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Original poster

Breast biopsy - hand hold please

29 replies

chubbychipmonk · 14/12/2022 00:17

So I found a lump about a week & a half ago. Had quick turnaround from GP & was at breast clinic this evening.

Had mammogram & ultrasound that revealed 2 cm solid lump. Biopsy was taken & doctor was very honest that there is a strong possibility it's cancer as she said lump was 'very concerning' looking although not spread anywhere else or in lymph nodes. I honestly had convinced myself from reading threads on here that it would be a cyst so I think I'm in total shock.

I've got to wait a week for official biopsy results & am sick with worry. I've got 2 boys who are at their dads tonight & I need to get my head in a good space before they come home tomorrow.

Looking for positive stories & advice & a hand hold please. I'm so scared.

OP posts:
LadyVictoriaSponge · 14/12/2022 00:31

You must be beside yourself, but the consultant has said if it is cancerous it has not spread, hang on to that if you can, really hope it turns out not to be cancer OP but even if it is it sounds as though it’s been caught at a treatable stage.

DramaAlpaca · 14/12/2022 01:05

Sending you a handhold and a virtual <<hug>>

It sounds like whatever it is has been caught early. You are in good hands.

steppingcarefully · 16/12/2022 15:35

I had exactly this last year. The doctor said he had to be honest, it did look suspicious. I was told it was 2cm, not spread and lymph nodes were fine. I then had to wait a week for the results but I had already prepared myself for it being a cancer diagnosis. The waiting is the hardest. Once I was given a definite diagnosis and treatment plan I was able to focus on dealing with it. I hope yours turns out to be benign but if not I can assure you that you will receive great care and support throughout your treatment. I cannot praise the NHS enough for the care and attention I received. Breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, please be reassured by the fact it is small and contained. I wish you the very best of luck.

Original poster
chubbychipmonk · 17/12/2022 23:02

steppingcarefully · 16/12/2022 15:35

I had exactly this last year. The doctor said he had to be honest, it did look suspicious. I was told it was 2cm, not spread and lymph nodes were fine. I then had to wait a week for the results but I had already prepared myself for it being a cancer diagnosis. The waiting is the hardest. Once I was given a definite diagnosis and treatment plan I was able to focus on dealing with it. I hope yours turns out to be benign but if not I can assure you that you will receive great care and support throughout your treatment. I cannot praise the NHS enough for the care and attention I received. Breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, please be reassured by the fact it is small and contained. I wish you the very best of luck.

Thanks for this! What was your treatment? I've kind of calmed down a bit now & just want the results so I can start the ball rolling treatment wise!

OP posts:
WorryMcGee · 17/12/2022 23:18

I’m sorry OP 😔 this waiting bit is the absolute worst. Honestly - it is. I say that as someone who’s 2cm lump was cancer. My DD was 4 months old at the time and I thought it was bf related. That was the end of August this year, and since then I have had the lump removed with clear margins, there were unexpected tiny amounts in two lymph nodes so they removed all of those too in a second surgery, and I’m about to have my third cycle of chemo on Wednesday. At the start of all this I wouldn’t have believed anyone who told me that the waiting game would be the worst bit but now I know better. I recovered very quickly from both surgeries. I’ve been running, cycling, all sorts on chemo so far. My care has been absolutely excellent. None of it has been as bad as that initial fear and waiting and unknown and late night googling and panicking.

I really really hope that yours is benign, as I believe most are - but if it’s not, you will be told exactly what they’re going to do about it and once you’re on that path it becomes infinitely easier to cope with.

Appletreefarmyard · 17/12/2022 23:26

Hi OP. Another one here who was told that they were expecting the biopsy to confirm that it was cancer.
I had a lumpectomy and didn't get clear margins and in the end had a mastectomy and reconstruction.
I am now 4 years on and doing well.
The worst bit for me was the stage you are at now. After this, I felt safe, looked after and in great hands.
I hadn't really given a lot of thought to being diagnosed with cancer prior to finding a lump at at that point I imagined that it would be overwhelming and horrific. But it wasn't. It wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined.
I hope you get the all clear, but if not, I hope you have a great medical team in whom you can entrust your care.

steppingcarefully · 18/12/2022 06:45

chubbychipmonk · 17/12/2022 23:02

Thanks for this! What was your treatment? I've kind of calmed down a bit now & just want the results so I can start the ball rolling treatment wise!

