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Original poster

Waiting for breast biopsy results - hand hold

81 replies

feettothestars · 29/01/2022 10:49

I had a breast lump checked yesterday that was fine but whilst there they found another lump that I hadn't felt (and I'm fastidious at checking often) on the ultrasound. He said it looked low risk but that sometimes they surprised him and took three biopsies and added a titanium marker. I get my results next Friday. He thinks fibroadenoma (I've had two of these already so far) but couldn't confirm that. It all felt very serious, which I know it needs to be.

I still don't think I can find where it is but can't rummage as it's all so sore.

I am a massive worrier at the best of times and the next six days are going to be very long. I veer from thinking it will probably be ok to shit, it might not be.

Anyone else waiting?

OP posts:
Skap · 11/02/2022 15:34

@Justalittlebit10 and @Four4mesorry to hear your news.
I had IDC in 2019. Tiny lump but very aggressive. I had lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. All good now.
I know that you are still at the completely shell shocked stage but it does actually get easier once you have all tests back and a proper plan.

I have to say that fuss from friends and family wasn't helpful in those early days. I didn't want to talk about it until I had got my head round it. Eventually though I was all very matter of fact about it.

It's a long haul and you will find out who your real friends are. Some I didn't know that well turned out to be angels, others I thought were good friends disappeared from sight.

Justalittlebit10 · 11/02/2022 18:49

Thank you for your message @skap. It's good to hear success stories. Mine is small - 7mm, but aggressive too. Can I ask the size of yours please? My main concern at the moment is that it will be in lymph nodes, but hopefully that is unlikely given how small it is?
I really can't wait until I get to the stage I can be matter of fact about it. I can when I'm talking to other people, but it's not what I'm feeling in my head!
@Four4me I hope today went OK Flowers

Four4me · 11/02/2022 19:04

Justalittlebit10 I hope that the GP got in touch with you today, how are you?
I'm home now, it was a long afternoon as there was a lot of faffing about with positioning. Biopsies taken of two areas (one area very new my nipple, ouch)
My boob is going to be extremely multicoloured as I'm still quite bruised from the last lot two weeks ago!!!

Skap thank you. My sister went through a mastectomy/chemo/herceptin/radiotherapy 4 years ago and she said exactly the same re friends.
I'm pleased to hear that you are doing well. It is so encouraging to get support from those who have walked this path before. 🙏🏻

Skap · 12/02/2022 10:52

@Justalittlebit10 My lump was estimated to be 13mm but after surgery was found to be 7mm with some DCIS. It was grade 3. I was HER2+ so had Herceptin as well as Chemo.
I had a sentinal node biopsy at the same time as the lumpectomy and there was no lymph node involvement which was a relief. Though lynph node involvement is still perfectly treatable, just means a bit more surgery.

I don't go on there now but there is a long running cancer thread. It's a bit alarming to read before you are in treatment but it was the most amazing source of support for me in the darkest days. I still keep in touch with one lovely poster who started the whole slog at the same time as me.

There is a breast cancer facebook page. Not as useful as the MN cancer thread but through that I found a local group of BC women. All at different stages, mostly past treatment. I didn't find them until my treatment was almost over but we still meet up 2 years later and there is always someone to ask questions.

@Four4me Those biopsies are painful. I remember a lot of swelling that lasted a while. I was convinced the lump was bigger but it was just the swelling.

Four4me · 19/02/2022 12:27

Justalittlebit10
Just wanted to post to say I'll be thinking of you on Monday. I hope you are coping ok?
My second lot of biopsies came back dcis too, so I'm having a mastectomy.
I'm just weighing up my reconstruction options as my sister and I have started the ball rolling for genetic screening.
So I may end up with a prophylactic mastectomy of the other side in the future.
Xx

Justalittlebit10 · 19/02/2022 12:50

@four4me I'm sorry you have to have a mastectomy but I guess it can also be seen as a positive that you are reducing your risk for the future.
I'm coping OK at times and not others. I found a lump in a different area of same breast today so my mind went spiralling again. Hubby told me it's been mammogrammed 3 times, ultrasounded, scrutinised at MDT, and felt by a GP, breast nurse and surgeon so I really don't need to worry. Can't help it though!
Hard not to let my mind wander.
I too had genetic testing on Thursday, so that's something else to worry about now. It's so bloody tough isn't it.
I'm just sorting out Pjs and stuff for Monday, desperately want it out of me, but then I'll be panicking about the results of that too!
How are you feeling?

Four4me · 19/02/2022 13:05

Justalittlebit10
Are you having a mastectomy? (Sorry I can't remember your surgical plan) if so, are you having a reconstruction immediately or delayed?

I'm feeling ok if I have slept, it doesn't help as the clinic for results is late Tuesday afternoons so I have had a few terrible Tuesday nights, then Wednesday is terrible too. Then I crash out on Wednesday night and feel ok the next day. But if a rollercoaster.

I'm quite 'washing machine' head about which route of reconstruction to opt for.
I'm going to see a different surgeon that does the diep flaps on Monday to see if I'm a candidate.
I only have a little (4 babies) mum tum as I'm quite petite so am preparing myself for his opinion either way.

How long will the genetics testing take? I'm letting my sister take the lead with that, I've had 4 children on half term it's been a busy week!

