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Awaiting results

MJT1977
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Hi

Just stumbled across this forum (thank goodness). I've had a lump in my left breast for ages. I noticed it early last year, if not before but chose to bury my head I the sand, for whatever reason. 

On 2nd Jan I decided to go to the drs, who then referred me to the breast clinic the same day. I was impressed that they rang me the following day and booked me in for tests on the 8th Jan. 

I went to the appointment, had a mammogram and ultrasound to be told yes there is a lump, it looks benign but they did a core biopsy aswell and inserted a 'marker' into it.

Now I'm waiting....upto 3 weeks they said.

This is the most stressful thing I have ever gone through. My husband came with me to the appointment but I haven't told any other family members. The thought of worrying them unnecessarily upsets me. I have a 15 year old daughter who would be absolutely mortified, a 7 year old who probably wouldn't get it (that's probably a good thing). I can't talk to my husband properly as he gets upset aswell and I seem to be the 'rock'of the family.

Now my brain is going haywire... thinking... all of the 'what ifs' that come with it to do with work, bills, telling people. The list and thoughts go on. 

I'm 46 (47 next month) and just waiting..... its so hard to stay strong and focused and I haven't even had results yet.

Just wanted to come here and connect with others who maybe going through the same thing.

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    Hi MJT1977,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    Worrying though this is, you have done the right thing by getting your symptoms checked out. They usually tell things as they are, at the clinic, so if they think that it's benign, they are hopefully right. While the scans can detect your lump, and your care team can often detect cancer by the shape and composition of the lump, it is the biopsy which will determine whether or not there is any cancer present.

    Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, fibroadenoma or due to hormonal changes. It is a fact that only 20% of all referrals to the breast clinic, turn out to be cancerous, so the odds are still on your side. Our over active imaginations don't help during this wait, as they take us to all sorts of dark places. It is only natural that you are concerned about all the familial and practical matters that could arise, if you get a cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, this seldom happens and the odds are still on your side. I am the kingpin of my family too and my husband found it hard to talk about it at first. Your hubby is naturally worried too. Try to keep the communication channels open between the 2 of you, as it is really helpful to have someone to talk to.

    Most of us don't tell family and friends until we get our results back and we know what, if anything, we are dealing with. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and treatment was perfectly "doable". I am still here 14 years after diagnosis and still leading a busy life.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi MJT1977,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    Worrying though this is, you have done the right thing by getting your symptoms checked out. They usually tell things as they are, at the clinic, so if they think that it's benign, they are hopefully right. While the scans can detect your lump, and your care team can often detect cancer by the shape and composition of the lump, it is the biopsy which will determine whether or not there is any cancer present.

    Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, fibroadenoma or due to hormonal changes. It is a fact that only 20% of all referrals to the breast clinic, turn out to be cancerous, so the odds are still on your side. Our over active imaginations don't help during this wait, as they take us to all sorts of dark places. It is only natural that you are concerned about all the familial and practical matters that could arise, if you get a cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, this seldom happens and the odds are still on your side. I am the kingpin of my family too and my husband found it hard to talk about it at first. Your hubby is naturally worried too. Try to keep the communication channels open between the 2 of you, as it is really helpful to have someone to talk to.

    Most of us don't tell family and friends until we get our results back and we know what, if anything, we are dealing with. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and treatment was perfectly "doable". I am still here 14 years after diagnosis and still leading a busy life.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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