Newbie

I'm waiting for my first biopsy, nothing compared to your situation, but every day seems endless waiting and not knowing, so I know just how you feel. There's no easy answer, but friends and family support and understanding helps 

Friends and family are great and I wouldn't cope without them. 

When is your biopsy? x

This Thursday, which is only one week from my scan, quick I'm told, but being new to the whole thing it feels long and your mind just pictures the worst outcomes.

I thought I was pretty level headed but can't help panicking 

It's different where I live as its a one stop clinic. Mammogram,  ultrasound and if needed biopsies are all done on the same day.

I wish you lots of positive vibes x

Hi Sarah41 

The waiting is awful as you just want to get on with treatment as soon as you can and know what is what . I had all my tests within about a month but was supposed to have my surgery in February and l was diagnosed Dec . The waiting was grim but l liaised with my breast care nurse who managed to bring it forward due to a cancellation . Have you people around you to give you support ? Don’t be afraid to question the wait and definitely get in contact with your breast care nurse who will be able to answer any questions and perhaps bring things forward you .When my radiotherapy was delayed , l looked into my hospitals policy as to when treatment should begin and they were in breach if that . I was able to get that sorted because l was able to tell them they had failed that policy. So please if you have the strength to and have someone who will help you with all this ask questions and definitely ask for support from your BCN . Hope this helps , be kind to yourself , sending love your way 

When I was given my results I was at first told my treatment would start within a couple of weeks. Then an MRI showed 2 more masses and my HER2 came back as negative.  Yes I've got family and friends who are being a wonderful support.

Have you finished all your treatment?  How have you found it all?

My future son in law will be a great one for digging around the hospital policies. Thanks for that tip. x

Hi Sarah 41 I think I’m in a similar situation to you. I got told on the 2nd October I have grade 2 ductal carcinoma and I’m yet to find out my treatment plan. The waiting is so bad I know how you feel you just want to get a plan so you know what is what. I have a phone call on Tuesday with the breast nurse as I’m being discussed on Tuesday morning at the mdt meeting so I’m praying I get my plan soon. Have all your results come back yet? I had to wait about 4 weeks for my her2 test to come back negative. I’ve also had 2 ultrasounds 3 mammograms ct scan with contrast and mri with contrast then a further ultrasound on the other breast last week to check out another few lumps on the left breast (which were just cysts thankfully) 

The mental part of it all has been horrendous it’s like we are in limbo for weeks. 

Try not to stress as they are working behind the scenes to get your best treatment plan ready (that’s what I keep telling myself) sending you a big virtual hug from one newbie to another xx

Hi Sarah41 .

Like one of the other ladies that answered you , my hospital had a specialised unit so all my tests , biopsy’s , mammogram, CT scan was all done fairly quickly . I had lobular Cancer , huge tumour and like you HER2 negative . I wasn’t offered chemotherapy prior to the operation and oncotyoe histology said that my tumour did not require chemotherapy. I was relieved obviously but this also sits at the back of my mind and niggles . I had a Mastectomy without reconstruction . That is something l will consider at a latter date . I can’t lie , lve found not having a breast difficult. I had radiotherapy, which was fine in its self . It does leave you with what l would describe as sunburn and l was tied with it . I’m on oestrogen blocking medication. This has been a bit of a trial and lm now on another tablet which l have found better , having liaised with my BCN for a change . Emotionally l have found it hard especially as l have not neglected my breast , self examination , mammograms ext , so l blamed myself for missing what was a sizeable tumour . And of course l was frightened . All part of the course . I’ve leant on family and friends and contacted my BCN with any worries , please contact yours if you haven’t already done so . Enquire about cancelled appointments and could you be slotted into one of theses .

I’ve also challenged some things lve been worried about like the radiotherapy delay. Have you considered asking them what the delay is for you . 
I know l keep on saying about your BCN , but they are in the position to answer questions, hopefully put your mind at rest on some aspects of all this and they also can liars with the multi disciplinary team . 
Hope this has been helpful . I’m here along with all the rest of us on this site should you need us xx

Hi. I have to try and remember that it hasn't been long since my first hospital appointment on the 9th October and I saw my own Dr on the 1st Oct. I know they have to double check everything and because the MRI with contrast threw in these curve balls it feels like I'm back at the beginning.  My results appointment i was told I'm a stage 2, grade 3 and going into lymph node.  Also when first measured on the 9th it was 19mm and.the MRI on the 18th showed it was 23x34x20 so a tad larger than they originally thought. There is talk that I'll need another MRI after more biopsies on the 21st November. My HER2 negative took 3 weeks.to come back. I was told that it was borderline so had to do a few more tests. I'm just hoping that the left side comes back as cysts but they are concerned about a lymph node that side. It's never ending isn't it......

I hope they give you a date to start your treatment soon and you can start that road to recovery. Please let me know how you get on . Do you think you'll have chemo after an operation?  

I've been trying to keep busy but I am off sick from work as I couldn't cope with the extra stress that comes with my job x

Thanks for replying, yours sounds very similar to mine I’ve not been told a stage yet they mentioned lots of treatment options at my first appointment but they have been waiting to get all the results in before they decide my exact plan. I’m just expecting the worst treatments I think then anything else is a bonus I suppose. I had a few weeks off work at first but have managed a couple of weeks as it does keep my mind from straying and it’s not stressful like yours sounds. I’m absolutely dreading the next few weeks as I imagine you are it’s mind blowing isn’t it. Will update when I know my plan. Let me know how you get on when you get an appointment. Xx