Breast Cancer diagnosis

my wife was just diagnosed with likely breast cancer yesterday. just now awaiting the results of the biopsy.

Just now awaiting the results of the biopsy.

Quite a shock. She had a cyst in exactly the same area, some eight years ago which was aspirated and she was convinced it was the same thing.

She had a cyst in exactly the same area, some eight years ago which was aspirated and she was convinced it was the same thing.

So, any advice with regard to how I should operate for the best in helping her and the family get through this?

  • It’s a worrying time waiting on biopsy results. I found it helped to take things one day at a time and deal with things if they happened. My biopsy came back positive but treatment was less than I was initially told it would be. Thinking on you at this stressful time.

  • And I did not use Google which helped massively.  I found out on 6th October and have only started using this forum last night.  I put my faith in the medical team and you do develop a strength when you know what you are dealing with if this makes sense? 

  • Hi alpha 

    sorry you are here my diagnosis was June 22 it’s a rollercoaster but it was no way as bad as I thought I flew through it your wife will too good luck and best wishes love Lara xx. 

  • Hi Alpha110-,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear about your wife's possible diagnosis and hope that her biopsy results disprove this. You will find that waiting for results is always a worrying time and a time when our over-active imaginations go into overdrive. Your wife is probably terrified at present. Most of us get frustrated by well-meaning family and friends uttering placatory words at this time. You will be a great help by just being there for her, listening to her worries and supporting her through this nightmare. Can you attend her appointments with her? This is a great help, when she is receiving results, as we don't tend to take in all that is said during a consultation, especially if the news is bad.

    I had 2 bouts of breast cancer, within a year of one another and was absolutely terrified at first, as I had already lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, and I was convinced that I would go down the same road. I found it helpful to draw up 2 copies of any questions that I had for my consultant. When attending a consultation, I gave my hubby one and I kept the other. As I asked the questions, he wrote down the answers. It is a known fact that we can forget up to 80% of such conversations before we leave the hospital grounds, so these replies were a great aide memoire. What ages are your family? It is always difficult to break such news to loved ones. I have found that the more positive you can be about the outcome, when breaking the news, the better they will usually take it. It is easier to do this, once you have all the results to hand.

    How is your wife feeling at present? She is likely to feel very tired, if she does need treatment, so any help with household chores will be greatly appreciated.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how her biopsy goes. We are always here for both of you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine 

  • Thank you. I guess it’ll be some 10 days into New year because of the holiday. I get the impression they pretty much know and I am expecting a positive judging by the attitude. The specialist was quite reassuring generally with regard to options in the event of a positive. So, it’s just the uncertainty and anxiety which seems to affect me more than her. So, she’s either in denial or just as tough as I thought she always was.

  • Yes, thank you. Linda C 12. I was quite impressed by the manner and thoroughness and a modicum of reassurance about possibilities concerning treatment. We had the grandsons with us for sleepover today/tonight and she has been at it like nothing has changed. So, for the moment that seems like the only way to operate. 

  • Yes, thank you. Linda C 12. I was quite impressed by the manner and thoroughness and a modicum of reassurance about possibilities concerning treatment. We had the grandsons with us for sleepover today/tonight and she has been at it like nothing has changed. So, for the moment that seems like the only way to operate. 

  • Thank you Laraj 

    im hoping it’ll be made known by 10 Jan or thereabouts. I just watched the Sarsh Beeny programme. At least it was a good result but it looked like a nasty time for her and family.

    i haven’t spoken to anyone else. Our sons don’t know and I don’t see the point in telling anyone til we do know. My wife will be the final decision maker.

    I’m very grateful for your reply.

  • Sending you and your wife all the best of luck in the world , I didn’t tell anyone either until I had my results , I found it easier to cope  not taking on others emotions of waiting too