New to this and awaiting results
Hi. I'm very new to all this. I'm waiting for biopsy results for very rapidly growing masses (plural) in my right breast (and apparently armpit too), and I have been told by the consultant that "The clinical picture is not good". Mammograms were repeated over the suspicious areas, ultrasound done and biopsies taken last Sunday. I was told that lab results are being held up due to covid so it may be a few weeks before I hear back, instead of the usual one week turn around time. Every 2-3 days the breast changes noticeably, though. Whatever type of growth(s) these are, they're growing very rapidly and are inhabiting most of the breast tissue already.
Things are made more complicated by the fact that I already have chronic health conditions that severely impact on the quality of my life. I can't imagine more pain, more fatigue and disability than I already have now, but that looks like the direction this is going.
I feel I need to find other women going through similar (I'm in the UK) but online I'm finding lots of medical jargon and abbreviations that I don't understand, and advice about American medical processes and insurance that aren't relevant to my situation. I'm not sure where to begin or what kind of help to ask for. But hopefully I'll find some people here who understand. I think that's the most important thing at this stage - real people with similar experiences. I've not yet told my partner or any of my family. I don't want to do that until I know more fully what it is I'm dealing with.
Comments
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Too....the hardest part is the waiting...and the journey. I am so sorry to hear that the waiting time in the UK is weeks. I hope you get your results sooner.
Many of us have other health issues. Believe it or not...that is “normal." Name an organ, body system, or even a rare disorder....many of us have something affecting our quality of life.
take it slow. I told very few people about my diagnosis and treatment. Everyone is different and everyone's experience is different. Here on the website, you can ask any question and not feel like a jerk. When I started my journey, I knew NOTHING! You would think that with all the breast cancer awareness, that people knew SOMETHING...but, you will learn in the coming months and years that breast cancer and treatments and the people it touches is not one size fits all.
we are here for you -
Welcome Too-Ticky! Hopefully you get information a little sooner than they are projecting for you? The waiting really is difficult as voraciousre... stated! You'll see a statement like that in lots of threads/forums on this site. Myriad of health issues for many as well - me included... lots of support, validation and great information here. I believe you will find this site helpful now and once you get results back if indeed there is more to consider then.
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Thanks voraciousreader and LivinLife
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I've heard back from the hospital. They said they'll tell me my results at an appointment on 23rd May. Unfortunately, (or fortunately), my boyfriend came in the front door while the nurse was talking to me on the phone. When the call ended, I just burst into tears. And so that's how I told him what I've been going through. He's been very kind. He gave me a cuddle and said we'll get through it together. He was sad that I had kept it to myself because I was going through the worry on my own. But I think he understands why I couldn't talk about it until I really had to.
Anyway, more waiting while my boob is still rapidly changing shape and size.
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Wow on more waiting until your appointment! Sounds like they have the results? Very nice your boyfriend was so supportive! Seems he was meant to walk through the door at that time : ) Hopefully that helps with the waiting....
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Met with the consultant today. Confirmed it's invasive breast cancer - lots of them rather than just one tumour. Full mastectomy of right breast booked for 4 weeks time. Not allowed reconstruction due to radiotherapy being required. I'll head over to the newly diagnosed part of the forum now. I've got a lot to learn about all this. Thanks for your supportive words.
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