HI Muvvabear,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that you've had to have additional tests, yet still haven't had any results. This is always frustrating, but it happens to a number of people, for several different reasons. It could be that they haven't managed to get a clear image of your breast, or it could mean that they are unsure of the diagnosis. There are a number of different types of breast cancer and they sometimes need more tests to differentiate between them.

You have had a long wait and I imagine that you are on tender hooks waiting for your results. Unfortunately, nothing can be done to hurry these, as your consultant has to have an MDT (multi-disciplinary team) meeting with the rest of your care team, before you will be given your results. This is a meeting of all the different professionals, who could be involved in our care, should it turn out to be cancer. This means that by the time you return for your results, they will be able to tell you whether or not it is cancer and if so, what type and grade it is. They can usually discuss any treatment needed at this time too. This is a routine, usually weekly meeting, which is held to discuss all of the biopsy results that have come back that week, irrespective of the outcome. Can I ask what age your daughter is? Most of us don't say anything to our children until we have a definite diagnosis.

I sincerely hope that all goes well for you on 24th July. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much for the warm welcome

My daughter is 8 so she's aware that I have found lumps and that I have had biopsies etc but she doesn't know what the tests are for necessarily. It's a tough one because her grandparents are currently helping 2 of their close friends through terminal cancer so when she does hear about it the conversations are normally quite negative. This is why I haven't mentioned that I am being tested for it, I don't want to scare her.

Your advice has been super helpful and has put my mind straight again. My dad is beside himself and wants me to push for information sooner but I am going to be patient and wait for the 24th so that they have all their ducks in a row.

I'm struggling but I'm trying my best to stay above water until I know the results.

Hi Muvvabear,

Your daughter is old enough to know that something is going on. I am sorry to hear of what her grandparents are going through with their 2 friends and can understand that she has already heard some quite negative conversations about cancer. Breast Cancer Care provide a useful leaflet on "Talking with your children about breast cancer". Most of us would agree that is the worst part of a cancer journey. Even waiting the normal 2 weeks for results can be terrifying, so it's no wonder that you are struggling.

I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer, which had spread to her brain, bones, lungs and liver. When I was first diagnosed 14 years ago,  I expected the same fate. I had a second bout the following year, but I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. Treatments have improved immensely in the past few years and there was no comparison at all between the diagnosis, treatment and aftercare, which mum and I received. I know that it is hard to be patient at this stage, but you are doing the right thing, as half the story won't be of any use to you.

Try to keep as busy as you can, as this helps the time to pass. Don't forget that we are always here for you at any time.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx