This is my first time here so please forgive me if I rattle on. I have been on the family screening for the last 10 years due to family history. My mum was diagnosed at the age of 42 and sadley passed away aged 48 (my age now). I am feeling a little anxious as at the begining of August I had a recall after my yearly mammogram. I thought they just wanted to take more pictures as maybe the the last ones were a bit fuzzy but they had found a cluster of microcalcifications and wanted to perform a vacuum core biopsy. The result came back B4 uncertain malignant potential and another vacumm biobsy was scheduled two weeks later. Unfortunately after both biopsies I developed an infection and a golf ball size haematoma. Again unfortunately they had technical difficulties with the second biopsy and only got skin. Because they were still concerned about my first biopsy result and there were still some calcification left in the breast they suggested a wire guided excisional surgical biopsy. The haematoma was a bit of a set back so only had my surgery last week. All the staff at the hospital have been fantastic - from the screening team, radiologist, surgical team and nurses on the day ward, all have been caring and considerate and I am really grateful to be on the screening programme. I have always checked my breasts and never really heard of calcifications until now so this has been a bit of an eye opener. I go back for my results in two weeks. I have tried to keep my emotions in check the last couple of months but the nerves have now started and my positivity has turned to what if… How have other ladies coped with the waiting? Thank you for listening. Ali xxx
I know how you are feeling. Sometimes the not knowing is worse than getting the news. I have my appointment for second stage screening on Wednesday. Two more sleeps! I am petrified
I agree that the waiting is the worst bit. I was recalled after a routine mammogram, had the lump biopsies along with 2 lymph nodes that looked unusual. The 10 days waiting for the results was the worst - I didn’t tell many people as thought there was no point everyone worrying. I was ok at work as it took my mind off the situation, but evenings and weekends were awful. Went back to hospital last week to find out the lump is an invasive ductal carcinoma, but the lymph nodes were clear. I felt really calm at that point as I thought I knew what I’d got and how it could be treated. However at this point the consultant mentioned calcifications in both breasts which had never been mentioned before. I now have a MRI on Wednesday and another wait for the results. I’m struggling to eat as my body is in a permanent anxious mode, have been to the gp as was struggling to sleep for more than an hour despite a higher than normal dose of amitriptyline which usually knocks me out. He has added an anti epilepsy drug just for a week and last night I actually slept for 6 hours. I have likened this to having my finger nails pulled out slowly on by one. You have my support and understanding in all of this. Thanks to this forum I have realised that we are not alone…xx
I’ve just read your story and it rings a bell with me. I’ve. Been on family history clinic for 30 years and they’ve just found b3/b4 cells in a biopsy so I now have to have a vacuum biopsy to find out more. I’m here for you if you need to talk as this waiting is **bleep**ty xx
Hi, I’m lying in bed in a state of panic. I can’t sleep and keep having panic attacks. Went to clinic today with a lump. Consultant was called in quickly followed by mammogram, ultra sound and biopsy. I have 2 lumps close together, one large and one small. Ultrasound seems clear in armpit. I have results next Wednesday but today the ultra sound doctor said it was very worrying and the consultant said very suspicious. Started talking about surgery and journey ahead - all without biopsy results. I’m terrified. I’m 43 and have 2 children. How to people cope with this wait? I have googled everything. I think I can cope with the treatment and effects as long as the outcome is worth it.
hi jojo,
Sorry you are going through this, we have all been there.
There is no magic answer to dealing with the anxiety, waiting is just the pits, but at least it is now being dealt with & it is good if the nodes look clear.
It is best tostep away from google, it doesn’t help & makes anxiety worse. It is best to get information from this site rather than general searching.
Mostly all turns out to be well, but if it is more serious, then the sooner its dealt with the better.
let us know what happens
ann x
xxx