Oncologist used tape measure to try to measure breast tumour!

Try not to worry too much about accuracy, they do a range of tests and scans to understand your exact tumour so that they can tailor your treatment. My oncologist did have an odd measuring tool, which was metal and had 2 prongs that she brought together. But she let me know what it was for - and that was just so that she had her own measurement to go against during chemo. I also had lots of scans before treatment (mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, CT) and then 2 MRIs during treatment. They do everything they can to get an overall picture.

I was never officially told a stage, though my GP got a letter to say early stage. I think they don't always tell you that now because they don't have all the info they need (lymph node involvement etc.). 

Thank you so much for your reply. It reassures me of what procedures to expect. I think it was the fact he hadn't explained what he was about to do or why and using a tape measure caused alot of dismfort as the tumour moves when you touch it so he couldn't use both hands on the tape measure. It was all very clumsy & upsetting, I felt vulnerable for the first time, for all other procedures stafensured I was asked if I was comfortable with the procedure & were very aware of my dignity. The implement you mention sounds more logical. I'm not sure I want to know the stage, I'm content for nowhat the MRI indicated the lymph nodes appear ok. Also picked up small indeterminate 'thing' in same breast so ultrasound tomorrow & possibly biopsy if necessary but my surgeon who is lovely said noto stress as the treatment plan remains the same & he 'simply' needs to know to ensure clips are put in place if appropriate for surgery so "I know which bits to remove". Heart scan Thursday, pre chemo assessment on Friday then chemotherapy starts 7th January. I'm extremely weary tho trying hard to remain positive, scared re chemo & hoping I cope ok as I've read some people have been unable to manage it and being triple negative it's so important. MRI left me with pain in my ribs and my mind just runs riot. Thank you again for your support.

PS I don't know why all the smiley faces are on there I've obviously caught the wrong button!!

Thank you for your reply. Yes I am well aware that a tape measure is a physical measuring device but having never experienced anything like this before I would have expected the oncologist to explain what he was about to do and why. The problem was that he struggled to measure 'the lump' because it moves easily when pressed and trying to keep it stable whilst needing both hands to use the tape measure meant it was nigh on impossible to do so. If he had had a female nurse in attendance with him as I would have expected then she could have assisted.

You have "no problem at all with how you were treated" and that is fine and of course I know that the cancer has to be measured for shrinkage but I went to this appointment having accepted a cancellation the day before with no knowledge whatsoever of what to expect other than discuss chemotherapy. I'm sorry to say but your reply seems rather patronising & unhelpful so plesse don't offer anymore opinions as I am struggling enough at the moment with trying to stay calm and positive preparing for chemo and several other appointments before then.

Hi  I'm si sorry you are still struggling.  I think having Christmas holidays  when access to services & support shuts down for almost a week is very difficult, especially when you add the Covid restrictions into the mix.  Here in Wakes we back to queuing to get in shops, social distancing etc. which in turn makes getting medical treatment more difficult again as they utilise staff to police doors, restrict allowing someone in to support you /be an extra pair of ears.  

Hi Carol thank you for your support. Yes you're right it is a tricky time when support access is closed down. With covid I've felt in a personal lockdown since breast cancer was diagnosed as I don't want to pick up even just a cold as I want to get on with chemo. Not being with family has been hard, no children but I adore my nieces tho whatsapp helps. I'm lucky that I have a wonderful husband. I feel exhausted with all the waiting for results etc. It must be a nightmare for you in Wales especially being unable to have someone with you supporting you through this awful time plus 'you' don't always absorb everything that's being said. Using staff for other tasks reduces availability and a knock on effect for appointments. I hope you are receiving all of your treatment. Take care best wishes Joan