I’ll start at the beginning. I found a lump to the right of my nipple. Apparently its 2cm in size. The consultant sent me straight away for a mammogram and ultrasound. The ultrasound doctor immediately said she wanted the lump to be removed. Went back in to see the Consultant who told me they were 99.9% certain it was breast cancer and then told me that I had changed calcification cells in my other breast (they’d changed since last year). I’ve had core biopsy on the lump and stereotactic on the calcifications. The Ultrasound Doctor phoned me to say they are stil extremely worried as the lump presents as cancer but they couldn’t get any cancer cells in the biopsy so I had to go back again yesterday for more biospy. Again, she took one look on the scan and said it still presents itself as cancer. It has nodules and a tail etc. I’m now waiting for the results of the second lot of biopsies. She has told me not to get my hopes up. She said she wants the lump removed anyway. I want it removed now, regardless of if it is cancer or not. I don’t think i could live with the lump being there and worrying whether it really was cancer or not. I don’t believe they will truly know if it is or not until they remove the lump. I just hope my consultant agrees with me to remove the lump. I just wondered if anyone else has experienced this. I have looked at several forums and there were a few people that had tests come back negative but when the lump was removed it was positive. all opinions etc greatly received. If anyone can think of any questions I should be asking when I go back next Thursday, please let me know. My head is swimming and i’m in terrible mess. One thing to note. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 48 - I am 41. Unfortunately my mother lost her battle as by the time a doctor finally listened to her, it had spread. I’m scared, so very scared and just want this lump, what ever it is removed.
Hi, I am recovering from having had my lump removed in an excision biopsy on Thursday. I’ve had a similar situation to you - found a lump, it shows on ultrasound, negative on mammogram, positive on needle biopsy but negative on core biopsy so they said they want it out to find out exactly what it is - I get the results next Thursday. I found they surgeon/radiologist very good in wanting to get to the bottom of it and it’s all happened within 2 weeks - very fast, too fast for me to even think about it. Rather scary but I have no idea what the outcome will be. Good luck, if you have the op, it’s not pleasant but then none of this is, is it?
Dear loppy68 I was diagnosed with bc two days ago, I won’t be much help to you Im afraid, but just to let you know Im also completely TERRIFIED and certainly not firing on all 4 cylinders. I live alone and have no-one to talk to about this. I don’t want to call the helpline or my breast cancer nurse…to be honest I just want a cuddle and a “there there there”. Since being diagnosed Ive sat and stared into space I wander round the house picking things up and putting them down, it’s a horrible limbo where you want the answers straight away.
I don’t even want to tempt fate by saying too much about my diagnosis.
Ive been awake since 3am Ive only managed a couple of hours sleep since being diagnosed and all of a sudden I look and feel like a very old and tired lady…Im 49.
Ive told a couple of people but I feel I have to change the subject quickly as I don’t want to burden them with my problem.
So loopy please don’t think you are alone…the majority of the ladies in here are playing the “waiting game” Ive read masses of threads in here in the last two days and basically I have frightened the B’jesus out of myself, convincing myself I have everyone’s symptoms.
Sorry Im no help whatsoever. Maybe someone else could give you some advice?
Im going to walk my dog so you take care…we can do this x
Dear Ladies, it is a horrible time for you both, the first few days of being told cancer or maybe cancer. I was told on the spot from a mammogram that it was almost 100% it was cancer and the shock is terrible.
The advice I give is stay in the moment, hour and day. Take each day as it comes and try to push out negative thoughts. Getting into more of a panic isn’t helpful to you and no-one knows what the future holds. All the worrying in the world does not change anything except make you feel worse.
Sounds hard but I found that’s the way I coped. Also talking or coming on here and getting support is very important. Bottling emotions up doesn’t help.
Best wishes
Leadie
Hi Ladies
Just felt i had to reply and did not want you to think you are alone.
Nothing anyone will say will make this go away but if you can try to carry on as normal as much as you can. I have had breast and secondary cancer and the one of the things that kept me going was by keeping going. Work, home etc. In fact i went into over drive and drove my family mad. It did not stop me thinking about the cancer or how scared i was but you really do need someone to talk to. I was lucky and had a friend who i been through cancer several times so she knew how i was feeling etc. Good luck.
