Hi everyone, very new to all this and very confused. I found a lump in my breast 10 days ago, doctor saw me that day and said likely nothing to worry about but to get it checked just to be sure. This week I went to breast clinic, physical exam, mammogram, utrasound, core needle biopsies (results due in a few weeks) but told on the day it's very likely to be breast cancer and also in lymph nodes. The staff were great and said things have moved on a lot since my mum had breast cancer (she was the same age as I am - 63 - when it was diagnosed and she only lived for four years) .
Anyway, I've got myself in a state because the lymph nodes they biopsied are at the very bottom of my armpit, at the back so I have immediately decided that as they are not at the front of my armpit near my boob, the cancer is also somewhere. Given I've had lower back ache on same side and shoulder ache on the other side for a while (in truth, probably due to sleeping in an odd position) I've almost written myself off and am feeling horrible.
I've also had to come off HRT - which means I'm a sweaty, even more anxious mess than usual. I'm so angry and upset as I felt like I was living my best life before this, love my job and my family and have already booked two holidays for next year. Now I feel like the rug has been pulled from under my feet and I feel completely helpless as to what the future might hold. All turned round in a day.
Sorry for the rant, just so confused. Thanks for any help and any explanation about lymph nodes, suggestions on how to cope with the wait for biopsy results etc would be much appreciated.
Hi MintHumbug
I am sorry you are going through this. My own experience was they were very clear with me about what they saw on ultrasound etc at the clinic. It meant that I went for my results knowing I would be told it was cancer, but ready to understand the grade and type of breast cancer. I had already done some investigation to familiarise myself with the possibilities. It does feel like a rug is being pulled from under your feet, but once you know your treatment plan you will feel you have regained some control. Coming off HRT whilst going through the anxiety of this must be tough. One thing to be aware of - some people do get asked to have more tests. For example if the biopsy of your lymph nodes is positive they might want to do a CT scan. All these things help get the best possible plan for you.
I can’t answer your question on lymph nodes. I didn’t have suspicious looking nodes on ultrasound, so I had sentinel node biopsy during surgery. To do this they put radioactive tracer into you which enables them to locate the sentinel node. They use a dye to see how it flows from there. We are all unique so your node pattern and flow will likely be different from mine.
Most people get good outcomes. And at the moment there’s no way of knowing whether or not you will be through treatment before those holidays. I hope it’s all straight forward for you.
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