Hi YorkieGirl76

I am unsure how they can tell that it's cancer without biopsy results but will let you know my experience from 5 years ago.  Recalled from routine mammogram in January, 2 biopsies taken, the second was a vacuum assisted biopsy and I watched the bits going down the tube which they said I wouldn't want to watch but I like to know what is happening, they thought that a bit strange. I also had a couple of ultrasounds. Lots of waiting around for results which is normal I understand and is probably the worst and the most worrying part of my experience.  Widespread DCIS in right breast was found so I then decided on lumpectomy rather than mastectomy.  Lumpectomy done then saw consultant after a few weeks, no clear margins so a second lumpectomy performed which again didn't give clear margins.  After this I was asked what I wanted to do and I asked if it was possible to have a third lumpectomy and was told that was also the thoughts at the Multidisciplinary team meeting as I have large breasts so a third lumpectomy performed which thankfully gave clear margins. I saw an oncologist who recommended radiotherapy of which I had 15 sessions which I found to be ok apart from a bit of soreness but I started moisturising my breast 3 weeks before the radiotherapy started and was given packets of honey at the cancer unit to apply to my breast .  I also felt a bit tired during radiotherapy but that may just have been early starts each day to get to my radiotherapy appointment which was Mon-Fri for the 3 weeks and a 17 mile drive for an 08.30 ish appointment.  I then had annual mammograms at hospital for 5 years and I am now back on the 3 yearly routine list for these.  I have been told that if it recurs then it will definitely be a mastectomy.  I know this is a very worrying time for you but I found my good friends really supportive as was my husband, even talking to the other people in the radiotherapy waiting room was nice as you hear their experiences of cancer and realise you are not alone with this awful disease. Hope all goes well for you.  Be kind to yourself and prep meals and freeze them in advance of radiotherapy so that you don't tire yourself.

Thanks for your reply.

I did find it strange they told me without waiting for biopsy results, but I guess they see cancer every day and know what it looks like from ultrasounds and mammograms, I was also on my own which was hard too!!

I'm glad you are through the worst and treatment is over.

Hopefully monday will bring more information and thanks for the tips, very helpful!

Xx

Hi,

I am very similar to you. I got examination, mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and marker left in 2 weeks ago all in one day. I was told at the end of the day it was cancer. I found that strange as I never had my biopsy results as I had just had it. I went last week again for another appointment to be told my biopsy was inconclusive and they Don tknow if I am her pos or her neg but def cancer. Its a tough time waiting. Wish you all the luck in the world. 

Hi 

Thanks for replying.

The waiting is the hardest, what happens now for you, will it be further tests? Did they mention surgery or radio/chemotherapy to you at your first appointment?

Sorry for all the questions!

Very best of luck to you too xx

Hi

It's actually good to speak with someone who is in a similar situation. I have had 2 appointments now. The 2nd one never told me much only that My biopsy is being examined further & I have been given 2 treatment plans. If I am her2 positive I will need chemo before they would even consider surgery. If I am her2 negative they have pencilled me in for a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy in a few weeks time. Until I know the results though I am In limbo. The waiting game is just a nightmare and I sometimes think Google doesn't help either. It's also hard not being allowed any on ein when you are getting told the info as it's hard to take in or it was for me. I left the hospital in total shock. I didn't even realise there was so many variations of breast cancer and the diff treatment for each one

X

Google is definitely not our friend! It's so hard not to look though!

Gosh, at least they have got plans in place for either results, fingers crossed for the radiotherapy route. 

I too had no idea of the different types out there.

I was on my own too and didn't think they'd be able to tell me anything on my first appojntment,  so was like you just in utter shock, they have said they will tell me by phone my biopsy results and have said 4PM monday I will get the call and to have a pen and paper to hand if I want to take notes, my partner is going to be with me, which will be a help!

Hopefully it will be the lumpectomy and radiotherapy route.

Have you kept your family informed? I hope you've got some support.

Please let me know how you get on.

Good luck xx

Hi I will be thinking about you on Monday. Fingers crossed your results are clear and u get a clear idea of what path u r going on.

I'm lucky my partners been great. He's been a god send through all this an its only the beginning.

Let me know how u get on come Monday and try not to worry. Easier said than done I know but try put it to the back of your mind. 

Good luck x

Thanks again x

Yes we're both at the beginning of our journeys, I hope you get your results through quickly and start your treatment soon.

Take care x

Hi YorkieGirl 76

When I had the biopsies done, the radiologist was able to tell me that she expected a cancer result. I think this was because she could tell from the ultrasound she did before the biopsy. She did it an awful lot, so I thought she must have found something suspicious. She was right, unfortunately.

Hey

Bless you I bet you were shocked, I also find it hard to understand that they can tell without biopsy results, but they do see it everyday.  I was told on the day it was very likely cancer before my results.

I had the lump removed and radiotherapy, I found it fine, was tried but otherwise ok.

Hope Monday goes ok, chin up xxx