Hi loopy & woodlark,
You are both in a very difficult place right now. Having been told not to get your hopes up, and that the fna has come back inconclusive is being in no-mans land! Of course sometimes inconclusive turns out to be benign but your medics seem of the opinion that it is cancer. On my first diagnosis 19yrs ago my first biopsy came back inconclusive and the young registrar was trying to put my mind at rest by saying everything I had told him pointed to this not being cancer but I had to go have a further biopsy. When I saw the consultant that time he told me from his experience he could see it was malignant and he was right. I have had recurrences & new primaries and with both the new ones I had the same problem. One of those I was told it was benign and by then I had quite a history and I am afraid I lost my rag with this guy. He was wrong and I was so glad I insisted on seeing someone else.
If both your diagnoses are bad news you will have so many people here to support you - and there will be plenty of cyber hugs on offer to help you through it.
Dawn
xx
My only further comment to this is that I am telling everyone what is going on! There seems to still be this sort of shame in having cancer, and particularly breast cancer and people seem to be scared to say they are suffering. I’ve pretty much told everyone what is going on and they are all so supporting, it makes me feel much better. And the number of people who admit that they have been in a similar position or who have had scares or actual breast cancer and recovered it’s amazing - they all come out of the woodwork to offer their support. Don’t hide what is going on - your friends and family will want to help. And the more people who know about this, the less shameful/embarrassing it all becomes.
By the way, my breast completely purple, black and green from the haematoma following surgery - did anyone else experience this and how long does it take to go away - my breast looks and feels absolutely awful! God knows how or why anyone ever wants implants.
Hi ladies. it’s so nice to hear from you all and to know that i’m not the only one in this horrid position. To be told on Monday that they are 99.9% sure and then get a call saying they need more samples because they could find fatty tissue is awful. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. They told me not to get excited. Indeed when I went to the hospital the next day to have the further biopsy she the consultant radiologist said there’s no getting away from the fact that the lump still presents as cancer. How can they be so so sure before getting results? Surely they wouldn’t put someone through a horrible diagnosis and then change their minds. I’m adamant I want this lump removed, regardless of the results now. The consultant radiologist said she wants the lump taken out too. I just have to hope the surgeon agrees with me. My fear is once they actually remove the lump, then they’ll find these horrid cells. Is that possible do yout think? I’ve still not had the results from the chalking in the other breast yet which is worrying too. That was a barbaric test and one I don’t want to have ever again. I have to waait until thursday now but not had my appointment time given yet. My lump is just by my right nipple and she told me it was 2cm in size and has all the characteristics of cancer lump. do you think they will take much away when they do it? To be honest, my chest has shrunk so much in the last year, since I began my major diet, i’m quite pleased they aren’t as big as they were! Are you in a lot of pain from having the lump removed? How long did you have to stay in hospital for? Sorry for all the questions, but just feel i need to prepare myself. I have since found out that not only did my mother have breast cancer but my aunt (my dad’s sister) as recently had a mastectomy - that’s why i’m even doubly sure I want this lump out regardless. On Monday I didn’t stop crying but today i’m ok - feel in no-man’s land to be honest - just don’t know what to think. I’m just so pleased I can talk to you all about this. xx
Woodlark here again. I went for my MRI and chest x-ray this morning…if these are clear I go in next Tuesday, overnight stay, lump and one lymphnode removed then as far as as I understand a course of radiotherapy.
I have no idea how sick Im going to be but Im staying with a friend overnight (She is a lovely person who looks after my dog for me)
(I don’t have anyone else to take care of me)
So Im hoping I will be able to cope on my own the following day.
I worry about getting the dog out for a walk and doing normal day to day things.
I presume Loopy that you are similar to me. just our lumps are in different places. Mine is half on my rib cage and other half on my breast 1.5cm. (surgeon says it’s in a very unusual place…typical !!
Hi Woodlark MRI was one of the things I was dreading and had that last wednesday. Did they run dye through your arms?! I hope you didn’t find it too awful. Did you have someone to go with you? it’s not nice having to deal with this on our own. I have a great dad who comes to absolutely everything with me! I don’t think he’s seen so much of me in years bless him. At least you now have a date so you can start looking ahead and sorting things out. Don’t forget to pack pyjamas that button down the front!!! Have you got a good neighbour that could possibly help you. You must let the surgeon and nurses know that you are on your own my love. You need some support too. Have you spoken to any of the breast care nurses? They may be able to give you some good advice and help you. If you have any concerns, you should try and pick up the phone and call them. There isn’t a question, whether serious or daft that they won’t have heard someone ask so please don’t be scared to ask them for help.
