Unsure what’s happening

Kaci 2 months ago

1 reply
44 subscribers
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Hello. I was sent for an urgent scan - this was delayed but done Monday - History, Itching of nipple, discharge. I saw the Dr and he said he felt thickening/ lump, Marked me with pen and said he wants to see me again in few hours after scan and mammogram.
this was done and I went back to him. He said I missed this week MDT but they would discuss treatment and plan next week ( weds) and I would come back after - would Hear from them in couple of week.
Tuesday a letter came for “results app” for the 6th.

looking at the pathway they have missed biopsy etc and I don’t know what is going on. I’ve phone the breast care nose and got the receptionist who wasn’t able to say anything then yesterday told me” I’m in a meeting, call back” and phone down.

Is this normal? Do they think it’s looking likely for cancer and they’ve seen enough to make a diagnosis and go to MDT and next steps?

I know you can’t say for definite as you don’t have imaging and history etc but it just seems totally off the screening pathway and they’ve skipped stages and gone straight to treatment.

I just would like a yes. It is a possibility or, this has been a path previously to discuss things but they may not think it’s cancer.

Linda - Macmillan 2 months ago

Hi Kaci

Thanks for getting in touch during what sounds like a very unsettling time. I’m Linda, one of the nurses from our support line.

I’m sorry that you haven’t been able to speak with the nurse, they would be the key person to chat to, to get an idea of what is happening. And though the 6^th February isn’t too far away, I can only imagine that it must feel like a long time.

Whilst cancer could be a possibility there are other conditions that can cause the symptoms you mention. At this point, though, we like yourself will be second guessing about the outcome of the meeting.

Commonly a biopsy would be taken if there were suspicious characteristics seen on the mammogram or ultrasound scan, to understand what is causing the lump or thickening. It may have been decided by the doctor or the radiologist/ specialist radiographer, who carried out the scans, that this wasn’t necessary, based on what was seen. Only they can explain why this wasn’t requested.

It is worth bearing in mind that some people diagnosed with benign conditions will be discussed at the breast multidisciplinary team meetings. This is especially the case if treatment is needed to help with symptoms or the cause of breast changes, so this can be discussed and planned.

Please don’t be put off by the nurse not taking your call. It is worth calling them again. If you find that you have further difficulty with this you can call the consultant’s admin assistant/ PA to see if they can help put you in touch with someone.

And if after this you find you are no further forward you can reach out to the hospital’s PALS team (or equivalent for where you live) for their help in speaking with someone

In the meantime it might be worth looking at this guide about easing worry whilst wating for results

Though we can’t say what the outcome is, if you would like to talk to us about this, you are more than welcome to give our support line a call

Take care for now

Linda (Cancer information Nurse specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

Ref: LM/JH

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Unsure what’s happening