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Suspicious ultrasound

MarginallyBewildered
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Hi  

So, I found a lump in my left breast about 6 weeks ago. About 2cm big, quite hard and aching/sore- it was actually the aching that made me notice it! I went to my GP a few days later, and she done the exam and said as it was moving it was most likely a cyst, but as I have family history of cancer and a couple of underlying conditions that put me at a slightly higher risk, she would refer me to the breast clinic to be on the safe side

A few days ago, I had the appointment at the breast clinic, where I had exam, mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and another mammogram. I was chatting to the ultrasound lady to clear the awkwardness of lying there tipless in front of a stranger, as you do, and I just happened to ask how often she could tell straight away what she was looking at, her reply was "we'll chat after"

No worries, figured she just wanted me to stop babbling and let her concentrate on doing the ultrasound. She then explained to me that she was doing a biopsy as she was concerned about what she saw, and she'd also spotted a second lump. Biopsy done, clips added, and back to get the second mammogram (which btw, was so much more painful after having the biopsy done!)

Then I went back to the original doctor, who explained that the mammograms were indeterminable, but the ultrasound had shown suspicious results. 

I'd gone in thinking I had a cyst, so was not expecting her to say that!! 

She explained that they'd obviously have to wait for the biopsy results to come back for a definite answer, but it was extremely suspicious. I asked her to be quite real with me so I knew what to mentally prepare myself for when I went for the follow up next week, and she replied to ensure I did not come alone, not to worry because it was only the 2 lumps and nothing had shown in my armpit, but she would be very surprised if we were not dealing with a small cancer

I'm obviously trying to keep a clear head and positive outlook, but after 3 days of that conversation happening, I'm starting to question - how often would a doctor say that and it not be the worst case scenario that they are portraying?

Is there a chance that she is just preparing me for the worst but it won't be that bad?

  • Hello

    In reply to your question I think she probably is preparing you for the news you do not want to hear. Looking on the positive side, there does not seem to be any lymph node involvement, which is a big plus!

    I had a ct scan which showed an abnormality in the left breast and after it was shown to the breast team my GP told me to expect cancer. This was 24 days before I had an appointment to see the consultant at our local hospital. I had to keep the news to myself because I did not want to cause alarm to my unwell husband. He has multiple problems after having stomach cancer five years ago, followed by the removal of his gallbladder. He only has one third of his stomach left and as a result can only eat tiny amounts of food every two hours. He suffers constant nausea and has no energy.

    I am glad that I was forewarned so the news that I had breast cancer and at least three cancerous lymph nodes did not come as an awful shock.

    I had a lumpectomy and a procedure to remove all the axillary lymph nodes last Wednesday. Despite some discomfort I am recovering well and am waiting to hear what is the next plan of action. My appointment is on the 24th May but I am trying to keep myself busy with limited housework so I won't worry about the next phase!

    It is upsetting to suspect the worst but please take comfort from knowing that the outcome is not as bad as you fear. You will be well cared for by the surgical team and the follow up by the breast cancer nurses.

    Best wishes

    Anne

  • Offline in reply to afd

    Hi Ann,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to reply

    I am so sorry for what you are going through, and thoughts are with you and your husband x

    I think I know deep down that she has basically told me the outcome, and at the moment I'm fine with that because I know the prognosis is nowhere near as bad as it used to be! I've only actually spoken to my partner, my immediate family and my line manager about it and all of them are going in with the glass half full attitude and I'm maybe starting to let it cloud my judgement a bit!

    I think I'm like you, in the way that I'm glad that I'm not going to be blindsided when I go to get the biopsy results. I'm not too sure when the emotion of what is happening will hit me, but at the moment I just feel quite numb to it and I think that's making the wait go a bit quicker 

    Hope your next appointment bears some good news in whatever way it can and that the plan of action is the best case scenario for your situation 

    xxx

  • in reply to MarginallyBewildered

    Hello again and thank you for your reply.

    The waiting for confirmation by the biopsies is always the worst part and then the news finally sinks in. The report in my case was delayed by an extra week because the consultant was recovering from covid! I was very distressed and was told to phone the cancer nurse team to see if they could give me the result over the phone. Fortunately, one of them gave me the details, although I knew the outcome from all the tests. It was a numbing experience but I felt some relief so that I could concentrate on what I had to do next. This involved buying soft bras without underwiring and button-through blouses! I spent considerable time searching for these items in town and I began to feel in control of the situation. I am sure when you make such plans you will feel much better.

    I have been told that because of the removal of all the lymph nodes it is likely that I shall have to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy plus tablets for five years. I am not looking forward to possible chemo because I dread losing my hair. However, I have many attractive hats with flower motifs so I intend to wear them and nobody will know the difference!

    I understand from your reply that you are still working. You did the right thing by informing your line manager so there will be less pressure on you when you are able to return to your job. My situation is different as I am a retired octogenarian so,apart from looking after my husband, I can take time to recover.

    I hope you receive your biopsy results promptly and that you will be reassured when you know the next step. If you feel up to it please let me know how you get on.

    My thoughts are with you.

    Best wishes,

    Anne xxx

  • Offline in reply to afd

    Hello again!

    You're right, the waiting is not fun, especially as I am an impatient soul!! Working has filled the time though, even if I have been a bit on autopilot! I'm due to go on Thursday for the biopsy results, so hopefully there'll be no delays and I've only got a few more days to wait

    I love that you used your diagnosis as an excuse for retail therapy- even though the items were practical, I'm guessing the normality of just being out and doing something that felt relatively normal made things seem less intense. I think that's the thing I'm most worried about, people treating me like I'm different and losing all sense of what normal feels like. 

    I'm intrigued about your hats!! Maybe as a hobby you could start designing your own, will give you something to keep you occupied while going through treatment and something unique to wear after! And if, god willing, chemo is not needed, you'll at least have a great collection!

    Sending happy thoughts your way

    xxx

  • in reply to MarginallyBewildered

    I shall be thinking of you on Thursday. Let me know how you get on.

    I had an uncomfortable afternoon today because my bra felt too tight, although it was a soft body item! After closer inspection of the breast area my husband pointed out that there were two incisions under the breast which I thought were merely bruises and I had not realised that the lower part of the bra cup was rubbing against them. You live and learn! Now I have dispensed with the bra and find I am more comfortable without. Let's say this does not give me an ideal outline but it is all I can do for the present. I will look forward to wearing my usual underwired "push-ups" when all is healed!

    My hats are part of a collection accumulated over the years - from cotton traders and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill. I wear them to keep my copious straight hair from blowing into my mouth.and covering my eyes. This is the problem with living close to the sea. The wind is dreadful here and no umbrella can cope with the gale force blasts.

    I am pleased you are keeping occupied. It is the only way to overcome thought of the next few days.

    Best wishes

    Anne x

  • Offline in reply to MarginallyBewildered

    Hello 

    I was told Mike looked suspicious and sadly I did get a breast cancer diagnosis I think they can see by the characteristics of the ultrasound ect but there’s no way they can 100% no until biopsy come back I was also told to bring someone with me so I sort of knee I was gunna get a diagnosis x 

    good luck love Lara my diagnosis was nearly 2 years ago x 

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