Malignant breast lump

[Fluffybubble]

I was told on Friday that I probably have a malignant breast lump. I have had a mammogram, ultrasound and core biopsy. I have to go back this Friday for the biopsy results but I am terrified.

I am lurching between trying to convince myself that all will be fine and thinking that I may be about to die. I am a single parent and I am so scared that I won't be here for my ds.

The consultant has said that my lump is approximately the size of a walnut, is that considered big?? I didn't even know that I had a lump, I went to the GP as one of my nipples had begun to dip in when I raised my arm or leaned over. I though that she would say that it was just down to age (37) and general saggy-ness! This has all come as a massive shock and I cannot shake the constant sick-feeling. How do people manage this without going completely bonkers?!

I am determined to be positive but don't know if I am being naive, as I had convinced myself that the lump would be nothing and I was wrong about that .

I am not really sure what I am asking but it helps to offload! Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

Thank you all of you :)

I have looked at the Breast Cancer Care site and it is really useful - I think that I will use the list of questions to ask your doctor when I go back for my results on Friday.

I do really appreciate all of your advice and info - I was very fed up on Sunday and this does seem to be the longest week of my life (it's still only Tuesday!!). It is helping to be at work as I teach and the children are keeping me occupied! My Head is also being great and is completely supportive, so things could be a lot worse!

I will pop over to the Tamoxifen thread, thank you all for being so kind to me .

see you over there fluffy

Fluffy - is it your results day ? thinking of you xxx

Hi Fluffy, hope you got on ok today at the Hospital. Thinking of you.

Hi both :)

Yes, it was this morning. The consultant was lovely and very straightforward - it is a stage 1 invasive ductal bc, and he was very positive about it all. It is 18mm but is directly behind my nipple. The position of it differs on the ultrasound and the mammogram so there is a bit of debate about whether to go for a mastectomy (if it is as close to the chest wall as the ultrasound suggests) or a lumpectomy if it is where the mammogram shows.

The surgeons are meeting on Tuesday to discuss cases but I have signed consent for the mastectomy and am booked in for the op next Thursday. If the doctors decide on Tues that it is reachable (word?!) without taking the whole lot then that's what they'll do.

Tbh, I have been imagining the very worst this week so this has actually all come as a kind-of-pleasant surprise! I would like some kind of reconstruction in the future but my priority is getting through this so I am trying to be practical about it.

My consultant wanted me to go away to think about it but my feeling is that it has to come out so we might as well get on with it.

I am hoping to get some sleep tonight! These past few weeks have been truly horrible.

Thank you both for all of your support and for thinking of me today, it is lovely of you :)

x

Fluffybubble I had the same diagnosis as you and have now completed treatment - just taking Tamoxifen. I got by with just a lumpectomy, and I found radiotherapy not too bad at all. BC is very treatable these days.

The prognosis is probably very good for you and they will monitor you carefully. I hope you feel better now you have a plan of action and hopefully your bcn will be supportive if you have any wobbles.

This website might be useful - better than random Googling for info.
breastcancercare I've found the nurses on the helpline absolutely brilliant for info and general hand-holding.

Do go and have some virtual cake on the Tamoxifen thread

Wishing you all the very best.

Fluffy i SO understand what you mean about it being a pleasant surprize...i have just been diagnosed with a v small cancer and having imagined the worst i can actually cope with what this is!

I've just joined the Tamoxifen thread and everyone is very friendly :)

So glad your result is better than you had imagined. You will feel even better when they have finally decided on the path to take.

Thinking of you.

fluffy well done for getting through that -and the result is very treatable - I'm guessing they will also test sentinel nodes ? It sounds as though it is small and contained though. Please join us on tamoxifen -you'd be more than welcome..x

Hi Fluffy - is your op today? I realise if it is then you will be a bit busy, but would love to hear the outcome as and when you feel ok.

Good luck for today.