I always find its best to have more info then you know what they know. Hope all goes well on Friday for you xxx
Hi everyone I went for my first breast check up on Tuesday , I’m 45 and after a full hyst have been on HRT for 4 years , I was only expecting a " hands on " inspection and a few leaflets !
2 mamos an ultrasound , 3 biopsys and 4 hrs later I was shocked to discover I had an upper left quadrant lump and thickening axillary nodes ?
I wasn’t expecting that at all , the only change I can think of with my breast is my left breast (the offending one) has been itchy and I’ve had sharp pains in it . I’m tiny with large breasts and they’ve always been heavy and often sore so I didn’t think anything of those symptoms. Obviously I’m thinking the worst … They did seem quite concerned … Should be a week for results … Im getting on my own nerves imagining all sorts … It feels like an eternity xx
Annie we are in exactly the same boat.
I am having to wait 2 weeks for results as my consultant went on his holidays this week!
Hope he had a lovely time.
My bruising was rather spectacular on the left breast, right one pretty minimal.
I have noticed that both lumps have got a lot bigger since the core biopsies, but have checked and apparently that is a normal reaction (just inflammation apparently?)
Anyone else get that? (Bearing in mind I could not even feel the mass in the right one before, it was a little worrying)
Both breasts feeling a little twingey too (9 days since biopsies).
Don’t know if it is psychosomatic, but I have a little pain on the inside of both arms too, about 5" from the armpit.
Anyone else getting weird twinges?
Roll on the 21st!! Been in limbo for 9 days now.
Annie, do you have a sensible calm friend you can take with you?
I have put a list together of questions to ask at the biopsy results appt so that we get all the facts.
I’m like Hannah, I feel better when I know the facts. But I know my mum was the opposite. We are all different.
Many well known sites have a list of questions to ask at the appt.(NHS/MacMillans etc)
It is worth printing one out, and understanding some of the terminology.
(This site probably has a good section on diagnosis… have a read)
Take a pad and pen and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
When in doubt always ask ‘so what does that mean?’
Some consultants can be a little intimidating, but remember it is your body… the appts are your opportunity to ask questions.
(Let me know how you get on. PM me if you like)
Hi everyone Ive had 1 of 4 results 3 were inconclusive right breast showed grade 2 cancer other 3 had to be biopsied again x2 in each armpit and x3 in my left breast I get results next week no treatment plan as consultant isnt sure what else he will find . Both armpits show abnormal lymph nodes and a mass in my left breast. I am trying to stay calm but am failing miserably my husband came with me and tbh we came out in a state of shock we are so unsure as to what it if they will find next week we cant sleep or eat just in limbo why are results inconclusive when right breast showed cancer
Taglagoon, sorry to hear you are in the ‘waiting room’ with us. It is indeed limbo, imagination works overtime, and I am not able to get to sleep, mind goes all over the place as soon as my head hits the pillow.
I’ve had to wait two weeks for results as consultant went on holiday last week!
Poor Annie! Frustrating indeed after the wait to be told 3 of 4 tests were inconclusive.
You do need to ask ‘what does that mean’ to everything you are not sure about.
I’d phone them tomorrow and ask them to explain. Write it down first or, if you are anything like me, you’ll forget.
If the answers are unclear keep asking for explanation. Why were there inconclusive? Showed no cancer or were samples not viable?
They need to know results to determine your treatment plan (may give you chemo to shrink tumours, makes lumpectomy more viable. Need to know if you are HER2 positive or negative as they have different treatment options)
Lots of good info on this site in Diagnosis section.
Also Cancer Research has the best explanation of the stages : cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/breast-cancer/treatment/number-stages-of-breast-cancer
Don’t go google mad, but do some homework on stages, basic treatment options, mastectomy types (they can do one where they save the breast skin so the reconstruction looks a lot nicer, I googled 'before/after breast reconstruction after mastectomy)
Made me worry a lot less when I saw what they can do these days. Nipple reconstructions with aureole tattoos are amazing!
I am going to ask my consultant to show me examples of his work! (I know that should be the least of my worries. but in my head I had imagery of brutal chest scars, so it is one less thing to worry about.)
OK, so after 2 weeks waiting in limbo, I got my results tonight…
Left breast has Grade 3 invasive lobular, HER2 positive, Oestrogen/Progesterone receptive
Right breast has Grade 2 invasive lobular, HER2 neg, Oes/Prog receptive
So, I am off for 5 months (6 cycles) of chemo, 12 months of Herceptin via IV, 10 YEARS of oral Tamoxifen! (10 years? Hot flushes and sweats?)
After chemo I’ll have double mastectomy, and reconstruction (just in time for Christmas! Boobs of a 20 year old please 
No Radiation therapy though (in my case the consultant does not advise it as I am ‘young’ (49) and having a bilateral mastectomy, poss risk to lungs/heart, although techniques now are far more accurate (no Proton Beam treatments at Basingstoke!
