Dear all,

I'm 51 and at 50 my GP sent me for a mammogram because I was experiencing tenderness around both nipples and armpits. I was convinced it was hormonal and as I expected, the mammogram  was clear. I have since felt twinges in my right breast but ignored it as I thought it was more of the same - the gift of the menopause that keeps on giving! A few weeks ago I received a routine mammogram appointment for ladies over 50. I went to it and immediately got a sixth sense that something wasn't right. My right breast seemed to constantly feel tender. After 10 days, I got the letter saying more tests were needed. So, yesterday I went. I was expecting a chat with someone first but instead I went straight for a mammogram where the radiographer said she was instructed to take 2 images of the right breast. She advised that I would also have an ultrasound and would be given the diagnosis at the end. I then saw a consultant who felt my breasts;  said calcification had been found on the mammogram but, after doing the ultrasound she couldn't see the calcification and the arm pit was clear. She then left! The ultrasound took a while though, with lots of pressing. I'm sure images were taken and the nurse wrote something in a notebook. I was then called for another mammogram and told that vacuum biopsies would be taken. It took an hour whereby 12 biopsies were taken and a marker was left. I asked if I would be given the results and was told I'd have to wait a week. But, they agreed to show me an image on the screen and explained that my breast had a cyst and random calcifications that didn't concern them. However, they then showed me an area of white tissue of around 6mm which contained a cluster of 3 or 4 tiny calcifications. They told me that they had looked at the biopsies under the microscope and believed they had got enough to test. But, they advised that if not, another biopsy would be needed. I was told that an appointment had been made for next week and was given a leaflet which said that my appointment would be to discuss treatment. I feel bruised and battered both physically and mentally. I also feel completely dumbfounded that nobody sat me down and explained the scenarios. I know that, until the results of the biopsies are in, no one can be certain - but a discussion would have been nice. I'm just hoping to connect with others as so far, I'm  keeping this to myself and Dr Google isn't much comfort. Forwarned is forearmed in my book so any shared /similar experiences would be appreciated. Many thanks x