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  

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

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 

Hi Sarah

Thank you for coming back to me it is so appreciated. I think I lived in a bubble too as to how many people are going through this process.

I was advised on the 15th April & it was suggested the best thing was to go for a masectomy, but that all seemed so radical to me (in fact after the word masectomy not sure I took anything else in from that appointment). Of course they allow u to explore your options so I went back & forth between lumpectomy & masectomy, finally deciding on masectomy on the 5th May. I was told then I would have my date by the 11th May. That date came & went with no date, I have emailed the Consultants Secretary but had no reply. I am checking my emails/phone all the time. I just need a date so much. Totally understand lots of people waiting for surgery.

Wish now I had accepted masectomy & didnt go back & forth as I may be further forward. 

I am finding this worse than being told I have breast cancer. Well meaning people keep asking if I have my date too. I also worry the lump feels bigger.

Dont know what I would do without the support of people on this forum.

I wish you luck on your journey through this, the 8th June will be here before you know it.

Keep in touch xxx

I have friend requested you. We can always message on there too xxxx 

Do you have a designated breast care nurse? 
 

Message me and we can go through stuff xx 

Do you have a designated breast care nurse? 
 

Message me and we can go through stuff xx