Mammogram recall 4 biopsies taken high risk malignancy

Where do I begin? This morning was a normal day then it imploded.

I had 2 repeat mammograms and then a consultation with the radiologist who said she was pretty certain what I was looking at was cancer in my mammogram. 
left breast 1 area quite large then 2 tiny dots elsewhere in the breast( she said they were tiny and not sure about them. Ultrasound done and 3 biopsies take. In the breast and 1 in armpit. Doctor said it was larger but that doesn’t mean it’s anything nasty could be the core is bigger?? Not sure what that meant. Anyway 4 local anaesthetics, 4 biopsies and 4 markers.. 

I am a mess… the results apparently will be through next week but I have to wait 2 weeks to be called to the hospital to get the results and treatment plan. Larger splodge on mammogram outside of left breast.

I am broken to be honest. Husband being stoic he has recovered from cancer twice. Any positives from this??

I could t feel any lumos no breast changes but she said she could feel the main lump. Last mammogram 3 years ago was fine.

tha k you so much xx

  • Hello and welcome ,I am really sorry to hear your story . I had an inverted nipple in left  breast last July ,went to see about it and had mammogram on both breasts .They found something in the left and did a biopsy there and then . They told me that they were 90% certain that this was a cancer , unfortunately something else was in the other breast but very small and not palpable . I had to have a mammogram guided biopsy about 1O days later which also confirmed a cancer. I had had a mammogram the previous year , which had been clear .

    In the September I had a double mastectomy, followed by total lymph clearance on the left . Neither of these operations were painful and all went well . The staff at Breast clinic and ward were amazing . Chemo started in December ,which luckily was fine too .I finished all treatments in March ,feeling really well and awaiting reconstructive surgery now . 
    It was a shock but I am sure you will get through this ,friends and family were great too .I would involve them as much as possible if you can .If you have a Maggies near you ,they are very helpful for you and family .Can also help with any benefits or blue badges if needed,as they have social workers there.

    They can support you as well . 

    I hope this has been of some help and there will be a positive outcome I am sure.

    Keep in touch xxx

  • Thank you so much for replying rumplestiltskin  yes you have definitely helped Xx 

    My brain had jumped to “life is over” 

  • Definitely not , I know what a shock it is at first . Treatments have progressed so much from years ago too .Try and stay positive xx

  • Joy 

    sorry you are here , bless you I had breast cancer diagnosed July 22 by nov 22 my treatment operstion was all done I was back living the dream , it’s a short sharp shock but things really do get back to normal and it’s not as bad as you think massive shock but easily done I promise , stay here for support we are get for you big hugs love Lara xxx 

  • Hi Joyousjen,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sure that the fact that your Radiologist has found something in your breast which you were unaware of, must have knocked you for six. As others have said, not all lumps are cancerous. Many are benign cysts, fibrous or hormonal changes. It is a fact that, out of every 10 people who attend the breast clinic, only 2 will get a cancer diagnosis. 

    Despite these good odds, waiting for a diagnosis, is always a trying time and one which tests our emotions to the limit. I do hope that your appointment comes through soon. Even with a cancer diagnosis, it is not the end of the world. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer within a year of each other. That was 14 years ago and I still lead life to the full.

    I sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found when you do attend the clinic. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. In the meantime, we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you jolamine, you are right. I was pretty thrown and asked again if she thought it was a malignancy and she said yes. She didn’t know what the 2 tiny dots were though. I never even asked how big it was or how big/ small the dots were as my mind went blank and we went straight to 4 biopsies. I just can’t sleep just now and the sheer panic comes  over me in waves. What if it spread what if it’s in the lymph nodes, what if I need chemo, will I lose my hair, how do I tell my 90 year old folks or my son? It’s sheer panic. Xxxx

  • I know this is a horrendous time for you ,but you will get through this . I went through all that and everything is fine . Telling adult children was the worse ,I waited til I was sure what was happening and then told them . They were upset ,naturally ,but really great through the treatment . Mine had gone into the lymph and after chemo I lost all my hair , which when it happened was not that bad for me . I found amazing hats on line ,sitting here now after 7 months writing to you with a massive mop of curls and feeling fine . My 90 year old close relative was great too , so please ,take each day at a time now xxx

  • You are wonderful thank you for helping  Xx 

  • HI Joyousjen,

    Try not to overthink things at the moment. Most people wait about 2 weeks for their biopsy results and some wait even longer. Not knowing is torture, as our over- active imaginations tend to take over and often lead us to dark places. Irrespective of the outcome, you will feel better, once you know what you are dealing with. Don't panic about the number of biopsies taken. This often happens, when there are different areas to examine.

    It is not unusual to find that sleep alludes you at this time and most of us find that our emotions are all over the place. All of the "what ifs" that are coming to mind, might never happen. If they do, then you'll take them day by day, or even hour by hour if need be. 

    None of us like to have to break this type of news to loved ones. I lost my own mum to secondary breast cancer and dreaded having to tell my son and daughter, but both have been really supportive throughout. I was also very close to my parents in-law, who were both in their late 90ies.I think that their generation have been through so much in their lifetimes, that they just took it in their stride and I found that breaking the news was much easier than I expected it to be. You will find that the more positive you can be about the outcome when breaking the news, the better people tend to take it.

    Have you got a date for your results to come back, or are you waiting to be contacted?

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx