Ultrasound at the Breast Clinic

Hi,

I found a lump in my partner's breast the other day, and the GP confirmed it yesterday. She's said that it feels painful today. My partner was told by her GP that she'd have to wait for an ultrasound until mid-January after her next period, but this was so stressful that she's got a scan booked privately today. 
 

She's 36 and we have three children in a blended family - five and six year old girls, and a ten year old boy. She's really worried that it's cancer, that she'll get really sick, and that our youngest won't remember her if it's not treatable. She lost her Aunt to breast cancer, I lost my Uncle to cancer, they were both younger than we are now, and a cancer diagnosis is one of the biggest fears we‘ve shared with each other. 
 

I'm trying to keep her focussed on the probability that it’s a cyst or a simple fibroadenoma, and giving hugs and kisses, and as much reassurance as I can...but I feel so upset with the unfairness of her carrying all this. We both met after divorcing spouses who were unfaithful and abusive, and we've just got engaged. She doesn't deserve this. 
 

Will the consultant be able to diagnose it just through an ultrasound? What should we expect? How can I support her if the consultant diagnoses breast cancer?

  • Hi there ...

    Waiting for results is, l think the hardest  part ... you've probly got thoughts of those in the news that lost their journey to breast cancer... 

    I had 4 call backs from mamorgrams over the years, which  were fine .. only the 5th saying I had it .. I wish I'd known that 8 out of ten lumps are benign... so the odds are not bad ..

    I had a masectomy in July 2017, with a grade three breast cancer... over 5 years on, I'm doing good .. and there's been a few I met on here with different stages and treatments, but wer all still here as far as I know .. my untie got the same a year later and my friends daughter 2 years ago .. they are still here too .. treatments have come a long way... so hold on in there ..

    Try not to do the " what ifs" as that makes it all overwhelming... try to keep busy, and carry on with your support .. we all need a hand to hold .. fingers crossed it will be o.k .. sending you both a vertual hug.. Chrissie x 

  •  

    Hi Danbristol,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    We all know the agonies of waiting for a diagnosis and empathise with your worries. As Chrissie has said, there are many of us here who have coped with a cancer diagnosis and are in remission. I myself have had 2 bouts in the past 13 years and still lead a busy and fulfilled life. I lost my mum to breast cancer and also several other close family members. As a result, I was terrified when I was told at my first visit, that the consultant was pretty certain that I had breast cancer.

    This is something that nobody wants to hear, but it is easier once you know, one way or the other. You are doing the right thing by getting it investigated and I hope that by now, you have a better idea of what the problem is. There are many different types of BC, all at different grades and stages. Some of thse are more aggressive than others. I must confess that my head went into a spin, when I was told and my imagination went into overdrive, especially at the thought of leaving my 2 children and my husband behind. 

    There has been no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and aftercare that my mum and I have had. They have all advanced tremendously. Instead of dying with breast cancer, many are now living with it. Since my diagnosis, I have been fortunate enough to see my children leave school, go to university, graduate, find gainful employment, marry and I now have two beautiful granddaughters, who are the light of my life.

    If it does turn out to be breast cancer, you will support her by just being there for her. Attend any consultations that you can with her. Prepare a list of any questions you both have, prior to any appointment - these will change along your journey. Much will depend upon the type and grade of cancer and we can help you through this once you know what you are dealing with. Upon being given a diagnosis, most of us are given a pack of leaflets explaining our particular diagnosis and what to expect in the way of surgery, treatment, etc. - this is when the questions usually start.

    I am so glad to hear that she has you to support her through this and I sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how she gets on. Remember that we are here for you both at any time.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx