Hi my name is Charlotte and I am 39 years old, Married with 2 boys aged 14 and 11. I found a sizeable lump under my left breast on Friday evening in the bath after having a bit of an ache and spotting an enlarged vein a couple of weeks before hand. Visited GP on Monday and she referred me our local NHS breast clinic. She said she felt like it was a 5x5cm lump. When I got home we decided to use our private medical insurance and booked an appointment for the next day.
we travelled to our neighbouring city and saw a breast specialist who said given my age he wasnāt concerned and felt it was homonal hard breast tissue but said due to my sister being diagnosed with BC at 37 he would do an ultrasound to make sure. I felt elated as Iād been so nervous. During the ultrasound the sonographer seemed to change mood and I asked if she had found it and she confirmed she had, I asked if it was a cyst and she said no. She said what she could see was very suspicious and worrying and said Iād need a mammogram and biopsy that evening. I had the mammogram done and came back into the room and it was on the screen very clear that there was a mass on my left breast. I asked if it could be anything else and she said no but the biopsy would confirm. She said the lump/mass was 3.7x3cm (37x30mm) She said they do get it wrong occasionally but know what they are looking at. She did the biopsy and inserted clips and off I went for another mammogram . Once this was done I saw the specialist again who moved his chair next to me and said he was very concerned and the biopsy would show type and then talk about treatment plan, MRIS etc. Iāve got to go again for results on Tuesday or Thursday of next week. When we were leaving the Breast Nurse followed us out, sat me down on a sofa and gave me a hug. She told me and my husband breast cancer is highly treatable and this is just a blip in life and one day I can say I āhadā breast cancer. Do they normally get it wrong and is it normal to be told this after a scan and mammogram.
Iāve resided to myself to the fact itās going to be confirmed next week and I can deal with the it it itās early stages. She checked my lymph nodes and said from what she could tell they are āokā
Iām so sorry that youāve had to seek out help on this forum but Iām glad youāve reached out for support.
My route to diagnosis was very different to yours. No visible changes or palpable masses. It was picked up on a routine screening mammogram. Called back for second stage screening so 3D mammogram and ultrasound; biopsies a week later then a 2 week wait for results. During the investigative stage not one of the health care professionals I saw mentioned the word cancer, nor did I ask. It was like an unspoken word. We knew that is what they were wanting to exclude .
The health care professionals you saw will have a wealth of experience examining breasts and reviewing imaging. Whilst the biopsies will give the definitive answer about what it is, those you saw will have a good idea if it was something benign like a cyst and if it is likely to be cancer. They may have been sowing the seeds that BC is a possible diagnosis as your lump may not look or feel like any of the other causes of lumps.
This is the hardest part. The waiting, uncertainty, worry, anxiety, lack of control, helplessness and the fear. It is truly awful. I tried my best to park it, telling myself to not to worry about it as there may not be anything to worry about but it was easier said than done.
Once I knew, had a plan and then cracked on with tackling it then I strangely felt calm and relaxed. I decided early on was to accept what was to come.
Hang onto the hope that it still may not be cancer but if it is, then you did the right thing getting checked out very quickly.
The week of waiting will be hard. Use the forum as a safe place to share and get support. We get it. Iāve found it invaluable.
Thanks for sharing your experience, I am sure Charlotte and others will find your words valuable. I am in the same position as you. A routine mammogram early December, then a call back the week afterwards. Another mammogram, ultrasound and guided core biopsy, another mammogram. Golly, I wish Iād worn something easier to take on and off!
They did tell me after the biopsy that the expectation was cancer. Thatās the moment I crumbled. I honestly did not expect that and had gone to the clinic on my own.
Then the worst part - as you have said - waiting for the result. Christmas got in the way but at least it kept me busy and my mind occupied. I got my result on 29th December. Grade 2 IDC ER8 PR8 Her2 neg.
This forum is invaluable. Like you, I now feel calm, almost remote from what is to happen. Iām determined to beat it! Iām writing down my thoughts and feelings in a daily journal which is already helping me. My family are totally wonderful with their support - I have two grown up sons, one of whom is married to a radiographer. She has been there for me every step and asked questions I hadnāt thought of.
My advice (given my very new experience) is to take someone to your appointment who can ask those questions. Write them down before you go to your consultation.
