Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Suspicious lump, biopsy was today.

30 replies

InWithTheOutlaws · 25/08/2016 19:17

Not sure what I'm looking for in posting here, just don't want to needlessly trouble friends and family I guess....you lot though Grin

Have two DC under 4...one is still BFing. Found a lump about a month back, GP said it needed checking...went in today and radiologist said he thought it was very suspicious so took 3 biopsy samples (ouch!) - consultant looked grim and said its a two week wait and then will discuss next steps, but he agreed it was 'very suspicious'. Said to take a while to digest the news...I was just in shock really.

If anyone reading this has already been through the drill, could you tell me what to expect? I don't quite know how to feel just now. I keep looking at the kids and calculating how old they'd be and what stage of life they'd be at in say 5, 10 or 15 years. Sad I feel like a bit of a shit mum to even be in this position with regard to the little ones.

OP posts:
DianaMitford · 25/08/2016 20:30

You are NOT a shit mum!

You've done the right thing, very quickly, and put yourself in the best possible position should any treatment be needed.

Fingers crossed OP Flowers

mrsrhodgilbert · 26/08/2016 07:21

Hi , I'm sorry you are in this scary situation. There is a thread on here already for people waiting for diagnosis and people after diagnosis. It's very supportive and friendly and we could answer any questions you have . Part of the difficulty is not wanting to bother family and friends so it's the perfect place to come and chat, rant and gather information and help. You'd be very welcome. it used to be called the tamoxigang but it's going under the title of lacies and cancer support, or something similar. Come over and say hello.

Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 26/08/2016 22:47

Thank you, Diana and mrsrhod.
I tried looking in on the thread but felt quite overwhelmed tbh. May creep in later though!

OP posts:
ExitPursuedBySpartacus · 26/08/2016 23:04

Whatever it is you will cope.

Trust me.

Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 26/08/2016 23:09

Sigh, I am a coper, Exit - I will indeed cope...though may occasionally wallow around being maudlin all the same. This two weeks of waiting will give me ample opportunity to do that...well, by ample I mean the hour or so I get to myself after the kids have fiiiiiiioonally gone to sleep!

OP posts:
ExitPursuedBySpartacus · 26/08/2016 23:13

Coping is a great strategy.

What will be will be. You can't change it now.

And there are some fabulous people out there.

pinkhorse · 26/08/2016 23:16

I had a biopsy on a breast lump recently. Waiting for the results is awful! Luckily mine turned out to be fibro adenoma . Keeping my fingers crossed for you

Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 26/08/2016 23:20

Yes....as I was saying to DH:
life goes on....until, y'know...it doesn't. Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 26/08/2016 23:21

Gallows humour, apologies.

OP posts:
mrsrhodgilbert · 27/08/2016 10:36

Don't be overwhelmed, we are very gentle and welcoming, but I understand if you just can't delve into it yet. We are there if you need us, but I hope you don't.

mrspuddleduckreturns · 27/08/2016 22:45

I understand how you feel. I'm having my lump removed this week. Thought it was a cyst. After a biopsy turns out its ADH. I've had a few tears mostly thinking about the what ifs and the DC,but Im trying to keep it in perspective as see it like an abnormal smear. Wish you all the best for your results and personally I think its better to share a worry so do take to friends and family.

Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 30/08/2016 19:22

I hope you're doing ok, mrsp and that your week is going as smoothly as possible.

OP posts:
Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 30/08/2016 19:27

Have had a couple of OK days, then had one full of mad anxiety where I couldn't control my heart beating like a bongo drum and could barely breathe, not a full blown panic attack but close (luckily(?) I have had experience of those many, many years ago but could still remember the coping strategies. Then just calmed down completely and have had two really normal days bombing around behind the children etc. Still a whole week to go. Our phone's not working and I haven't a mobile - keep wondering whether I'm missing an important call saying, 'Nevermind! False alarm! As you were....'

OP posts:
mrspuddleduckreturns · 02/09/2016 20:45

Had lump removed and although a little sore on coming round it was fine after a few hours. Just have to wait a few weeks for a follow up as consultant is away. I hope you are still feeling strong.