(NB: I found a great article on this for anyone worried about traditional Radiotherapy - it has moved on MASSIVELY, far more accurate: breastcancer.org/research-news/20131209 )
Although ‘on paper’ this may not look good news, I am actually OK with it, as I know the plan now, and we can get going beating this.
The waiting is definitely the worst… surprised myself how calm I was today and still feel.
REALLY helped that I took in my Questionnaire and asked him a gazillion questions… he loved that… no really, he did… said it made his job easier!
(I can share it if anyone wants it… PM me with your email addresss.)
If anyone lives near Fleet in Hampshire and fancies meeting up for coffee/chat/mutual support, let me know. My friends and family are wonderful, but it has really helped me to talk to people on here going through/who have gone through what I am experiencing.
Virtual hug x
Good luck with all your treatment La-La glad you have got some answers. I’m living up north now but originally from Winchester so hello fellow Hampshireman x
Sending you best wishes La La and roll on new boobies !!! I’m still in the waiting room … Hopefully not for too much longer xx
Awww Janie it’s very surreal isn’t it !! I wish I’d had a confirmed date for my results , they just said to me about a week … It’s been 8 days and counting !! I’m on tender hooks waiting for the phone to ring … I too have the resigned myself to the results , that way if it’s not it’s a massive plus !!! I’m on HRT and considering coming off , if this is just a scare I don’t want to go though this again and hrt is a risk xx
Just had a call from my docs … I panicked !! Got myself ready for the conversation … They want me in tomorrow morning , bloods done Tuesday … . I asked the receptionist if it was my biopsy results … Heart beating !!
No it’s your blood tests !!! Heart beating tears rolling down my face … She then apologised for stressing me !! … Stupid bloods !!! ?
We sound like twins!
PM me your email and I’ll send it over.
I live in Fleet, where are you? Be great to meet up.
I’m putting on a brave face for everyone but to be honest I have had NO sleep for the past 3 nights since I got the results.
Been in Holland on business in crap hotels and just want to be at home in my bed with my son, dog and cats!!!
Think I may ask gp for sleeping tabs.
Hard to be brave when you have sleep deprivation!
Niki xx
PS: I thought my main lump was 5cm but apparently it is 2cm… There is tissue surrounding them that makes them feel bigger.
(My 2nd lump feels 3cm but is only 1cm)
Hopefully you will find the same xxx
Hello ladies I am living in Leeds but originally from Winchester until I was 18 small world!!!
9 biopsies wow I had 7 and thought that was lots. I have to say my best advice:
They are testing these areas of concern for cancer so they think there is a chance it is cancer. I think its important to prepare for that fact, it may be it may not be. But convincing your self one way is not helpful. We don’t know the answer until results day.
I have to say the waiting is the worst bit I was just talking to my partner about how awful that week was (I only had to wait 7 days) and how long it felt.
I found calling the breast care nurse and asking her to talk through it all again and to confirm the results day really helpful.
In terms of what to expect from results day,
The support there is amazing - so if it is cancer you will feel a range of emotion but the breast care nurse is there and does a de-brief after the meeting with the consultant where you can cry and ask all the questions you will think are ‘silly’ but are actually very important to get your head around like can I go on holiday, how long will I be coming to the hospital for, how do I tell people etc etc.
I have to say I got a cancer diagnosis and I really don’t feel doom and gloom at all, the support has been amazing… There are such good recovery rates and all the doctors know what they’re doing so you’re in good hands.
Just make sure you call the breast care nurses or ring and ask for their number asap!!! It was the best thing I did in my waiting week xxxxxxx lots of love to you all xxxxxxx
PS lifeisabeach in my waiting week I definitely gave the card a hammering its what its there for and it really does help!!!
Hi ladies … No results yet day 10 ? I went to the docs today to get some results for routine cholesterol etc … While I was there she asked how my mammogram app went … When I told her I had 3 biopsys and had thickening lymph nodes she grimaced !!! “Don’t hold back doc” !!! That instilled confidence lol xx
Hi Janie, if you try now you will be able to use the pm service. New users are not able to use the service until they have posted a few times after this their account changes which yours has now, hope this helps
Best wishes
Lucy BCC
Good luck Janie xx
Good luck hope all went well please do let us know xxx
Don’t forget to ask ‘what does that mean?’ to anything they don’t explain clearly.
One of the other ladies on here was told ‘her BCN would explain everything’ which just led to a weekend of worry…
Take a breath, have a think, and if you have questions/worries, get him to explain on the spot.
BCNs have more time (apparently, not had a call from mine yet!) but you are entitled to ask your consultant questions too!