Hi Nims, 

I saw your post and it resonated with me so much. I was the same as you as I got called back from my mammogram in October 2021. I knew straight away there was something wrong as it was my third mammogram. I couldn't feel a lump and after another mammogram I was sent for an ultrasound where the radiologist told me there and then that he thought what he could see was a small cancer. I had a biopsy taken and a marker put in just like you. I remember crying and asking if I was going to die,  I was sobbing. A week later I went back with my husband for the official results and it was cancer, a grade 2 tumour which was 1.5 cm.  The anxiety I felt was terrible I couldn't sleep and my work just went to pieces. I had surgery 5 days after my official diagnosis which was very quick. I had to have radiotherapy but fortunately not chemotherapy. Fast forward to now I have had my first annual check up and mammogram which was all clear, I'm back at work and have been on holiday to America and planning to go to the Maldives at the end of February. the message I want to give you is that you will be fine, you will have treatment and then you'll get on with the rest of your life. The fact that this is being caught on your mammogram means that it's likely to be a very small tumour so in it's early stages and will be very treatable. Read the stories from other ladies on this forum, there are many of us gone through the same journey and most of the time even when it is cancer, people have the treatment and move on from it. Lean on us for support,  we will be here for you and you'll get through this and see your grandchild grow up. Try not to worry and just go with your treatment,  you will be fine.

Best wishes and hugs.

Jane xx

Thankyou Jane - I really value your reply. I can't tell you how scared I am . I keep thinking if I don't talk about it then it isn't happening . So glad to hear you have recovered and gotten through the first annual check. Feels like light at the end of a dark tunnel. It's great to know there are people out there that I can reach out to. I feel very lonely at the moment. 

Hi Nims,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am so sorry to hear that you are in such a state following your ultrasound. There are 3 primary tests that are done for breast cancer, an ultrasound, a mammogram and a biopsy - most people have all 3 of these. Some peple may need other tests after these, but not everybody. Younger people don't always have a mammogram, as their breasts are often too dense to give a clear view. It is also normal to have a marker inserted, so that the surgeon can identify the troublesome area readily. Many of us have been told that a lump looks irregular in shape, but not all of us were diagnosed with cancer. 

There are many different types of lumps, some are cysts, or fibrous tissue. In fact, of all the people who attend the breast clinic, only 20% turn out to have cancer. When we hear of the possibility of having cancer, our imaginations go into overdrive, we become very tearful, lose our appetites and have difficulty sleeing, etc. This is all perfectly normal. If you have been attending for your routine mammograms and checking yourself regularly, you should have caught this early, so it is very unlikely to have spread too far. 

There are different types and grades of breast cancer. The grades depend upon how fast the cancer is growing. If you need surgery, you may be tested for the stage, at the same time. This determines the size of the tumour and how far it has spread. Breast cancer spreads when it enters the lymph nodes and is carried to other parts of the body. The surgeon will often remove a few lymph nodes from under the arm to see if there is any spread. This is sent away to Pathology and you normally get the results 1-2 weeks after surgery.

I lost my Mum to breast cancer and, like you, was absolutely terrified at the time of diagnosis. I was at a similar stage to you too, in that I was expecting my first grandchild. There is no reason why you can't still be your daughter's birthing partner, as they usually leave your breast to settle for a few weeks after your biopsy, before they operate. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 13 years. I had a lumpectomy first time around and a double mastectomy the following year, when I discovered another lump. Since then I have seen both of my children leave school, go to university, graduate, find gainful employment, marry and produce two beautiful granddaughters. The eldest is now 14 and both of them are my pride and joy.

Cancer, diagnosis,  treatments and after care have all advanced significantly, in the past few years. There is just no comparison between the experiences which my Mum and I have had. You will find it so much easier, when you have told family and friends about this and you can talk openly about it. It is always a good idea to take someone with you to your results appointment. There are a number of reasons for this. If it is a cancer diagnosis, you will be glad of the support. You will also find that you will forget about 80% of what is said in the consultation, before you reach the hospital gates - we all do!

It is a good idea to write a list of any questions that you may have and bring this with you to your appointment. I always bring my hubby, along with a duplicate copy of the questions. Whilst I'm asking them, he writes down the answers. You will also find that the questions can change from one appointment to the next.

Don't be afraid to ask, if you don't understand anything. Many of us feel bombarded by a lot of medical terminology at this stage, much of which, we don't fully understand. If you do receive a cancer diagnosis, you will probably be given some leaflets, which should help you to understand what is happening a little better.

Remember that no amount of worry, will change the outcome..

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

Here's hoping that you get good news on Tuesday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thankyou Jolamine - I am so glad to hear from you and what I might expect. I definitely think having this forum is going t9 help me. Thankyou so much for sharing your story with me - it's good to hear what can happen after this ie normal life resumes. 
My mum died  of breast cancer 10 years ago - she had it twice . The first time she had lumpectomy and radiation and by the second time she found a lump it had spread and she fought a short battle. At the same time as my mum getting it my maternal aunt was diagnosed and she had similar treatment to my mum . She is still around but has struggled ith fluid on her arms etc . During covid her daughter contracted breast cancer - I therefore should have been prepared for what could happen . I hoped that because I am bi racial  that my genes would be different. Stupid and mad I know .I didn't get gene tested as was told ten years ago my chances were no greater than anyone else . I dont know if I would have qualified because of my cousins diagnosis but I never thought  about it again . My family live a few hundred miles away so it seems less real in a way and I haven't reached out to them  Sorry this is just stuff coming out of my head . 
 

I would love to be able to hang onto the hope that it is not breast cancer but if I think that way I will be devestated . I really hope that I do t have to wait to get removal when I go next Tuesday for my appointment. That's worrying . I had a mammogram on 17 th Dec and follow up on 9 th Jan . I am still working part time as well but will need to give that up I think as it's not fair on them .

You said I may have to wait a few weeks for biopsy to heal before they do anything ? Is that usual? Another lady said she was operated on 5 days after her diagnosis.. it's the waiting that's the worst bit which must be the same for everyone .I still don't want to talk about it to anyone until I have been to the appointment on Tuesday . My daughter knows and she wants to come but she is 35 weeks now and I worry about her .