Hi Sarah,
Welcome to the forum. When I found my lump I had a mammogram, ultrasound and 3 core needle biopsies in my first appointment. They said they were sat on the fence re whether it was bc or not and that they would only be able to determine based on the biopsy.
When I went for the follow up appointment I met the same breast surgeon specialist I’d seen at my first appointment. She told me that it was breast cancer, told me what type of cancer they had found in the biopsy (including the ER/HER status) and informed me what treatment they recommended. The treatment varies for different types of breast cancer, for me the initial treatment was a lumpectomy to remove the lump and a sentinel node biopsy, to check the key, i.e. sentinel lymph node under my arm (often done as a precautionary check).
The surgeon produced forms, for me to give consent to surgery, and I was given a date for the surgery (for a few weeks later). I was told that after they had removed the lump they would test it, and the margin of tissue around it, to ensure the margin was clear of breast cancer. At that stage they would be able to tell me what other treatment may be recommended. I was told this would most likely involve radiotherapy, hormone therapy and possibly chemo - they wouldn’t be able to say until the whole lump was tested and sentinel node biopsy done.
It’s a good idea to take someone with you, since none of us really knows quite how we’ll respond to such news until in the hot seat, and if it turns out clear, I’m sure your companion will be more than happy to share your relief!
Also, take a notepad. You can ask for a copy of the diagnosis report…(although I can’t remember whether I got this at the initial biopsy stage or after the whole lump had been removed and tested).
The chances are a breast cancer care nurse may also be in the consultancy room, and depending on the results, you may be given some time with her afterwards (or an appointment made to meet her soon-after) to ask any follow up q’s or get any information leaflets etc.
I hope your appointment goes as well as possible. If you do end up joining this club, you will find lots of help, support and advice on the forum, both from members who are going through it, those who have emerged the other end, and via the Breast Cancer Care telephone lines (support and advice from nurses and trained staff).
Wishing you all the best, do post again if you start feeling a bit twitchy as the appointment gets nearer.
Seabreeze (5 years on and doing ok!)