Breast Cancer diagnosis without biopsy results

Where do I start.. I was recalled today for a 2nd mammogram following a routine one a few weeks ago. At 53 I accepted the " its probably just menopause changes and not to worry" call when asked to come back. So i went today and had an ultrasound scan, a further mammogram  before and after they did the biopsy, placing a clip inside my breast, to be taken in a room and told that with "their" scoring I was a 5 and they are pretty certain its breast cancer. How can they be so certain without the biopsy results? Has anyone else faced the same? Im a single lady with amazing friends and family but its Xmas Eve tomorrow and im adamant to stay my happy upbeat self but I dont know how to tell them. Im supposed to be having a hip replacement on the 6th Jan and ive been told to postpone it.. my mum and dad are all set to move in to help whilst recovering.. so there is no hiding this from them.. I just dont know what to think.. your advice / comments would be sincerely appreciated and good luck to all of you fighters on here

  • Hi lovely ,

    Yes it's difficult to stop yourself googling but everyone's cancer is totally different and you only end up scaring yourself . You are strong and you will get through this. The care and treatment you receive will be amazing xx

  • Hi Lula

    I am sorry that you have to go through this situation. It sounds as though the score of 5 relates to the initial assessment of your biopsy. The biopsy will undergo much more in depth analysis in the lab. I was in exactly the same situation a few weeks ago so I understand that the waiting is difficult and worrying. Hopefully your next set of results and treatment plan will be available soon. I have been diagnosed with a stage 1 BC and have had breast conserving surgery and sentinel node biopsy 3 weeks ago. I dont need chemo but will start radiotherapy and endocrine treatment in January. 

    I hope you get your results soon. 

  • I had the same experience on 13 December.  I had tests following a referral from my GP which ended up being 3 mammograms, an ultrasound where I also had a clip inserted and a biopsy taken.  The radiologist was wonderful, he held my hand and was very reassuring but it was clear from what he was saying that they at least suspected it was breast cancer.  I asked him outright if there was a tumour and he responded with 'Yes, I'm not going to lie to you.'  He then showed me the tumour on the ultrasound and answered my questions.

    I was hugely grateful to him for telling me, I think waiting for the results is particularly difficult.  I went back on 21st December and the biopsy confirmed what he had told me.  

  • Hi Jill

    Thank you for replying, I also had a clip inserted but i just lay there praying it was just a standard thing. I didnt move or flinch, deep down I was hoping it was just a cyst. The ultrasound guy never spoke ecept to say the breast care team would speak to me. 

    Im just numb at the moment. My brain goes from peaceful to a million miles an hour in a flash. I feel sick thinking about my parents and my childrens reactions. This is the worst part at the moment. 

    I wish.you all the very best of luck on your journey through this blip into a healthy future.

    Much love xx

  • Thank you so much for your re assurance message.

    I should have the results on the 3rd or 6th Jan.. the rollercoaster ride is not a pleasant one but in some ways im glad it was xmas time to focus on this and be with family. I couldn't bare to tell them and spoil their xmas too.

    This will be my next hill to get over.

    Wishing you a successful journey through this too. xx

  • Thank you, im praying so. Prayers and good vibes sent your way too xx

  •  

    Hi Lula,

    Lymph nodes can swell as the result of any minor infection, so here's hoping that this is the cause in your case. You will find it best to be as upbeat as you can when you break the news to your family. If you can show a positive attitude - that you can beat this, they will all be more positive too. If you are all doom and gloom about the outcome, you'll get those awful pitying looks that we all dread.

    Good luck with telling them and I'm sure that they'll be a great support once they know.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

     

  • Hopefully your results will be good Lula and that your plan will be straightforward. I got those same initial results as you've got just 2 months ago today and I just gone back to spinning class today and it's so good to be back in the real world again. I'm awaiting a date for radiotherapy and endocrine treatment. It's been a tough 2 months and Im still struggling a bit with the whole diagnosis and I feel a bit overwhelmed at times too but I'm trying to be patient and good to myself and put myself first for a change and it is helping.  I dreaded telling my family but once you tell your family and friends you will get good support and help to get through this challenge.

  • Hi Jolamine 

    I absolutely agree about being upbeat.. whilst i may feel down at times on the inside im always positive and upbeat on the outside. Each day that passes and the few people ive spoken to is definitely helping. Ive just found out my Avon lady is also dealing with breast cancer and has been for many years but after loosing hair and both breasts has now had re construction and lovely long hair again. A girl I work with has also offered support to come with me for appointments or treatment as she has been through this too. Im overwhelmed by everyone's kind words both here and around me. 

    Hope you're feeling well today too. Sending much love and support to you too xx

  • Hi Midgemo

    Thank you for your lovely reply and words of encouragement. So good to see your getting back to some normality and clearly determined...especially doing a spinning class! Wow... i wouldnt last 2 minutes lol. Good luck and keep us posted on your journey xx