I am 54 and i recently found a lump in my left breast, so i went to see the Doctor, i was then referred to the Breast clinic, two weeks later i was at the Clinic and on the day i had a mammogram, an examination, an ultrasound scan and had a biopsy taken too. I saw the picture of the scan on the screen and to me it looked like a mountain, with jagged edges, then the Doctor said "it could be a type of breast cancer" my eyes welled up, when those words were said i couldn't take anything else in. I am due to get my results on 9th August 2021 and i can't decide should i drive there or take a taxi, i am single. I keep thinking will i be given a number, like "you have grade ....cancer". Should i take pen and paper to jot things down, will my tears allow me to see what i write. So many questions........ any advice would be welcome? Am worried x
Awaiting results of Biopsy..... - SHARE Breast Canc...
Awaiting results of Biopsy.....
I would take a taxi yes- even if you got a 'good' result there can be a lot to take in. I didn't cry until later but in shock yes, went alone and it was fine. So it is a roller coaster from then on in, such a lot of appointments and decisions to make. But hang on in there - I didn't take notes as they summarise it in a latter soon afterwards and if you need intervention then there is sooo much printed and online information. I now can't remember my exact grouping and number etc, 2 years later, many can - I maybe have chosen not to - but can refer back of I need to. Good luck Xxxx
Hi there,
First I want to say that I sympatise with you, it is quite a job to do those "things" by yourself.
Any reason you would nt take a taxi apart from some money!? If you can afford it YES do take a taxi, one less worry to get there in time and get home safely! From now on, choose for yourself and what is best for you., and don t skip on matters which are convenient for you.
I did take notes of the consult I had, but also asked for a copy of the doctors report , directly through to you or, as happens in New Zealand through the GP. If you get the report you can "google" all the terms you are not familiar with.
I am not on my own AND I still am very grateful for the support I have already got through our local cancer society in the place where I live. I don t know where you are, but it is very likely there is a breast cancer support group in your area too.
Yes, it is likely the doctor tells you what grade your cancer is and what type of cancer it is.
Maybe you are not quite in a frame of mind to look it all up before you go and see the doctor, but do look at this site and get the information, maybe later on.
The cancer society will help you every step of the way, all you need to do is reach out. I just looked them up in the phone book and went there without appointment and got a lovely reception from them.
And that is what you have just done on this forum as well, good on yeah. Ask for help and you get it. Never be shy. The worst you can get is a "no".
My experience is that others that don t have cancer or have nt had cancer rarely understand what you are going through. And yes, there are so many different types of cancers.
Let us know how you get on. Kind regards, look after you!
😀
Hello, thank you for your reply. It's always good to hear what other people have done when they've already been through it. Thanks for your notes and the advice and I'll be booking my taxi today too. 😀xx
Hello
I know it's hard not to worry at this point, but I encourage you to try to keep your mind on other things. The first thing to remember is that something like 80% of biopsies come back negative. But even if it is positive for cancer, it may not be as bad as you imagine.
If you get a positive diagnosis, they will tell you the type of cancer, how big the tumor is, and how fast it is growing (grade). Note that although these are components of the "stage", one of the most important components of staging is lymph node involvement, and they won't know that after the biopsy. I found the American Cancer Society's website most helpful. For example, cancer.org/treatment/unders... explains all the things that might be on your report.
I had a mammogram this spring, and there were two suspicious spots in one breast. Both were biopsied, and since there were two I was pretty sure there was going to be cancer. In fact there was, one DCIS, which is considered "pre-cancer", and one invasive ductal carcinoma, that was estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive and HER2 negative. This is the most common form of breast cancer and there are great treatments.
I had a mastectomy, since I had two spots on either side of my breast and the surgeon didn't think it would be possible to have a normal-looking breast after removing both. Plus, with 2 sites, I figured it would be best to get rid of the whole thing.
At the time of the surgery, they took out some lymph nodes and those were tested. There was no cancer in them. Plus, they did an analysis of the cancer in the tumor and based on that, they said no chemotherapy was necessary (I am 55. If I was younger they may have recommended chemotherapy based on my oncotype score).
I initially wanted to get DIEP flap reconstruction, and since there wasn't time to schedule that before I had the mastectomy, I had a temporary expander put in. I have since decided to have a silicone implant because I don't want to go through another major surgery. If I had opted for the silicone implant to begin with, they would have put it in at the time of my mastectomy, and it would all be over by now.
Now it is less than 5 months since my biopsy and my life is pretty much back to normal. So I encourage you not to fret prematurely.
I am going through a very similar situation. I have LBC and the start of DCIS ( pre cancer ). I am having my mastectomy done in a week of my right breast. If no cancer in the sentinel lymph nodes I will need no chemo or radiation. I will have to wait for the reconstruction as well. I wanted to get it done at the time of mastectomy but could not. I hope you don’t mind me asking you a question. I plan on waiting 4 months and then do reconstruction with an implant. Does your other breast match? I realize they cannot match perfectly but I am considering an implant in my good breast to match better? I appreciate any input you can give me. Thank you.
I won't have my implant until next month, so I don't know. But I can say the expander is a bit lumpy and definitely sits higher than the real breast and you can't tell when I am dressed, unless I am wearing a tight shirt. Even then, if I wear a more supportive bra, you can't tell. That is partly what helped me decide to get the implant instead of the flap. I don't care that much if they don't match when I'm naked. Nonetheless, I decided to get a bit of a lift on the real breast so they will be a little more even. I should say I am a B cup. I read that it is harder to match larger breasts.
