Yesterday I went for a ‘call back’ appointment after a routine mammogram showed abnormalities on both breasts. I had a repeat mammogram on the left and a quick scan on it and the consultant radiographer said she was confident was fine.
She said the area of most concern for her was a lump that had shown up on the routine mammogram on my right breast. She then did an ultrasound scan and showed me the lump - she was very serious and also measured an area in my armpit.
While she was measuring it (I think she said 2 or 3 cms) I asked if it could be scar tissue from a previous ductectomy and major ductectomy and she said no.
I then asked if it could be a cyst or fibro thing and it was then she said “absulutely not - you have a significant lump that is presenting as cancer”. She said she is 100% certain that it’s cancer. She then did 3 or 4 biposies which she said would confirm this and give them more idea of what is going on and what treatment is needed.
I was sent in to talk to the specialist nurse who confirmed what the consutant said - given an appoinntment with the BC specialist in 12 days and I then left to go back to work. I stood outside and all I could think of is I’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer! I was on my own as I thought it would just be a scan and biopsy and back for results in a week!
Needless to say I’m in shock - I just don’t quite believe it to be honest!
I’ve never heard of such a firm diagnosis before the biopsy result has even come back!
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Personally I do think they know sometimes. When I first went to my GP she was convinced it was fibroid tissue as it was a spead out lump/area and again when I had the first mammo they could only see that too.
It was when I went for the ultrasound and biopsy that I could tell from the radioologist’s face she was looking more worried and kept looking closely etc.
I asked her straight out what she thought it was and she said that she couldn’t say and that I would get an appointment with the consultant if it was worrying.
I said “should I be worried” and she looked at me and said “I would be worried if it was me”. That said everything to me. And then she said “but don’t worry too much, they have great treatment these days”.
Like you I was on my own and by this time completely shell shocked.
I know this doesn’t help you much in your waiting, but what I would say is that 4 years later I am still here and I survived everything I had to go through to get to this point.
You will too, and believe me when I say that the waiting is definitely the worst. Whatever the results, you will deal with everything as and when needs be.
Yes, when I went back after something showed up on my mammogram, the doctor told me she was sure it was a cancer and, if the biopsy results came back negative, she would request another! She was right, of course. If only I could get over the shock and fear, I feel I could cope a bit better …
Unfortunately mine wasn’t the good news that i was hoping but it was strange that I instantly felt slightly better. I was only diagnosed last Wednesday but nothing has felt as bad as that week before, not knowing! Thinking it will be fine, then preparing for the worst, then thinking it will be fine again.
So sorry you are having to go through it, and I will have everything crossed you are in that 5%! Xxx
Hi I was told I had breast cancer in much the same circumstances as you - I had my first mammogram and was recalled. Had another mammogram and breast cancer surgeon said she was sorry to tell me I had breast cancer. I was so shocked and asked how she knew without a biopsy and she said she was certain for several reasons one being it had nasty spiky bits which were typical but thankfully only 8mm. They did the biopsy the same time and I had the results 2 days later which confirmed the grade etc. I asked BCN later how they could be so certain and she said the digital mammograms which they do when you are recalled after the screening mammogram are so clear that some tumours present as “text book” examples whilst others can take months to get a firm diagnosis xx hope things go well for you xx
Hi I’m new to the forum (today) and have a similar experience found a lump referred to hospital had mammogram and ultrasound then biopsy then told I have breast cancer all that on Tuesday this week. Going back next Thursday for results to find out type and treatment plan But think mine is hereditary as have a family history.
My diagnosis was confirmed today. I saw he consultant. Has the mammogram and biopsy on Tuesday and the consultant gave me her suspicions and said she was rarely wrong. She was right. All confirmed today followed by more biopsys today.
I feel your shock, confusion and pain.
If you’re not sure or have questions boon an appointment with your consultant sooner than next week.