Wishing you a very positive outcome - and to the original poster Charlotte, sending many virtual hugs x
Thank you for replying. Itās reassuring to hear others take on the situation and also I think I will be the same as you. Once I know what Iām dealing with I will find comfort in getting to work on making a plan of action and starting treatment.
itās a rollercoaster of emotions and feel like all Iāve done is cry since Tuesday.
my husband has been incredible and we are the closest we have ever been oddly
I just wish I had a Time Machine to fast forward to the results.
Hi - yes, I now have a plan in place. I am so impressed by how quickly things are moving forwards. Very proud of our NHS. Good luck with your own journey - and if you need support, please just reach out. Weāre in it together.
HI @lotsi2906 . Iām sorry you find yourself here in the club nobody wants to join.
My situation is different from yours in that I was 63 when I was diagnosed in May 2024. I found a lump under my arm in the shower and the Gp found a breast lump too. I was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread to 1 lymph node.
At the initial breast clinic visit I had a mammogram, ultrasound of breast and armpit and biopsies of breast and lymph node. When I went back into the surgeon her told me it was breast cancer based on the feel of the lumps and the look of the mammograms. I said but what if the biopsies come back negative and he said - then we will presume itā missed the relevant spot and will redo the biopsies. Thereās no question.
I donāt say this to upset you and I desperately hope it doesnāt, any more than you are already distressed. I know it sounds harsh but in some cases they just know. Obviously Iām much older than you so in a higher risk age group. I really, really, really hope that it isnāt breast cancer, but if it is then you have got into the system quickly and you will get the best treatment personalised to you. Try not to Google too much and make use of this lovely forum.
Sorry you find yourself in the āwaiting roomā - it really is the most tense place on earth!
I was actually told mine was probably benign from the manual exam and the ultrasound, but they were doing a biopsy to be on the safe side and I would have the results in two weeks.
The day after the biopsy I saw a picture online of an ultrasound showing triple negative breast cancer that looked exactly like what Iād seen on the screen the day before.
Then a week into waiting for the results I found an enlarged lymph node next to the lump.
Then two days later they changed my telephone appointment for the results to a face to face.
By this point I was basically vibrating on the inside all the time and then weirdly, when I was told it was triple negative breast cancer, the anxiety went and I felt relieved. I realised it was because the uncertainty was gone. They did not mess about at all with regards to treatment. I was given the plan there and then and had surgery four weeks later.
I really hope this goes the way you want, but if not, just know that they will move very quickly on this and that you are not alone. x
Hello Iām very sorry to hear of you situation - waiting for results is just the worst especially when you suspect you they arenāt going to be what you for .
I was diagnosed via second screening call back after a routine mammogram which I almost forgot to attend. Mine was very small - even the BCN couldnāt feel it and I had no idea there was anything there . I had figured out that something wasnāt right as people who had arrived after me were leaving before me looking relieved then the BCN brought me in after my biopsy and said ā I apologise in advance if this turns out to be one of the many rare benign breast conditions out there but we think this definitely looks worrying . Iām sorry but we think this is a tiny cancer .ā
I would like to tell you that it isnāt cancer - unfortunately you wonāt know for sure what it is / isnāt until you get the biopsy results ( mibe took a week to come through ) but I donāt think they would have told you unless they were pretty sure . Oddly enough itās often a relief to have your fears confirmed because then you can get a treatment plan and move forward .
However there are a lot of us on here who have had varying types / stages / grades of breast cancer who are here to tell the tale years later and live a normal life .I found that there were two women in my social circle who recovered from it many years ago and are still cancer free as well as a couple of colleagues . Breast cancer is sadly a really common disease but in the vast majority of cases it is very treatable . We always worry that maybe we might be an exception but we walk past the survivors every day in the street without knowing xx
I am so sorry to read about your experience. I had exactly the same. Was referred by GP saying it was a cyst. Consultant felt it and did ultrasound - straight away said itās āseriousā. Then whisked into mammogram, nothing said, then biopsy. Whilst they did the biopsy she was saying she is āvery concernedā and its āvery seriousā. I started shaking like a leaf. Sadly the BC nurse just looked at me perplexed and slid a leaflet across the table. The results were confirmed 3 weeks later - 3.5cm tumour - invasive ductal carcinoma.
I had also hoped that they would maybe be wrong because I hadnāt had any histology reports to confirm cancer but at the results confirmation appointment the consultant said they see and feel so many tumours they can tell a lot at mammogram and ultrasound level.
Having said thatā¦ what I want to highlight is that cancer can only be confirmed by a histology report. This is a protocol requirement.
