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 Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases.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

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

Yes waiting is the worst part, all sorts of things go through your head but we'll see what happens. I'll keep you posted. I know there are lots of other people are going through the same thing and these messages have been really helpful  Thank you!
 

x

Hi

I just thought I'd post an update on my situation. I went to hospital this morning for results following my biopsy last week. Unfortunately I do have Cancer. It's in my left breast and there is something of concern in the right side too but they need to investigate further so may require another biopsy. Apparently the type I have is very treatable. I have to have a CT scan first, then chemo and then surgery. I don't know what to think at the moment, my head is spinning and I'm absolutely devastated but I will do everything I can to get though it. 
 

x

Hi Tootsweet,

Thank you for the update. I am so sorry to hear that you have cancer and that it might be in both breasts. Do you know what type you have? It is good to hear that it is very treatable. I understand just how devastated you must feel at the moment - I was the same both times that I was diagnosed. Keep hold of the fact that breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer and that you will get through this. I had my first diagnosis nearly 13 years ago and my second the following year. Treatment was gruelling, but do-able and I'm now back to living a busy and fulfilled life. Here's hoping that you will too.

Please keep in touch and remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi

Thank you for your reply. I'm sorry you've had to go through this twice. It's hard enough dealing with it once. But I'm glad your doing well now. 

I heard Carcinoma mentioned but to be honest it was all a blur. The Consultant said it was the most common and very cureable. He did say it was between 2-3cm (don't really know if that's big or small in cancer terms) and there were cancer cells under my arm but he said they would be removed and I would go on to live a normal life.  I just want to get moving with it all. It's just more waiting and worry. I feel a bit strange like it's not actually happening to me.

x

Hi Tootsweet,

It's never a good feeling and it is perfectly natural to feel the "why me" and the total disbelief.The truth is that there are no easy answers. It does get easier once you start treatment and begin to fight this. 

Carcinoma is just another word for cancer. An appointment like this is often a blur. We only ever remember a very small proportion of what has been said by the time we leave the hospital gates. Don't be afraid to ask your consultant or breast care nurse again. If you have any other questions, write them down before you see them, to ensure that you don't forget anything important - I do this for every consultation. If you can take someone with you, you can have 2 copies. Give one to them and one for you. As you ask the questions, they can write down the answers.

I expect that you'll have to wait for the biopsy of the other breast before things start to move with your treatment, but that shouldn't take long.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx.

The nurse I saw yesterday said she would ring me early next week to see how I am doing and answer any questions I may have.  I think I have invasive ductal carcinoma but I'm not 100%. 
It's all such a long process waiting for scans, treatment, results. I just wish it was all over. I've done nothing but cry since I found out which isn't good, I know. I just feel so guilty putting my family though all of this. I don't want them to have to deal with it or see me in this state. They have all been brilliant and are always here for me so I'll really lucky to have them all.

x
 

Hi Tootsweet,

The crying and over emotional state settles once you start treatment. Don't worry about the crying just now - it is a good stress reliever. You are not alone in the way you feel. Most of us are like this at the beginning. It is impossible not to put your family through this. A cancer diagnosis involves the whole family and, I'm glad to hear that you have such tremendous support - you'll need this as you go through your treatment. 

If you have any questions for your nurse make sure to write them down before she phones you - no question is stupid or irrelevant.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much for your messages. I know there are millions of people going through the same thing. I will make sure I write down my questions. I'm going for CT scan and marker clip on Tues morning. Quicker than I expected! 
 

Thank you again for your support.

x

Thank you so much for your messages. I know there are millions of people going through the same thing. I will make sure I write down my questions. I'm going for CT scan and marker clip on Tues morning. Quicker than I expected! 
 

Thank you again for your support.

x

Hi Tootsweet,

I am delighted to hear that you have got your scan appointment through. Make sure that you ask when the results will be back before you leave the clinic.

I hope that it all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx