Is it definitely cancer?

[Fireinthegrate]

Friend told me today she has been diagnosed today with breast cancer but today they took biopsies which she will get the results of later this week. So shouldn’t she wait for these results before thinking she definitely has cancer?

I was told they were 95% sure I had breast cancer after mammogram and ultrasound and before the biopsy. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, what type etc.

Ok, I think that’s what she’s been told 😢

The biopsies might be to confirm the type of cancer (not whether it is cancer). What treatment is advised will depend on the results of the tests and whether her cancer is positive or negative on three key markers.

Usually at one stop you have mammograms, needle biopsy and possibly ultrasound. If there is suspicion of cancer they do a number of core biopsies under ultrasound guidance.
Needle biopsy results are looked at on day and give good indication but not a definitive result. A breast surgeon should have a pretty good idea by examining the breast.
I think they would be pretty certain before imparting that information so I would assume it was correct.
What you can’t know really until after surgery is the full type and extent of the tumour. The biopsy results will help determine the treatment pathway and whether to have surgery/chemo/radio, whether surgery Isco deferred to allow chemo to shrink tumour etc.

Reassure her that most women survive breast cancer and the treatment whilst not pleasant is not as bad as she’s imagining.

There's a support thread somewhere for people who are supporting those with cancer. Someone else might be able to point you to where.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/life_limiting_illness/2424732-A-thread-for-those-supporting-relatives-with-life-limiting-diseases

There is also a thread in General Health for people who have cancer themselves (or who are being tested). It's pretty clear that this early bit, when you'be been told it's alsmost certainly cancer, but they cannot tell you treatment path until after results, is one of the most stressful times there is. It gets a bit easier once you have a treatment plan, and something to get on with.

This is the time your friend really needs support.

Please don't give any hint in RL if you think she's doing it 'wrong' because her choice of language is not what you think should be done nor what you imagine you might say.