I might have breast cancer...waiting on biopsy results

[Bananas2007]

Hi all,Back in December, I turned the big 4-0. I immediately scheduled for my first routine mammogram. Didn't think anything of it so I pushed it out until April 1st. My results popped up in MyChart as a category 0 and would need a diagnostic mammogram along with a ultrasound.

Fast forward 2 weeks later to the day of the second scans. The radiologist comes in and tells me like it is "I am going to be honest with you, this doesn't look good". My head was spinning! ( She also told me that she's been wrong before but that isn't to reassuring. ) This was just this past Wednesday. They scheduled me for a needle biopsy the very next day. I've had the biopsy. Now I wait. My results appointment is Monday afternoon.

The solid mass is 14 mm or 1.4 cm. I can't feel it myself. I feel perfectly fine. Well, besides the recent nerves. The first night, I couldn't eat or sleep. My husband and I have been almost in a grieving period, already. I also have zero family history and tested negative for the BRCA mutation @ 23andMe.

From what I read, even if it's not cancer, it will need to be removed as the ultrasound was categorized as a 5. Why wouldn't they just remove it rather than doing a needle biopsy?

I am so scared! Any advice? I lost a couple pounds in the last few days from loss if appetite due to stress.

Any words are appreciated. Thank you.

[Happyrosie]

Bananas, you take me back to when a mammogram found a problem. Ultrasound indicated something too, then a needle biopsy then I had to wait a week. That week was hard! To cut a long story short, I had a full mastectomy with a malignancy which had grown from nothing to 90 mm in one year. Chemo and radiotherapy.

But hey, here I am over eight years later alive and kicking!

I don’t know what you mean by a 5 and I can’t comment on what your team did or didn’t do.

I’m sure you and family are worrying and not sleeping and that’s just normal. But whatever the diagnosis, you’ll come out the other side like I did.

Where you live, are there breast cancer charities? Here in the UK we have MacMillan, and several others whom one can phone for reassurance.

[Bananas2007 in reply to Happyrosie]

Happyrosie, thank you for your kind reply. Do you mind sharing more about your experience? Were you having symptoms or just going in for a routine mammogram screening? 90 mm is very large, what stage were you diagnosed with? I am still learning but I kind of understand that it's more than just size/stage.

In regards to my ultrasound being a 5, it's on a scale that we call Bi-Rads. Is there something similar in the UK? Here, a category 5 means highly suspicious that the mass is malignant, 95% chance that it's cancer. Anytime a ultrasound is a 5, surgery is recommended, even if no cancer is found on the biopsy.

I am not sure if we have any breast cancer charities here. To be honest, I never foresaw myself in this situation and I am very uneducated on the entire topic of BC.

My radiologist said that she's thankful I did not choose to wait until I was 50 to come in. (Not sure how it is in the UK, but in the U.S., insurance will cover a mammogram screening beginning at the age of 40 but you have the option to wait until 45 or 50 for your first scan.)

Is 1.4 cm large? My breast center told me it's small and they are hoping it's nit cancer but if it is, it can be dealt with since it's small. Hopefully they aren't just trying to make me feel better?

Thank you again for your input.

[Happyrosie in reply to Bananas2007]

My history is this. I had a pain in my left breast and saw my doctor, who correctly prescribed an antibiotic. As I was leaving his room having said goodbye, he suddenly said “I’m going to refer you to the breast clinic”. In the UK this is a specialist breast person. She examined me thoroughly and could find nothing in either breast but asked me to have a mammogram both sides to ensure there was really nothing wrong. And it transpired that I had a mass in the OTHER, right, breast.

90 cm is very large but it was stage one, and had not got to the lymph nodes. But very quick growing, and very deep, it could not be felt.

Yours is small, but I can’t comment on what therapy you will be prescribed.

Just take it one step at a time, and ensure you keep yourself healthy with a good diet of fresh foods, plenty of water and good exercise like walking and yoga.

Keep posting here, other posters may have useful things to say to you.

[Warrio]

First of all big hugs!!! From my research and experience, they do the biopsy to get more information. The doctors need to know what they are dealing with, cancer, not cancer. If it's cancer what grade and type. These help formulate the appropriate treatment plan, if needed. I understand the stress of waiting, maybe try some sipping bone broth just to keep you as strong as possible. Try not to go down the Google rabbit hole of information. Try and stick to the official cancer associations websites. Regardless of what the biopsy shows, write down all your questions and ask them. The more information you have the better armed you are going forward. You are not alone in your fears or concerns. If it is cancer, ask if the facility has a nurse navigator and a social worker you can speak with. They can help you and provide resources. I hope the best for you.

[Bananas2007 in reply to Warrio]

Warrio, thank you for your kind words. The first day they sent me in for the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, they set me up with a Nurse Navigator. She had breast cancer at 39 and is now going on 60 and doing great. Definitely reassuring but I am trying to stay level headed and also not tell myself it'll be one of the easy ones to treat. Guess I am trying to prepare myself for the worst but hope for the best. Thanks again.

