Breast cancer diagnosis

Hi,

I was at the breast clinic last tuesday after finding a lump 2 weeks before, i had a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and a marker put in me. It was confirmed there and then after looking at all the imaging that I have cancer, I was gobsmacked! I was convinced it was a cyst or something. I have to wait until monday to get the results of the biopsy and a treatment plan but I was told it will definitely involve surgery to remove the lump and then a course of radiotherapy. 

I'm 44.

I was just wondering how usual it is to be told its definitely cancer without biopsy results?

And how did people find radiotherapy and what to expect from it?

Thank you xx

*update*

Had a chat with consultant today and I'm booked in for surgery Tuesday 20th!  She didn't give me much more info other than they are going to take a couple of lymph nodes out too, and also that 1 receptor is hormone positive so I'll probably need chemo too. Not entirely sure what that means?!

They cant tell me what stage or grade until it has been examined after surgery.

Its 3cm so I'll need a bit of reconstructive surgery as they'll have to take quite a bit of tissue out, feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the info, but I have a face to face appt Thursday so I'm hoping by then it will make more sense.

Any advice or similar experiences would be much appreciated xx

Parents
  • Hi 
    Your plan seems really similar to mine. I have a 5cm Grade 2, HER2 Negative, Hormone positive (I will be on tablets for 10yrs I think). 
     

    I was offered either a lumpectomy or a masectomy. It was my choice. No health risks involved by not having a masectomy. Just due to size I will lose a lot of boob and may have wanted a total reconstruction. I'm going for a lumpectomy initially and see how they get on. If they don't get clear margins they will have to take more or all presumably! One step at a time ... 
     

    My op is on 8th June. Then I will have 5 days raidiation therapy. Consultant said that as long as no lymph nodes test positive then I would need to have chemo. But he can't say either way until all the stuff they remove is tested. 
     

    I hope you're doing ok? I'm not too bad. Mostly really positive. Feel like I'm in very safe hands. Sending a hug. 
     

    Sarah xx 

Reply
  • Hi 
    Your plan seems really similar to mine. I have a 5cm Grade 2, HER2 Negative, Hormone positive (I will be on tablets for 10yrs I think). 
     

    I was offered either a lumpectomy or a masectomy. It was my choice. No health risks involved by not having a masectomy. Just due to size I will lose a lot of boob and may have wanted a total reconstruction. I'm going for a lumpectomy initially and see how they get on. If they don't get clear margins they will have to take more or all presumably! One step at a time ... 
     

    My op is on 8th June. Then I will have 5 days raidiation therapy. Consultant said that as long as no lymph nodes test positive then I would need to have chemo. But he can't say either way until all the stuff they remove is tested. 
     

    I hope you're doing ok? I'm not too bad. Mostly really positive. Feel like I'm in very safe hands. Sending a hug. 
     

    Sarah xx 

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