Recalled to gynecology after ultrasound. 8 Years on Tamoxife

Hi all. I was given the all clear from breast cancer 8 years ago - I'm 57 now. Ive been on tamoxifen since then.

I had a small bleed 5 weeks ago - just the once -  and the Dr referred me to gyno. The consultant had a check and found nothing untoward but couldn't access my uterus to take the routine biopsy as she couldn't get through my cervix!! Anyway, I was sent for an ultrasound the following week. Nothing was said and now, nearly 3 weeks later Ive been recalled to the gyno consultant. The letter says they might do an ultrasound - might do a hysteroscopy - might do a biopsy (must have forgotten how they failed last time). Also says that i might want to bring someone along with me to the appointment - the letter didnt say that for the first appointment. This will be nearly 4 weeks after the ultrasound.

As is usual for me, I can see nothing but upcoming doom. The trauma of the breast cancer diagnosis has left me in fear of the sight of a Macmillan nurse and I am fearing the worst as usual.

I can only assume that something has shown up on the ultrasound, but the letter reads like a routine 'we might do this. we might do that' type letter.

 

Is it possible that this is just a routine dscussion of the ultrasound results? I know from my CT scans 8 years ago that fibroids were present. 

 

I find these letters to be so so vague and unhelpful. I wish they would just say what they can see and why they want to see me. Or just ring me!!!!

 

Has anyone been in a simillar situation?

  • Hi Sanner

    My situation is similar to yours in that they were unable to gain entry to my uterus because of a badly scarred cervix and so no biopsies were taken.  After the second hysteroscopy which was done under general anaesthetic,  I was referred for an urgent mri and told I may need a hysterectomy.  I am currently waiting for the results of the scan.  I am worried about having a hysterectomy without the information that only a biopsy can provide.

    I understand your frustration with the vague letters - I've had telephone conversations that are just as uninformative.  After my first hysteroscopy I was told by phone that everything was ok, only to receive a letter saying the results of the biopsy were inconclusive and I would need a second hysteroscopy.   It turned out later that my uterus had been perforated and I've no idea where they took the biopsy from.  They only realised what had happened when during the second hysteroscopy a more experienced doctor recognised that a false passage had been created and they weren't  inside my uterus at all.   Nobody has explained anything to me and when I rang the consultant about the hysterectomy without a biopsy, she just seemed irritated and offhand.

    I assume it's  because they're so busy and after reading other posts I realise we're all in the same boat, left waiting and worrying.  I can understand why you're scared after what you've already been through and I really hope you get some answers at your appointment and that it turns out ok.  

    I'd love to hear how you get on.  Good luck.

    Cobweb

  • Tank you for your reply - that sounds awful!

    I got a letter today saying that the ultra sound showed a thickening of the uterus and would need a hysteroscopy and a biopsy - something I was expecting to happen anyway, to be honest. They told me a small polyp they biopsied was clear, so that's something.

    I'm going to insist they do it under general anaesthetic this time to ensure they get it done rather than poke around with no success.

    When they say 'thickening' of the uterus, does anyone know if they mean all over, or just in one spot (as in a lump)?

    As I said, Ive been on tamoxifen for 8 years now and a thickening is normal I believe. I'm still holding on to this being routine elimination, rather than a pursuit of anything specific but their letters and communication leave a lot to be desired!!!

     

    Thanks again for your kind response.