Told I have breast cancer before biopsy is back

hello, i recently attended the one stop breast clinic I am a 26 year old mum to a 6 year old. I found a large dimple and lump in one breast I thought not much of it given my age but wanted peace of mind so had it looked at.  I had an ultrasound and then a mammogram and then a biopsy and marker clips which i found very strange as I didn’t know what these was for and was starting to get worried why I needed these. I was then told to go in the waiting room which by this time I was the last one in the clinic i saw the breast surgeon who said to me sorry it’s not good news i burst out crying he was then talking about given my age and size of the lump it is likely to be aggressive cancer so he will need to act fast. I have been thinking about this since coming home and I know I shouldn’t but I’ve been googling things my question is it normal to be told this news before the biopsy is back I know they will more than likely have a good idea as they see it all the time on scans but how can they be certain. 
I have come across fat necrosis on google and know they can be similar to cancer I remember I did have a slight fall a few weeks ago but thought nothing of it but can’t remember if I banged my breast which I know can be a cause for fat necrosis and this can look similar to cancer on scans is it possible that I could just be this or am I just in denial and hoping this is the case . I have been told they want another biopsy tomorrow I am so devastated and don’t think this has all sunk in yet. 
any advise is appreciated.

  • Hello Cla2233

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently visited a breast clinic and that at that appointment, the specialists told you they believe you have breast cancer. It's understandable that you may be feeling overwhelmed by this news and have questions about what happens next. 

    We do know that sometimes breast care specialists are able to tell from the images that they view during the appointment that someone has breast cancer. However, the biopsy results will give confirmation of an exact diagnosis and the information needed to talk about the recommended treatment pathway. 

    Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for those results. We know that for many people, this period of waiting and uncertainty can be really difficult, and often they turn to the internet looking for answers. What often happens is that people don't find answers but instead are left with more questions and anxiety about their situation. I wonder if you might find it helpful to talk with one of our team of nurses while you're waiting for news. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information, and support they can, as well as help you think about questions you might want to ask the specialists when you next see them. If you'd like to talk with one of our nurses, you can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I'm sure that some of the community who have been through similar situations will pop along to say hello and share their experiences with you soon. In the meantime, Cla2233 keep posting here if it helps to have a safe space to put things down in writing. Before long, you will have clarity on things, so please know that we're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi Cla2233,

    Im so sorry your going through this, i totally understand what youre feeling right now. 3 weeks ago I also got told at my initial appointment at the breast clinic that I almost certainly had cancer. I find that these consultants are always very blunt when talking about these things and it can be scary. Im only 35 and have a 3 month old and a 2 year old, so I was completely devestated. Mine is also aggressive (grade 3), im told its nornally always aggressive in younger women, but the good thing about that is it makes the chemo much more effective. Although I have quite an advanced breast cancer (as well as the main tumor I also have 3 smaller ones in the same breast, as well as at least 5 affected lymph nodes in my armpit) my consultant is very confident my cancer is highly curable.

    My biopsy results came a week later and since then, its been a whirlwind of appointments and scans. Youll find that things will happen quite quickly from now on, which can be overwhelming but also good, as its normally the waiting around to start treatment thats the most frustrating. And once you know your specific treatment plan, you'll be able to start moving forward.

    The Gp prescribed me some anti anxiety tablets as I was struggling with panic attacks etc, so this could be an option for you? 

    Please feel free to reach out if you need to chat. 

    Nat xx