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Breast biopsies taken yesterday - now the waiting begins

Virgo149
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So I had my routine mammogram mid January & was recalled for further checks undertaken yesterday (I'm 53 & no idea that anything had changed).

I honestly expected to get there to be told they just needed to be redone but as soon as I was asked to take a seat I knew it was more.

I have calcification in my left breast & a 2 cm lump in my right breast.  The ultra sound thankfully didn't show any lymph node changes but I had a core biopsy on the right boob & a titanium clip left in place to pinpoint the area.  I had a different type of biopsy on the left boob, done whilst in the mammogram machine, again with a clip put in place.  The worst bit of both was the local anaesthetic I think.

I had a really good chat with both the doctor & the breast care nurse & I certainly left with the impression they believe that it is cancer & the tests were to determine what type etc.  I go to see a consultant for the results on 16th Feb.

So, I guess my question is, is it worth holding on to a sliver of hope it might be nothing or begin to prepare myself for what lies ahead if the results are positive.  I'm usually an eternal optimist but this is certainly testing me.

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    Hello , I just read your post and felt I needed to reply . I went for routine mammogram in September was recalled had another mammogram, ultrasound and then a biopsy and was told they thought it was cancer . A week later I went back and was told def was !  A month later I was in surgery having a lumpectomy (3,6cm) lump removed .... and first two lymph's. I had to wait 2 weeks to be told lymph's were clear and they got all the cancer out . I am now waiting for radiotherapy. I am 51 and didn't have a clue there was a lump even tho I examine myself ! It's all very difficult and I found the waiting the worst thing ! I do find they are very honest with you from the start though and luckily it seems covid isn't delaying anything! I hope you come back with the all clear but if you don't I am happy to talk you through the process if you need a lumpectomy and be here for you if you need someone . They can do amazing things! I have tried to be positive all the way along for my husband and children but it can get daunting sometimes and as I have recently discovered it's only when you have been through it you can totally understand how someone feels . Take care x

  • Offline in reply to sallysparkles

    Hi Sally.  Thanks for your message, it certainly helps having someone in a relatively similar situation, age & symptom wise.  I just can't get my head around they actually found something I knew nothing about.  These are the reasons we have our scheduled checks for though so it shows how worthwhile they are.

    I think I know in my heart they wouldn't have indicated it's cancer unless they were fairly sure so we're going into this trying to be prepared.  It's now fingers crossed it is early days on it.  The hardest bit so far was coming home & telling my husband (no kids).

    Doing some small amount of research I suppose I shouldn't be surprised - I started my periods at 10, no kids, I'm tall (who knew that could be a factor), I drink alcohol (why did I never know this increases estrogen???) & have a family history on mums side although it missed her (she was on a Tamoxifen trial back in the day).

    Anyway, I'm rambling on.  Just over a week to go then at least I'll know what's ahead.  Take care of yourself too, it's a lot to process isn't it. xxx

  • Offline in reply to Virgo149

    Hi , oh bless you planning for the worst ! They told me at my call back ( when they did the ultra sound and biopsy too) they thought it might be however as I couldn't feel it nor (also reading up ) was in the 'reasons for' getting it ... started periods at 15, has babies in my thirties, breastfed both babies for 9 months .... hardly ever drink .... never smoked , eat healthy , walk every day ( twice a day if I can ) , no family history of it .I thought they must be mistaken ! I only waited a week for my results and that felt like a year! I didn't sleep ! Once they told me it happened so quick I just couldn't process it ! My hardest moment was telling my 17 yr old daughter ! The look in her eyes , I will never forget it.  
    It is a lot to process and I had nowhere to turn , some of my friends text every now and then but it was with me every second of the day i couldn't shut it out ! Thanks to covid I couldn't see anyone to talk it through (friends I mean ) . After my op a friend really stepped up and messaged me every day .... she still does ! I felt everyone else was just getting on with their lives moaning about covid and other trivial things happening on their lives and I was here .... with cancer !!!! It made me angry and very bitter at the time ( feeling a little less these days ) as to why me ! 
     Be careful doing too much research as everyone is different , it scared me googling it. I am going to be fine , I just need to figure out getting my head out of worry mode .... I am a natural worrier I wish I wasn't but I am so prob need help moving forward ! 
    I have rambled now !! I Am here if you want to talk / vent or ramble and if you want to talk after you find out please contact me because if it is the big 'c' it can be dealt with.  

    Take care and message Again if you want too, it's a lonely place sometimes 

    x

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