AnnieOnnieMouse · 02/09/2016 21:05

Flowers It is scary, I know.
DD, my cousin and I have all had suspicious lumps removed - discovered to be benign, as most are.
My sis had a lump removed 15 years ago, it wasn't benign, but she is totally clear aged 68, an aunt had one removed more years ago than I can remember, and she's now 82.
I understand the worry; you're coping well with it.
Sorry, I'm useless with words. Glad all is going well for you, Mrspuddleduck

Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 04/09/2016 00:56

Ah, glad it wasn't too traumatic or painful mrsp...hope you're still in good spirits. Will they be analysing the lump and discussing results with you? I haven't much familiarity with how the process goes....as yet anyway! I do hope you're still feeling comfortable and there's some relief knowing some steps have been taken in the right direction.

Thank you Annie - those are comforting stories to know, it's easy to gravitate towards the saddest ones.

Just a few more days now....am hoping it is filled with pleasant distractions, I don't really want to think about it anymore.

Am trying focus on the present and blissfully mundane - my big girl starts preschool on Monday so that should be fun. She went a few hours a week last term so is familiar and excited. I hope I can make some extra time for my little guy (who's contemplating taking his first steps) while his sister is thus occupied.

OP posts:
skatesection · 04/09/2016 01:10

I had a biopsy on a lump a few years back. My GP had been upbeat "it's a breast mouse!" (as in, when you poke it, it squishes away) and the first consultant hadn't looked that bothered (like I was wasting his time). I was fully expecting the nurse to drain it at my ultrasound/biopsy because I was sure it was a cyst. I don't know why I hadn't twigged it wasn't a cyst at that point.

After the ultrasound, the docs suddenly got grim and sombre.
This scared the SHIT out of me. After the wait for results, they said that they were sure it wasn't cancer but it was a type of growth they liked to remove anyway. I remember asking "What do you recommend?" and the doc said "Have the surgery. Definitely."

I had a lumpectomy. And another long wait for results.

The surgeon confirmed that it was definitely not cancer and pretty much implied that I had wasted everyone's time "you just have lumpy breasts, you don't need to get these checked out" !!! He was not much of a people person, this guy.

But, yeah, it was a horrible time and very worrying but it's common for lumps to look scarier than they really are, even to doctors. And docs do look grim and sombre after biopsies, I don't think it bears any relation to how serious the lump is, it's just how doctors roll.

Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 06/09/2016 20:07

Just have to get through tonight. Every time I've stepped away from the children today my heart starts thundering and I run back to them, they keep me even. I want to keep rereading your story skate - I'm feeling so frightened tonight.

OP posts:
CuppaTeaAndAJammieDodger · 06/09/2016 22:25

Thinking of you - tonnes of luck for tomorrow. Just remember, if (and it's a BIG if) it's malignant, it is anything but a fait accompli; hey have caught it and they will treat it.

CuppaTeaAndAJammieDodger · 06/09/2016 22:26

They even

Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 06/09/2016 23:39

Thanks cuppa!
Even your name is soothing!

OP posts:
CuppaTeaAndAJammieDodger · 07/09/2016 00:25

Never too late for a cuppa (or a jammie dodger for that matter)

Original poster
InWithTheOutlaws · 07/09/2016 23:41

Just thought I'd update here before I sneak off to mark my longer term spot with the Lacies...
Yep, breast cancer it is....just the one area fortunately so they're formulating an action plan and I will be heading for chemo and surgery. Fingers crossed all goes as well as can be from here.
Thank you for the kind words and support here. I appreciate it so very much.

OP posts:
Graceflorrick · 07/09/2016 23:44

Good luck with the treatment OP Flowers

Mycraneisfixed · 07/09/2016 23:58

My DD (39) was diagnosed with breast cancer in March. Operation cut out all the lump but she had chemo 'to make sure' and has just started radiotherapy. She has an 8 yo son. None of it's easy but you get through it and you survive. That's the most important bit.
It's very scary at first ( I've been through it too) but all the medical staff esp the nurses are brilliant and are with you all the way. Hope everything turn out ok for youFlowers

Swipe left for the next trending thread