Should it be me?

Hi all,

I was recently diagnosed with right breast IDC Grade 3 (aggressive). 1st Dec, I was told I need a second biopsy to find the nature of a small lesion which was hidden behind a 4cm tumor. My breast surgeon requested it as urgent and told me he would see me very soon for results where they would know the type, stage and what treatment to deal with it. 

I received a letter telling me to come to the breast clinic 22nd Dec. I thought this date was very far away for a 2nd biopsy procedure, but I was just glad things are moving. Since my diagnosis, I have experienced sharp stabbing like pains in the tumor area. I called my breast specialist today, who is absolutely brilliant!!!, just for advice. She was under the impression that a week had gone by and i'd already had my 2nd biopsy so, could I give radiology a call, mention its urgency and ask if I could have a date for a follow up biopsy as  22nd Dec is the date I go back to clinic for results.

I did as I was asked, to be told they are aware because it is on my notes as urgent, but there are no availble appointments (no matter how urgent!) 

Im obviously not going to refuse as I dont want to delay my treatment any further, but my question is....should it be me chasing the hospital for appointments? Is it my responsibility? But if I hadnt called today, my specialist would not have known and would have assumed Id already had the biopsy done, so she was glad I called on the off chance.

I have 15 days to 'play' with. Do I keep my 22nd Dec appointment? There will be no results to give. It takes around 2 weeks for results after the procedure.....but need procedure first!!!! 

Im not comfortable with all this especially since the word breast cancer and aggressive were used in the same sentence!

What do you think?

Would appreciate anyone experiencing the same setback or just some general advice.

Much love xx

  • Hi, I had a similar problem back in September when After the biopsies on my tumour they found two areas of microcalcifications in the same breast and surgeon told me that further biopsies would be done within two weeks. When the appointment arrived, it was for 16th November, eight weeks time (at that point). I have to say I did have to chase myself and I asked for a cancellation. The appointment was re-arranged for end of Oct, but then cancelled. It was hard to cope at the time, I rang back and asked to be put on list for cancellations and I must have been fresh in someone's mind as the following day, I was called to ask if I could get there in an hour for a cancellation. I got there... the clinics are so overwhelmed and I guess with breast cancer most cases are classified as urgent. 
     

    I would certainly advise you ask to be put on short or any cancellation list. I also was in the same position in respect on my consultant appointment with no results, but I went anyway, if anything I felt it kept me fresh in peoples minds and that surely can't hurt. I did also get information that I didn't know and started looking at possible surgical outcomes and so I was glad I went.  
     

    I hope that helps a little - virtual hugs Mickey xx 

  • Hi Mickey,

    Thank you for responding. I did ask to be put on a cancellation list to be told that everyone's case is urgent and doubted anyone would cancel their appointment. I totally agree...i wouldn't to be fair :laugh:

    I dont want to make a nuisance of myself, but do I call every day for the next 7 days hoping to get some joy? Maybe it'll prompt them to get moving?

    I've decided to go along to my appointment even if I dont have the procedure done. (everything you mentioned helps) Thank you xx

    Much love xx

  • Hi, 

    very true, no-one would cancel unless they had to, but it does happen (did to me) and I know of several instances where covid has led to cancellations. 
     

    I understand that, but I think that sometimes it's the person on the other end that can make all the difference and sometimes you get lucky.  Personally, I wouldn't call every day, perhaps every 2-3, but it is your call totally. 
     

    in the interim try not to worry, your case will be discussed  regularly and they would never put you at any risk. A lot of cancers are 'aggressive', my tumour is, but it hasn't grown to any point that would be considered dangerous while I've been waiting for my surgery. 
     

    they can tell you more about what they know about your cancer so far at your appointment, make a list of questions you have,  if you haven't already. I did and as I said before, I came out feeling better. 
     

    Much love back Mickey x ️

  • Hello and thanks for posting, 

    I am sorry to learn about your recent diagnosis and that you are waiting for a second biopsy. I can appreciate that this is a stressful situation to be in.

