The wait

Hi there

I found a small lump in my right breast a few weeks ago where I was referred to the breast clinic and was seen last Tuesday. I arrived thinking I would have another cyst as I've had previously. When I arrived I was taken straight through for a mammogram. I was then asked to go for an ultrasound but was taken back through for another mammogram then back to ultrasound. Whilst laying there scanning me she asked if she could get her colleague to have a look after a discussion I had 2 lumps biopsies 3 times in each right breast and 2 times in my left breast. I only thought I had 1 lump. I had markers put in them all and sent back for another mammogram. 

I was then taken through to the consultant where I was met with a nurse and consultant. She examined me and went on to explain that I had an 8cm lump in the right breast which they were extremely worries about. Not so much the other lumps which were 3 cm  but just this really big one. They gave me a grade 4 out of 5 not sure what that means based on the mammogram and ultrasound reports and their findings. 

The nurse explained that she was my nurse Co ordinator and would arrange my CT contrast scan the results would go to the consultant and  their would be an MDT team meeting. I was told i would be given an appointment for 2 weeks and my care could be transferred to my nearest hospital if I wanted it to be and she would make sure this would be done so I would still have my appointment in 2 weeks. I was given her name and contact details. I got a call Thursday my CT contrast scan is Monday evening. 

I'm feeling extremely nervous about everything and the wait is driving me mad.

  • The wait is the worst part. It’s so scary. It does get easier. Xx

  • HI Emerald,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and completely understand your anxiety. Waiting for results is one of the most worrying times of any cancer journey - I've had 2 bouts of breast cancer an can testify to that! Our over active imaginations don't help either, as they can take us to all sorts of dark places, in this time.  Irrespective of the outcome, it becomes much easier to cope with, once you know exactly what you are dealing with. 

    There is nothing to worry about with a contrast CT. A dye will be injected into your arm prior to the scan. This improves the visibility and clarity of your lumps. The CT itself is no problem. You lie on a table and your body will be moved back and forth, through a tunnel like structure, taking a series of  x-rays. You will occasionally be asked to hold your breath and then told to breathe again. The worst part will be the wait for your results. Try to stay away from Google, as this concentrates on the more spectacular cases, won't apply to you, won't give you any answers and will only serve to scare you further. Keep yourself busy. It doesn't matter whether this is with work or pleasure, so long as it helps to take your mind off the wait.

    I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and I hope that it all goes well.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you, I'm trying to keep busy but it's always in the back of your mind. 

  • Thank you. I do hope your OK.  I think I'm shocked that I didn't feel an 8cm lump and I really didn't realise they graded you now based in the mammogram and ultrasound results whilst your there, that never even entered  my head xx