Waiting for biopsy results

Hi everyone, 

This is my first post. 

I'm 34-years-old and recently found a lump/thickening in my left breast. I attended the breast clinic three days ago, and during the intial examination the doctor noticed I have nipple discharge too, and she took a sample of this. I then had an ultrasound and mammogram. I was told I have two lumps in my breast and a swollen lymph node under my armpit. I had a core needle biopsy of the two lumps and lymph node, and metal clip markers(?) inserted too. 

Following the biopsy and a second mammogram, I was taken into a room and the doctor informed me I have two tumours in my breast, and when my biopsy results return, a breast cancer treatment plan will be put into place. She advised that due to the size of the tumours in relation to the size of my breast, a mastectomy of my left breast would need to be done as soon as possible.  

I'm in complete shock. I asked if she was certain I have cancer, or if that could only be confirmed with my biopsy results. She said no, and that it is breast cancer. Has anyone else had this happen? Can it be true that an ultrasound and mammogram alone can provide enough evidence for a diagnosis? 

I'm now awaiting my biopsy results, which I was told might take up to 10 days. The waiting is agonising, as I'm sure you will all know well. 

I'm very fortunate to be supported by a loving partner, family and friends, but it feels especially hard not being able to see everyone in person, especially my Mum and little sister, due to the coronavirus lockdown. 

If anyone has had a similar experience I would love to hear from you. 

Take care and much love. x

  • Hi M-bee and welcome to the Cancer Chat forum.

    I'm sorry about your diagnosis but I'm glad you have a good support network to help you through this.

    Hopefully some of our members will let you know if they've had a similar experience soon but if you'd like to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses then they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Our community are here for you M-bee.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi , 

    interesting reading your story .. I have over the past months had scans and biopsies as I have a tumour on my ovary . Blood markers reveal high for cancer yet the last three lots of biopsies could not give enough of a result to confirm . I go today back to the hospital as they say they have my results finally . I'm confused as in my case until they got a result from biopsies they wouldn't diagnose or plan a treatment plan . I'm surprised they are not waiting for your results to confirm . 
     

    kerp your chin up I know it's hard x

  • Thank you for your reply and for sharing your experience. It's such a terribly confusing time for us, the not knowing or having a clear picture of what is going on is so hard. I'm thinking of you today and hope your appointment goes as well as possible and gives you the answers you need. Take care. x 

  • Thank you for your reply Steph and for sharing the number. I will certainly give the nurses a call if I'm really struggling. Thanks again. x 

  • Hello

     

    I am so sorry to hear of your outcome. 

     

    You sound very brave.

     

    Im going through breast pain, nipple discharge and pain in my armpit and have been to the breast clinic and am getting getting referred back again as now getting nipple discharge and to get an utrasound.

     

    Sending you virtual hugs.

     

    Allison xx

  •  Hello M-bee

     

    sorry to hear about your news. It's quite confusing isn't it?! I found a lump in my right breast 3 weeks ago and was seen by a doctor the same day. They booked me in for a mammogram which I had last week. They took 4 biopsies and inserted a metal chip at the site of the 'Tumor' they said this was inserted so they know the exact location when they have to possibly remove it. They checked my armpits with an ultrasound and it looks as though no lymph nodes have been found to be dodgy. I had another mammogram after the biopsy and am now waiting for results next Monday  they said it looked suspicious  

    I know it's measuring 2.5cm which looks as though it would be stage 2 but obviously without the diagnosis I'm in the dark for now. Well meaning friends have said it's prob a cyst but I'm convinced it's not. Having looked at stats for lumpectomy chemo/radiation and then reoccurrence ive begun to prepare myself for a mastectomy. If they said they wanted to remove the breast I don't think I'd hesitate in having both removed. My issue is that if they suggest removal and treatment that's fine but there's cancer in my family and although 85% of women survive 5 years after surgery, surely whipping off the breastacles is the answer to increase the odds in my favour as all the tissue is removed. Seems drastic but I want to think these things through before the appointment so I'm prepared. 
     

    any help would be great. Xx

    jen