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Found a change in my breast - Told likely cancer.

SlightlyBewildered
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Hey Everyone.

My first time posting on here. I went to the GP 2 weeks ago as I was worried that my left breast had changed slightly. I couldn't feel a definite lump as such. More of a mass/thickening on the outer side. Def different from before and different from how the right one felt. 
 

GP said she could feel a 'tomato' - she didn't specify what kind of tomato :-) - sized mass in my boob so referred me via the 2 week urgent referral process. 
 

I had my app yesterday. The nurse I saw first examined me and was very positive. She said she felt they were cysts, everything she could feel she thought was benign. She said however that I would have a mammogram and ultrasound to support/confirm that diagnosis. As you can imagine I was feeling very positive. Am wishing she'd not been so sure and also that she hadn't used the word benign. It def filled me with false reassurance at that early stage. 
 

Anyway ... Off I went for a mammogram. Initially one. Dr then requested some more be carried out on the left boob! I then had an US. Right boob and underarm appear totally fine. Left boob not! Yes! I have a number of cysts (fine) but buried within them she found a 33mm  lump! She said she is VERY concerned due to shape of it and what it looked like on the US. She also said there were calcifications (is that the right word?) present above it. I had a biopsy - just of boob. She carried out an US under my arm and said no immediate cause for concern - I'm worried now that she may have missed any spread! 
 

Dr was not able to give a definite diagnosis. I have booked follow up app for 5th May. She did say that due to how this lump was presenting that it was a big cause for concern. 
 

I am shell shocked! When I spoke to my friend I felt like I was talking about someone else - totally alien conversation to be having. I have no idea what to think really. I'm quite a strong person and like to think I can take whatever is thrown at me. As long as whatever it is can be treated I will be ok. My fear is hearing that it can't be treated. That's my main concern and the worry that has made me cry. 
 

Sorry. Long post! No real questions involved. Just wanted to write it down and reach out to see if anyone in a similar position. 
 

Love S xxx 
 

 

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    Hi SlightlyBewildered,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.I am sorry to hear about your symptoms, but glad to hear that you are getting them investigated. The reason that your biopsy was carried out is to determine what type of cancer is present if any. If you have had a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy, it is unlikely that anything will have been missed. You should get told the type and grade of cancer at your next visit on 5th May.

    From what your care team have already told you from your scans, it is most unlikely that your cancer is at an advanced state. Breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer and, it is only when it is very advanced that it cannot be treated. It is very difficult to deal with so many unknowns and many of us find our emotions all over the place, as well as a tendency to cry for no particular reason.

    All will become easier to cope with once you get your results and, can start moving forward with treatment. I hope that you get your answers on 5th May and, that nothing untoward is found.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine 

    Thank you for taking the time to read my long post. Abd for your lovely response. I have found this forum a great help over the past couple of weeks and I'm sure I will continue to do so. I am feeling positive today. I have two sons (14/16) and have not said a word to them just yet. No need for them to worry I figure! I have love family and a close group of friends that are making sure I'm ok at the moment. 
     

    Like you mentioned, it's the 'unknowns' that cause the worry. I think/hope you are right, once I know for sure abd I have a more definite idea of what lies ahead I may find things a little less daunting. Fingers crossed anyway
     

    Take care. Sarah xx 

  • Offline in reply to SlightlyBewildered

     

    Hi Sarah,

    I am sure that you will find this forum a great help in time to come, as I have already. It is often easier to speak to strangers who fully understand what you are going through, because they've been there themselves. You will naturally be worried for your sons. I have a son and a daughter who were about the same age as yours when I was first diagnosed. I was also told at my first clinic appointment that they were pretty sure that it was cancer.

    Having already lost my mum to breast cancer, I naturally thought the worst. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years. In that time I have seen my children finishschool, go to university, graduate, get gainful employment, marry and have families of their own. I still run my own business at 73 and, lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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