Breast cancer

Hi Nan1830ea0c 

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in April 2022 and got my results 3 weeks later. How quickly you get your results depends on a number of things, like how busy the pathology laboratories are, when the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meet and when there's an available appointment for you to be seen.

It's always horrible waiting for results so why don't you give your BCNS a call tomorrow and find out if your results are back yet and if they've pencilled you in for an appointment to discuss them.

Sending virtual ((hugs))

Hi

I had an appointment booked 4 weeks after my lumpectomy and sentinel node removal and I got my results then and also did a check on my healing and any issues that I had

I've found though some areas do things differently so you can call you CNS as suggested.

Hope you can get some clarity xx

Thank you for your responses, I think I'll give it the 4 weeks as suggested.  Just so nervous of the results this time. All I seem to do is wait, apart from a phone call the day after the operation to check on me, nothing from anyone, for any procedure I've had from the start to now, thought I'd have lots of help from mcmillan but...nothing. 

Hi Nan1830ea0c 

My name is Steph and I am part of the team who look after the Online Community here at Macmillan.

I was sorry to read that you've needed to go through a lumpectomy and sentinel nodes biopsy. We hear that you're feeling really anxious and we're here to help.

Macmillan has some information about waiting for test results. It explains that it can take a few days to a few weeks for test results to be ready. Your healthcare team can tell you when your test results will be ready and how you will get the test results. They may give you contact details for someone in your team who you can ask questions during this time. This person is sometimes called your key worker.

If you have been given a contact number for a key worker or CNS (Cancer Nurse Specialist) you could give them a call? We would  encourage you to talk to a professional about how anxious you're feeling and that you would like some support.

Some specialist cancer nurses are known as Macmillan Nurses. They often work within the NHS. To get a Macmillan nurse, you need to be referred to one by your doctor or nurse. 

There's also lots of support available from Macmillan directly. We are here for you for as long as you need us. We have information and emotional support available in lots of different ways, so you can access help in the way that best suits you.

If you would like some support from Macmillan you can:

• Call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00.
• Chat to our specialists online.

I hope this is helpful. Take care and do let us know if you'd like any further help accessing the support that you need.

Hi. I hope you managed to get some information or results, the waiting is rubbish. My appointment after those operations was very efficient and immediately booked for two weeks after surgery. It’s a shame nothing is booked for you. The waiting is awful. My experience with my second surgery has been really similar to you though. 

I was diagnosed mid August, had a lumpectomy September and an axillary clearance mid October. I’d been expecting to hear from my surgeon last week (as this is what had been indicated)  but nothing apart from a clinical oncology referral for a future date. I phoned the breast cancer nurse number and left two messages to ask when I was likely to hear pathology results / wound check so I could calm my nerves, but heard nothing back. I then emailed on Friday. After that I received an appointment on Monday with a doctor I don’t know. It could be for the wound check, but I find it a bit weird he could also be giving me pathology results (I’ve heard nothing from my surgeon). I wonder if anyone else has had something similar - are pathology results sometimes given by a new/different doctor? 

thanks

Yeah I had a different doctor not my surgeon.  I just always go by the its someone in there team, sometimes not the person

Just but bad when they say oh sorry but I don't know your case....

Thank you! Yes that’s what I’m a bit worried about. Especially in case I’m getting really bad news from a complete stranger. But sounds like it’s not uncommon. Thanks and hope you’re okay