Trying to prepare

Hi all,

I had my breast clinic appointment last week, mammogram was clear (but have dense tissue as I'm only 39), ultrasound checked breast lump and also found swollen lymph node. They took biopsies of both so I just have to wait until my results on the 19th August. The doctor was quite honest and said it could be cancer, the radiologist didn't offer any reassurance that it could be anything else, so I'm obviously thinking the worst.

I'm trying to prepare as best I can for results day and want to get the most out of my appointment- are there any questions that would be worthwhile me asking if I'm given a cancer diagnosis? And is it common to have large lump and swollen lymph node and it not be cancer?

 

Thanks in advance xx

  • Hugs to you.

    I am sorry i cannot answer all of your questions.

    Try to tell yourself that while the doctor said it could be cancer, he didn't say it was.

    I am sorry to hear the radiologist was not sure as well, this must be worrying for you.

    I hope someone comes along to offer better questoins than me.

    I hope that it is not cancer, most lumps aren't but the NHS would not be doing thier job properly if they didn't test you and guessed rather than wait for results.

    Without the results i cannot think of any questions to ask.

    Maybe ask where the lymph node is?

    I don't know if they are just in the armpit, sorry i am not much help.

    Keep posting and let us know the results and best of luck, also i hope the next 5 days go quick and as diffciult as it is, I hope you do not suffer too much stress.

    Its easy to say don't worry, worrying doesnt help. 

    Hugs

     

  • Thanks for your reply - it helps to know there are others out there that are happy to listen and share.The wait is just so hard isn't it! 

     

    Xx

     

     

  • Hi

    I am in similiar situation. I had biopsies on my right breast  and 1 on my lymph node and marker left last week . Told i have suspicious calcifications (didnt metion the lump that I had found or why they did the Lymph node aswell)  and its 50/50 it could be cancer. Mammogram says it is cancer but ultrasound says it isnt. I too have to wait till Thursday for my results. I know the anguish and stress you are feeling as I am feeling the same. I too dont have a clue what questions to ask if any.  I really hope you get good news on Thursday . I am trying to occupy myself but its hard as I just need to know. Did they say that they will be discussing you in the MDT before you get the results?. They told me that they are having a MDT Monday and my appointment on Thursday will be with the surgeon. So that has freaked me out!! But this could me standard procedure!  The one thing I am holding on to is that they couldnt 100% say it was cancer and that they can usually definatley tell from all the tests on the day.  

    Please let me know how you get on and Good luck for Thursday xxx

  • Hi [@Bethsbaps]‍ 

    Sorry that you are going through this. Sending a hug xx 

    in relation to your results app ... I had in my head that I should have loads of questions. In reality I didn't have many. The consultant who gave me my results provided all the info that I needed at that time. 
     

    Take someone with you. It's good to have another pair of ears to take things in. If you want to, record the meeting on your phone. I did that for my oncology app. It was hugely beneficial. 
     

    By the time you have your results, they will have been in front of a multi-disciplinary team. Therefore if needed, a treatment plan will have been decided. 
     

    You will no doubt be told size, type and initial grade of cancer (if your have it). Grading can change after operation. Mine went from a 2 to a 3. I was told my exact cancer but I have heard that some women have had to wait for an HER2 result.  You will be told your treatment plan. You may be given some choices (lumpectomy/masectomy) and reasons behind them. You will be given time to think over and decide.  You may have to have some other tests - scans. 
     

    Also, you will probably be assigned a breast care nurse. If you have any questions once you leave the clinic you can contact them at any point. 
     

    So don't get worried that you don't have a long list of questions. Ideally they should give you all the info you need. If you don't understand something don't be afraid to say and ask them to explain in a different way or draw you a diagram etc. 
     

    Sending Love. Whatever the outcome you will be ok. I never expected to be diagnosed with bc. I was. I've had treatment. I'm cancer free already (diagnosed in May). I'm just going through treatment now to lessen the chances of it reoccurring. None of it has been ideal! But it's been totally manageable. 
     

    Sarah xxx 

  • Hi Sarah, 

     

    Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, you have given very useful information.

     

    So happy to hear you are cancer free! All very the best with the rest of your treatment.

     

    Thanks again xx

  • Yeah waiting is hard, i hope it goes as smoothly as possible and i hope not to sound trite.

  • Hi,

     

    Sorry that you're going through this too. There was no mention of MDT, but I think it's standard practice.

     

    Good luck for Thursday - I will update you on my results, would be good to hear how you get on too. Sending lots of positive thoughts xx

  • Hi Alibobs73 - how did you get on today? I have got breast cancer - will be starting chemo in next few weeks xx

  • Hi Bethbaps

    I am So sorry to hear your news. I was hoping one of us would be ok. I was told I have Stage 3 Inavsive breast cancer which is also in my Lymph nodes. I am having a CT scan on Saturday to see if its spread anywhere else. I too will be having Chemo to shrink it and then surgery. Head is well and Truly up my A**e, but you know what one thing I am sure of is that I will fight this 3cm little S**t and get rid of it for good. How are you feeling? 1 minute im ok the next im balling my eyes out. Hope you are ok, sending you virtual massive hugs xxx

     

  • Hi [@Bethsbaps]‍ 

    So sorry to read your update. Rubbish isn't it! 
     

    I had my op and then chemo to follow. I've had one round so far of a total of 4. Every 21 days. I was petrified before my first one. The idea of it though turned out to be far worse than the actual experience - it hasn't been too bad at all. I know it effects people differently. Different drugs etc but I have fared really well so far. I think I was kind of expecting the worst yet the worst hasn't happened yet! 
     

    I just followed all the instructions and took all the drugs they sent me home with! It's daunting but it will be ok. The chemo nurses are available 24/7 if you have any concerns - hugely reassuring. So much good advice and tips from people on here to, if you feel you want it. I have asked so many questions, some of which seem really bizarre but it appears people have wondered about pretty much everything in the past - so helpful. 
     

    Sending love, Sarah xx