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Breast lump biopsies - advice please

Mumtotwoboys
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Hi, 

So I found a large lump in my breast and had it looked at this week at the clinic. I expected to be told that it was a fibroadenoma or something so was quite surprised as their reaction showed it was possibly something else. 

Within minutes of the nurse scanning my breast, she called in the consultant who told me they were concerned. The nurse told the consultant my node was 2.5cm too. So they took quite a few core biopsies of my breast lump and from my armpit too. I also had a marker placed and 2 mammograms. They told me they would see me in just over a weeks time and really stressed to bring my husband with me. 

I had a core biopsy taken from another lump 2 years ago but they weren't worried and it was a completely different experience to this time.

After my mammogram, I saw the nurse typing up notes and I saw 3 different sizes: 7.5cm, 3.5cm and 5.2cm. So all fairly large! But not sure what it was referring to.

I'm 36. Breast cancer doesn't run in my family. I actually feel quite calm and not overly anxious about it. Lots of people keep telling me that most of the time these lumps are found to be benign etc. But I feel that I would actually prefer to go to my appointment next week expecting bad news as thinking it was probably nothing to go through that this week took me aback a little. So I'd rather be prepared. If it is benign then that's great!

So I really need some help with knowing what to ask/find out next week if it is bad news. I'd rather have some questions prepared. Cos otherwise I'll be sat there with my head in a daze and come out regretting I didn't find out more! Could anyone suggest some questions or things I should know/find out? 

Thank you so much!

  • Offline in reply to Shazlarr

    Hi Shaziarr

    Sorry to hear you are going through this too! It's pretty rubbish isn't it? Hopefully your appointment will come through soon and you'll be on your way to getting it all sorted :))

    Just wanted to clarify ... Are you asking whether your consultant advised masectomy over lumpectomy? 
     

    Sarah xx 

  • Offline in reply to SlightlyBewildered

    Hi Sarah,

    Thank you so much for asking. Yes I had my results on Wednesday - I have grade 2 er+ breast cancer. Just waiting on her2 results. It's in my lymph node too. I start chemo in about 2-3 weeks time. Apparently some research has been done to suggest younger people respond better to chemo before surgery. I have CT scan this weekend and then bone scan next week too. Just waiting for MRI scan appointment. Booked my hair appointment today to have it all off before the treatment starts as I think I'd find it too upsetting to see it coming out in clumps. 

    How are you doing? 

    Bethany x

  • Offline in reply to Mumtotwoboys

    Hi Honey

    So sorry to hear your news. I know you were expecting it, like I was but it's still hideous to hear. We have the same type of cancer. Mine is HER2 -  
     

    You sound super strong and ready to fight this. I've had a few wobbles but mostly I've been ok. Nothing we can do other than trust in the Dr's and let them take charge of getting us through and out the other side ASAP. 
     

    I am amazed and very thankful for how fast things move once a diagnosis is given. I cannot imagine having to wait around. That would make things 100 x worse and it's already totally rubbish! 
     

    How many chemo sessions will you be having over what period of time? A really close friend of mine went through treatment a few years ago. She's out the other side now. As we will be soon! She did exactly the same with her hair, for the same reason as you.  She stormed through her treatment, super positive mindset  - I'm using her as my role model! 
     

    If you can and feel up to it please keep me posted with how things are going. I will send you a friend request thingy! If you ever want to we can private message there. 
     

    I'm ok. I isolate from tomorrow evening. Although it's not really isolating because I then have two appointments for different procedures at different places on Monday before my actual op on Tuesday :))) 
     

    Sending lots of love and a huge big hug. Here if you need me. Sarah xxx 

  • Offline in reply to SlightlyBewildered

    Hi I am having masectomy with reconstruction because my area of dcis is over 5cm away from my idc. My vacuum biopsy, showed idc, my ultrasound was okay, my mammogram showed breast distortion. I cannot feel the lump, my consultant showed me my mammograms I had an enhanced one, and advised this is small stage one.  Sorry my question is if this was bigger they would know wudnt they xx

