Hi Honey

You sound so practical and pro-active

Re your appointment. I wasn't able to take anyone to my initial app. Due to COVID obvs

It was really straightforward though and all staff I came into contact with were great and explained exactly what they were doing. 
 

I had an initial examination by a nurse. I then had a mammogram. Then another one as the Dr wanted more info re my left boob. I then had an ultrasound. In relation to your (tight lipped) question ... Dr initially located some cysts. She showed me on the screen. She also located a lump buried amongst them (not ideal I was thinking). I asked her if she was concerned and she said that due to way it was 'presenting' she was concerned. She showed me that too. She then took a biopsy. She said she was unable to diagnose exactly what it was until biopsy was analysed. She was very professional and I thought as honest as she could be at that stage. She couldn't see anything in my lymph nodes that lead her to want to biopsy those at that time. 
 

I took a book with me as wasn't sure how long I'd be waiting around. Although I was there for about 3hrs I didn't feel like I was waiting around. 
 

The whole experience itself wasn't bad at all. It was the wait for the results that was hideous. My clinic has a 2 week turn around. I was advised to take someone with me for my results. I don't currently have a husband/partner so took my friend. I kinda knew that the results wouldn't be great. However so many people go for these tests and the results are all fine. Cysts etc. It's more common to have a positive result than a nasty one. Definitely keep that forefront in your mind honey My GP said only 1 in 8 tests are positive for  cancer.
 

I saw the consultant when I went back. Unfortunately he confirmed what I'd thought. But it's treatable. That's all I wanted to hear  My treatment starts with an operation on 8th June. I feel really positive at mo - I have two teenage boys and when I tell them (nearer to hospital app) I have nothing but positive facts to relay. 
 

I didn't get the best news. But please please remember, that's not always the case. Far from it. I hope it all goes smoothly for you tomorrow. Sarah xxx  

Hi

Hope all goes well at your app.

Mine was a recall from my routine mammogram I'm 55. At the appointment I had another mammogram but taken at different angle, then the consultant saw me and examined me followed by ultrasound. From this they did a biopsy. The consultant saw me again with a nurse after and said it was cancer but they had to wait for results. 

That was 20th March. Results in 31st March then I had surgery 21st April. I was back for lymph results 12th May and I see my oncologist 19th so it's been a whirlwind really. 

There are lots of reasons for lumps not all are cancerous. I don't recall what I asked but they did sit and go through so much and also gave me a wallet full of leaflets etc.

My partner sat in the car as no one was allowed in but they did say he could go in with me for the results and I'm glad he did just because there was alot to take in and he asked questions I didn't think of. 

Hope all goes well 

Louise x

Thank you for your messages, it's good to know they're likely to talk through at least parts of it. It's the not knowing that is the most difficult, my mum's mum died from breast cancer when she was in her 50's, I was fairly young at the time and don't really know the ins and outs of it - but I can't find out from my mum without telling her why I'm asking (I don't want to tell her until I know there's something to tell). I was thinking about taking my work laptop to pass the time but a book is probably a much better idea! 

thank you

Totally understand re not telling people stuff unless you have to! They likely worry more than we do. And we worry a lot! 
 

Take a book. You may not need it. Just remember ... All will be ok. Regardless of the outcome (which could be absolutely fine)  all will be ok xxx 
 

Hi Louise 

I have sent you a friend request. I have a couple of questions re your operation. Hope that's ok xx 

Hi 

I've accepted it xx

Hi,

Just an update on my clinic appointment today

Saw a doctor for a physical exam, he had a feel and marked the lump but said he thought it was cysts. He said he'd send me for an ultrasound but he didn't expect to see me again so that was reassuring.

During the ultrasound the lady said she couldn't see any lumps either in the breast or in the armpit, nothing at all. She said it must just be a patch of extremely dense tissue, but she did say the dense breast tissue had extended much further than normal into my armpit which she said explained the dull ache.

I can still feel a pronounced lump, it's a good 3-4cm and not smooth - and although I feel a bit better that they couldn't see anything obviously cancer - I can't help shaking the feeling that there's something more going on there than just thick tissue. Has anyone else had something similar?

If the breast tissue is that dense it feels like a solid lump and is not going to go away, how can I do any self-checks with any hope of finding anything? I'm too young to be getting annual scans as routine, is that something I can ask for does anyone know?

TIA

P.s taking a physical book was a really good distraction so thanks for the tip :). Not sure if it's the same process in all clinics but once you're in the clinic, you're in until you're done and wasn't allowed to nip out to get a drink (really wanted a cup of tea!) from the canteen. I get the rationale so not complaining at all just in case that helps anyone else, I was so glad I'd take a bottle of water with me

Good Evening Slightly Bewildered

Your post makes for interesting reading...I am in a very similar situation as to how your experience has played out. Could you advise how soon you got your operation date from when it was decided what treatment you need? I am finding the worst bit is waiting to find out when my masectomy will be.

Thanks

Hey Honey.  
 

Firstly, I am so pleased to hear you had positive news. That's so so good. 

Secondly, I'm glad the book option helped :))

Thirdly, I am sorry to hear you still feel anxious. I'm not sure re regular checks etc  Can totally understand your point though. Makes you feel a little helpless re finding anything yourself in the future. You could ask the nurses on here? They may be able to advise you on this. I'm sure they will have encountered this type of concern before  

Sarah xxx 

Hi Honey

I find it upsetting that so many of us are going through this sort of thing. I had no idea until I was referred to the breast clinic and found this amazing forum, how many people are being diagnosed with cancer. Not just breast cancer. I think I lived in a bit of a bubble prior to my diagnosis! 
 

I had my results on 5th May. I was asked to decide between a lumpectomy and a masectomy. Was totally up to me due to type and size of the lump. Even though it's pretty big I have opted for a lumpectomy first - see how we go! 
 

The consultant said my surgery would be in around 4 weeks time - from date of my results.  The nurse contacted me a week later to see what decision I'd made As I elected to have a lumpectomy, she was able to give me a date there n then.  8th June.  Had I chosen to have a masectomy she said the wait time would be slightly longer. I didn't know this before making the decision though.  When did you get your results? And how was it left re updating you with dates? I can imagine exactly how you are feeling. 
 

The worst wait was in between tests and results. I pretty much knew I had bc but was then convincing myself it was terminal! Once I knew what I was dealing with the relief was huge. It was that that made me cry. Sheer relief! 
 

Here for you if you want to chat anymore  

Sarah xxx