Hi,

My understanding is that the MRI scan is a routine tool used to inform the surgeons of exactly what they will be operating on and exactly where. It shows far more detail than a CT scan and is of a higher resolution, so small things can be enlarged but still seen clearly.

Everyone who is referred for cancer checks is routinely checked for secondary cancers (mets) so don't be alarmed, they are just being thorough.

Good luck with your results - the waiting is pretty stressful, I know.

Dave

x

Hi

Do not panic.  The MRI as DaveK says is routinely used to find out in more detail how many and what size the lumps are.  Once they have the results they will talk to you about treatment options and sort out a treatment plan for you.  Believe me I know the waiting is horrible. I was quite lucky in that the ENT consultant told me when I first saw him that he thought it was lymphoma, the doctor who carried out the ultrasound also said this and it was finally confirmed after a biopsy.

Have to say the time has gone incredibly quickly since then as I now have only one full chemo left on Tuesday.  Have two further infusions of one of the drugs every three weeks and then I am done.  It seemed such a long time when I first got my confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan but it is hard to believe I am nearly at the end of the plan now.  I am also very lucky in that after just 4 chemos there was no sign left of the cancer.  Just one enlarged lymph node which the consultant did not think was because of the disease.

Whatever you do dont google anything.  You will only ever read horror stories because it seems no-one posts the good stuff and it is always a friend or a friend or an acquantance.  Never the suffererthemselve who post.

You will find this site is great as you will get loads of advice and support.  You can always Ask the Nurses either through the site or on the phone.

Post as often as you like and do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes.

Gill

Hi Lolly ...

The others above are correct, a CT or MRI scan is quite normal at this stage and the other people you know were just not as fortunate as you for having a thorough consultant.  The surgeon has to ascertain exactly where the tumour is located and its extent so that he knows the type of operation he will need to perform. Normally, as I understand it, once the lump is removed it will be sent for a histopathy report where they will analyse it and determine its receptor type (what makes it grow) and stage and grade the cancer. From these results they will know exactly what treatment to offer you - chemo and/or radiotherapy and receptor blockers.

Sadly it does all take a little time at these initial stages and I, and many others here, know only too well the angst the waiting brings. Just take each day as it comes and be assured that they are giving you good care. Come here whenever you have a worry, dont bottle it up, and please let us know how you get on.  Much love     Max x

Thank you all for your kind messages.

I have now received a letter asking me to go for another ultra sound of both breasts and a FNA axilla on my left side. My lump is on the right and the lymph nodes test on my right came back clear. I am now worried it has already spread into my left and the initial relief that it hadn't spread into the lymph nodes has gone and I'm very worried what these further tests will show.

Having lost my Dad to cancer 18 months ago, I am aware that every case is different and waiting for results is terrible. But unfortunately it doesn't take away my anxious feeling waiting for my results.

It's been 3 weeks since I was diagnosed, my next appointment is on Thu. Hopefully I will get some information on my treatment plan. It's been a very long 3 weeks!!

Hi I just wanted to say that in 2010 I too was diagnosed with Lobular breast cancer and had such support from this site. It is scary but treatment today is excellent. Mine was grade 111B on the right and had spread to my lymph nodes. When you say yours had already spread I was given to understand the Lobular cancers break way from each other (I had three tumours one large and 2 smaller ones in the right breast) so perhaps that will explain the 'spread'. I too had all the CT MRI etc., plus a bone scan -very thorough and all to the good. I had a lumpectomy at first as recommended by my surgeon but later had to have a mastectomy on the right side as there was insufficient margins. (My consultant had told me that there was a 30% chance that the mastectomy might be necessary before the lumpectomy but gave me the choice of going straight for the mastectomy or trying the lumpectomy). After I had chemo and radiotherapy and now take femera. When I first saw my oncologist he had worked out my personal plan and he emphasized that all cancer patients were treated individually and that this was a plan for MY cancer. There are loads of statistics out there - just remember - you are a person not a statistic. Anyway I am pleased to say I am now doing fine - just taking the femera and having a mamogram and ultrasound once a year. Its hard to believe right now but you will be getting on with your life as before after the treatment- stay strong and positive x

Jan

Hi lolly mcdolly I had my mri a month ago and my operation is on the 19th November I had my right breast removed 5yr ago and now it’s back In other breast, but you know what we can do this molly I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren this won’t beat me, good luck to you and yours xx

Hi LollyMcDolly,

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and, having had 2 bouts of breast cancer myself in the past 8 years, can fully appreciate how worried you are just now. I think that this is always the worst time of any cancer journey and you are likely to be particularly anxious having lost your dad to cancer so recently.

I had CT scans and MRIs on both occasions and this is normal procedure. I sincerely hope that you get more answers on Thursday.

Please keep in touch. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Lolly,

I was diagnosed about 4 weeks ago and had a lumpectomy on the 9th Nov. I have to have another in a week or so as although there was no cancer showing from the samples they took, they could not be sure as close to the "margin" so want to go in again. Had i not know lots of people who have gone through this a second operation may have worried me but it is quite common with lobular cancer and both ladies from my town who were next to me on the ward are having a second. This one should be easier as the surgeon follows the original route. I come from South East England but now live in a town in Wales which is more like a village where everyone knows everyone! I have to say it is quite nice to bump into the lady that was in the bed next to me at the doctors and in Lidl as I did this morning! I would agree and say don't Google lots of stuff but instead try reaching out to people who have been diagnosed with similar from your area the year before. I get lots of good information from my friend Suzanne who is a year down the line which is not dramatic but makes me feel better. You know "where you very bruised after surgery?" and she'd say" Yeah..it was like a giant shiner". I have two friends who now live in different countries who I did not know had had breast cancer about 10 and 7 years ago respectively and they have been a great support. It is hard not to worry but it will not do any good. Making a list of questions for the next time you see your cancer team will. Wishing you lots of love x

Hi I've been reading this feed and makes me feel slightly better today I was diagnosed with 2 forms of cancer in same breast one rare and aggressive invasive micropapillary carcinoma grade 3 and invasive lobular carcinoma grade 2 I am having a mri to see if lobular has spread luckily I've found it early and it's not spread to lymph nodes xx