Show quote history

My treatment was a lumpectomy and node removal, then radiotherapy. I'm now taking Tamoxifen for 5 years. I was very lucky and avoided chemotherapy. I'm glad you're feeling calmer now. Take care.

Original poster
chubbychipmonk · 18/12/2022 07:10

WorryMcGee · 17/12/2022 23:18

I’m sorry OP 😔 this waiting bit is the absolute worst. Honestly - it is. I say that as someone who’s 2cm lump was cancer. My DD was 4 months old at the time and I thought it was bf related. That was the end of August this year, and since then I have had the lump removed with clear margins, there were unexpected tiny amounts in two lymph nodes so they removed all of those too in a second surgery, and I’m about to have my third cycle of chemo on Wednesday. At the start of all this I wouldn’t have believed anyone who told me that the waiting game would be the worst bit but now I know better. I recovered very quickly from both surgeries. I’ve been running, cycling, all sorts on chemo so far. My care has been absolutely excellent. None of it has been as bad as that initial fear and waiting and unknown and late night googling and panicking.

I really really hope that yours is benign, as I believe most are - but if it’s not, you will be told exactly what they’re going to do about it and once you’re on that path it becomes infinitely easier to cope with.

What does 'clear margins' mean? . . I'm scared to Google anything else!!

OP posts:
WorryMcGee · 18/12/2022 07:26

@chubbychipmonk you’re absolutely right not to Google. It means they took the lump out and some tissue around the edge of it, and when that tissue went to the lab the bit around the edge had no cancer cells in it so they know they got it all.

MintJulia · 18/12/2022 07:51

I echo everything @steppingcarefully said. The NHS are brilliant.

Routine screening Sept'21 found a 2cm lump, confirmed as BC. I had surgery in Oct, chemo Dec-Feb (which was offered as an option because I was borderline whether I needed it or not) and five 30 second zaps of radiotherapy in March.

I lost all my hair which was a new experience, but managed to work on through, wear a wig and didn't need to tell my ds.

15 months on, I was all clear at my 12 month scans, my hair has grown back completely and I have so much energy compared with before.

My dm had the same as me, at the same age (59), and then lived another 32 years.

Honestly, once they know, one way or the other, and agree a treatment plan, you will feel much less scared and much more in control. Wishing you all the best xx

KPA22 · 23/12/2022 18:22

Hi, I went to the gp today as I was worried I found a lump. Go examined me and couldn't feel anything and then asked me to point where I could feel something, I showed her and her words were 'my god you definitely been checking to find that' then said it was small, round, smooth and moveable which cancer normally isn't. She also said she wasn't worried at all and I was given the option to be referred or not. I said yes but now I'm questioning whether maybe she thought it was something. I had a phone call within 4/5hrs offering me an appointment for just after new year. Now Im panicking, thinking I may have breast cancer and im going to ruin mchristmas and new year for my children

ipswichwitch · 29/12/2022 21:53

I’m in the same boat @chubbychipmonk and @KPA22 - found the lump just before Christmas and been to the breast clinic today. Mammogram, ultrasound then saw the consultant who has booked me for biopsy tomorrow.
hand hold for everyone else going through it and fingers x for positive news

ReindeerBelieve · 30/12/2022 00:59

Fingers and everything crossed for you all .

I'm in the 2 week wait - I had named changed to this name and posted b4 Xmas about being called back following yearly mammogram for an ultra sound

I have had this - they have detected a small lump and I had a biopsy following the ultrasound - which I wasnt expecting and I had gone to the appointment on my own - have been told I will get results in 2 weeks

Trying hard not to think about it (failing slightly)

KPA22 · 02/01/2023 19:35

It's so hard not to worry about, I have managed to get through Christmas and then New Year's Eve was ok but I felt I couldn't enjoy it as much as everyone else. My appointment is Thursday and I am sooooo scared.

