight away that he thought it was cancer. Good that they did the biopsy because they want to be sure and you would only be now worrying if they hadn’t done a thorough check. It may or may not be what you think, but even if it is you will get through it.
Eight out of 10 women cancers are cureable, so thats pretty good odds hey? Whatever it is you caught it early, and beleive me if it the worst scenario yu will just plough ahead like the rest of us and be glad to do so. I, like Ruth had a grade 1 cancer and also had a lumpectomy but only Rads and not chemo and am am now on oestrogen reducing drug for the next 5 years. Please try not to worry, as even the worst scenario is treatable.
I can understand your deeper concern after what happened to your sister, let us know the outcome of her treatment, you didn’t say.
Love Norma XX
Hi there LaPuce,
I really do not think that the consultant was just trying to placate you, they have previously indicated that the area is of concern - so have not been hiding things from you. I am certain that, in his opinion, the lump is benign. The biopsy is done just to be absolutely certain. Given the background it would be better to be extra safe.
I shan’t tell you not to worry, because you will anyway. But do remember that the vast majority of lumps are nothing at all to worry about.
hugs
Ruth x
I am really impressed by how nice everyone is on this website … I guess I just have to keep busy until Wednesday when I get the results.
As far as my sister is concerned, she is very healthy and has been cancer free for 7 years now - her cancer started at the end of 2000, just before christmas. Her appointments have started to spread out as well now to a yearly appointment. Her cancer was hormonal and I can’t remember exactly what grade it was (she still lives in France) but by the time they operated (full masectomy) it had spread to the lymphatic system, she had chemo, radiotherapy and she spent a few days in a total sterile room under morphine when they replaced all of her blood cells (the white ones I think). I guess I am still really traumatised because of everything i saw her having to go through and not being able to do anything to help. I gave all the details of her cancer to my consultant at the breast clinic and his reaction was: “oh my gosh”, so even him was quite surprised at how aggressive her cancer was. But the most important is that 7 years later, she is well.
Thanks for everyone’s answers.
Hugs to you all
Lapuce
Hi again Lapuce
Yes, it’s wonderful, your sister is still here and cancer free for 7 years. That is fantastic, and a lot us here will be glad to join her and reach that milestone.
Keep your spirits up through all this, no matter what the outcome you can do it!
Love Norma