[mathematics]

They appear to be acting fast which is brilliant thinking of you tomorrow. The biopsy is what I had after the scan and they also biopsied my lymph node. I had to have all the treatment for cancer but I am still here 11 years on so take care and make sure you write everything down and ask questions. I was so numb at the time I could not think clearly at all so if it is written down before hand it should help. All the best for tomorrow.

[Bananas2007 in reply to mathematics]

Hi mathematics, I am so happy that you are doing great 11 years later. On day one, I felt like my life was flipped upside down and pretty much over in regards to living normally. But now, to be honest, I am calm and trying to take care of myself in order to stay strong as possible. I have been able to eat again and I have been making at least one Smoothie a day. 🙂

In regards to the lymph node, I had the radiologist run a ultrasound on my right underarm. She gave the all clear but not sure if that's 100% but at least she didn't find anything abnormal on the scan. Did you have a lump in your underarm?

[mathematics in reply to Bananas2007]

I honestly cannot remember if I had a lump under my arm I just know I had a lump in my breast, they did do a biopsy on my breast and under my arm and it hurt and I needed all my lymph nodes on my left side removed and my lump was 25mm and very aggressive. I just remember sitting in the room with the consultant saying they did not know whether it was an 8 or 9 grade tumor after which I just switched off. But I am still here 11 years later. I was told by a friend whose wife had died of cancer to take all the treatment they offered while I was well enough to take it and that is what I did. Thinking of you tomorrow and lots of love.

[Bananas2007 in reply to mathematics]

You are so brave. Thank you for telling me your story. I will definitely take you advice and listen to the doctors.

[LeeanneC92]

Hi Bananas,

I am sorry you are going through this, it is never easy. I remember when we got told my lump was suspicious in December. My husband was so upset and my mind went into hyper drive trying to figure it out.

I got diagnosed January this year at 30 with Grade 2 IDC, ER+, PR+, HER2-. Fast forward to now, I have had the lump removed (14mm too) and negative lymph nodes, started tamoxifen and beginning discussion on prostap, and have scheduled radiotherapy in May. I'm happy, healthy, still working and exercising. To keep things honest, I have separated myself from the cancer and that may not be the healthiest thing. It works for me.

Whatever the results are tomorrow you will be supported by the medical teams. Try to go in with an open mind and perhaps a pen and paper to make a note of everything. Take a supportive person along. Maybe stop for a nice hot drink and slice of cake after? 😅😊

In the UK, charities such as MacMillian, Cancer Research UK, and Breast Cancer Now are accessible to people diagnosed with cancer and affected families. I believe MacMillian also works in partnership with BUPA for councilling sessions. Smaller charities in your local area may have regular face-to-face group support that may be beneficial.

Good luck for tomorrow, lovely! ❤️

[Bananas2007 in reply to LeeanneC92]

LeanneC92, your story is very uplifting. I don't know if it's the right thing to do but I keep telling myself it's probably cancer. I am trying to prepare mentally and physically.

Can you tell me a bit more about the medication you are on? Is that chemotherapy? It's amazing that you are still able to work. I absolutely love going into work everyday and am praying that I will be able to do that. If not, I have both short and long term disability and can get on FMLA or ADA during treatment. The short and long term disability is only 40% of my pay and the FMLA and ADA are only protections from getting fired but I am happy that they are there if needed. Plus, we have an emergency fund and my husband would be working unless I need a chemo appointment, etc.

Maybe today, I will start making notes on questions to ask. If I have cancer, I will have a number to talk to a nurse navigator during their business hours as well.

[LeeanneC92 in reply to Bananas2007]

To be honest, I went into my follow appointment pretty sure I had cancer too. Even so, being told is another thing entirely. It's funny, because one of the things I wanted to know is if I could still do blood donations after being diagnosed (you can't, FYI. You go on the rejected list). I think that is the realist in most people. When we went for the diagnostics, the MacMillian nurse told us 1/10 that go through have cancer, and to hold onto the fact that 9/10 do not.

Tamoxifen and Prostap aren't chemotherapy (I managed to avoid that). They are part of my post treatment plan as I am premenopausal. I believe tamoxifen effects the proteins that recognise er+ pr+ hormones and effectively shuts them off. The body does not recognise the hormones and stops the cancer from feeding off them. Prostap will stop the ovaries from creating the hormones the cancer feeds from. It is more preventative for recurrance than removal of cancer cells all together. My cancer is quite hormone positive (it was scored as 8/8 for both ER and PR hormones. The satellite area found during the operation was also 8/8 er+ and 4/8 pr+). If you are told you have cancer this is information you will probably receive at your appointment tomorrow. Whether the cancer is hormone positive or not affects treatment plans. (It may be different medication names where you are based)

You'll have different options for your treatment plan. I opted for a lumpectomy rather than full mastectomy (Hey. I'm still young and want to enjoy my boobs a bit longer!). I believe this helped with recovery (only a couple of weeks out of work). Everyone is different though. You may find you need more time to process emotionally even though you feel physically fine (I feel physically fine. Emotionally I am OK too).

