Cancer Research UK main site

Breast cancer diagnosis

Debs10
Offline

Hi, I'm new to this forum and not sure if I'm looking for answers or just somewhere to put down my feelings.

Around 3 weeks ago I found a lump in my left breast so my GP made an urgent appointment at the One Stop Breast Clinic. This was for Monday last week. The doctor did an examination - feeling and a mini ultrasound (?) and said he couldn't see any cancer and then something about fibrocystic and fatty tissue. I then had a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy on the lump. Today I received a letter from him outlining the results of the mammogram and the ultrasound. I know googling is the worst thing to do, but I did and it seems that these results show that it is cancer - the lump (U5) and an impression of architectural distortion (M5/T5). He then said that he'll review me at the breast clinic after discussing my case with the Breast Multi-disciplinary Team.

I think I'm reeling from the fact that I've been sent my results like this without any explanation; I assumed that they would call me back and explain everything to me then.

I suppose I'm just wondering whether anyone else has been given 'bad' results in this way.

  • Offline in reply to JennyA

    Hi Jenny,

    So pleased to hear that you're okay now.

    My consultant was very good and I must admit that once I found out that it was treatable I did feel a lot happier. Just waiting for the MRI now to confirm the size of the lump and then hopefully he'll go through the plan of treatment. The waiting is frustrating but he's assured me that the outcome will be fine it's just a matter of whether it's a lumpectomy or mastectomy and radiotherapy and/or chemo. Mine's oestrogen positive and HER2 negative.

    I do manage to distract myself during the day with work, reading etc but have to admit the minute my head hits the pillow it's the first thing I think of and the same when I wake in the morning. But, yes, sometimes I do feel as though my head's 'mashed'. It also feels quite surreal at the moment but I'm sure that will change once the treatment starts.

    Thank you so much for your support - it really does mean a lot.

    Deb x

  • Offline in reply to Debs10

    Hi Deb,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    It must have been quite a shock for you to receive your diagnosis by post. Most surgeons prefer to give news face-to-face, irrespective of whether it is good or bad. The practice of informing people by letter increased during Covid, but has reduced since. Some busier hospitals do notify people by post, as it frees appointment slots in clinic, but this is not ideal. If you have any questions still, write a list. You can either phone your breast care nurse to ask her to explain what is happening, or take the list to your next appointment to ask your consultant.

    I am so sorry to hear that your diagnosis is cancer, but glad to hear that it is treatable. I am sure that it was a great relief for you to discover that it was only stage 2. It is frustrating having to wait again for an MRI, but it is important for your surgeon to have all the right details before even discussing potential treatments. I do hope that you get it soon. You will feel better once you get the full diagnosis and move on to treatment.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine,

    To be fair, the letter didn’t actually say that I had cancer but it did give the test results - U5, T5, M5 - which I looked up to discover that they showed it was cancer. The consultant did seem surprised when he told me and I said I already knew from the results letter. Weirdly, although it was a shock when I got the letter it did give me a few days to compose myself and think of questions to ask. 

    I’ve now been given a date of 11 September for the MRI so not too much longer. 

    I’ll let you all know when I have any more info!

    Deb x

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.