We are all here for you. I am now 10 months post mastectomy and radiation for what turned out to be a 5cm tumour. Itās been very tough but Breast cancer now is really wonderful. Access their nurses by phone or here. And we are all with you, with different experiences and thoughts on how to be helpful. You are not alone.
I really appreciate your reply. Have you finished all of your treatment?
I didnāt realise a human body could shake so much. I was the same when I came out of the ultrasound! It was like I was sitting on a vibrating plate!
I went out today for lunch with my MIL and had to hold back the tears as I felt really lonely in the sense that everything else was going on as normal but for me it wasnāt if that makes sense. I know no one knows what other people are carrying but itās just an odd feeling.
This part will feel like life is going in slow motion. Sometimes I felt like I was in the centre of the a roundabout. I was static, stuck in the moment, not daring to look forward whilst life around me went at what seemed a fast pace.
Iām doing well thank you. The whole of last year was spent tackling āit.ā Mine was triple positive so treatment path has been long, chemo and targeted therapy, surgery, more targeted therapy - just two left to go. Also hormone blockers and infusions for my bones.
It has been a lot when I think about it but itās been doable. I just got through each day, didnāt look to far ahead, prioritised myself and quietly got on with it. Oddly having to slow down and take stock has been nice. Found joy in the mundane and pleasure in just being in the moment. Had 11 months off work and now trying to remember what I used to do!
Firstly, I am sorry you are here in this position, and yes, I remember coming out of the treatment rooms back into the waiting room wanting to fall apart. I knew I couldnāt, as there were so many frightened ladies sitting in the room looking at me with dread in their eyes. I went outside and howled.
I am taken aback that they are giving you such leading information so soon. My understanding is that they take the evidence from ultrasound and biopsies, run tests, then there is a weekly panel consisting of BCNs ultrasound specialists, surgeons and oncologists. They then decide on an action plan and then call you in for an appointment and treatment plan, usually 1-2 weeks later depending on which panel your case is presented to.*
*remember, it isnāt cancer until they say the words.
The waiting is the worst feeling in the world and I absolutely feel for you, I really do. Nothing can stop you from going into overdrive, despite our best efforts not to. You have been given massively wise advice on here already. Do not go on Dr Google. Just work with what is ābetween the nosesā when you have your appointment. If it is cancer, then your cancer will be uniquely yours, as will your treatment plan. Dr Google will always be more generic and can send us into an absolute tail spin. Just work with the data you get in conversations had with actual people there to discuss your particular situation.
Take someone with you, and take notes, as you will miss so much from frayed nerves.
I echo the reassurances offered on here already. IF it is cancer, the recovery rates are extremely high, particularly when caught early. Whatever the outcome of this, you should congratulate yourself on showing huge courage to face this head on. So many donāt. Early detection is crucial in this.
Best of luck with your next interactions, and hereās hoping for the most positive news possible. Keep us posted if you feel you want to. Weāre all rooting for you. x
Hi @lotsi2906 Iām so sorry you are going through this especially after dealing with it alongside your sister. How is she doing now?
My mum was diagnosed aged 50 after her first mammogram. She was the first in our family so they werent worried about me. I found a lump in May, I was sent home after an ultrasound because they couldnt see anything other than dense tissue (theyve since said they scanned the wrong area)
I was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 39 in November.
My mum went through lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy and takes tamoxifen. She is thriving!
I have had a lumpectomy and I am waiting for the results before I know whatās next. I am also planning on thriving.
I have 2 daughters aged 12 and 15. So this has all hit us very hard. I have a billion questions about my future and about theirs. But this cancer journey is a one day at a time kind of set up.
If they suspect you have something that needs treating then I would probably lean into that. They can usually see a clear difference between a cyst and not a cyst. I really feel for you. I have been were you are and it is going to be a real rollercoaster. But never write yourself off. Even with all this being said there is still hope. And even the worst news, its breast cancer, that is very treatable now.
Finding a lump we can easily see that as a negative but it really isnt. You found something that would otherwise cause you some serious harm. Its really positive. And I know from my mums point of view, she is nearly 9 years clear, she said it was the best thing she ever found. If she hadnt she wouldnt be here now.
So what ever your results you have done the very best thing for yourself by getting it checked
Keep checking in here for support or with questions. The support here is wonderful. Before you google anything please use the search bar and read some of the relevant stories. They are real stories from real people. Its too easy to fall down a dr google danger hole haha.
