Forum Discussion

Laura_Ann's avatar
Laura_Ann
Member
8 years ago

Uncertain diagnosis

hello. I have been diagnosed with cancer, but they are taking what feels like an eternity to determine the type of cancer (most likely breast). This is the timeline of my lump.

Wed 21 Feb 2018 - found lump underarm

Thurs 1 March 2018 - Had lump examined by GP. Referred for ultrasound with FNA/mammogram if warranted. But told it was likely a reactive lymph node and could wait a week or so to see if it would go away on its own.

Friday 8 March 2018 - lump still there. No bigger, but no smaller. Make appointment for ultrasound.

Tues 20 March 2018 - Ultrasound and FNA - suspicious spot seen on ultrasound at 3 o’clock in addition to lump.

Friday 23 March 2018 - cancer diagnosis - unknown type - -ve for P and E - lump could be cancer filled lymph node or primary medullary tumour -pathology requested core biopsy for clarification.

Friday 23 March 2018 - mammogram to look for spot seen on ultrasound - clear

Tues 27 March 2018 - core biopsy on underarm lump

I saw my doctor today and she said that she can’t make an appointment with a surgeon or oncologist until the core biopsy results come back this Thursday, and it will likely take two weeks before I will get an initial appointment! This seems crazy to me. I am 32 years old, meaning my cancer is likely to be more aggressive and is possibly in my lymph nodes. I thought they would be rushing to have everything figured out.

How long has it taken others between initial diagnosis and their first appointment with a specialist? 
I am going through the public system in Canberra. Should I have a breast cancer nurse to advocate for my treatment?

thanks for reading, if you got this far!!
coping
diagnosis
mammogram
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    8 years ago
    @Laura_Ann  The waiting is so hard but you will get a plan from it.  Come back online when you need support or information.
  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @Laura_Ann. I'm going to send you a pm.
    It's a confusing time
  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @Laura_Ann. I'm sorry that you find yourself here. The beginning of this event is dreadful but you'll get through it and the panic will ease. Waiting is the worst. Hang in there. For what it's worth, here is my initial timeline:

    3/11   Routine mammogram
    23/11 Recall email
    27/11 3D mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy
    4/12   Diagnosis
    5/12   Surgery

  • cecily's avatar
    cecily
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi Laura_Ann. I am so sorry to hear of the traumatic time you have had over the past few days. I can imagine that you must be very anxious about the situation you find yourself in at present. All of us on this forum have experienced the sick feeling that comes with an unexpected cancer diagnosis.  The delays that you are experiencing are VERY common. In fact it is entirely normal for the fna and core biopsy results to take 2-4 days and often much longer if it is an unusual tumour. Mine took at least that long, and this was in the private system in Sydney. The waiting is terrible and it’s hard not to imagine the worst in that time. Many women who are first diagnosed imagine that the cancer is spreading in the time that it takes for the results to come back and for our appointment with the surgeon to eventuate. This is not the case. For many women there is a long gap between diagnosis and treatment and this does not appear to impact on prognosis at all. The waiting is the hardest part. Jump back on the forum for support whenever you need it. We’re here for you. 
    X Cecily. 

  • Laura_Ann's avatar
    Laura_Ann
    Member
    8 years ago
    @SoldierCrab Thank you. The waiting is so very frustrating, but I guess it is about right. I have just emailed a breast cancer nurse who lives near by to see if she can help in any way. 
  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    8 years ago
    hi @Laura_Ann
    it can seem crazy the time it takes for different things to happen when we are first diagnosed. 
    I got diagnosed 6th Sept 2012 saw Surgeon late sept surgery 25th October...in November I found it was Triple negative

    See if you have a local breast care nurse I put the links below. 
    Do you have a My Journey Kit? 

    Ask any Questions we will help you navigate the way ahead. 

    Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. 

    It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. 

    The what and how thread.

    http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1 

    Breast Care Nurses

    https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx 

    My Journey Kits and other resources. 

    https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

    BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258

    If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258.  The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.


    Soldiercrab