Breast biopsy today

Breastbiopsy · 2023-02-22T21:30:44+00:00

Hello. I'm 44. Found a breast lump this morning. Incredibly, managed to get an appointment at a Bupa breast clinic tonight. Upshot is it's not a cyst, 4cm in size, and 'suspicious'. They biopsied it and my armpit because lymph nodes were enlarged. I go back for results on Monday and was advised to 'bring someone with me'. Bugger. Any words of advice?

fudgecat · 22/02/2023 21:39

Don't Google! That's the main bit of advice I can give you. Wait and see what is said Monday, if it is "bad" then you need to focus on the fact that you got it checked very quickly and that the ball is rolling to get it dealt with. Oh and don't Google! Fingers crossed x

FannythePinkFlamingo · 22/02/2023 21:46

Seconding the don't Google advice. Take someone with you, so they can make notes if needed. If it is bad news then you won't remember what they say so a companion is a really good idea. And again, don't Google.

BG2015 · 23/02/2023 19:34

It's not cancer until they tell you it's cancer,so try not to worry - I know that's easier said than done.

I was diagnosed in June 2021 with breast cancer and am now fully recovered.

Don't google.If you want support try the forums on Breast Cancer Now

Original poster

Breastbiopsy · 24/02/2023 07:32

Thanks so much for your replies. I have been reading a lot on Breast Cancer Now and the Cancer Research forum to try understand what the likely next steps will be. I know the hardest thing is not having a plan in place - but I guess I could be in for a few more weeks of uncertainty if more scans and test are required. I have a wonderful husband and 3 incredible children so am really well supported at home. Managed to sleep a bit better last night and my biopsy sites are less sore today so don't feel quite so bleak. Need to make myself eat something though. Thanks again

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Chocolateismyfavourite · 24/02/2023 07:35

Try not to think worst case. Until you know exactly what it is. Like someone else said, it's not cancer until they tell you it is.

I was diagnosed on 31st August, had 12 weekly sessions of chemo from 26th September, had a mastectomy 30 December and am now cancer free😃 I do have to have some radiotherapy as a preventive, wich is coming up soon, but just wanted to share a positive story with you.

Good luck for Monday.

Original poster

Breastbiopsy · 24/02/2023 07:47

Thanks @Chocolateismyfavourite in my less positive moments I focus on what I think I know: 1. it's suspicious and they wouldn't say this lightly 2. at 4cm it's large 3. I have small boobs I'm pretty sure it appeared quickly so must be aggressive 4. The radiographer said some of lymph nodes were 'rounded' - it's spread.

BUT I know all these things haven't been confirmed and even so could still be very treatable. It is so good to hear your positive stories, thanks so much for sharing

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canfor · 24/02/2023 07:47

Words of advice from me (had breast cancer three years ago). Try not to fret too much now about the unknown. I thought I would die soon when they told me I had cancer and that the treatment would be terrible and unbearable. It turns out that the vast majority of breast cancers are very very treatable with excellent longer term survival rates and I coped very well with the treatment partly because like you, I was younger. I've had worse hangovers than how I felt after chemo sessions.

So, for now just wait and see, you haven't been diagnosed yet, but if you are try not to panic like I did.

sorrynotathome · 24/02/2023 07:55

I would echo what canfor said. Also, my lump turned out to be much smaller than they had estimated. Please don't read anything into that measurement. But ultimately, even if it turns out to be cancer the chances are you'll be fine.

Chocolateismyfavourite · 24/02/2023 07:55

Breastbiopsy · 24/02/2023 07:47

Thanks @Chocolateismyfavourite in my less positive moments I focus on what I think I know: 1. it's suspicious and they wouldn't say this lightly 2. at 4cm it's large 3. I have small boobs I'm pretty sure it appeared quickly so must be aggressive 4. The radiographer said some of lymph nodes were 'rounded' - it's spread.

BUT I know all these things haven't been confirmed and even so could still be very treatable. It is so good to hear your positive stories, thanks so much for sharing

I do understand what you're saying and how you're feeling, I have small boob (s) too, a B cup and mine was 53mm, wich was big - so, yes, if it is, then, like other posters have said, very treatable, try and put it out your head for the weekend if you can ( I had to get through my weeks summer holiday with my kids before I knew what was what last year, I literally made myself not think about it so I could enjoy myself lol)

Original poster

Breastbiopsy · 24/02/2023 07:58

Thank you @canfor I'm probably being blase but right now I feel totally unphased by potential treatment - I'll accept anything and everything. I was supposed to have my hair done today - cancelled it - seemed daft spending money on something a might not have for long! Trying so hard not to panic, but my insides are liquid.

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Nimbostratus100 · 24/02/2023 07:59

breast cancer is all very treatable and manageable these days, I've got it, the most aggressive form, I'm taking anything offered to throw at it, and its not exactly a picnic in the park, but its not intolerable either, and well worth it as I comfortably predict a long and healthy life once this is all over

Original poster

Breastbiopsy · 24/02/2023 08:03

Sorry to hear you're going through this @Nimbostratus100 all the best to you

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Nimbostratus100 · 24/02/2023 08:07

Breastbiopsy · 24/02/2023 08:03

Sorry to hear you're going through this @Nimbostratus100 all the best to you

you will be fine!

best case scenario - you will be fine by this time next week

worse case scenario - you will most likely be fine by this time next year, and most of the days inbetween will be fine as well - we had a lovely holiday at one point when the surgeon suggested it would be a good time to get away, in a break between treatments - we have another on planned. Good days and bad days, but even mid chemo, more good than bad

💐

Martinisarebetterdirty · 24/02/2023 08:08

I had breast cancer in 2009, still here, still cancer free. It’s very treatable, you caught it if it is anything and there are so many different treatment options. Take someone who will be able to support you, not someone you may have to support (this may not be the obvious choice or even the closest person to you). Good luck

BG2015 · 24/02/2023 09:38

Martinisarebetterdirty · 24/02/2023 08:08

I had breast cancer in 2009, still here, still cancer free. It’s very treatable, you caught it if it is anything and there are so many different treatment options. Take someone who will be able to support you, not someone you may have to support (this may not be the obvious choice or even the closest person to you). Good luck

This is true!
I was told at my biopsy appointment they were 99% sure it was cancer so when I went for my results 10 days later I'd pretty much got my head round it!

Took my mum with me to the appointment and I ended up comforting her because she was in denial really!

I had a lumpectomy in August 2021, chemo Oct-Feb and then radiotherapy in March. I had 18 Herceptin injections and am taking Anastrozole now for 5 years.

I learnt so much about breast cancer and never realised how many different types there are.

Thinking of you

fudgecat · 27/02/2023 16:32

How did you get on today @Breastbiopsy ?

Chocolateismyfavourite · 27/02/2023 21:22

Been thinking about you today, how did things go?

Original poster

Breastbiopsy · 27/02/2023 22:06

Sadly cancer been confirmed. IDC 40mm tumour and in at least 1 lymph node. MRI, CT and Bone Scans scheduled for next 48 hours. Hoping to have a treatment plan by the end of the week. Thanks for checking in.

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Nimbostratus100 · 27/02/2023 23:04

Breastbiopsy · 27/02/2023 22:06

Sadly cancer been confirmed. IDC 40mm tumour and in at least 1 lymph node. MRI, CT and Bone Scans scheduled for next 48 hours. Hoping to have a treatment plan by the end of the week. Thanks for checking in.

sorry to hear that, come and join us on the cancer support thread 💐xxx

GlassBunion · 27/02/2023 23:47

The cancer support thread will be a great source of information to you.

All good wishes to you.

Chocolateismyfavourite · 28/02/2023 07:31

Breastbiopsy · 27/02/2023 22:06

Sadly cancer been confirmed. IDC 40mm tumour and in at least 1 lymph node. MRI, CT and Bone Scans scheduled for next 48 hours. Hoping to have a treatment plan by the end of the week. Thanks for checking in.

So sorry to read this. That's pretty much how my scans went too. If you want to talk, feel free to pm me.

Onecattwocats · 28/02/2023 18:14

Breastbiopsy · 27/02/2023 22:06

Sadly cancer been confirmed. IDC 40mm tumour and in at least 1 lymph node. MRI, CT and Bone Scans scheduled for next 48 hours. Hoping to have a treatment plan by the end of the week. Thanks for checking in.

I’m sorry you have had a cancer diagnosis - it’s hard going especially at first until you have a treatment plan. It does get easier though once you get your head around it all.

I was in total shock for a while after my diagnosis - I remember the stomach clenching anxiety all too well!

I’m the other side of surgery & chemo now & doing well. (you may not need chemo but if you do it is not that bad - I felt a bit tired & hungover after but on the whole it was really ok!)

The McMillan website is a great source of information & the forums are good xxx