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Cancer

Find advice & support if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer

Breast cancer diagnosis waiting game…

23 replies

DollyMop · 25/07/2025 17:19

Have been entering a bit of an anxiety spiral since my visit to breast cancer one stop diagnosis clinic yesterday. I found a lump and was referred by my gp.

At the clinic the doctor did a quick check of my breasts and then I went off for a mammogram, which was followed by an ultrasound. The radiologist seemed pretty certain it was a cyst, but then started looking a something else more intently - same breast, just opposite side. He said he wanted to drain the cyst as it seemed inflamed and that he wanted to do core biopsies and insert a marker on this new area of interest. He didn’t really indicate what he thought it was and, if I’m honest, I think I was too scared to ask. Anyway, it has really rattled me and I’ve been doomscrolling all day. I have an appointment with the doctor for results next Thursday.

Im on the family screening for breast cancer and had my last one in October. I also had an mri in June this year for something else. Nothing abnormal spotted in either case. I’m worried that this could be a cancer that has been hiding for some time. My mind is all over the place. I know I must stop catastrophising but he took four biopsy samples and put in a marker - he must have been concerned.

I’m scared of how I will cope with the bad news. It’s almost like I need to prepare myself for the worst so that it’s not a shock. I’m exhausted and struggling to sleep with worry, which certainly doesn’t help. Anyway, thanks for reading - it helps to share as I’ve only told my husband as don’t want others to worry yet.

OP posts:
VioletandDill · 25/07/2025 17:26

I'm afraid I can't offer much in the way of hope, as I found a lump in January and it was cancer.(though if it's any consolation, 2 women I know found a lump at the same time as me and it wasn't!)

I will say that if it is the big bad news, treatment nowadays is just incredible, quick and effective. I started treatment within 3 weeks. Mine is now small enough not to be seen on an ultrasound, and might even be all gone.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. For now, have a cry on someone's shoulder, eat lots of chocolate and know that if it is that, you're in very good hands.

It might also worth searching for a Maggie's centre near you. You don't have to have a diagnosis, they're an incredible resource with fantastic, knowledgeable people you can speak to, and they offer free tea, coffee and biscuits!
All the best.

DollyMop · 25/07/2025 17:34

I’m glad to hear your treatment is going so well. Thanks for the encouraging words and I’ll see what I can find out about Maggie’s.

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ClawsandEffect · 25/07/2025 17:50

You said you need to be ready for the bad news. So let's imagine it IS bad news and it is cancer.

15 years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3, Triple Negative (fast and aggressive) breast cancer. It was a largeish lump. I had a lot of treatment, most of which was a lot easier than I expected.

And as I'm sitting here typing this for you, you can see I'm still here! And in fact, I have done a lot more with my life post cancer than I ever did before.

When I got my diagnosis, I thought I was going to die. But I didn't, almost all the treatment was manageable and life is good.

So IF it is the worst news possible, it doesn't mean it's Goodnight Sweetheart.

HappiestSleeping · 25/07/2025 17:54

I know it is easy to say, but try not to worry until you know. Similar to the PP, my wife had a lump and it was cancer, although we know others where it wasn't.

Above all, try not to Google as that way madness lies. Take your husband with you when you go for the results, whatever the doctors say when you go back, nothing will sink in and it is useful to have someone else who can ask question, take notes, etc.

Hopefully, you get a negative result, I have my fingers crossed for you.

DollyMop · 25/07/2025 18:06

@ClawsandEffect
Thanks so much for sharing your experience - sorry you had to go through it, but sounds like you really have come out the other side stronger. I definitely need to reset my thinking on this all and your post will help.

@HappiestSleeping Thanks for the good advice. I’ll definitely bring my husband along. We have our summer holiday booked for the same day as my results - I’m tempted to go regardless even if I am in a state of shock one way or the other.

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VioletandDill · 25/07/2025 18:14

It might not be a bad idea dependent on how you are feeling with it to go on holiday. I would just caution A: Be prepared to cancel it and instead have a day in your pajamas feeling sad, B: Travel insurance goes through the roof when you have a diagnosis, so do think about that if it's abroad. Running away/Travelling is always my first instinct on any sort of news good or bad, so I get it!

VioletandDill · 25/07/2025 18:15

And please, please do your best to avoid doomscrolling. It's so easy to say, but it's one of the best things I've managed to do is stay off Google somehow. If you need information, stick to Macmillan/BCUK/NHS websites.

HappiestSleeping · 25/07/2025 18:52

DollyMop · 25/07/2025 18:06

@ClawsandEffect
Thanks so much for sharing your experience - sorry you had to go through it, but sounds like you really have come out the other side stronger. I definitely need to reset my thinking on this all and your post will help.

@HappiestSleeping Thanks for the good advice. I’ll definitely bring my husband along. We have our summer holiday booked for the same day as my results - I’m tempted to go regardless even if I am in a state of shock one way or the other.

