Awaiting formal confirmation - terrified

Hi, I was called back last week for a biopsy of my right breast. The Drs said it was highly suspicious of cancer. At the time I was totally flawed and didn’t take anything in after that. Now I have so many questions having read lots of forums. I just wondered if anyone knows the answers.

I’ve seen a lot of people saying about the USS being rates for likelihood of outcome but I wasn’t given any rating (unless I don’t remember). She did find multiple cysts and a large number of unidentifiable hard lumps all over the breast though. They only biopsied one main site and didn’t clip the area. I was told I have very dense tissue and it took 2 drs and 3 radiologists to get the biopsy.

I heard them say that they had some floaters and some sinkers.

So my brain has been working overtime while I wait for the results and I’m wishing I had asked so much more but I just fawned and panicked.

Does anyone know if floating and sinking is a sign of anything?

should I just assume it is cancer given the drs statement and that the biopsy is just a formality to establish what type it is?

they didn’t biopsy any lymph nodes. Does that mean they didn’t see anything in them? They weren’t mentioned at all.

would the many lumps found in the same breast mean it metastatic?

Why didn’t they clip? Is that because the site is so big already that they will be able to find it easily?

Why oh why didn’t I stay clear headed to ask all of this. From the reading I’ve done it seems that they tend to know by the scans normally.

This whole thing has thrown me. Im 45 and have a disabled daughter who is going through an acute mh crisis. Im also the main wage earner so if this is true and I can’t work then we will lose our house and I can’t imagine what will happen to my daughter. We are simply trying to keep her alive each day, it’s that basic. We don’t have the scope for this diagnosis emotionally and nether will she. I’m even thinking I should just not do treatment as make sure I’m around for the next few years for her rather than being here longer but being sick and unable to help her.

awaiting-results

Kristen
Member
2 months ago
Oh you r poor thing. I remember that panic. You can not predict what will happen at all. You have to wait until all the test are done, and even then be warned what they suggest for treatment it can change ,as they slowly tailor the treatment to your body and your cancer. Its personalised medicine and it is a good thing. But it is a step by step discovery. It is hard to wait.
Until a proffesional doctor tells you what you have and what needs to happen ,what options you have , you can do nothing. Push it away. Worry will just make you sick with anxiety. Meditate , self care as much as you can.

Incase it is helpful, i had breast and lymph node biopsy many years ago, yes i had to have amesectomy, chemo radiation, herception and cancer was in my lymphnodes... but luckily not my organs or bones.
Until cat scan/bone scans and surgery /psthology all happens do you really get that sigh of relief.
i am still here 18 years later, but if i had not had the treatments i would not be here.

But I have a friend who has stage 4 breast cancer since 2016, is fit and well and in 'remission'/no evidence of disease. Treatments often work really well.
I know others who live well with cancer for many years thanks to treatments.
Do not deny yourself the chance of long term healing for the sake of your daughter, rather do it for her, so you can be well and look after her.
Some cancers can grow really fast , others really slow, it is too risky to leave it alone.
Breast cancer can be treated and in most cases full healing.
Sending love and hugs and fingers crossed for you hunny bun.

Breathe.
Tri
Member
2 months ago
@mystic_marzipan thank you for updating us all - sending you lots of positive energy 🌻🌻
It’s great you can narrow down some of the pathways your thoughts had been following with a bit of clarity from your diagnosis.
This is a time when your care, your health and treatment plan are really okay to prioritise and I hope that you can be connected with lots of support so this will be possible for you 🌸🌸
cranky_granny
Member
2 months ago
@mystic_marzipan. At least now you have a starting point for the team that will be involved in your treatment Just for a repeat DO NOT DR GOOGLE it will frighten the hell out of you as it gives all the bad and none of the good.
Your treating team is usually 1st port of call as to the order of treatment if no answer there BCNA and Cancer Council are probably the safest way to go
Whens your next appointment now you have those results. At that appointment take someone with you take your list of questions and note the answers.
Hopefully the won’t try push you into deciding on the day. And get your options made clear.
Also now those other things you asked about can be answered.
Have a good diary ready for your upcoming appointments. My phone calendar gets a pounding I rarely double book myself with it. I keep a paper one as well. Just in case. Plus I'm on the family one that shows who where at what time across the month
you will learn a whole new vocabulary now. Im actually still learning after 8 years.
I had very similar diagnosis as yours things have improved each year they learn something new or different or improve on what the can do.
mystic_marzipan
Member
2 months ago
Results are in - I have an invasive ducal carcinoma with lobular like growth pattern. It is Her2 IHC negative and ER/PR positive. 19mm but there are a number of focal points so together they may be bigger. I’m told this is a good outcome. 🤞🏻
mystic_marzipan
Member
2 months ago
Thank you everyone, I just need to try and breathe and take it one day at a time. By the end of yesterday I had convinced myself I had stage 4 metastatic. The brain is a hard thing to control sometimes. I get the results tomorrow so I’ll know more then. I have a congenital heart issue so I think that will complicate things as well. I’m just going to hope for the best outcome possible. Thanks for the supportive words.
jennyss
Member
2 months ago
Dear @mystic_marzipan,

from jennyss in Western NSW
Tri
Member
2 months ago
Hi @mystic_marzipan sending you lots of virtual hugs and positive energy.
Please don’t be hard on yourself for not asking questions when you went in for the biopsies ❤️ - what a shock it must have been for you … and you have plenty of network friends here who have felt the same way 🌸
The main source of information will be your treating doctor(s). I feel for you- it was hard waiting - I found they were cautious and careful about diagnosis and treatment plans until a complete picture from various diagnostic tests and the pathology from the biopsies was in hand. I remember trying to find the upside by telling myself that this “full picture” would mean I would get a tailored treatment plan that would be fit for my particular situation. Thinking of you and in solidarity during your time of uncertainty 🌻🌸
Mez_BCNA
Community Manager
2 months ago
Hi @mystic_marzipan we always welcome a call to our Helpline 1800 500 258 and very often chat to people in this 'in between' space. Waiting for test results can be a difficult and anxious time, and you may have many questions.

Everyone's advice of not forecasting or thinking too far ahead (while easier said than done) is really true. We would also say in this time of waiting it can help to surround yourself with supportive people and if you have concerns about how you are coping, please be open and honest with your GP to seek additional supports.
My Journey will be of most help to you once you have the results of your tests. While you are waiting for your results, you may find it helpful to read the 'Understanding breast cancer' information on BCNA's website.
Following your tests, if you need further support BCNA will be here for you.
FeR
Member
2 months ago
Hi @mystic_marzipan

I was the same as @Suki - no clip placed at biopsy. I had clips placed in a second appointment prior to neoadjuvant
Be thinking of you and highly recommend you take @arpie advice and get in touch with the help line and Definitely stay off dr Google, x
Suki
Member
2 months ago
Hi @mystic_marzipan

Regarding no clip - I had my diagnostic scans/biopsy done and no clip placed in, simply because the referral did not request one! I subsequently underwent neoadjuvant chemo and had to get a clip placed in prior to commencement (another separate appointment!). So try not to worry, as it may not have anything to do with the size of your lesion.