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Cancer Diagnosis Before Biopsy

LilLoops
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Hi, found a lump about 5 weeks ago, 1cm x 2cm. Dr said it was a red flag and submitted a rapid referral which resulted in me being at breast clinic on Monday.

i had an examination, then lots of mammograms - think around 8, 4 each side. Then I went through for an ultrasound and the dr said before she started that there where discrepancies on my mammograms which she had to look into.

She took a long time, very through and around 10 screen shots, she showed me where cysts where that she said where normal, and then a chalky mass. She took a biopsy x3 and put a titanium marker in me.

I then was sent back to the waiting room to join my chap, before being called in for discussions about findings. I was told that it was being treated as sinister and that it hadn't spread to my lymphs, that treatment plans would be discussed on my next appt which I should expect to be on weds after my biopsy results are back. My bf then asked directly "are you saying it IS cancer" and she replied "Yes. I am sorry, I know that's not what you want to hear".

I can't stop thinking that prior to biopsy results surely this could be wrong still as can they say for sure at this point? 

  • Offline in reply to lj292

    Hi everyone, 

    I'm so sorry. I've stuck my head in the sand for the last week and dropped very much in to the process part of life and blocking the emotional piece. That all caught up over the weekend with an ambulance ride to the hospital and a further trip to A&E! Kids hey! As if I needed to be there anymore than I was last week!

    Thank you for all your kind words of support. Lara, I will reply to your inbox, thank you so much for reaching out. It really means a lot to hear the support from you all. I'm just so sorry we are all brought together in such circumstances.

    Anyway, tough week of waiting. However... Today was a turning point! It didn't start too well with a letter from the hospital with the confirmation of the diagnosis. I hadn't fully taken it in and thought it was DCIS. However, it was IDC with DCIS. That was a bit of a shock! But... Then I was given me op date of 27.10.2022 so that's not too far away. I was then called for them to tell me some of my results had been received. HER2 has been confirmed as negative, the additional spots have been confirmed as fibros, and the Mri has identified the lump maybe smaller than originally thought. So all positives. They have reconfirmed that things could change after they operate. However, for the moment, I'm feeling positive.

    I hope you are all taking it easy and managing OK?  Xx

  • Offline in reply to story78

    [@story78]‍ may I ask, has the cooling cap given you headaches and/ migraines as my oncologist has warned it may do? And also he said it's only 60% effective hence my hesitation - my 8 year old wants me to keep my hair and I want to present as "me" to him so he doesn't worry more. 
     

    My oncologist also warned heavily of infection and checking temperature daily, self administering injections a week after each chemo cycle etc and I am now really worried about chemo during the winter season as it seems like the risk of being ill is soooo huge! Do they "over egg it" to be sure you take the necessary precautions? I feel like I need to hide away for the 6 months?

    Overall I do feel much more positive now :) thank you all you are awesome

  • Offline in reply to ToniS

    Lots of positives there! The waiting game is awful but sounds like answers are coming :) x

  • Offline in reply to LilLoops

    Sorry [@LilLoops]‍ , only just seen this. I take 2 paracetamol 30 mins before my treatment and have had no headaches. Like I said, I am 2 chemos down and have a pretty full head of hair ( I wish I could post a photo but this site doesn't allow). What I can say is that if you don't use the cold cap, you will 100% lose your hair. Personally I would rather take the 60% success rate. There is a "Paxman Scalp cooling group" on Facebook. I recommend you join that. LOADS of good advice on there and before/after pics. 
     

    Yes, I have to take my temp morning and night and yes you are at risk of infection. You definitely don't need to hide away though. I go everywhere when I feel well enough. I just make sure I have hand sanitiser if I am out and about and encourage the kids to do the same.. I have filgrastim injections for 7 days after chemo - they boost your white blood cells. They can make your bones feel a bit achey. It's a bit like when you get a cold or flu and your body aches. I just take some paracetamol and it helps. Like i have said before though, it just becomes your new normal 

    Do you have your chemo start date yet? xx

  • Offline in reply to story78

    Hi [@story78]‍ still awaiting a start date and I am struggling mentally. 
     

    Thank you for your reply. I am definitely going to try the cooling cap. 
     

     

  • Offline in reply to LilLoops

    Oh no [@LilLoops]‍ ! Are you ok ? It is very overwhelming and you can certainly go down a rabbit hole of dark thoughts. Anything I can help with? X

  • Offline in reply to story78

    Hi [@story78]‍ It's a lot isn't it.

    Just had my chemo date - Hallowe'en ... I was told I'd have started by tuesday of next week so that's a week later. I am so scared its getting chance to spread... I'm so scared of chemo... I'm scared of it coming back. 
     

    My brain has gone one this week!! I shall try and bring it back under control. 
     

    Hope you are doing ok?

  • Offline in reply to LilLoops

    A week won't make any difference. The only reason I am pretty certain of that is because I asked to delay my chemo so I could get married. The oncologist was totally fine with that.
     

    The thoughts you are having are normal - unfortunately. You will definitely feel a lot better when chemo starts because you know you are doing something about it. Two weeks may seem a long time but it will fly by. You will have your chemo pre-assessment. Plus are you having a pic line fitted? - if so you will have another appointment for that. If you have an iPad, maybe download some stuff that you can watch whilst you are having chemo or look for some books than you can read whilst you are there to help pass the time. 
     

    i worried the other day about how I would feel once chemo ended. Like I am no longer under the radar of the specialists. I've parked that feeling now. That's a hurdle for another day

    Try and keep busy. I try and stay away from forums too (with the exception of this one and the Paxman group on Facebook) . Majority of forums are full of doom and gloom. Just remember- thousands of women have had chemo like us and they are fine. They don't feel the need to post on forums anymore. That part of their life is over and they have moved on. That will be us too

    I am fine here. Chemo tomorrow. Just been for a walk with my friend, went for my pre-chemo bloods at the hospital and then done the Asda "big shop" to ensure the fridge is stocked for the week ahead. Bought myself loads of goodies too . This time tomorrow, I will have another cycle under my belt

    Take care. Sending a huge hug x

     

  • Offline in reply to story78

    Thank you - once again - for being so reassuring!! 
    May I add you as a friend? 

  • Offline in reply to LilLoops

    [@LilLoops]‍  of course you can! x

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