Definitely still go on holiday. No matter what the result. At this moment, you have two possible results. It is either is cancer, or it isn't. If it is, you are unlikely to know anything further at that point, and they will want to do more tests. What you have to try to do is evaluate each step as you reach it, and not go down the rabbit hole of all the myriad of possibilities that might be. And at this moment, there is as much chance that it isn't.

But definitely go on holiday.

ClawsandEffect · 25/07/2025 21:28

DollyMop · 25/07/2025 18:06

@ClawsandEffect
Thanks so much for sharing your experience - sorry you had to go through it, but sounds like you really have come out the other side stronger. I definitely need to reset my thinking on this all and your post will help.

@HappiestSleeping Thanks for the good advice. I’ll definitely bring my husband along. We have our summer holiday booked for the same day as my results - I’m tempted to go regardless even if I am in a state of shock one way or the other.

Just to say, I was neurotic at the time. And was paranoid for quite a long time about it coming back. But I think those are normal stages to go through.

A nurse that was with me when I was breaking down after my diagnosis said something that was very very wise, which I still apply to my life now was, don't worry about every occurrence (e.g. surgery, chemo, radio) JUST focus on the next step. It keeps your head straight.

AInightingale · 26/07/2025 12:24

Such an awful worrying time for you. All I can say is that with your family history, they may be exercising extreme vigilance. Hopefully the area he is concerned about turns out to be nothing concerning. Most biopsies are benign, that's not to give you false hope, but they really do investigate every little thing. Your MRI really wasn't that long ago either. Good luck for Thursday. 🤞

DollyMop · 27/07/2025 16:23

@VioletandDill thanks for advice. The past couple of days I’ve eased off on the doomscrolling a bit. Cleaning the house is my distraction - the fridge is spotless!

@HappiestSleeping My gut feeling is to go on the holiday - it’s a big one for our family and we have been planning and looking forward to it for months. If the news isn’t good I do worry that two weeks away might impact treatment/outcome, but another part of me says it could be two weeks till your next appointment anyway! If the news isn’t good I’ll probabaly be a bit out of it with worry, but I’d be the same at home. I obviously won’t go if the doctor advises against. I need your confidence to go for it - thanks!

@ClawsandEffect - great advice from your nurse, I’ll take that with me.

@AInightingale - thanks for your good wishes

I’ll let you know how things go on Thursday… xx

OP posts:
VioletandDill · 05/08/2025 10:22

How did you get on @DollyMop ? I've been thinking of you!

DollyMop · 07/08/2025 02:54

@VioletandDill so kind of you to check back in. It is looking like an introductory papilloma that they think is benign but I need to have a vacuum biopsy to be sure. I got away on my holiday which is lovely and will do all the follow-up appointments when back.

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LovingPeer · 29/08/2025 21:42

I feel im getting support from reading these threads! Diagnosed last week after mammogram and ultrasound 2.5 cm lump, now awaiting biopsy results. Feel very alone, but these threads are really helpful!

LovingPeer · 03/09/2025 19:02

Well at last I have an appointment with consultant for biopsy results on Monday 8th. Absolutely dreading it, but know I can get through this. I’m 70 years of age, but anxiety is through the roof in the mornings, gradually subsiding as day goes on and I distract myself keeping busy. Sorry, just another post putting my feelings down.

AInightingale · 07/09/2025 15:40

Good luck for tomorrow @LovingPeer. It's absolutely horrible the wait, isn't it.

ToTheStarsToTheSea · 07/09/2025 17:08

I'll be thinking of you, @LovingPeer

LovingPeer · 07/09/2025 18:01

Thank you so much @AInightingale and @ToTheStarsToTheSea … Sue xx

LovingPeer · 08/09/2025 20:52

Hi all
So now I know I have invasive ductal grade 3 cancer which is a lot to take in, but at least I know. Treatment plan not confirmed until CT scan done and results back. However, consultant said I will have chemo then surgery. It’s going to be a very bumpy journey 😢. Sue

AInightingale · 08/09/2025 22:38

I am so sorry to hear your news @LovingPeer, but as you say, at least you can move forward with treatment now. Do you have someone to support you, it must be a very worrying time.
This thread is very quiet, but there seems to be a busier one ('Likely Breast Cancer' I think it is called) where women are supporting each other through diagnosis and treatment. I really do hope your scans and treatments go well and you make a good recovery. x

LovingPeer · 08/09/2025 22:41

Thank you , I could do with support from people going through the same or similar. It’s so lonely xx

Ilmiopinguino · 08/09/2025 23:01

Hello @LovingPeer, I'm sorry you're going through this and feeling so alone with it all. I had the same diagnosis last year and opted for a mastectomy. I was lucky and didn't have to have chemo but I think whatever the diagnosis and treatment it's always a bit if an emotional rollercoaster. I swung between wanting to talk about it, and wanting to keep it all in, but when I needed support the cancer topic here on mumsnet and the Breast Cancer Now site were so kind and welcoming. This one Cancer Support Thread 97: support for those diagnosed and going through treatment keeps on rolling and there always seems to be someone around. Sending you a hug xx

LovingPeer · 08/09/2025 23:03

Thank you for your kind words…. Sue xx

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