Thank you so much! I am a C cup and thinking about downsizing to a B but I am definitely considering an implant in my other breast. Not sure I can do it but I’m going to try. I just imagine one breast perky and full on the top line and my other drooping to my waistline. LOL. May I ask how is the expander? I hear it is more difficult than the actual mastectomy. I so appreciate your time. This is a lot to process and I am learning so much. I was just diagnosed on 6/21. Thank you again!
I hate the expander. It is too wide and my tissue still feels bruised where the edges push into me. I had the mastectomy on May 19. The expander doesn't bother me most of the time at this point, but it is still tender when I push around the edges. At first the surgeon overfilled it, but she took some saline out a couple weeks after the surgery, and then it was less painful. But since it is not filled all the way, there are little bulges and indentations that I can push around. One of the bulges was painful on and off for quite a while. Not too bad now, though.
For me the worst part was from the sentinel node removal. During that process, a nerve in my armpit was nicked or irritated, and for several weeks I had a burning pain down my arm that was especially bothersome when anything was rubbing against my arm, like the fabric of a chair or even a shirt. Sweating also irritated it. I think I read about half of women have some kind of neuropathic pain like that after the sentinel node removal. That is also better now, though. My armpit is still a bit numb, but it only bothers me when its itchy because I can't really scratch it.
I have learned that I am really a wimp when it comes to discomfort. Makes me realize how fortunate I have been through my life with so few medical problems and also not having to have chemo.
Hello MarliesSz, thank you for your message and for sharing your story. I did get a taxi to the Hospital. The appointment also involved having a magtrace injection into my breast, ouch 
as well as receiving the results. I know that i have a 24mm grade II ductal carcinoma. This cancer is strongly sensitive to oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 negative (words on the letter) They say this is treatable with tablets that block oestrogen, after surgery. I am due to have the cancer removed along with two lymph nodes from under my arm on 2nd September, then i'll have radiotherapy some weeks later. It's all moving really quickly, but i feel lucky for this and for finding the lump to begin with. I still have lots of booklets to read through, with each appointment comes more leaflets. My friend kindly picked me after my appointment and took me to her home where i could take it all in and to not be alone. She'll also collect me after surgery as i'll be staying at hers in her spare room for a few days, bless her 😘 fingers crossed they get it all out in one surgery 🤞
Greetings : Sister. I hope/pray you will able to take a trusted love one with you . Preferably someone who can take notes for you, or as you also take notes. I pray you will be comforted by the (DR.GOD) I serve 
. I was told 13 years ago I would not live to see 2008. I have had no additional treatment after the initial aggressive chemo, and radiation almost 14 years ago . I believe DR.GOD) has kept me here 13 years without pharmaceutical drug treatment, and with NED . I am overdue for scans/testing. I will have them done in 2- 3 weeks. I will not worry, for I can't change any outcomes, but I believe GOD can . I will always say thank you LORD for the precious time you have kept me here on this earthly journey with family/friends (loved ones) I pray you will have 13 plus, plus plus quality years to spend with your loved ones Amen! 🙏😇
Hello, aww thank you for your message and it's great to hear about good outcomes. My friend was there after my appointment when i needed her. I am due to have surgery on 2nd September and hope it goes well and that i as well as you have more plus, plus, plus years too to enjoy with friends and family 😇
Amen Sister/warrior😇
Hello I am so sorry to hear you are going through this. I had the same thing happen to me. I drove myself but did cry when I got to the car. This was before my biopsy, they did a mammogram and an ultrasound. After I was done they asked me to talk to someone so I knew something was up. She was the head nurse and sat me down with a pamphlet and explained different types of cancer. I fought back tears in the office but they were very nice and helpful. I called my family from the car and talked which helped. I was scared when I went back for the biopsy ( which was not painful at all). I had to wait 4 days to get the results which was scary. I won’t get into my details because it really could go many ways. I will be praying for you and sending hugs. Do you have someone to talk to? This group has helped me come to grips and ease the pain knowing there are many of us going through the same thing. Hang in there.
Hello Hyro, thank you for your message, it's good to hear the stories from other people who are going through the same thing. When i was given the results, i only told my loved ones and close friends, a few days later i decided to e-mail the colleagues in my department and also put it out there on-line, i wanted people to know my story and to maybe check their boobs, as you never know who it could affect next. I was told how brave i was for doing that, i don't feel brave though 🤔.My surgery is due on 2nd September and I feel lucky that it's happening really quickly too and hope that they get it all taken out in one Operation. 🤞Sending hugs x
Sending big hugs and prayers for it to be 100% removed and a quick recovery. You are strong and brave, you have helped me to talk to someone going through the same thing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. My surgery is on Monday the 23rd. I’m nervous but I agree, it is good it is happening so quickly. We got this!!
Best of luck to you. You've got this, you can handle this. Take it one.day.at.a.time. Think small steps. Face each day and get through any challenges and enjoy and appreciate even the little joys. You have a lot of support even from people you don't know. Sending you well wishes and good vibes!! 🌞🌻
If possible take a friend. All you may hear is blah blah blah . Another pair of ears that can take notes and possibly ask questions you may not be clear headed enough to ask. Fingers crossed!!
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