    In an ideal world patients shouldn't have to have to chase up their appointments, and I am not sure if it is really fair to ask you, but it is probably a reflection of the pressure that the NHS is under just now.  I think you need to get back to your breast specialist, let them know what you were told when you called radiology, ask if this matters and what you should do about the appointment the week after next. 

    Waiting is seldom easy and I can understand anyone in this position feeling uneasy. I think the best course of action at the moment is to talk to the breast specialist and get their input.

    If you want to give us a ring to talk anything over please do, our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekdays 9-5. 

    Best wishes,

    Julia

  • Hey Mickey,

    Hows you?

    I have read quite a few of your posts on here and I need you tell you, has anyone ever tell you that you are a breath of fresh air when they are drowning in pain, pressure, fears, worries? etc.... you have the knack to put minds at some ease (well, you did for me). I know you dont have all the answers, but what you do have, you apply it well. Im glad you replied.

    Keep it up Mickey, you're an angel :love:

    Much love xx

  • Hi Julia,

    I got in contact my breast specialist again and was told they would give radiology a 'gentle nudge', and it wouldn't do any harm for me to do so as well. They also said radiology may give me a call within 2 days (including today), and I would still have my results by the consultants appointment.

    Anytime after these 2 days, I shouldn't come to clinic, and another appointment would be made.

    My mind is at rest that they haven't forgotten me and have faith they will be in touch as soon as they possibly can.

    Thanks Julia x

  • Hi Julia (I.love.life), fabulous!

    I had literally just got home from hospital and all my pre-op tests (bloods {6 viles} urine, ECG, height,  weight, various swabs, blood pressure etc and was feeling a little overwhelmed when I saw your post. My turn to thank you for giving me a boost and uplift when I really did need it myself. How lovely of you to think to write such a post, thank you, you were my angel then. 
     

    I forgot to say yesterday that I did speak to my BCN before I went to the consultant apt and she did tell me I should go as they did have info on my original tumour that hadn't been discussed with me face to face and so even then they were in a position to discuss likely surgical outcomes. 
     

    I'm glad that you've been reassured today and I really hope you do hear within the next two days. Please update if you feel able. 
     

    Im ok thank you, a little tired now, but didn't sleep last night, I find it difficult anyway through this journey, but when I have upcoming appointments it is harder. 6 days til my surgery now and so I'm just trying to focus on preparing myself for the change as best I can. Thank you for asking Julia. 
     

    How are you doing yourself re your journey and your diagnosis. It really is a rollercoaster, but a rollercoaster may dip, but it always goes back up again. 
     

    love n virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

  • Morning, 

    just checking in how you are and if you got that call back yet?  
     

    Mickey xx ️

  • Hey Mickey, (angel)

    Thank you for checking in on me. Im well and hope this post finds you well also.

    I got that call back this afternoon. They have cancelled my consultants appointment for 22nd Dec, and given me the same date, only its for the biopsy. Results are scheduled for 14th Jan, along with a plan (hopefully I sigh)

    Oh well, I suppose its a fresh start for 2022!! A bit of a set back, but I'm still feeling positive :laugh:

    Much love xx :love:

  • Morning Julia (angel too ),

    I'm glad you're feeling well and positive. I think it's good news that you will have your biopsies before Christmas. All considered the 14th won't be too long to wait after that for your 2nd set of results. Yep, hopefully your plan too, which always makes you feel better knowing you are on the route to ridding cancer. 
     

    I'm good thanks. Off for my covid test at hospital very shortly. I'm hoping that I'll get my post op results at about the same time as you get yours. I'm aware there may be a slight delay due to Christmas though. 
     

    Positively, you'll get your biopsies just before Christmas and then, like you say, nothing more until 2022, so you can try to put it to the back of your mind and enjoy Christmas. 2022 will indeed be a fresh start.
     

    Love n virtual hugs Mickey xx ️