Biopsy results tomo - were they preparing me for the worst?

[Rosegold3112]

Awaiting biopsy results, I've got an appointment in the breast clinic tomorrow and expecting to get them tomo but I only had the scans and biopsy last weds - will this be too soon?
Bit of background - I've been having check ups for breast lumps for a few months in my left breast. All has been coming back OK and they've just been monitoring. Found some in my right breast and was sent for an ultrasound. The consultant doing the scan was lovely, asked if it could be bruising but I've not had any trauma I can recall - surely if it's enough to cause lumps I'd remember or have some external marks? Anyway, she then said she wasn't pleased, sent me for a mammogram there and then, did 3 biopsies - one big lump, 1 very enlarged lymph node and another possible node I think she said that was a smaller lump than the others but shown up on scans. Asked me to call my partner back to come with me for a follow up after with a surgeon as "4 ears are better than 2." got my partner back and went to the surgeon - who turns out to be the original Dr I've been seeing for my lumps. He hadn't got the report sent to him from the consultant (I'm sure she said she was a consultant) and was quite positive, said it was a suspicious lump but he's glad they've biopsied it and he'll see me in his clinic next Thurs. He gave no indication it might be bad news but he didn't rule it out either - just said it would be treatable if it is the big c.
Here's my confusion - the lady doing the scans got quote emotional. I asked her the likelihood that it was bruising and said it's unlikely, especially with the size of my lymph node. She said she wasn't happy at all with the lumps, she rated them 3/4? Apparently 4 is suspicious? I'm not sure, it's all a bit of a blur now. I saw the main lump on ultrasound and mammogram scan - seemed a fair size with wobbly edges. Lymph node in ultrasound seemed a similar size, looked candy cane shaped at one point. I've no idea what I was looking at tbh. What did worry me was I asked her, in her professional opinion, the likelihood that this was cancer and she cried and held my hand. She did apologise and explain she's also had breast cancer and I'm not sure that she was just finding it all triggering or if she knows something. She said I'm so young and have children. She did also make comments about having ct scans and finding the extent of the disease. Obviously going for tests in lumps is stressful and worrisome but the whole experience has me thinking I've got an almost certain diagnosis. Then again, the surgeon was much more relaxed and had no real comments? But as I said, he mentioned something about the report not coming through. Has anyone experienced similar/got any thoughts/just a hand to hold? I'm just so stressed and panicked and feel lost and confused.

Do you think they were trying to prepare me? Spent the last week on the constant verge of a panic attack.

Thanks for reading x

Ach, I’m so sorry you’re in this position. The uncertainty is a killer.

When I was actually diagnosed a nurse cried and I told her it was ok and she said, “But you’ve got children!”. But in that case it was clear to all of us that I had cancer.

I really hope that this medical pro who scanned you turns out to be mistaken. Until there’s actually a biopsy nobody can know for sure.

In a perfect world all health care staff would be able to remain detached and professional at all times but of course they’re just human like the rest of us.

I honestly can’t tell you anything but I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.

In my experience, if they’re trying to prepare you they will be straightforward and say that it doesn’t look good. If they KNOW it’s not good they will also say so. And you’re currently in the worst stage of all: the uncertainty. Am here for a hand hold - I’ve got this particular t-shirt. Hopefully tomorrow will just be a massive relief for you and you can forget all about it x

I’m sorry that it all sounds like it’s been quite chaotic and unprofessional. From her mentioning CT scans, asking you to go for further mammos, asking you to bring your partner for the results, and that she wasn’t happy with the scans, it all indicates that it appears to be bad news.

of course, I’m no medical professional but it very much sounds like that. The surgeon / other doctor might have been more reserved as they might not want to say if they are waiting for the scans and also, patients are often the discussion of MDT meetings. Lots of doctors sit and discussion the patient, what they’ve found, the treatment they will need, etc etc. The surgeon might be withholding such information without wanting to discuss you first.

lastly, if it IS bad news, then, although it’s very shit, it’s really quite curable these days. I have very very young children, I was diagnosed in November, and I’m kicking the shit out of chemo. My thoughts are with you; you aren’t alone.

Thank you both for your responses.

All three biopsies came back positive. Had a blood test and will be booked in for an mri on my breast and a full ct scan to see if it's anywhere else.

I feel like the appointment was very quick and now I'm full of questions with no one to ask, although the nurse did try to give me more info as I was leaving and is going to call me tomorrow. The surgeon didn't even say the word cancer until half way through.

What are the chances it's localised? Now I'm paranoid. Could it have started somewhere else and spread?? I feel like I've gone totally numb...

Bugger. @Rosegold3112 I’m so sorry.

You’re now in the toughest part. Believe it or not you will feel better once you have a treatment plan and know what you’re dealing with.

I’m literally about to head to chemo as we speak but I’m here for you. 💐💐

@Rosegold3112 sending you a big hand hold. I’ve found; please don’t google, it’s terrifying. Wait to speak to an actual medical professional. And when I was ready, I saught solace in this hidden, kind, corner of MN.

i was where you were in Sept/oct of last year. Told I had stage 4 breast cancer, very rare gene carrier. I’ve had chemo weekly until March; then 3 weekly, and had a scan recently and found it had COMPLETELY gone from breast but still in lymph nodes (but reduced).

there are so so many treatments they can do to help stop it in its tracks now. The next big thing is finding out if it’s gone anywhere else, which is scary but when you have a plan you will feel much better.

if you have any questions or need an ear, I’m here. Sometimes I would be having chemo on a Monday and by Tuesday/Wednesday I’d be in soft play for 3 hours. You will be amazed at how strong you will be.

If it helps I am also a youngish mum, early 30s recently diagnosed with a stage 2 grade 3 breast cancer. I also got sent for scans to check for spread and the mri. My mri picked up another 2 suspcipus areas so then i had the pet. My other areas were benign. Your cancer could be localized. It does seem routine to check these things so they can get the right treatment plan for you. If you havent already please consider reaching out to your gp for anxiety medication. It helped me as well as temporary sleeping pills. Ive only had one chemo so far and besides intense nausea ive just continued with my life as normal. Breast cancer treatment has come on a long way

Also @Jessamy12 and @Arthurnewyorkcity well done for the chemo. We all need a big clap on the back, myself included 🤣 🌺