Breast biopsy

I'm 38 and went to the clinic on Tuesday and the nurse said she could not feel a lump but will put me forward for an ultra sound to put my mind at rest. On the ultra sound they found a 1cm lump and said it looked like a Fibroadenoma. The doctor said I would have to come in for the results. Then had to see the nurse again and she said I would receive a call. I've had a letter with a telephone conversation for 2 weeks time. I'm going totally out of my mind. 3 week wait to see a doctor, then a 4 week wait for the clinic and now two weeks. I am really struggling with this. The lady that did the ultra sound seemed concerned and got a doctor in and she was the one who said she thinks I have a fibroadenoma. Has anyone had a two week wait with bad news? Would they give you bad news over the phone? I just feel this is unbearable. 

Parents
  • Hi Thetrees38

    im so sorry that you are in this situation. The wait feels impossible doesn't it. I am in a similar situation as you, had biopsy 8th Jan get my results 26th and have struggled to function normally. 
    I have taken reassurance from the fact that only 1 in 5 who are biopsied turn out to be cancer. I am keeping that thought in my mind but am also aware that if I turn out to be in the 20% that I will  receive a plan on the day of my results and just crack on with it. I truly think that this wait is the worst of it for me. 
    take care, I will be thinking of you
     

     

  • That's a good way to look at it. Did they give you and indication on what they think it is? Whatever mine is it 1cm.  I'm having my results over the phone. I feel two weeks is a horrendous time to wait! Do you think if it did flag up they would contact us as soon as they new?

  • I asked outright if they knew what I was and was told that only biopsy was certain but that they expected that I would need ongoing treatment. 
    I have been using the time to get my work in order in case I need to hand over to someone else, plus doing any more strenuous tasks around the house. If anything my home and work will be super organised! 
    as for giving results over the phone, I really don't know. Pre Covid I would have said surely not, but now, who knows. I would think Face to face is always better. I wonder what others have experienced. 

  • They wouldn't tell you but expect you need surgery, I guess that could mean anything as if it's a large fibroadenoma that would need to be removed. Did they give you an idea of the size? Two weeks is such a long time though I can hardly remember what they said to me but they have sent me a letter than is for my GP. Did your letter say much?

  • Hi, they never commented on size other than to say it is large, but I suppose that is relative. 
    from feeling it it's a good few centimetres. I haven't received a letter, I was given an appointment card at my last appointment. 

  • They said to me any big lumps need to be removed but mine is small so wouldn't unless it's something bad. I was having burning shooting pains when I was on my period and on the doctors appt and nurse check they could not feel any lumps so the ultra sound was a shock. I guess it's a good thing even if it feel horrendous at the moment. I have everything crossed for you for Wednesday.

  • Thankyou for your positive thoughts. I hadn't thought of the fact that they may have to remove it cancerous or not. Gives me a bit of hope that that will be the news on Wednesday. Either way, whatever our news is, I have no doubt that we have got this. Good luck to you too. I will update on Wednesday

    x

     

  • Just want to wish you all the luck today. Fingers crossed for you xx

  • Thankyou so much. 
    I have been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, the plan is for chemo then surgery. Just taking it all in for now, but relieved to know finally. 
    wishing everyone the best of luck on their journey x

  • I am so sorry to hear that but you now know what you're looking at and the next plan of action and not in limbo anymore. I won't over load you with questions but I hope you will be giving you a Chemo date shortly. Xx

  • Hi Meadow,

    I'm sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis.

    I too was diagnosed with triple negative IDC in Dec. The shock took sometime to sink in for me, but as you said, you were finally relieved that you now know you're dealing with. I haven't had my plan yet, so I suppose we are at the same speed (regarding treatment). 

    I don't mean to intrude, as everything maybe still very raw, but remember you are not alone on this journey and we are here for you. 

    Here to talk, take care

    Xx

Reply
  • Hi Meadow,

    I'm sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis.

    I too was diagnosed with triple negative IDC in Dec. The shock took sometime to sink in for me, but as you said, you were finally relieved that you now know you're dealing with. I haven't had my plan yet, so I suppose we are at the same speed (regarding treatment). 

    I don't mean to intrude, as everything maybe still very raw, but remember you are not alone on this journey and we are here for you. 

    Here to talk, take care

    Xx

Children
  • Thankyou so much for your kind replies, I'm just letting it all sink in

  • Hey. Just wanted to check in with you to see how you are and how is everything going? X

  • Thankyou for thinking of me. It is all honestly so surreal that it feels as though it is happening to someone else.
    after being diagnosed on the 26th Jan, I had a staging CT which showed multiple lung mets and spread to my lymph nodes so have been diagnosed as stage 4. I have been informed it is not curable and given a prognosis of 15 months. It has all been a huge shock. I am adjusting my way of thinking to treat it like a chronic illness and take whatever treatment they offer for as long as I can tolerate it. I started chemo on the 21st Feb. I am in the process of retiring through ill health through my pension scheme and just concentrating on living well. One foot in front of the other. 
     

    sending love and healing to all

  • I am so sorry to hear of this news. We all have to take one day at a time as life is so precious and with cancer or not we never no how many days we have. I hope the chemo is bearable for you. 15 months could be 2 yrs or longer. When I became a widow at the age of 35, I took the time to grieve and I decided to try and enjoy my life and I started to train my mind into believing in positive rather than the great trauma of news I was given. It was hard work but actually the power of the mind does help. I guess when we are giving such news our mind and body works in different ways. I am sure you have been given great support and I hope all the nurses and doctors are treating you well. X

  • Thankyou again for your kind words. Positivity is the only way I know how to be, nothing is promised to any of us. Hope you are keeping well.

    take care x

  • Sorry to hear you diagnosis must have been a shock, l hope your treatment goes well. I have an appointment in breast clinic tomorrow not really looking forward to it l have been many times, the GPS just refer you on , my milk ducts have caused problems for years as it can be precancerous they treat it ASAP. I've even had a reduction to remove as much as possible.

    take care thinking of you 

    Susie 

  • Hello Meadowsweet,

    I am sorry to hear about your situation.

    I realise that you are not asking the nurse team a question but because you posted here in the Ask the Nurses area I just wanted to let you know that if you need any information or support that you are welcome to contact us.

    You may also find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline