Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: pepperminty on April 23, 2025, 05:55:14 PM
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Hi ladies,
I have just had a punch hole biopsy, ultra sound and a detailed mammogram and the nurse mentioned cancer. I have a wait for the results of a few weeks ( apparently they have a back log). I am scared of the outcome, and taking things one day at a time while I wait. Are there any useful bits of advice anyone can give me about what to ask at my results appointment? Only positive answers please as I am a bit fragile.
I also wondered if the NHS would do genetic testing to risk assess the likelihood of cancer etc. I know Sarah Beeney had a genetic test resulting in her having a double mastectomy ( reconstruction ) and ovary removal.
I am also worried that they may try to take away my vaginal estrogen.
I am still taking it all in .
PMxx
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Hi peppermint,
I don't have any advice but hopefully you don't have to wait that long for results..
Wishing you the best of luck, try not to worry
X
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It amazes me that medics mention the 'C' word without explaining!
Pepperminty :foryou: - mayB make a list of your concerns and contact the dept to tell them how worried you R! Why did you have the investigations, I found a lump which required removal but at no time did the Consultant leave me in any doubt about why this was necessary; how the treatment plan would be carried out etc..
It's like they throw out these words without thinking of the consequences!!!!! or how worried patients might be !!!! >:(
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When you say she mentioned cancer my lovely,what do you mean?
I had a biopsy and ultrasound done,twice, first time it was a cyst the second time it was a hard fat deposit,which they removed under general anaesthetic,then tested,all was ok.
My mum,her sister AND their mother all had mastectomies,so as you can imagine I worry about it a lot but neither of my sisters have had it,so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Such a shame you have to wait so long for the results though :(
Thank you for the reply - it was all a whirl wind and she just said it was likely cancer , and I was told 3 weeks for the results. So a bit worried .
PMXX
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It amazes me that medics mention the 'C' word without explaining!
Pepperminty :foryou: - mayB make a list of your concerns and contact the dept to tell them how worried you R! Why did you have the investigations, I found a lump which required removal but at no time did the Consultant leave me in any doubt about why this was necessary; how the treatment plan would be carried out etc..
It's like they throw out these words without thinking of the consequences!!!!! or how worried patients might be !!!! >:(
Thanks for the reply -she just said cancer and then they went onto to tell me that there are lots of treatments! I have no idea what type etc .
PMxx
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Thankyou everyone for your responses , it is a very worrying time being told most likely cancer then it is the wait. My mind has been working over time.
PMxx
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Very unprofessional in my opinion!!!!! What do U plan to do to discuss your worries? No patient in any speciality should be left without explanations! >:(
Continue with your VA treatment regardless of what you are told. You mentioned a nurse, was she with you throughout those investigations? I would be contacting my GP initially to press the point of how worried this has left me feeling. The Surgery may be able to tell U more if information has been sent from the Dept after your investigations.
Take some1 with you to the GP and other appts required. 3 weeks is a long while to wait for results, sadly it's the state of the NHS in these modern times :'(. Is there a PALS dept at the Hospital who may be able to ask questions if your GP seems relucantant, the Hospital should have details. PALS liaise between patients and the medics - they were extremely helpful when I required the truth when Mum was making up stories!!
Have a list of your concerns B4 you contact PALS who can tell U how they are able to help with your concerns.
Also make a note of how surgical intervention should it be required impact on your daily routines, i.e. cook and freeze; money requirements etc..
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Macmillan Cancer Support -
Because cancer can affect your life in so many ways, we do whatever it takes to give people the support they need.. This Charity may also be able to offer advice even if the test results show 'nil of note'. Until investigations get to someone who actually knows what they are talking about, you are to this point 'cancer free'.
Who referred you and why for these tests?
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I had to get an emergency appt with the GP recently and went via the triage system, filling in a form which was shown to the appropriate medic; rather than having to wait 3/4 weeks for an appt., I was seen within 24 hours. Might B worth while you looking at your Surgery website to C if this is a requirement.
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Try to have someone with you when you receive any results. Two heads are better than one on such occasions
I've had breast cancer treatment, genetic testing leading to prophylactic surgeries and enhanced screening. In order for genetic testing to be clinically worthwhile there's a whole protocol around number of relatives who may have been diagnosed with relevant cancers and at what ages. Yes, maybe something to ask about at some stage but maybe deal with the current situation first.
All the best.
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Try to have someone with you when you receive any results. Two heads are better than one on such occasions
I've had breast cancer treatment, genetic testing leading to prophylactic surgeries and enhanced screening. In order for genetic testing to be clinically worthwhile there's a whole protocol around number of relatives who may have been diagnosed with relevant cancers and at what ages. Yes, maybe something to ask about at some stage but maybe deal with the current situation first.
All the best.
Thank you for the advice , my husband will be there. Yes one thing at a time. It is the long wait and not knowing.
PMX
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:foryou:
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I'm so sorry you're dealing with this.
Do you have a family history of breast cancer?
The NHS don't usually do genetic testing unless someone is particularly young, has bilateral disease or has a strong family history.
However IF worst case it is breast cancer, you can absolutely advocate for mastectomy on the affected side plus contralateral risk reducing mastectomy, rather than just a lumpectomy. This often (but not always) avoids radiotherapy.
I had 7 affected relatives, young ages, bilateral disease, one ovarian, and I fought tooth and nail throughout my twenties for risk reducing mastectomies which I was finally grudgingly given at 29.
When genetic testing did become available, I learned I was negative, however I am incredibly thankful that I got it done, as I had large heavy breasts and the psychological trauma of having watched it rip through my family wouldn't have been erased by a negative test.
This has been tremendously freeing for me psychologically, and whilst it is not quite the same IF you have already developed a cancer, if this is early stage with no spread and you were to get both breasts removed, the physical and psychological benefits of the procedure going forward would be of almost the same value as a prophylactic surgery.
That was my cousin's situation, she had it on one side, fought for mastectomy rather than lumpectomy - you have more leverage with a diagnosis than someone seeking preventative surgery - then she fought for the other removed, which she was initially denied but stood her ground and eventually got it. The pathology showed she had also had an undetected cancer on that side too.
She now lives breast free and cancer free as well, and that was about 15 years ago.
Please try not to worry excessively whilst waiting for results. IF it is breast cancer, it is highly treatable now, and the main thing is it has been caught.
If you have daughters or sisters and cannot get genetic testing on the NHS, you can obtain this privately if you want. The cost now is a few hundred pounds, when it first came to market it was thousands.
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Sorry to hear you are going through this pepperminty. Did something come up on a routine mammogram? Most lumps are not sinister but that probably isn't much help right now. Really they should have given you far more detail ie did they think it was a cyst, was it a liquid filled lump etc. They would have a very good idea from the ultrasound.
I would phone one of the breast cancer charities and talk the whole thing through with someone who has plenty of knowledge and experience.
Best wishes.
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I'm so sorry you're dealing with this.
Do you have a family history of breast cancer?
The NHS don't usually do genetic testing unless someone is particularly young, has bilateral disease or has a strong family history.
However IF worst case it is breast cancer, you can absolutely advocate for mastectomy on the affected side plus contralateral risk reducing mastectomy, rather than just a lumpectomy. This often (but not always) avoids radiotherapy.
I had 7 affected relatives, young ages, bilateral disease, one ovarian, and I fought tooth and nail throughout my twenties for risk reducing mastectomies which I was finally grudgingly given at 29.
When genetic testing did become available, I learned I was negative, however I am incredibly thankful that I got it done, as I had large heavy breasts and the psychological trauma of having watched it rip through my family wouldn't have been erased by a negative test.
This has been tremendously freeing for me psychologically, and whilst it is not quite the same IF you have already developed a cancer, if this is early stage with no spread and you were to get both breasts removed, the physical and psychological benefits of the procedure going forward would be of almost the same value as a prophylactic surgery.
That was my cousin's situation, she had it on one side, fought for mastectomy rather than lumpectomy - you have more leverage with a diagnosis than someone seeking preventative surgery - then she fought for the other removed, which she was initially denied but stood her ground and eventually got it. The pathology showed she had also had an undetected cancer on that side too.
She now lives breast free and cancer free as well, and that was about 15 years ago.
Please try not to worry excessively whilst waiting for results. IF it is breast cancer, it is highly treatable now, and the main thing is it has been caught.
If you have daughters or sisters and cannot get genetic testing on the NHS, you can obtain this privately if you want. The cost now is a few hundred pounds, when it first came to market it was thousands.
Hi, yes my mother had breast cancer - in exactly the same place and side. Now she tells me her side of the family - aunts etc were prone to it ! I haven't a clue what the outcome of the tests will be but, if it saves my life and more worry in the future I would rather have them removed. But I think I would consider small implants /reconstruction under advisement. I did have a DNA test done ( for health) which showed an increase in breast cancer risk . I just hope they don't take away my vagifem. Thank you for the support. It is so isolating being told to come back in 3 weeks, you feel like your life is literally on hold.