You aren’t on your own in this. Many of the ladies on this website have been through some awful ordeals and come out of the otherside and still smile and make othes laugh! Everyone will help you.
My lump is apparently 2cms, just to the right of the nipple - and I keep constantly checking to see if it’s changed - another reason why I want it out - whether it be a good lump or a bad one!
I’ve managed to find out this morning that I go back to the Consultant on Thursday at 2.00pm but they wouldn’t tell me anything on the phone. When I first saw the consultant last week he as 99.9% sure I had cancer and then when they said they needed to do more biopsies as they couldn’t see any bad cells, that has just made the whole thing worse for me. I’m still awaiting results on the calcifications in my left breast too. I just don’t know what to think anymore. One thing I am certain of is that I want this flippin lump removed - whether it be good or bad - otherwise I will worry constantly, thinking that it could turn bad or if they got it all wrong. I’m hoping my surgeon agrees with me.
Keep me posted Woodlark and i’ll do the same. Just please don’t think you’re walking this path on your own and please just give some thought to maybe phoning the telephone number at the top of this web page and speaking to someone. I’m thinking about you and please, get some rest!! Love Loopy68 x
Hi Loopy
I was in the same place as you 5 years ago, they couldn’t get a decent sample. The needle biopsy showed cells they were worried about and I then had a core biopsy. This only showed fatty tissue so the took another. This showed the same but they kept going until they got to the bottom of it. I thenwent into hospital for a biopsy under general Anaesthetic. They did this and unfortunately the lump was BC, however they had, by some chance, removed all the BC with that one op. The lump was 17mm. If they do suspect something unusual they will keep checking but don’t got too intrusive until they need to. Just ask ‘what happens next?’ I hated those days (weeks) of waiting in between all the tests even though they were doing them as quickly as possible.
Good luck on Thurs and hope a proper sample is taken - and yes, it bloody does hurt even though a local is given.
Nicky x
Hi Nicky
Good to hear from someone that has been in a similar situation. I’ve already had the “extra” biopsies and they won’t tell me anything until Thursday now. My chest has doubled in size since all the biopsies and the side with the lump just seems to ache now. I really just don’t want the lump there now - whether the results show good or bad. I just want it removed. I have a family history of BC so I think for my sanity as well as safety, it’s probably going to be wise to get shot of it, whatever the results may be. I’m still waiting on results for the other breast too - had calcification that had changed from last year. Knowing my luck, it will be the side we aren’t too worried about (the calcification side) that will be the problem! But it’s a waiting game til Thursday at 2.00pm - i’m so nervous. having trouble sitting still. I can’t even finish a job in the house - got the hoover out - started and then stopped and it’s still where I left it - in the middle of the hall. Got the concentration span of an ant at the moment!! My doctor has just phoned to see how ii’m doing etc - and he said he’d prefer me to have the lump removed too - only then will they be certain what it is. Fingers crossed it’s me that makes the decision and not for any other reason. It’s so good to hear that i’m not the only one - it’s not until you come on to a site like this that you realise just how many people this dreadful disease touches - but despite this, people are so helpful and kind and offer their experiences out too. I’ll let you know what happens Thursday… and once again, thank you so much for help - really do appreciate it. xxx
Hi Loopy,
The very best of luck for Thursday. The waiting is horrendous but you are not alone. I am waiting for results that I should get on Friday. It is just horrid not knowing one way or the other. I do so hope it is good news for you.
I was referred to the breast clinic last week and had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. They told me they were very suspicious about a lump that showed up and were pretty sure it was invasive cancer. I have been like a rabbit caught in headlights since. The consultant said the position of the lump means it would be tricky to just remove the lump and suspects it will mean a mastectomy. It is just a horrible time…
Please do let me know how your results go on Thursday. I will be thinking of you.
Thinking of you too Woodlark - good luck for Tuesday.
Hello everyone. Can’t believe I managed a good nights sleep last night. Isn’t it a hellish feeling when you awake all drowsy from sleep and that horrible feeling hits you…realisation that you have BC.
Loopy I do have a couple of friends, A lady in the next village who looks after my dog sometimes when Im at work. Her partner has recently been told that he has prostate cancer she also has a teenage daughter and she has her own business. It would be too hard for her to look after me…she doesn’t have a car so it would be too difficult for her to come here.
