My personal experience of being diagnosed was different from yours. I was seen at my local breast clinic after being referred by my doctor after finding a lump in my breast and armpit. While there I was given an ultrasound and a biopsy was taken at the same time. I had a breast biopsy and also the lump under my arm which was my lymph node. I didn't have an MRI until after I was diagnosed. I'm no expert but believe that they are taking a biopsy from the lymph nodes to see if cancer cells are present. 

Hope this helps

Good luck x

Hi Tootsweet,

I am sorry that this hasn't been explained to you more clearly by your care team. A lot depends upon what type of clinic you attend as to what type of tests will be carried out at your first appointment. Some clinics are 'one stop shops' where everything is dealt with at once. Other clinics don't always have the facilities to do everything at once, so they bring you back for further tests. Most people under 40 don't have a mammogram, as their breasts tend to be denser and the image tends to be less clear.

 Many people have an ultrasound guided biopsy of breast and/or underarm. I know that it seems as if all of this is taking forever, but it is actually much quicker than most hospital referrals. It is always difficult to deal with the unknown and most of us tend to give reign to our over-active imaginations, which can lead us to all sorts of dark places.  It is normal to wait between 1-3 weeks for a biopsy result, whatever the outcome. It is not all that common to have your appointment brought forward and, this is more often due to a cancellation by another patient, than any need for urgency. Try to keep yourself preoccupied with a hobby or pastime to help the waiting time to pass.

Whatever you do, steer clear of Dr Google. Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases. This will only scare you further and serve no useful purpose.  Finally, if it does come to a cancer diagnosis, breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer nowadays. I myself have had 2 bouts in the past 12 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for your reply, I'm just all over the place at the moment. I just want to know once and for all so I can deal with it. I am trying to keep busy and it does slip my my occasionally but then I remember and the worry and stress starts all over again. Like you say Google doesn't really help. I've stupidly been Googling all sorts of things and it's probably made me feel worse! I will steer clear. I have my biopsy on Tuesday which I'm dreading but just want it over with. Thanks again for your message.

x

Thank you for your reply. I had a mammogram and ultrasound first, then I was sent for the MRI but I still don't understand why they didn't do a biopsy there and then when I was told that's what would happen. It's just more waiting which is so stressful. I have my biopsy on Tuesday so we'll see how it goes. Just want it over with. Thank you again for your reply, it does help to talk. 
 

x

HI Tootsweet,

The biopsy is straightforward. You will have a local anaesthetic inserted into the area first, so you will hardly feel it. The biopsy is guided by the ultrasound so that the sample can be taken from the exact spot where the mass is. The ultrasound is totally painless and you can even see what is happening on the screen if you want to. 

Not long until Tuesday now - I hope that it all goes well for you. Please let us know how you get on and remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi i am new here and like you am feeling anxious  ....if it's any help I had my biopsy last Tuesday at the same time as my ultrasound and  it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (prob the sound of it is worse than it is) and everyone was so kind and understanding at the clinic they put me at ease - hope all goes well for you xxxx

Hi Mamamia,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am glad to see that you have had your biopsy and that it all went well. Were you told when you will get your results? Waiting for them is always an anxious time and I hope that you don't have too long before you get them. 

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi

i had my biopsy yesterday, and like you said, it wasn't as bad as I thought. The Radiology Dept we're running behind with appointments so I waited an hour before I went in, which didn't help. I have an appointment for the results next Thursday which I'm very nervous about. But at least I'll know once and for all what's going on.

 I hope you're OK and you don't have too long to wait for your results. Take care.

x

Hi

Just a little update. I had my biopsy yesterday, it wasn't the most pleasant experience but it's all over with. The Radiographer took 3 biopsy from my left breast and armpit. She said there didn't really look like any abnormalities in my armpit but wanted to take the biopsy just to be sure. I was a bit emotional during the whole thing to be honest. Obviously the Radiographer couldn't give me any information to ease my mind. Everything just got to me a little bit. Just waiting for the results now. I have an appointment next Thursday! 
 

x

Hi Tootsweet,

Thank you for the update. I am glad to hear that you have had your biopsy. It sounds hopeful that the radiographer didn't notice any abnormalities underarm. No information should be given until your biopsy results come back, as it is impossible to give a definite diagnosis until these are returned. 

You are fortunate that you don't have too long to wait for the results, as this is always an anxious time.

I shall be thinking of you next Thursday. Please keep in touch and let us know the outcome. In the meantime, remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx