waiting biopsy results

[jackearls1000]

Hi my name is Jane ...I had a biopsy yesterday...was told the lump in my breast was clear but cells around it was likely to be cancerous but not sure ...if it is cancerous the Dr said he would take it away and I would absolutely survive this ....I'm scared a cant sleep any advise greatly received x

[Phaedra]

Hi Jane and welcome

First of all, take a deep breath- this time of diagnosis and waiting is absolutely the worst. 50,000 women in the U.K. alone face this worry every year so you are not alone. Join some good sites and don't google to look - for information stick to Macmillan or similar, I have found them the best. Are you at a specialist breast care centre? If so you'll be able to talk to a nurse- did you ask any questions or were you too stunned? A feeling of shock is normal, give yourself time. We are all here for you x

[jackearls1000 in reply to Phaedra]

I did ask as much as I could .they said it was likely to be cancer...they would take it away and I would survive ...but they also said they tried to drain it ...and not sure what the cells around the lump were . The lump today however is half the size ...which is a puzzle also. I have a nurse to call ..but don't want to be a pain ..have a 2 week wait for results .x

[Maggie18]

The treatment for breatscancer is amazing I was in that position a year ago had hemp first then surgery and then radioethiotherat and target drugs for a year my life has changed as I no longer do stress I look after myself and take time for me be mindful and positive the oncologists are amazing and breatscancer treatment has com on so much in last 5 years takencare maggie

[jackearls1000 in reply to Maggie18]

I'm desperately trying not to" spin out "..I'm on a weekend away on the 4th July ...I'm just trying to carry on ..regardless ...very hard though not knowing x

[Hidden]

Hi Jane

It sound like he thinks it is DCIS which is Stage 0 cancer , so not actually cancer but pre-cancerous. They have no way of knowing who's will develop into cancer and who's won't so surgery will be recommended then , depending on the surgery possibly radiotherapy, and depending on the type of cancer , hormone treatment , i.e. Tablets. If it is what they suspect chemo is not applicable as there is no evidence it works with DCIS. The statistics show 100% survival rates after 5 years so I really wouldn't worry too much (although I know you will!) There is a thought that in the UK DCIS is over-treated so it is really excellent treatment which is what they call belt and braces ( I've heard that phrase so many times in the last 10 months) I had an invasive lump and DCIS was found when they removed the lump , so ended up with a mastectomy , but everyone is different , your dr will give you all the information and treatment plan when you go back to see them.

Hope this helps

Jo x

[jackearls1000 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much this sounds reassuring ..what does DCIS mean ? the lump is about an inch big ..although since yesterday It seems to be half the size? I always worry ...its my nature ...but usually for other people..i feel a bit numb to be honest xxx

[Debs1962]

Hi Jane, welcome to our group, I was diagnosed April 2015 the week wait for biopsy results was the worst, but once you know what you are dealing with I was ok about it, the not knowing was the worst for me. At this stage you don't know, and it maybe all ok.

Hugs to you while you wait, and let us know how you get on Deb xx

[jackearls1000]

Thankyou everyone for your positive replies ..it was a very restless night ...I'm pleased as I was told my biopsy would bruise and swell ...it hasn't and actually the lump feels half the size now ...after I had the scan and was told the cells around the lump were likely to be cancerous but not sure ...the consultant told me that they tried to drain the lump ...I'm worried about them taking a lymph biopsy as well ...but they said one was slightly swollen ...but I do have a bad cough after a cold so not sure if this is the cause ....also I have had a Myrna coil for 4 years and they said I may have to have it removed ...thank you so much for the replies and your support ...I don't feel so alone now .my mum died last year and I lost a dear friend at Christmas both had cancer but different types, so I spose this is the reason I'm so scared ....please stay in touch xxx

[Lainey66]

Hearing that is never easy. Are they doing a biopsy on the surrounding tissue? If you can, try keeping your mind busy with hobbies and interests, trips out , work and family. Try and not worry until you have been given the results. Wishing you all the best x

[jackearls1000 in reply to Lainey66]

Hello ...yes they did quite a few biopsies ...so assume they did the surround too ...I am sort of getting use to it now ...and just trying to be "normal" I have a 12 year old daughter and my husband to stay strong for ...thank you ...hope things in your world are fine today x

[Hidden]

You have to trust the team that's looking after you, as scary as it is for you, they see this all the time, write down any questions or things your not sure about or don't understand, they will reassure you.

Enjoy your time away and make the most of it, try and keep busy,also if there is part of your treatment that you don't like the sound of,ask questions.i.e I was told they would do a lumpectomy, I wasn't happy with this, I wanted the cancer GONE,so they agreed to do a mastectomy, so talk to your team about any concerns or issues,they've heard it all before.

And good luck.xx

[jackearls1000]

is having a mastectomy having the whole breast removed ...and is it the only way to get rid of all the cancer? only the Dr told me he would remove the lump and some good tissue around it ?

[Hidden in reply to jackearls1000]

Hi

Where possible they will try and just remove the lump (lumpectomy or wide local excision (WLE)) they also need to have what is called clear margins , which is an area around the affection d tissue or lump which is clear of cancer. I had this but didn't get the clear margins , so cutting a very long story short , ended up with a mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction. Mine is not the usual way, most lumpectomies are successful. You have a lot to take in , you have been plunged into a world you don't understand and that is just how I felt , but the best advice is just to try and relax , get over the shock and just take each step at a time.

When are you going back to hospital ?

Jo x

[stephanyperry in reply to Hidden]

Hi I just went through a mastectomy on left side.Had 2 lumpectomys ,all this in one month.I would ask surgeon about using a clear margin probe tool.That way you might not have to go through lot of surgeries.Some patients just need one surgery,everyone is different.I was scared too.I am doing good now.Wishing you the Best.

[jackearls1000 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Jo ...thank you for your reply ...they said 2 weeks ...I have to wait for appointment ...the Dr seemed pretty sure the plan would be to cut away lump and good tissue ...I'm ok with that ,...whats freaking me out is the lymph biopsy ..one lymph was slightly swollen ...but I did have a terrible cough and cold at the time ....hopefully that side will all be ok ...hope your having a lovely day xxx

[Hidden in reply to jackearls1000]

Hi Jane

My sentinel node was swollen but no cancer found, think they can be swollen for any number of reasons, they will test that when you have your operation - the waiting is the worst part , I know you will just want to know.

Jox

[jackearls1000 in reply to Hidden]

Yes they did do a lymph biopsy at the same time ...I'm hating the not knowing ....every ach and pain you think its spread I'm not usually a drama person and very level headed ..but this is getting to me big time ...thanks for the communication ...it does help ..I'm on my own all day ....I work from home ..and its miserable x

[Debs1962]

Jane I had mastectomy and had implant put in at the same time, I could of had lumpectomy but when you have that you have radiotherapy with lumpectomy, which I didn't want to have due to the side effects that can cause, so by having mastectomy you don't need radiotherapy, also I wanted to make sure they took the lot and checked it all!

I personally am totally happy with my decision, everyone is different, my children were 15 and 17 when I had my op.

Deb x