I’ve got a 2cm lump in my left breast. The consultant said it appeared tethered, the ultrasound lady said it was higher rather than wider, which I’ve read is often a sign of it being a cancer (I know -Google- but I can’t resist!) I’m 54.
I’ve had a mammogram, ultrasound and a core biopsy of lump and some lymph glands, that appeared a bit swollen. I get the results tomorrow at midday.
I’m pretty convinced that I do have a cancer now - the reactions from the hospital staff seemed to be pointing that way - anyway I find out tomorrow, the last week of waiting has been hell!
So, a couple of questions.
If and when you’re diagnosed, how long do people generally have to wait for surgery? Is it next week, or do you have to wait a month or more in a queue or have more tests first? It’s the waiting that’s so worrying.
How do you tell your children? My daughter is 25 and has big medical problems and slight learning difficulties, she gets very emotional - I have no idea how to tell her or when to tell her, any thoughts? (My family / parents haven’t spoken to me in 15 years, since. I divorced my husband, so they won’t help me. )
Has anyone heard of ‘very suspicious’ lumps eventually turning out to be benign? Or am I just drifting into wishful thinking again?
Welcome to the forum. Waiting for results is a very difficult time. I’m sure other members will soon be along to support you.
You might also find it helpful to phone our helpline to talk things over. They’ll be able to offer you practical information as well as emotional support. They are open from 9-5 on weekdays and 10-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000
Sorry to hear that like me you have lump in your breast and are awaiting results. I had mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy all done yesterday.
I too have to tell my daughters which is the hardest part of it all at the moment, and I dont have the added anxiety of them having their own medical problems. Although my youngest who was married in May two weeks after her fiance found out that his mother has bone cancer! Life really is unfair at times!!
I really do hope that your results are clear. Good luck. Dawn
Hi Peta, There are strict guidelines when it comes to cancer treatment. I had my biopsy and met surgeon following week for outcome. Diagnosed as having breast cancer and very quickly found myself booked in for surgery. It took about three weeks. After discharged from hospital I then waited another three weeks before I met for outcome of surgery, ie type of cancer grade stage etc. I need a re excision because margins were inferior. So again waited another three weeks and then surgery. The surgeon spoke to me after I was out of theatre and said that she would see me in another three weeks and also book my appointment with oncology so that I would not need to wait any longer for treatment to start. She said it was all within expected timescales as they need surgery over and recuperaton before next stage of treatment. I then saw surgeon again all clear, consulted with oncologist who is excellent and treatment started. Radiation followed once chemotherapy over then on to last year of Herceptin treatment. All in all the timescales were adhered to. Any issues I raised were quickly dealt with which helped me cope. Telling family was difficult as I had lost my younger sister approximately one and half years earlier with same disease. So yes that was hard and it also made me very morbid for a while. However I received excellent support from medical staff and my family rallied round. Found out shortly after surgey that I was going to get a baby grand daughter which lifted the mood all round. You will get through whatever treatment is deemed necessary. With regard to benign lumps, yes not all lumps are cancerous and my older sister had treatment shortly before my younger sister was diagnosed and her lump was considered nasty but not malignent. Sorry for the rant but what I really wanted you to know was there are clear guidelines in all NHS authorities. If you feel there is drift speak to the breast care sisters. Take care and best wishes.
I thought I’d get to know everything about the lump, type, grade etc tomorrow after the biopsy. It’s probably a good idea if I set my expectations a bit lower now - it looks like it might be weeks until I get the full info about what’s really going on.