PMxx
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Sorry to hear you are going through this pepperminty. Did something come up on a routine mammogram? Most lumps are not sinister but that probably isn't much help right now. Really they should have given you far more detail ie did they think it was a cyst, was it a liquid filled lump etc. They would have a very good idea from the ultrasound.
I would phone one of the breast cancer charities and talk the whole thing through with someone who has plenty of knowledge and experience.
Best wishes.
Hi Mary G, no I found it myself . I do have mamograms every 3 years I think it is. They initially on feeling said cyst than on mamogram said there is a something. I went into shock as they did it all so quickly and said the "C " word which scared the hell out of me .
PMxx
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Hi Pepperminty, I'm sorry I don't have any advice to offer but just like so many others have said I'm sorry to hear you're going through this and I do hope you get the your results back really quickly.
It annoys me so much when these health care "professionals " throw the C word out there and frighten the living daylights out of you without even thinking about offering advice and information to put you at some sort of ease until the results are back.
This happened to me regarding my womb lining and after weeks of worrying I rang Macmillan on my friend's advice....I didn't even think you could do that without a definite diagnosis but they were amazing....you can contact them if cancer is affecting your life in ANY way. You can even just "online chat" with them if you'd prefer. Mine eventually came back all clear and fingers crossed yours will too
Take care of yourself :bighug:
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Hi Pepperminty,
What an ordeal for you, I'm sorry that you are going through it. The waiting for biopsy results feels interminable and a rollercoaster of emotions each day/minute I'm sure. As some of the ladies have mentioned the Macmillan site and its forum can be a good place to get reliable information. Google can put the fear into anything and is not always accurate. I can only say from my experience, waiting on biopsy results, it does put you in a kind of unreal, limbo state & can make you feel wildly out of control as everything has been turned on its head and so be kind to yourself and get through it in anyway that helps you day by day. Sending all best wishes to you. x
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Hi Pepperminty, I'm sorry I don't have any advice to offer but just like so many others have said I'm sorry to hear you're going through this and I do hope you get the your results back really quickly.
It annoys me so much when these health care "professionals " throw the C word out there and frighten the living daylights out of you without even thinking about offering advice and information to put you at some sort of ease until the results are back.
This happened to me regarding my womb lining and after weeks of worrying I rang Macmillan on my friend's advice....I didn't even think you could do that without a definite diagnosis but they were amazing....you can contact them if cancer is affecting your life in ANY way. You can even just "online chat" with them if you'd prefer. Mine eventually came back all clear and fingers crossed yours will too
Take care of yourself :bighug:
Thanks Northerngirl,
I am pleased that yours came back ok. All this really makes one think about what is important in life doesn't it? I may call Macmillan if my anxiety gets any worse. I go from numb to nervous every day. I have looked up wig companies and the lot, just in case.
The cynic in me has always thought that cancer can be cured if they looked at genetics etc and prevention methods rather than concentrating on cures after the event. But then big pharma would be out of business. It pays to keep us ill.
Thank you again everyone- it is lovely to know you are here.
PMxx
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Hi Pepperminty,
What an ordeal for you, I'm sorry that you are going through it. The waiting for biopsy results feels interminable and a rollercoaster of emotions each day/minute I'm sure. As some of the ladies have mentioned the Macmillan site and its forum can be a good place to get reliable information. Google can put the fear into anything and is not always accurate. I can only say from my experience, waiting on biopsy results, it does put you in a kind of unreal, limbo state & can make you feel wildly out of control as everything has been turned on its head and so be kind to yourself and get through it in anyway that helps you day by day. Sending all best wishes to you. x
Thank you Summer-Sky,
exactly how I feel - my mum got tests results and a treatment plan 15 years ago all within a week. So my 6 weeks and 1 day seem a bit of a wait. Thank you again.
PMxx
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One day at a time Pepperminty. Maybe think about ringing your GP and having a chat about everything and seeing if they can give you something just to help you sleep...even one good night's sleep will help. That is one of the things Macmillan suggested for me.
We're all here for you x
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Hi pepperminty
Sorry to hear about your breast problems and possible cancer and the fact that you have to wait to hear the results - so just to wish you all the best.
Hurdity x
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I would avoid anything after surgery because any return of disease may be hidden partiucalry with implants. They R 2 dense to show on mammogram.
