I had a routine mammogram in March 2023 and I was so confident that it was going to be fine, that I forgot about it by the end of the same day. I was shocked to get a phone call 10 later to tell me that they had found a mass in my left breast. I remember telling female friends about it, and how everyone told me that it was probably nothing, perhaps a cyst. I saw the radiologist not long afterwards, and I wasn’t prepared. I walked into the room and saw the image on the screen. The radiologist said that it was a definite mass and was being taken as cancer at that point. The mass was 5cm in diameter, and I felt foolish that I had not noticed it sooner. After the needle biopsy I had surgery to excise the lump. After the longest wait, I was called to the breast unit for the results on the day of the phone call. It was DCIS and I was given several booklets along with the words ‘Some of it will be relevant but not all’. She asked me if I had questions - no! I wasn’t prepared for this, so I couldn’t ask questions. I found that my female friends shied away from talking to me. I don’t know if it was embarrassment, but I felt alone. I still do. I will be having my first subsequent mammogram in March. I would like to praise MacMillan nurses for their excellent help and advice at that time. I would also recommend them for both practical and emotional support for anyone facing a possible cancer diagnosis.
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13cats-lives
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My own experience is that it is a rare friend/family who can listen, understand and be supportive in a meaningful way. You can find support here always and on other sites you can also seek an in person support group at a cancer center. So glad the nurses could be there for you. I am sorry your medical visits were not more productive or supportive. Wish you the best. 🌺♥️🌺
My story is so very similar and I was shocked, as well. Thank you for praising those MacMillan nurses and on that note, hats off to UCHealth for taking such good care of me
By any chance, did you take advantage of getting a full genetic testing panel? (I did). Mine happened to be very aggressive and my doctor told me that had I put off my mammogram another few months, it would've been too late for any type of treatment.
In the event you aren't already familiar with the association with pancreatic cancer, or at least I should say with my type of DCIS, my genetic counselor told me that pancreatic cancer and breast cancer 'follow along' the same gene path. I had just lost a cousin (when he was only 42) to pancreatic cancer. This was extremely enlightening to know because I try to highlight the linkage simply because they don't seem even remotely associated to me!
Unfortunately I wouldn’t benefit from any genetic testing because I was adopted at birth. If it benefited you, then I am so happy for you.
I know that many people live in fear of cancer having had a direct family member who has had cancer. I suppose that in a way I am fortunate not knowing my bloodline. I had cervical cancer in my 20’s, albeit micro invasive and I did think that there is probably something genetic. This could never be known in my personal case however. Lightening can strike twice, and people do live to tell the tale. You have got me wondering, but I do have my mammogram next month - so I am still optimistic.
Hi 13cats-lives, not to try to deter you from your plans, but I think genetic testing may be helpful to you, even though you were adopted. It can tell you what YOUR cells are capable of. The bloodline can start with you. I am not sure if you have children or not, but either way you will be able to know if your genes mutate or not. Or I should say what percentage they may mutate. This covers all cancer types. Just my opinion, I think it is worth looking into. At least you know it doesn't have ALL to do with your family's bloodline-it's yours that matters. Yes, you will see if something runs in your family, but you just won't have a face to go with it. I think at this point it is for your future benefit. I hope this makes since. However, it's up to you what you decide.🤗🤗
Thank you, but the Health Service here just wouldn’t even consider such a thing at the moment sadly. So many people are deliberately blocked from even getting basic health care. We are told - quote - There’s people dying from heart attacks waiting - unquote. With this in front of many people they are forced to accept that they are not a priority. Private health care is beyond my financial capacity, so I will know more next month when I get my first check up. Thanks for thinking of me xx
Similar happened to me last year and I have my follow up on the 14th Feb which I am dreading. I found it difficult to talk about it and in fact a friend who had breast cancer did nothing but scare me about it all 😞. I found this website thankfully and have had great support. Keep positive
I think we were all shocked, however I have just been for my first mammogram since the 2 operations, to be told I have a lump...again, and have to have a biopsy next week. I had very little support from the Macmillan nurse, in fact I would go so far as saying she was a little dragon. I'm 70 next year and always been in a higher management position and couldn't believe anyone could speak to me like she did. However, the other Macmillan nurses were all very pleasant and helpful. Fortunately my main support came from my husband, sister and immediate family. This time the Macmillan nurse who was with me seemed a bit more compassionate, hopefully it will turn our to be nothing more than a cyst ...fingers crossed!!
I am so sorry firstly to hear that you have another lump, and secondly that you have had a bad experience when trying to talk to someone about your valid concerns. I hope that you didn’t accept being spoken to in such a way. Everyone should feel supported at such a difficult time.
I have not thought about the future, because we don’t know what will happen, and I try not to dwell on the what if’s. I know that I could face the real possibility of future changes, but I hear so many brave ladies who have been through much worse than myself. I sincerely hope that you make a full recovery and I am sending you all my best wishes xx
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