Take the time that you need to be OK. This is a hard road and will be taxing on both you and your family. Lean on your medical team as needed, it is what they are there for. Do things for you that make you feel good.

As you have pointed out there is the financial side too. That no one seems to mention? We have spent so much money on petrol and parking tickets (and hot drinks. The breast care team were right next to the on site coffee shop, hahaha). I can't advise on that unfortunately, but in the UK I believe there are benefits and funds you are able to access. It may be worth seeing what is available in your area.

You got this love! We are stronger than we realise. It is unfortunate that these situations come along to show us that ❤️

[Bananas2007 in reply to LeeanneC92]

Thank you so very much Leeanne. If you don't mind, and if it's not too taxing emotionally, I may reach out and send you a message in the future. It's good knowing that we aren't alone.

[LeeanneC92 in reply to Bananas2007]

Absolutely, you can! ❤️

It's a unique situation, especially when you are younger. I am always happy to have a natter.

[Redwine50]

hi .it’s hard but get angry and be strong.I had 3 lumps and had needle biopsy s.but 7 years have passed and I’m still here.your head will be all over the place but I’m sure you can do it .take care and stay strong xxx

[Bananas2007 in reply to Redwine50]

That is great news! Honestly, by hearing other people's stories, I am optimistic that I am not leaving this Earth anytime soon. I am just praying it's an early stage and hasn't spread outside of the breast. I still have regular periods and I read that breast cancer is usually more aggressive in women who haven't went through menopause yet. I pray that isn't thw case for me.

[infamousyoda]

Hi Bananas, wishing you good luck with your biopsy results. It's great that the clinicians are acting fast to determine the status. I am a breast cancer researcher. There are a number of things they will try to determine from the biopsy. (1) they will be able to tell whether the lump is cancerous or not. Not all lumps are cancerous (i.e. if it's benign they may not need to remove it but would recommend regular monitoring to see if it changes). (2) they will hopefully be able to determine the stage (hyperplasia, carcinoma in situ, invasive) and area of the breast (typically ductal or lobular). Hyperplasia are not cancerous and many carcinoma in situ never develop to become invasive, but the clinicians may advise removal anyway. (3) as noted by other respondents, the biopsy should determine the type of BC based on expression of cell receptors. The main types are defined as Luminal A, Luminal B , HER2 positive and triple negative (TNBC). Knowing the type will help the clinicians determine the best treatment and some treatments are very effective. Hope this helps.

[Bananas2007 in reply to infamousyoda]

This does help.

Are you in the UK? If so, do they use BI-RAD rating scale for imaging? Both of my mammograms were rated category 0 which just means more imaging is recommended. My ultrasound was rated a 5 which means it's 95% malignant. The highest rating is a 6 and that just means it's been proven malignant using a biopsy.

[infamousyoda in reply to Bananas2007]

Hi Bananas, yes I'm in the UK. Mammography and ultrasound are both imaging techniques. As a first level of screening they are well established, but lack accuracy. That one method indicates relative low chance of cancer and the other suggests a malignancy shows how inaccurate they can be. Neither technique can determine whether a lump is cancerous which is why a biopsy is required. The biopsy result will be more useful. I hope it leads to a clearer understanding of your diagnosis. Thinking of you. x

[Bananas2007]

Hi all,Had my appointment regarding my pathology results. I do, unfortunately, have BC. The full pathology won't be complete until Thursday. But they like to "get the ball rolling " anytime someone has BC. I am scheduled for a MRI this coming Monday and have a consultation with a surgeon on May 1st to discuss surgery and a treatment plan. Oh and I am meeting a genetic counselor that same day.

Clinically, I am stage 1. We will see what the full report says on Thursday. They say I have the most common form that began in my milk ducts, its invasive and that it's a grade 2.

I only wish that this was all moving a bit faster. Other than that, I think they are covering all the bases.

[LeeanneC92 in reply to Bananas2007]

Hi Bananas,

I came back to your post as I was thinking about you and your appointment. I am sorry to hear you are part of this club and I hope the full pathology report provides you with the answers you need.

The wait to start treatment is the worst. It's almost agonising. You recognise that it is cancer and want to move quickly but the truth is that the cancer didn't form overnight (usually over months and years) and can't be treated the same way.

I hope your surgery and treatment goes well! I recommend a heart shaped post-op pillow (search post-op breast surgery pillow). They are a wonderful. So comfy.

Here if you need to chat my love ❤️

[mathematics]

Sorry to hear the news and I wish you all the best in your treatment I am sure they will sort it for you as everything is moving fast. Take care and lots of love.

[Bananas2007 in reply to mathematics]

Thank you.

[Redwrap]

What I would say is regardless of what the results are just take it one day at a time also maybe try to bring someone with you when you get the results that way it feels like you are. Not handling them by yourself I hope everything goes well for you and that it is not cancer