It's awful that the Dept left U with so little information! U mayB offered a dedicated breast cancer Nurse too should it be necessary. Let us know how you get on.
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I was forced to have silicone implants initially but got them removed afterwards, which is pretty easy to do.
If you have a mastectomy with or without implants you no longer need mammograms as any residual breast tissue is microscopic so there's nothing to image.
My implants were placed under the muscle, which does unfortunately cause some discomfort and loss of muscle function, but also means that anything that does develop would lie on top of, rather than beneath the implant, so I would choose sub muscular rather than subdermal for that reason if I had to.
But for me personally, no implants is better. Luckily I was slim so there was no possibility of carving up my belly or thighs to make a replica pair of breasts - that would have been irreversible.
Given your family history I would push for genetic testing.
Also there is abundant evidence now that vaginal estrogen can safely be used in breast cancer patients, that your treatment team should be aware of. No oncologist is on minimum wage and they have a duty to keep their professional education up to date.
However if you do face a tussle to keep your prescription, it can be bought without one of need be, which although unfair is better than going without.
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Thank you everyone for your support,
Keeping fingers and toes crossed for a positive outcome.
PMxx
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Just got a letter this morning saying they suspect cancer and are waiting for the results of the biopsy. Seeing it in black and white was a bit sobering.
PMxx
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I'm sorry to hear that pepperminty, it must have been a shock to receive a letter like that.
It's probably time to speak to one of the charities because they are very knowledgeable and experienced with all the procedures etc and they will be able to talk you through things. Because of your family history, I agree with what Bomb said about having a mastectomy if it comes to it (which hopefully it won't) just to be on the safe side. In fact I would opt for a double mastectomy to make absolutely sure if it turns out to be hereditary. It sounds drastic but it's definitely worth considering.
There's a good chance the results will come back negative. We've had women on here with suspected BC who have had negative results so fingers crossed.
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I think that you have been treated dreadfully >:(. A letter should never be the way of telling a patient of any speciality that they need further investigation . The GP, Nurse Practitioner or the Consultant should do a face2face . Does that letter explain the reason why a) it's been sent to you and b) what they suspect; c) have U been given a dedicated Nurse yet? d) is your GP aware that you have had that letter?
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Just got a letter this morning saying they suspect cancer and are waiting for the results of the biopsy. Seeing it in black and white was a bit sobering.
PMxx
You've had a tough week Pepperminty, I'm really sorry you're going through this.
I would definitely contact Macmillan either by phone or online chat if you can't face actually speaking to anyone right now....honestly they are so helpful.
I hope you get your results really quickly and I've got my fingers crossed for you.
Let us know
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If patients are being treated in a similar way ....... >:( :'( . I am very angry on your behalf, patients don't need extra worries on an 'in case' basis without face2face support. Let us know how you get on.
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Thank you everyone for your support , I will keep you updated .
PMxx
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:foryou: how does your husband feel?
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Sending positive vibes your way pepperminty, the waiting is awful I know.
Fingers and toes crossed that it’s a good outcome. But remember, even if it isn’t, your team will already have a plan in place for you. :foryou:
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I would avoid anything after surgery because any return of disease may be hidden partiucalry with implants. They R 2 dense to show on mammogram.
It's awful that the Dept left U with so little information! U mayB offered a dedicated breast cancer Nurse too should it be necessary. Let us know how you get on.
Just to clarify, as explained by Bombsh3ll mammograms are NOT done on the mastectomy side(s) irrespective of whether implants are present or not.
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pepperminty - any news?
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Pepperminty, I've got everything crossed for you, it's a long wait, a cruel wait in many ways.
I was so relieved a few months ago when my breast lump was benign. It's still there, but it's just a lump of debris, not cancerous and I really hope you are told the same.
Like you say, everything stops when you are told it may be cancer. The brain focusses all your energy onto the danger even though you can't do anything about it.
My Dad does have cancer however and I have to say his NHS team are second to none. If you do have cancer they will be there for you, it's one part of the health service that seems to be working well.
When do you find out?
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Hi Ladies ,
thank you all so much for your support, kind wishes and advice. I will let you know when i get the results . I am just taking it one day at a time and trying to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
PMXX
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Has your GP or Nurse Practitioner been in touch?
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I am sending positive thoughts and virtual hugs your way :hug: I also have fingers & everything else crossed for you pepperminty. Take good care of and look after yourself xx