Hi sweetie, Iām sorry to read your news , I know itās difficult to take in as your inundated with worried thoughts and overwhelming emotions , your waiting to hear those dreadful words cancer , your extremely brave already by speaking up and dealing with it, one thing for sure is you will go through this journey and look forward, I had mammogram and biopsy same day , I asked everything as my mother and 36 year old sister had BC , I felt devastated as I thought it was but I was still shocked.
things I learned were how far the treatments have come and things have improved so much , people are living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis, even though itās 1 in 2 we are tested more often than we were years ago, your results will specify what your TNM is ,
Once a treatment plan is implemented you will begin the process it maybe long and exhausting or you may realise your so much tougher than you think , the children will help you plough through coz we are great at saying we are ok , stay strong sweetie take some one with you to appointments also pen n paper write down anything you want to know also ask for printouts of information so you can read and understand when your ready , good luck hun, reach out on here and be kind to yourself because until you get a formal diagnosis you will be in limbo waiting take care XXX
Thank you for your positive words and reassurance. Itās greatly appreciated. I brought a note book yesterday to take to my next appointment but have yet to put pen to paper as I have no idea what to ask. Iām struggling to decide if I should stay private or be handed over to the NHS. Any advice on questions would be so helpful
Hi lotsi2906, so sorry you are in this position. Similar to others, I would say the waiting is the hardest.
I was in a similar position last summer, I was very fortunate having access to private medical insurance and access to a great NHS team.
When I was at the same stage as you I met with both private and NHS breast surgeons to discuss my options on each route. I was very open with both breast surgeons that I was doing this and they both encouraged me to continue to use both paths throughout my treatment - which I have done. It is possible to have your treatment across both paths. When choosing a private surgeon I deliberately chose one who also worked with my local NHS team so I could ensure we would be able to have fully informed discussions at each stage - with a strong understanding of how āthe otherā would proceed. This proved to be invaluable. For my own particular circumstance the best advice I was given was go with the NHS for surgery and private for any treatment (chemo/radiotherapy).
For me, I would say the key takeaway is that you can continue to go down both routes. If you have the support of a great team like I did they will encourage you to continue to do this.
I also want to say that itās easy to criticise the NHS, and I have done with other conditions. However, the holistic support I have received for my breast cancer has been fantastic, and provided at a pace that was often far superior to going going private so continue to engage with both at each stage. So please donāt assume that the treatment you pay for will be better. The NHS and private each have they strengths, and challenges - stay open to both.
Hi hun I went private for my op and physio and then my surgeon referred me back to the trust for follow ups because it was his clinic , the reason I went private because it was at the end of Covid and staff were short , I just felt like I needed the cancer out due to family history, I had op 2days after , that was 14th Dec I got my full results and TNM a week later , Christmas was a little easier as I knew I was cancer free , I was told I needed chemo and radiotherapy also herceptin and zometa, believe me I breezed through the intensive chemo due to heavy duty steroids, I had one bad day after chemo that was it ,
I took the anti sickness meds and anti histamine everything the said really does help , I made sure I ate well even though I didnāt feel like eating,
For me after receiving my diagnosis I acted fast , my surgeon said Iād made the best decision due to the type of cancer it was , I know Iāve done the right thing for me , itās not easy and itās expensive, the trust were fantastic afterwords
Iām 3 years in and feel great, I told myself 1year treatment 1 year recovery and then time for me to be back to normal, you will get there, my little one was 2 at the time, now a 5 year old tornado child keeps me grounded
You will find the strength and get through your journey, we ware warrior women
I donāt know what area you live in but the BCN service in the York area is really good - Iāve had several clinic appointments with them for various reasons. Iāve seen posts from people who have undergone surgery privately but then not had BCN support afterwards and had to ask to be referred to a BCN service . If the service is good in your area itās a resource that is not to be underestimated so if youāre going private then find out if thereās a BCN service you can access .
BCN services cover benign breast conditions as well as cancer services .
It can be useful to find out about chemo and radiotherapy services - where these would be done . They might tell you youāre thinking too far ahead like they did me but I wanted to know.
A few people have actually recorded appointments in audio so that they can listen back to what has been said - you would have to ask though . Xx
. Once this was done I saw the specialist again who moved his chair next to me and said he was very concerned and the biopsy would show type and then talk about treatment plan, MRIS etc. Iāve got to go again for results on Tuesday or Thursday of next week. When we were leaving the Breast Nurse followed us out, sat me down on a sofa and gave me a hug. She told me and my husband breast cancer is highly treatable and this is just a blip in life and one day I can say I āhadā breast cancer. Do they normally get it wrong and is it normal to be told this after a scan and mammogram.
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