Hi YorkieGirl76

I am unsure how they can tell that it's cancer without biopsy results but will let you know my experience from 5 years ago.  Recalled from routine mammogram in January, 2 biopsies taken, the second was a vacuum assisted biopsy and I watched the bits going down the tube which they said I wouldn't want to watch but I like to know what is happening, they thought that a bit strange. I also had a couple of ultrasounds. Lots of waiting around for results which is normal I understand and is probably the worst and the most worrying part of my experience.  Widespread DCIS in right breast was found so I then decided on lumpectomy rather than mastectomy.  Lumpectomy done then saw consultant after a few weeks, no clear margins so a second lumpectomy performed which again didn't give clear margins.  After this I was asked what I wanted to do and I asked if it was possible to have a third lumpectomy and was told that was also the thoughts at the Multidisciplinary team meeting as I have large breasts so a third lumpectomy performed which thankfully gave clear margins. I saw an oncologist who recommended radiotherapy of which I had 15 sessions which I found to be ok apart from a bit of soreness but I started moisturising my breast 3 weeks before the radiotherapy started and was given packets of honey at the cancer unit to apply to my breast .  I also felt a bit tired during radiotherapy but that may just have been early starts each day to get to my radiotherapy appointment which was Mon-Fri for the 3 weeks and a 17 mile drive for an 08.30 ish appointment.  I then had annual mammograms at hospital for 5 years and I am now back on the 3 yearly routine list for these.  I have been told that if it recurs then it will definitely be a mastectomy.  I know this is a very worrying time for you but I found my good friends really supportive as was my husband, even talking to the other people in the radiotherapy waiting room was nice as you hear their experiences of cancer and realise you are not alone with this awful disease. Hope all goes well for you.  Be kind to yourself and prep meals and freeze them in advance of radiotherapy so that you don't tire yourself.

Hi YorkieGirl76

I am unsure how they can tell that it's cancer without biopsy results but will let you know my experience from 5 years ago.  Recalled from routine mammogram in January, 2 biopsies taken, the second was a vacuum assisted biopsy and I watched the bits going down the tube which they said I wouldn't want to watch but I like to know what is happening, they thought that a bit strange. I also had a couple of ultrasounds. Lots of waiting around for results which is normal I understand and is probably the worst and the most worrying part of my experience.  Widespread DCIS in right breast was found so I then decided on lumpectomy rather than mastectomy.  Lumpectomy done then saw consultant after a few weeks, no clear margins so a second lumpectomy performed which again didn't give clear margins.  After this I was asked what I wanted to do and I asked if it was possible to have a third lumpectomy and was told that was also the thoughts at the Multidisciplinary team meeting as I have large breasts so a third lumpectomy performed which thankfully gave clear margins. I saw an oncologist who recommended radiotherapy of which I had 15 sessions which I found to be ok apart from a bit of soreness but I started moisturising my breast 3 weeks before the radiotherapy started and was given packets of honey at the cancer unit to apply to my breast .  I also felt a bit tired during radiotherapy but that may just have been early starts each day to get to my radiotherapy appointment which was Mon-Fri for the 3 weeks and a 17 mile drive for an 08.30 ish appointment.  I then had annual mammograms at hospital for 5 years and I am now back on the 3 yearly routine list for these.  I have been told that if it recurs then it will definitely be a mastectomy.  I know this is a very worrying time for you but I found my good friends really supportive as was my husband, even talking to the other people in the radiotherapy waiting room was nice as you hear their experiences of cancer and realise you are not alone with this awful disease. Hope all goes well for you.  Be kind to yourself and prep meals and freeze them in advance of radiotherapy so that you don't tire yourself.

Thanks for your reply.

I did find it strange they told me without waiting for biopsy results, but I guess they see cancer every day and know what it looks like from ultrasounds and mammograms, I was also on my own which was hard too!!

I'm glad you are through the worst and treatment is over.

Hopefully monday will bring more information and thanks for the tips, very helpful!

Xx