*cancer nurse

Hi.. I had my first mammogram about three weeks ago, I was told to expect a recall and not to worry as this is normal said they have nothing to compare it to.  I was recalled and there is a lump in my left breast, I had a biopsy there and then, told not to worry, but then I was assigned a cancer nurse there and then. She said my case would be discussed on at a Friday meeting and then I would be called in and told to bring someone with me.  Why be assigned a cancer nurse before any results are known and if results are negative why would they be discussed at a meeting? Thank you. 

  • Hello Julie, and thank you for posting.

    I'm sorry you have all this uncertainty at this time, but I'm not sure how helpful we can be.

    It sounds as if they are reviewing the biopsy results to determine exactly what is going on for you. These results are sometimes not straightforward so the meetings bring together the specialists to discuss the findings and a decision made.

    I don't know whether this is going to be a cancer diagnosis as we are not part of your team, but as soon as they are clear on the results and have discussed your case you will know what is going on. In some hospitals, Breast Care Nurses (BCN) do get involved in benign (non-cancer) breast conditions or are there at the start of any treatment either cancer or benign. So seeing that nurse does not necessarily mean a cancer diagnosis.

    It is incredibly hard waiting for results and appointments, it can be hard to focus on anything else. But until you are back with the doctors no one is going to be able to say what the lump shows.

    Take care Julie and if you want to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.