ReindeerBelieve · 02/01/2023 23:08

KPA22 · 02/01/2023 19:35

It's so hard not to worry about, I have managed to get through Christmas and then New Year's Eve was ok but I felt I couldn't enjoy it as much as everyone else. My appointment is Thursday and I am sooooo scared.

Hoping you get really good news on Thursday

The waiting is hard. I got through Xmas ok as at that point I had only been recalled and thought perhaps the images weren't the best . However now I've had the follow up ultrasound and biopsy I am worrying even though I know lots of lumps turn out to be ok. I keep reassuring myself that it was so small neither I or the Dr could feel it. I have my results Thurs week .

ReindeerBelieve · 04/01/2023 19:11

KPA22 just wanted to say I'm thinking of you and hoping it goes really well tomorrow - take care x

KPA22 · 05/01/2023 17:21

ReindeerBelieve · 04/01/2023 19:11

KPA22 just wanted to say I'm thinking of you and hoping it goes really well tomorrow - take care x

Hi Reindeer Believe,

I had my appointment today and thankfully it is just fatty tissue. Still feeling so anxious tho. Hoping I wake up tomorrow and feel better but I'm not holding my breath. X

ReindeerBelieve · 05/01/2023 19:48

KPA22 I'm so glad to hear that . Not surprising you feel worried as you've been building up to getting the news (and perhaps at times thinking it would be worst news) -I hope you feel relaxed and chilled soon

KPA22 · 12/01/2023 19:53

ReindeerBelieve · 05/01/2023 19:48

KPA22 I'm so glad to hear that . Not surprising you feel worried as you've been building up to getting the news (and perhaps at times thinking it would be worst news) -I hope you feel relaxed and chilled soon

How did today go?

ReindeerBelieve · 12/01/2023 20:04

Thank you for remembering /asking.

It wasn't great news but it could have been loads worse

Yes it is BC - I have an Appt booked for a MRI - I am not thinking about itv(but of course I am) as I have lots on over next few days and am determined to be bloomin positive. It feels a bit surreal tbh

Shunkleisshiny · 12/01/2023 20:30

I was diagnosed with non invasive carcinoma in situ with a routine mammogram. Mastectomy and a reconstruction, no chemo/ radiotherapy/tamoxifen needed as it hadn't spread.

I won't lie I was a wreck when I was given the results, things like that didn't happen to me, but I had to face it, and all the tears in the world wouldn't wash it away.

It will be 20 years this February, (I actually had to ask my husband what year I had the diagnosis!!!!)
It is trite to say, but keeping positive is key, so I am sending you lots of upbeat vibes.

KPA22 · 13/01/2023 04:26

ReindeerBelieve · 12/01/2023 20:04

Thank you for remembering /asking.

It wasn't great news but it could have been loads worse

Yes it is BC - I have an Appt booked for a MRI - I am not thinking about itv(but of course I am) as I have lots on over next few days and am determined to be bloomin positive. It feels a bit surreal tbh

Sorry to hear it wasn't good news. Have they give you any idea what treatment you will need or is that after the MRI? Try to stay positive. You got this 💪🏻 ❤️

ReindeerBelieve · 13/01/2023 07:49

Thank you both - yes feels a bit strange at moment like it's happening to someone else .

They said I will need a lumpectomy, radiation course and then sone medication for 5-10 years - I can't recall everything as it was such a shock but also not a shock after the 2 week wait following biopsy but just trying to get my head round it and wow lots of thoughts.

obviously it may change - she used the word "cure" as well - something about how early it has been detected and that aim was very much to "cure it" - I remember that particularly as I was surprised that it was used -sorry Im rambling but haven't been in this position before.

KPA22 · 13/01/2023 10:55

Don't be sorry that's what we are here for. Great news that they think they can cure it. I read a lot that is is the worst bit the not knowing the plan. So hopefully won't be too long until a plan is in place. Stay positive. Keep busy. X

KPA22 · 09/06/2023 15:53

Hi reigndeer believe

How are you getting on with treatment? Hope all is going well x