Another couple I know are a wee bit older. They are lovely. But on Monday she goes in for a hernia operation and I presume she is going to be quite poorly herself. (I had even offered to help her before this damn diagnosis).
I have two sisters…one said “if there is anything I can do just ask” but I’d rather not (long story)…she is busy with her own life. My oldest sister hasn’t picked up the phone yet.
Oh and I have a nephew…but he hasn’t been in contact for over a year, he lives quite far from me…and I wouldn’t ask him anyway.
I sold my house in November to free up a little cash to start my own business and had to move away (next village) I am now renting and although Ive met the neighbours, they are all busy and out all day working. I wouldnt ask a stranger to help.
The thing Im a wee bit confused about is.
When I heard they were going to remove the lump I was worried about the after effects. I told my BCN about the time I looked after a boyfriend who had testicular cancer (many years ago) and how ill he was with the radiotherapy (God he was soooo sick). She told me that because his therapy was near his intestines its usually much worse. But with the breast, because it’s going straight onto the breast tissues “there are no side effects whatsover”. This eased my mind quite a bit (visions of me going back to work in a couple of days).
However, reading in here… it appears no-one gets away lightly, Ive not read anyone saying they were up and about two days later. If not the radiotherapy then its the drugs that do it.
I have not a clue about benefits either, I have a real phobia about letting these people know about my health…I was unempoyed a couple of times and I hated the ‘means testing’.
I’d rather just get back to work as soon as.
Another blow…I have to go for an endescope (sp) the following Wednesday for a completely different problem…am I going to be well enough? (it says in the hospital letter I have to have someone with me overnight)…J’sus it just gets worse and worse.
To top it all…Ive not had a period for about 3 months and I thought “well that’s the end of that” at least I’ll save some money on tampons…but the B"gg"ers have arrived back with a vengence this morning…Ohhhhhhh Gawwwwwwd
Well Im going for a bath…guess what…going to give more blood this morning…I wonder if there is any left…no-wonder I drink !!! ha ha
Loopy Im going on a 4 day break on Thursday, then next day after I arrive home Im going into hospital for the op…will not be near a computer…but I will be thinking about you and praying for us all.
Im not religiious but was thinking of taking it up 
Take care everyone xx
Sorry for whinging…but sometimes its just good to
“get it off yer chest”
Am I allowed to say that in here ?
(trying to retain my sense of humour glands)
Woodlark
XXXX
Hi Ladies
Good Luck to you both. I cannot help with the recovery for lumps being romoved as i had my whole breast removed. I was out gentle walking as soon as i escaped the hospital (about 1 week later). I too have a wonder dog who still needed execising. I did not go as far as i usual did to start and just walked a little slower so not to wear myself out too much. I supose it depends on how you are feeling.
Hi! Well, I had wle last Wednesday along with SNB and bilateral reduction. Amazingly I feel no pain! Just a little discomfort. The nurse looked at my wounds yesterday and all fine. I see the surgeon again tomorrow. I have only been taking paracetemol and diclofenac, but more as a precaution, I think! I do hope you are as fortunate as me. xxxx
Hi
Just to reassure you ladies. I had a bilateral MX in February and was home from hospital within 24 hours. My hospital have an early discharge team you came to me every day. Obviously I took things as easy as I could and had a wonderful OH to help BUT I felt fine and was able to function very well.
Take Care
Andie
Thank you ladies for your response. That gives me a lot of hope, I find out in the morning if the cancer has spread…if it hasn’t the op goes ahead Wednesday, as planned.
Doctor is going to prescribe some “anti-stressed-out-yer-head-pills”
Valium I think, pick them up tomorrow (I was a bit late asking for them).
I will take them away with me this weekend (long weekend on the island of Islay Scotland)
As everyone says its the waiting.
I will post something as soon as I hear…keep your fingers and toes crossed…love and hugs to you all…xx
Good luck to you, Woodlark. Did you say you lived alone? I do too, and that brings its own set of issues, as if the bc wasn’t enough… You said that you hadn’t told many people so as not to burden them. I have been the complete opposite! I have told so many right from the start. I find that rather than feeling burdened folk are glad and willing to share this with me. I have been so touched by kindness and offers of help, both practical and emotional. It has taught me a lot about my fellow man. So don’t underestimate people and how they might react. You may be pleasantly surprised! This website has been an absolute godsend to me and I hope it is for you as well. Take care and let us know how you get on xxxxxx