Breast biopsy

Hi

I went for a breast MRI mid March, I was told in my consultation a couple of weeks earlier that a biopsy would be done at the same time if necessary. I didn't have a biopsy and it wasn't mentioned during my MRI appointment. I contacted my Consultant last week for the results and I've been told I have to go for an ultrasound guided biopsy in my left breast and axilla. I am worried sick, has anyone else had this and is that more than usual, breast and axilla or is that how a biopsy is usually described? I have no idea but everything seems to be taking so long. After the biopsy next week I have an appointment at the beginning of May to see the Consultant to discuss the results. If it was urgent would I be contacted straight away? Just extremely worried about it all.

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  • 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!
     

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  • 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. 
     

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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