Sending you a big hug, get some nice things packed in you bag. My friend came yesterday with a lovely pair of John Lewis button up pjs and some fluffy socks. Very thoughtful,
Message anytime if you need a handhold xxx

Knittedfairies · 19/02/2022 13:07

Hello. I've been reading threads on MN concerning breast cancer since I found a lump at Christmas, but couldn't bring myself to post.I went to the GP as soon as they opened up after the holiday, got an appointment at the Breast Institute for 3 weeks later. I had a lumpectomy/ breast reduction on Wednesday and have an appointment next Wednesday to see what's next. So that's me...

Justalittlebit10 · 19/02/2022 14:54

@four4me I'm having a wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy. If the genetic test comes back positive I will have double mastectomy. My lump apparently is only 7 mm x 6 mm and its not palpable by hand so really hoping it's been caught really early.
If I have a mastectomy I'm not sure I'll bother with reconstruction, although I certainly have enough belly fat - then again, I've lost about 10 lb in two weeks! Appetite has gone out of the window!
About 4-6 weeks for the genetic blood test to come back I think.

Hi @Knittedfairies I am so sorry you are here too. I hope yours was caught early too? How are you feeling?

Sending big hugs to you both x

Knittedfairies · 19/02/2022 14:58

They said I'd found it early @Justalittlebit10. I'm feeling a bit sore, and sorry for myself if I'm honest, but grateful to have at least started treatment.

Justalittlebit10 · 19/02/2022 21:27

I hope all goes well for you @Knittedfairies. It's a lot to get your head around isn't it x

Four4me · 20/02/2022 12:29

Knittedfairies
I'm glad you got treated so quickly. I hope that you feel less sore soon. Take it easy. The wait for results is grim x

Four4me · 20/02/2022 12:30

Justalittlebit10
Hope you are ok, thinking of you x

Justalittlebit10 · 22/02/2022 21:04

Hi @Four4me I had surgery yesterday. Wire guided wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy. Didn't see surgeon after but nurses told me all had gone as planned. Waiting game again now! I hope you are doing OK x

Four4me · 23/02/2022 18:24

Justalittlebit10
I hope that you are feeling ok today and not too sore. When is your next appointment?
I met with a surgeon regarding a diep flap reconstruction, he was happy that I'm a good candidate.
I need a sentinel node biopsy (GA on day surgery) before it and a CT angiogram. So fingers crossed.
It is bigger surgery than the implant reconstruction and I'll need a reduction on the other side.
Estimated 5-7 might inpatient stay. Confused

Justalittlebit10 · 25/02/2022 10:54

Hi @four4me, I'm doing OK thank you. A little sore and tired but I managed to go for a walk yesterday. My next appt is 3 weeks, horrible waiting, trying to not think too much and to get on with things.
Your surgery sounds a lot but it'll be good to get it all over in one go. I hope you are doing OK x

FelicityFidget · 26/02/2022 21:52

@Four4me I've been watching this thread a while. I had a diep flap reconstruction and then a reduction on the other side a few months later.

I was in hospital 4 days. If you need any help with anything just DM me.

Karenisabel · 28/02/2022 14:57

Hi there
I was diagnosed with HER2 aggressive breast cancer dec 20 I had chemo and a mastectomy and still having herceptin injections. My lump was 3.5cm and had two further ones that were 3 mm
There is always light at the end of the tunnel after tests on my breast tissue after my mastectomy it had all gone
At the beginning of my journey every scan every result was the worst feeling in the world but if you look at it in a positive way that they are planning treatment best suited to you to get rid of it this might help

Four4me · 04/03/2022 21:43

Justalittlebit10
How are you getting on? X

addictedtotheflats · 04/03/2022 21:48

My mum had a limp and the "2 week wait" ended up being 8+ weeks. We paid £800 private and it was not cancerous. The pravate appointment and biopsy results were less than a week. Thanks

Four4me · 04/03/2022 21:49

FelicityFidget
Thanks for your message.
How interesting, how long ago was your surgery? Did you come home with your drains in?
I've had a CT angiogram this week and am having the sentinel node biopsy next Monday. Then I will be getting op date.
I have occasional moments of thinking I'm going to regret taking in such a lot of surgery. I have been keeping up my running (once the breast biopsies had healed) and am trying to get myself as fit as possible in preparation.
Are you pleased with the results?
X

Justalittlebit10 · 04/03/2022 22:32

@Four4me Hi! I'm actually OK thank you. Went back to work 7 days after op (I work from home), and that has helped.
The boob scar is totally fine, but I had to pop back to the hosp today because a had a painful golf ball like swelling pop up under the lymph node biopsy scar. Apparently it's a seroma and totally normal, but they will see me again next Thursday to check on it and drain if need be.

My clinic appt has been pushed back a week now, so it's even longer to wait for results, but I'm trying to just have fun in the meantime! And eat well and exercise to get myself healthier for chemo - which I am dreading!

How are you feeling?

FelicityFidget · 06/03/2022 22:41

@Four4me I had my op in January 2021.
I came home with one drain in my abdomen but had the breast drain out on day 2.

I only needed paracetamol and nurofen to get through so it's actually easier than you'd expect. The first two weeks are a bit hard you'll only be able to shuffle around slowly but it improves so quickly.

I am so pleased with the results, yes. I am very glad I chose that option.

Four4me · 07/03/2022 06:38

FelicityFidget
Thank you so much. I'm in today for the sentinel node biopsy, then I expect to get my op date.
Just been for the injection, then off into day surgery when they open.
🤞🏻

Four4me · 07/03/2022 06:43

Justalittlebit10
I hope that you are continuing to recover well. The waiting is the worst bit isn't it.
I'm having a sentinel node biopsy today so then I'll have to wait for those results. Then I expect to get my op date.
Thinking of you x