I have just been to a clinic in Edinburgh where I have been given a follow up to the routine screening.  If its the same thing, they called the 'clip' a 'marker'.  They explained that it marks the area from where samples have been taken and will be used, if necessary, to identify that area again.

As well as some Calcification, they have found a 13mm tumour in another part of my breast which I think is definitely cancer, but lets wait for the results on Wednesday next week!

I had cancer 22 years ago in the same breast (L) aged 35.  Lumpectomy, chemo, ratiotherapy and tamoxifen.  Still here and fighting the battle.

Our daughter who was 5 is now 27 and I've had many great years with her (and many arguments as mothers/daughters do).  Plan on plenty more.

I don't think this Forum was here 22 years ago, and there was no one really to ask.  I just felt like I were taking up time with the nursing profession that someone else could use.  I can see myself being a regular here mind!

Kit

Hi KitCarson,

I am so sorry to hear that you expect to find cancer for a second time. Can I ask what type and grade of cancer you had?

I lost my mum to cancer 21 years ago and was first diagnosed myself 10 years ago. I had a second cancer the year following diagnosis. Diagnosis, treatment and after care has improved so much since my mum had it. There is just no comparison between how she was treated and what I myself have experienced. I agree that this forum  has made life with cancer so much easier to cope with. We are always here for advice, information or even if you just want to rant.

If you are attending a breast Clinic, you will now be given a breast care nurse to help you through your cancer journey. I don't know whether or not you were given this 22 years ago? I have found my breast care nurse to be a great help. No problem or question has been too inconsequential for her and, she is always just a phone call away.

I am glad to hear that you have had 27 good years with your daughter since you were first diagnosed and, hope that you can continue to have many more years together.

I shall have my fingers crossed for you next Wednesday and, hope that it all goes well. Please keep in touch and, let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your mum to breast cancer. 

As for your own diagnosis, it must have been difficult to deal with 2 instances of breast cancer. Are you currently cancer free?

You know, I can't actually remember the grade or stage.  I just remember it was agressive and I was having the operation within 3 days.  I'll try and remember to ask at my appointment on Wednesday.

I might also ask to take a picture of my mamogram.  Didn't think to ask on Friday.

I can appreciate that treatment and after care will have moved on substantially since 1996 and I can already see that in the way the clinic has dealt with me so far.

Daughter has decided to come up from London for the weekend.  Lots of cuddles and chat coming my way!

Kit x

Hi Kit,

Yes it was difficult dealing with 2 bouts of breast cancer so close together, but I am currently cancer free. I had another scare this year when I had to have 3 biopsies for melanoma - one on my back, one on my face and one on my leg. Fortunately, all 3 turned out to be benign, but it was still a scary wait for results.

It is great news to hear that your daughter has decided to come home for the weekend. I'm sure that you are looking forward to seeing her. Lots of cuddles and chat are just what you need to take your mind off the wait.

It is usually helpful to bring someone with you to all of your appointments if you can. If this is difficult, then try to have someone with you when you attend for test results. It can also be helpful to draw up a list of questions for your consultant before each appointment. Your questions will change from one appointment to the next.

It is best if all the family do this together, as you'll all have different questions. I usually give my hubby a duplicate list of questions and he writes down the answers whilst I ask the questions. This may sound crazy, but it is all too easy to forget important questions and answers in the heat of the consultation.

It would be a good idea to ask for your initial diagnosis, so that you can compare it with the latest one.

I sincerely hope that things haven't advanced too much. In the meantime, enjoy the weekend with your daughter. It's sad but true that it takes someting like a cancer diagnosis to make us realise just how precious family is to us.

Fingers crossed for Wednesday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi everyone 

I ‘m new here and have read through your experiences and wish you all well. 

I am currently awaiting the biopsy results from 3 core biopsies taken a week and a half ago. I was found to have microcalcifications on the mammogram of the left breast and although they have been reassuring and don’t seem to be expecting it to be cancer as such ,  I believe they want to rule out ductal carcinoma. 

At the first  appointment the doctor seemed happy it was a benign process and I had thought I was given the all clear , but after the radiologist report can back she called me back fir the biopsies so I was quite shocked and upset. 

Al x

Hello I have calacifications in my breast I’ve had inconclusive and have to have another biopsy  next week when I read yours it says you had 2 biopsy’s was yours inconclusive? Angela 

Hi Angela,

I am sorry to hear that your initial tests have been inconclusive. Please try not to worry about this, as many people have to have additional tests before they receive a definite diagnosis.  Some people have 3 or 4 biopsies carried out at the same time, so you are not at all unusual. There are a number of different types of breast cancer and they are graded from 1 - 4, with 4 being the more serious. Do you have a date to get your tests done next week yet?

I know that this is a scary time and, having to wait even longer for your results must be very frustrating. Rest assured that they will get to the bottom of this for you.

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

I sincerely hope that your results will be good when they finally arrive.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for replying that’s really kind x I have my biopsy on the 21st ( a week Thursday ) and my results agin on the 4th Dec I’ve not really told anyone my partner not very supportive , I just get days where I feel a little anxious I guess it’s normal I’m 46, I think it’s just the thought of going through it again, thank you again Angela x

Did you have calacifications? X