Told today I have breast cancer - I am 37 - Feels not real ….

Hi all, just an update. Went today to the cancer clinic. Ultrasound done, found a 2.8cm mass and suspicious lymph node, 3 biopsies taken and a marked out in. Then in for a mammogram. The consultant brought me after with a cancer nurse, explained something about T2 1N and reports she is 90% sure this is cancer. I challenged and said well you cannot say that without the biopsy results and she sighed and said I’ve been doing this a long time, I am sorry but you have breast cancer She also said I will need surgery and chemo given what she is seeing. She’s booked me in for an appointment a week on Wednesday to discuss next steps and what the biopsy shows…. I don’t know how to feel to be honest. But if you have an uncertainty please go get checked out! Just FYI I had what I would describe as a “thickening” of breast tissue and then a puckering/dimple in the side of my boob. 

any advice on how to navigate this. Xx

  • Hi Sophbrx,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    I am sorry to hear of the news that you were given at the cancer clinic. Unfortunately, when a consultant tells you that you have cancer, without even waiting for test results, they are usually pretty sure. They do this 24/7 and can usually tell from the appearance of some scans.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and 1 of pre-cancer. On all three occasions, I was advised by my consultant that he was pretty sure that I had cancer. He was right twice, but fortunately, the third was only pre-cancerous. Telling you at the outset tends to give you a little more time to come to terms with your diagnosis, before you get the results and to think up any questions you may have. You will find it helpful to write a list and take this  with you to your next appointment - no question is too trivial to ask - if it bothers you, it is worth asking about.

    When your results come back they will be discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT). This is where all of the medical professionals who will be involved in your care meet to discuss your case and to decide upon the best treatment options for you. You will not be given any results until this meeting has been held.

    This is always a huge shock to the system and it can take some time to come to terms with. I am glad to see that you don't have too long to wait for your biopsy results. Life becomes a little easier once you know exactly what you are dealing with. Try to keep yourself occupied with anything that helps to take your mind off this wait. Steer clear of Google, as this will only serve to scare you further and won't give you any answers. Much of the information there is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases. If you have to look things up, stich to a well respected site like Cancer Research or Macmillan.

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

    Jolamine xx