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Newly Diagnosed I think - blunt consultant

Kelstar9
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Good Morning All

For many years I often found small lumps in my breast, and was always told by GP they were nothing to worry about. In fact 4-5 years ago, my GP told me I have a condition were I do have lumpy boobs. I will get them and not to worry to much. If I have a new lumps that cause me concern, then I need to get them checked.

i did find a new lump, which changed and was referred to the breast clinic yesterday. The lump to me was large, soft, quishy, it ached and visible distorted my left breast.

after going through a mammogram, Ultrasound, core biopsy which was extremely painful, and reduced me to tears. I don't know why as they are not suppose to be painful, and they added more local. They did struggle to take the biopsy and I bled heavily after.

getting dressed, I saw U5 on my notes, which I understand to be highly suspected for cancer. Although I was not supposed to see that at that point, so nobody said anything.

consultant was next. Even though she was nice, she was extremely blunt. After a few questions, I was examined. She said the mammogram showed a 3cm mass, but she thinks it's 3.5cm. Whilst writing up my notes, she wrote all no's to the right boob, and one yes to the left. I assuming she couldn't find any issues with my lympe nodes, as she did spend a while feeling around and didn't seem to find anything.

afterwards asked me what cup size I was, and said to remove the mass, she would have to fill it with fat, possible from under my arm. Then asked if anyone was with me. I said no, due to Covid, I followed the rules and went alone. She then started to ask if I wanted to see a breast nurse. I  said, you think it's cancer, don't you. She didn't confirm it, just said I had to return next week for my biopsy results and gave me an appointment to see her in a week. And went on about contacting the nurses, and being with someone!

so I feel a little in the dark, I feel like I been told I have cancer, but don't have biopsy results. It's 3-3.5cm. And Been told I'm having the lump removed, and that's it!

its a week until I'm back, any advise? I coping quite well, but I feel I wasn't told much, after reading on here how much others find out at their first appointment

thanks xx

 

 

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    Hello Kelstar9,

                          l am sorry to read that you are going through the dreadful experience that ios waiting for a definitive diagnosis.

                                         Of course if would be great if your consultant could give that by just looking ,imagine the ensuing bedlam if they incorrectly gave a positive confirmation and had not fully checked before doing so.

                                          Bear in mind some patients will present with a long term tumour that leaves little room for anything other than a positve diagnosis, so l would take a small degree of positivity whilst awaiting your full result,that you do not appear to fall into that catergory.

     

                       When you are in a highly stressful situation it is understandable to see a professional response as being overly forthright,but important to note that a detached capable ability is worth more to your chance of beating this viscious invader,than a cup of tea and a hug. l hear what you say and understand completely,but there will be others in the MDT team who will do this,take comfort that your consultant is focused and does not let emotion cloud judgement.

                                                    

                                l hope your future turns out better than you imagine at the present,and although the days grind out slower than you would like,your week will pass eventually,be kind to yourself meanwhile,

                      best wishes, David

     

     

  • Offline in reply to gruntifen

    Thanku for responding and offering me advice and reassurance. It a very overwhelming time. And I appreciate your kind words. You are right in the fact I do want a proactive and straight forward approach from the consultant, and after taking onboard your words, the fact the breast surgeon already is suggesting plans is a positive. I think the worry, the overwhelming experience and the pain and emotions from the extremely painful core biopsy did put me in a fragile place. Thanku again xx

  • Offline in reply to gruntifen

    Hello kelstar9,

                         l am glad to hear my post helped in what for you is a very distressing time.When faced with news like this,your world can feel a very lonely cold place,but there are plenty of us on this site that realise and recognise just how raw those emotions can be,and can offer a detached understanding of what fellow sufferers are going through.

                                                                                             Having used the site l am sure you will visit again should you need help or can offer it,so although its an invitation you would have preferred not to have had,its perhaps a welcome you may be grateful for in the future,and l will look for any future posts

     

                                                                      go gently in a fragile time,

                                                                                                                 David

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