I went to my GP a month ago after a few months of procrastination. I didn’t find a lump - just my left nipple was puckered and looked ‘wrong’. My GP couldn’t find anything but also thought it looked ‘odd’ and with my age (48) and family history of BC sent me to a ‘one-stop’ breast care clinic. I really hoped they’d take one look at me and tell me to go away. Mammograms and ultrasounds later they told me I have micro-calcifications in both breasts and I need more detailed mammograms and possibly a core biopsy.
So I returned last week for the mammograms and a vacuum core biopsy on my left breast (they said the right breast calcifications were fine but not sure still about the left). I’m now waiting for the results - they told me 2-3 weeks. I understand that people on here are going through so much more and I’ve had two cousins, two aunts and two very good friends who’ve had BC (all okay and clear now) so I feel a bit silly but also glad I went. I’m keeping up a cheery smile for my family (I’ve only told my parents, my grown-up daughter and my boyfriend who lives 200 miles away) and been ultra-positive about it all, if it is DCIS it’s vvv early etc etc but I lost my husband to cancer 8 years ago and I can’t help but feel I’m dodging a bullet.
Sorry for the long post, but feel better for getting it out there.
Hi ,it’s absolute torture waiting for results ,2 to 3 weeks sounds like an awfully long time .My results seemed to take forever and that was just a week.Very difficult to be positive when you feel so anxious and have also lost your husband to cancer ,but your daughter and boyfriend are right ,if it is cancer it is probably very treatable and you stand a v good chance of dodging the bullet!!!Let us know how you get on.Jill.
Hi, I have been following this site for several weeks. I noticed a thickening in my right breast in January. I had my first appointment at the breast clinic on 4th Feb. I had a mammogram and was told that they were not concerned about the thickening but were very concerned about another area at the back and they were going to try to get an emergency appointment for a core biopsy that afternoon. Meanwhile FNA of thickening and ultrasound. Nothing showed on ultrasound so they changed their minds about CB. At end was told that they thought there was going to be cancer there but they were almost sure now that everything was okay but they have whole team meetings every Wednesday and they would discuss my results then. Was told that if I hadn’t heard anything by the next Friday I would know things were fine and they would follow up in 4 months. The Friday came and went but and I breathed a sigh of relief. However I got the dreaded phone call on the Wednesday. I had to go back for mammogram again. Another 2 week wait. Then another week wait then had to go for Stereotactic CB which I had on Wednesday. I have remained calm and positive throughout and know that this is probably nothing but since Wednesday I can’t think about anything. I had to get two biopsies done as the first one was in the wrong place. I think I’m finding it hard because I have had no information. You just speak to the surgeon’s PA on the phone or receive a brief letter. I feel really bad about moaning as I haven’t been diagnosed with anything. I can’t speak to anyone around me as they are all so worried. My son has his final college exam next Monday so am trying to hide things from him. He has been ill in bed for a week with a Nast virus. My mother in law is in hospital and we have had to put her husband in a care home for respite until she gets home. Everything is beginning to get on top of me. My thoughts are with all ladies who have been diagnosed.
Hi Minnie,never rains but it pours as they say!!!When I was going through this last year my son was in the middle of his exams and mother in law in hospital 60 miles away ,then week of my op my husband fell down the stairs and broke his ankle so I had to drive myself to the hospital for my op!!It is hard as you really want to protect those around you and that means not sharing your darkest fears .This forum is a Godsend in that respect as people really do understand how you are feeling.You haven’t been helped by all the messing around have you .Hopefully you will get good news but if you don’t don’t panic (easier said than done I know) breast cancer is very treatable in most cases.Come and post in the just diagnosed section for support if you are diagnosed .Jill.
Just to say I haven’t actually got my results yet but got a phone call to say I can stop worrying. I do have to go back in 6 months. She said the pathology report would explain everything. I am so glad. It has been a very long two months. Good luck to everyone and my thoughts are with you if your results were not what you hoped for.
Went to the breast clinic yesterday to have a small lumpy area on my right breast checked out. I first went for the mammogram. Waited ages then to see the consultant. He was very abrupt which never helps.
The lumpiness on my right breast wasn’t anything to note, but I have had a large lump on my left breast for over 10 years. Previous ultrasounds and mammograms have revealed nothing sinister and was diagnosed as duct ectasia with lots of fibrous tissue and scarring. I had very bad mastitis with all three of my boys (youngest is now almost 9).
But yesterday, the radiologist said that there was an area of distortion or shadow which he didn’t think was there on my previous mammogram. He kept asking if I’d had any biopsies taken or any surgery. I’ve had nothing at all done, just bad mastitis. He started talking about a possible radial scar. He took 3 core biopsies and I think a FNA as well. Lots of bruising there now, but the lump feels smaller. To me, and I check every month, the lump has never changed. It is mobile and about the same size.
I’m back next Tues am for the results. My husband is a veterinary pathologist (same qualification as doctors have) so will want the full low down on lab reports etc. He is going with me.
So, I’m in that horrible limbo, and feeling very weepy
Hi Lucy it’s a horrible anxious time,waiting is torture isn’t it.Sounds like they are just playing safe as they cannot explain what they are looking at.Good chance it will be nothing to worry about.Hope you get good news.Jill.