Hi purple, 

Waiting for tests (and then the results of those tests) can be very tough. In fact most of our members say it's the hardest part of the journey but you've made it through and appointment day is finally here.

No doubt you'll be having mixed emotions about this but I just wanted to wish you for good luck today and let you know we'll be thinking of you.

Hopefully some of our ladies that have also had a node biopsy will be along soon to offer their support and share their experiences with you.

All the best, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Steph,

Thanks for the message. I didn't have my node biopsy today,  I have a temperature and sinus infection,  so postponed for a week and on antibiotics!

My BCN said my scan results won't be available until next week, when the next MDT meeting takes place. 

I am trying to relax and get better for my node biopsy and starting  chemotherapy.  

Thanks 

Hi Purple,

I am so sorry to hear that you couldn't have your biopsy today and that it has had to be postponed until next week. Waiting for tests and then having to wait again for the results is always scary.

You said "I honestly do not recall ever being so anxious about anything before!" - I would agree with you. My emotions were all over the place and I cried profusely. If you find yourself crying a lot, don't worry. This is a good stress reliever.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years and find that the best thing to do when waiting is to keep myself as busy as possible to try and distract me from the wait.

I hope that your antibiotics do the trick for you and that your biopsy goes ahead next week.

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Thank you for your reply. You actually replied to one of my other threads when I was diagnosed.

I really value and trust your wise words,and I can only imagine how strong you are, having been on this journey. 

I feel quite angry that they are leaving me waiting. I can only keep thinking that is has spread. Yet, when I received my diagnosis, they assured me that my breast cancer is treatable and I will survive.

At the moment I cannot believe how they can be so sure it's treatable and I will survive.  How would they know this as fact, whilst my scan results haven't been reported back. 

I am due to start FEC-T on 10 Jan.  They said it could be delayed but only by one or two days.

Do you know if my BCN can call me if it's good news 're scans. I am just do unsure of how everything works!

I really do appreciate your reply and words of reassurance. 

Best wishes,

Purple xx

Hi Purple,

Yes, I know that I replied to your other post, but this one needed an answer too, so here I am again.

You are naturally angry at the delay in getting your results, but your consultant obviously wants to be certain about your diagnosis, before treatment is started. If there is any spread to your nodes, he may need to adjust your treatment. I'm sure that, in the end, you want the most effective treatment you can get, so this additional wait, won't seem so long when you look back at it.

I have heard of breast care nurses giving results, but it is unusual. In most cases, consultants like to give patients their results face-to-face, regardless of whether they are good or bad.

I am afraid that patience is the order of the day, even though it is hard to show any.

I'm hoping and praying that there is no spread to your nodes.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine.  Everything you have said makes sense, and there is nothing I can do, until I have full results. 

Patience is the order of the day, I just need to hang on a bit longer for full and proper diagnosis. 

Best wishes, Purple xx

Hi Purple,

Hang on in there. Hopefully, it won't be that long before you find out.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello Jolamine, 

Now a slight change of plan. My BCN called to advise me, that my consultant who is just back from holiday, has now decided that due to my ear/sinus infection she doesn't want me to go under GA and have a SLNB! Apparently being unwell and on antibiotics is enough for me to deal with.  

So, now I've to have a PET scan.  When I asked the nurse why etc, she didn't say much, other than we need to know everything to have the right treatment in pls e

  I still do not have any CT or Bone scan  result back. I've to see my consultant on Tuesday.

My chemotherapy starting has also been stalled.

everything has changed! So do confused xx

Oh Purple,

I was afraid that this might happen.

I have never had a PET scan, but as far as I know, they are often used alongside MRI and CT scans to  reveal the presence and stage of a cancer, show whether and where it has spread, and help doctors decide on treatment. I would expect that this is instead of your biopsy, which would do the same. Have you got a date for this yet?

You'll get used to these sudden 'U turns' as you travel your cancer journey. Many refer to cancer as a rollercoaster ride where you are up one minute and down the next. I fear that you are already discovering why.

Here's hoping that you will get the results of your CT and bone scans when you see the consultant on Tuesday. I hope that your infection is healing up nicely and that your chemo won't be stalled for long as a result.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks for replying Jolamine.  My nurse said that my consultant did not want me to go through SLNB, as I've been unwell and its already been cancelled twice.

She seemed to imply that the PET scan was being done because node biopsy is no longer in the plan. I was due to have an MRI but this too is no longer being done.

I do not have a date yet. My chemotherapy is being delayed due to not having a date and to give me the chance to get well.

It is a rollercoaster. All I know is my BC is stage 3. I haven't been told anymore than this.

Hoping that my consultant can provide me with more information   

It is all very scary. Xx