Beware Unreliable FNA

I don't know if FNA results are given differently these days, but in 2016 I phoned for mine and was elated to hear no cause for concern. (I wasn't told that FNA results are not always reliable.) I was told I should still attend breast clinic as standard. I thought great, half a day off work and a croissant and coffee at the Hospital cafe. I looked forward to it actually. I even spotted 2 magpies on the drive there. 2 mammograms, scan and a biopsy later and I asked the radiologist what it could be as she looked at the scan images. Thinking fibroids or something. She said she wasn't allowed to give an inaccurate reply, she said she was 99.9% certain it was cancer. I was lying on a bed half naked and shivering. She was very matter of fact. A nurse there handed me tissues as i cried. I then had to wait to go in a room where 3 nurses told me it was cancer and handed me a body print out with a biro circling the breast. Odd. I was then told I could go. How I drove home to Newbury in the state I was in, crying my eyes out, without killing myself will always astound me. And the fact they let me leave. I'm sharing this because FNA results are known to be inaccurate and unreliable. I hope they tell people this now. But if not, please take someone with you to the breast clinic, just incase. Don't do what I did and assume they're right. Nearly 5 years clear, though awaiting investigation for lumps in neck. Wishing you all well. X

  • How utterly insensitive ... crule even .... it's hard enough when we have someone with us .. I always say take someone ... they can either give you a high 5 for good news .. or a shoulder to lean on if not ...

    Please take heart a little though ... I came on here in 2017 and chatted to another 5/6 others all being diagnosed... all different stages and treatments.... and one lass started the thread on here called the good and bad... showing all our ups and downs ... and even laughs along the way ... honestly ...

    We held on together .. more joined in over time ... and the good news is most of them have gone back to their life post cancer.... and one lass has had a baby boy after her treatment .. now baby number 2 due soon ... and wer all still here ..

    A positive attitude really helps.... while letting emotions out .. and admitting it's scary ... it's getting everything in balance ... it's not an easy ride but it is doable... it's been likened to a rollercoaster ride... the biggest one you've ever seen ... big highs thinking we got this .. then lows , thinking we may crumble ... but if you jump on .. just look around , wer all right there with you ...

    Sending you a vertual hug.... Chrissie x

  • Dear Chrissie,

     

    thank you and thanks for the virtual hug.  

    so true about the roller coaster ride and I relate more to the crumbling than any highs. I want to look on the bright side but my health is generally poor with lots of issues related to treatment and surgery. Life is pain mostly. I work full time but it's killing me and I'm a walking zombie. Thank you tho, moral support goes a long way. Trying to see the rainbow and ignore the rain. Hugs back.