  • Offline in reply to Shazlarr

    Hi Honey

    My opinion, one which I formed really quickly, is that the people in charge of diagnosing and treating us, absolutely know what they are looking for and exactly what is going on inside our boobs. I'm sure that what they've found and the treatment plan they have decided upon is exactly right for what you have xxx 

  • Offline in reply to SlightlyBewildered

    Thank you  I am not needing an mri because I am having a masectomy, with reconstruction , any advice on why it did not show on ultrasound pls.  What was your diagnosis and treatment please xx

  • Offline in reply to Shazlarr

    Hi Shazlarr,

    I'm not sure why it wouldn't have shown on the ultrasound. But I only know for me that I had to have an ultrasound and then a mammogram too to check the area they were concerned about and also to see if they'd missed anything else on ultrasound. I am also having an MRI scan soon to triple check they haven't missed anything and to decide my surgery. The breast clinic are usually very good and they're very experienced. But you said your lump was small so it may have been that. Did they pick it up on a mammogram? 

    Just be assured, as Sarah said, that the consultants are very good at diagnosing and treating us. I learned that they have a panel who makes decisions too, it isn't just one person, which reassured me too. 

    I hope your surgery goes well. When are you due to have it? 

    Bethany xx

  • Offline in reply to Shazlarr

    Morning Homey

    i hope you slept ok. I have a 3cm cancerous lump in my left boob. I also have microcalcifications around it that take the total area to 7cm. All this is being removed on Tues. The cancer is invasive, grade 2, hormone positive, her2 negative. I could not feel the lump. I just felt an odd sensation in my boob occasionally and this prompted me to go to the GP. 

     

    She referred me and I had a mammogram which picked up the lump. I then had an ultrasound which picked up some cysts and showed the lump was buried amongst those. I then had a biopsy. 
     

    My treatment plan is lumpectomy on Tues. I have elected this as my nurse explained that they try to encourage you to keep as much natural boob as possible - if this is an option of course. Because the area to be removed is large though - if they don't get the margins and more needs to be taken then it's likely I will have to have a masectomy as there won't be much left to take - I'm not huge chested (36d) enough to get away with 7cm and have some boob left. Def no more than that though. Consultant who is also my surgeon (he does the lumpectomys) said size wise - lump and boobs - I'm on the cusp for keeping it. 
     

    So... Lump etc removed. Healing time. Follow up app on 1st July to see whether they got all they needed to. Plus whether or not there are any cells in my lymph nodes - they will be taking a few on Tuesday to test. Nothing untoward showed up during ultrasound but some cells so small cannot be detected. Therefore they will be sent to USA for testing. Depending on what they find/don't find it will be decided whether or not I will have to have chemo. Hoping not! But whatever it takes! 
     

    I am having an intense course of radiation (5 days). This is standard procedure following a lumpectomy. And then I will be on hormone suppressants for up to 10 years. 
     

    Hope that helps. Ask away if you need to honey. There are so many people on here with many different experiences. I'm pretty sure there will be some who have very similar experiences to you xxxx 

  • Offline in reply to SlightlyBewildered

    Thank you for sharing that, I will be much happier when have my surgery date, but like you said if this showed larger on my images, it didn't show on ultrasound, I would be going down a different route.  Consultant advised its small, I cannot feel it, nor could GP or bcn. I am still awaiting Her result but I know its hormone positive 8/8. So my final treatment plan after surgery will depend on my HER result.  xx

  • Offline in reply to Shazlarr

    Yes! Having a surgery date is definitely good! It gives you something to work with. Rather than just waiting which is absolutely hideous isn't it! Keep me posted as I'll be thinking of you!

    I'm just about to embark on cleaning my house! My Mum is coming to look after me for a few days this week after my operation. I'm 48 with 2 teenage sons but still want my Mum here for this! Just want everything clean n tidy for when she arrives. She won't expect it bless her but it will make me feel better. 
     

    Lots of love xxx 

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