Waiting results for a breast biopsy

Hello, 

I'm 35 and found a breast lump about 6 weeks ago. I was examined by my gp, who felt the lump and said the procedure for breast lump referral is to wait 4-5 weeks after discovery as its could be a lump that comes and goes with your menstrual cycle. I was a bit concerned to wait that long but I did - and it was still there weeks llater. Was anyone else told to wait this long?

When I said it was still there after a few weeks, she immediately referred me to the breast clinic and I was seen within a week. The doctor examined me and said 'oh its probably just a cyst, as you are only 35, we'll do a quick ultrasound just to make sure. I had the ultrasound and the doctor said it wasn't a cyst - it was showing as a solid mass - if it was a cyst you would be able to tell from the fluid within. He looked concerned and asked me to confirm my age again - he took alot of photos in screen of my scan - and also in an area under my armpit too. 

He then said he will have to take a biopsy- so he took 3 sections with his clipper rod and also inserted a metal chip . 

 

I then had a mammogram too - and at this point was in tears as I wasn't expecting to have the biopsy procedure. 

They said I would get the results a week later - they discuss the results in a weekly Wednesday meeting.

When I left the hospital I went straight back to work for the day and really felt like i should have taken some time out as I couldn't concentrate. 

I'm counting down the days dor the results and am feeling very anxious. I'm getting married in a few months and was planning on starting a family soon - but this has completely taken over my mind.

 

Did anyone else in a similar position tell friends and family ? I feel like I should let them know - especially if it comes back as bad news, otherwise it would be a shock all at once. On the other hand, I don't want to worry them unnecessarily, especially if it comes back all fine. 

I'm also concerned if it is bad news that waiting 4 weeks after discovering the lump was a bad idea...

Thanks for the help, the comments are really comforting to read. 

Sarah x

  • Hi Sarah 

    So sorry you find yourself here. It's a scary time and the waiting is always the worst. There are many possibilities for what your lump could be, but whatever the outcome of your biopsy, knowing what you are dealing with and having a plan is much easier to cope with than the not knowing. 

    I cannot comment on the five week wait although have read similar comments on here so it may be a common procedure. 

    When I had my assessments and biopsy etc I chose to tell my husband, mum, sister and a couple of close colleagues (wasn't my usual productive self at work and with the various appointments I felt it was helpful for them to be aware). Didn't tell anyone else until after diagnosis. 

    Sending you best wishes for your results on Wednesday. Stay strong! You've got this xx

     

  • Thank you so much. That is really great advice - I am dreading the next few days at work before I get the results so I might mention it to my manager which might help how I'm feeling. 

    So far, I've told my fiance, Mum, brother and close friend. 

    Going to stay positive! Its my hen party at the weekend so I'm either going to be feeling elated after good news - or the opposite! But I have a lovely group of friends who can help support me xx

    If you don't mind me asking, what was your diagnosis after your assessments? 

     

    Sarah x

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! And I hope you have a fantastic hen do :-)

    I am sure your manager will be understanding and support you. I have been overwhelmed with how fantastic work have been with me.

    My situation was different from yours, I went to the GP having had some nipple discharge. My mum had breast cancer so this convinced GP to refer me to the breast clinic.

    On mammogram they found calcifications which after biopsy were found to be DCIS (pre-invasive breast cancer which is contained within the milk ducts). I have since had surgery to remove the affected area. It's not been fun by any stretch but knowing the outcome of the biopsy and what treatment was needed was a relief in a lot of ways.

    It's been just over two weeks since my surgery and pretty much feeling back to normal. I will be having a second surgery (was meant to be last week but surgeon got covid and now my husband has covid so have banished him to the bedroom to try and avoid getting it. My surgery is scheduled for 7th April if I can stay covid free!!).

    I will be thinking of you on Wednesday. Try to keep busy and distracted but also it's ok to be scared and also ok to have a good cry if you need to!

    Sending hugs xx

     

  • Hi Sarah,

    Hi Sarah,

    I am also Sarah! And unfortunately I am also awaiting the results of a biopsy. I will be getting my results on Wednesday. I had some changes in my breast and some strange textures going on and when I had my mammogram they decided to do a biopsy, I ended up having three and like you I was very surprised it happened and kind of shellshocked I think.

     

    I will be getting my results on Wednesday. I had some changes in my breast and some strange textures going on and when I had my mammogram they decided to do a biopsy, I ended up having three and like you I was very surprised it happened and kind of shellshocked I think.

     

    They found calcifications so I am really quite afraid of what is going to happen on Wednesday. At first I only told my friend who lives quite far away and then I told a friend that I work with but I've known for many years and she actually came with me to the appointment. I told my parents  after I'd had the biopsy because I couldn't cope with a worry as well as my own. My line manager now knows and he's been great at making sure I'm okay and have time when I need it. I have a four-year-old son and it's just the 2 of us and I am absolutely petrified about what this might mean. I think I am hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I don't know if I'm just preparing myself too much but I do just have this impending sense of June.

     

    I think I am hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I don't know if I'm just preparing myself too much but I do just have this impending sense of doom.

    Hopefully you get your results soon and all is okay.

    Hopefully you get your results soon and all is okay.

    Sarah X

     

     

     

  • Hi Sarah 2!

    Sorry you find yourself on this forum. But hope you find some comfort and support whilst you're here. 

    You may have seen my reply to the other Sarah regarding my calcifications. Calcifications are often nothing to worry about so try not to overthink things until you get the results. Easier said than done I know!!

    It's really good that your manager has been so supportive. Takes a lot of the stress off when it comes to appointments etc. 

    I have a four year old too! A very energetic girl! Kids are so resilient! You will both get through this whatever the results bring. 

    Wishing you all the best for Wednesday. Look after yourself xx

     

  • Hi, 

    I am so sorry to hear what you are going through.

    I felt a lump during period a few months ago that came and went with my cycle.  When last period ended it was still there so booked in with GP who said that as had for few cycles will refer me to breast clinic. From that I am gathering if new may have been asked to wait.

    I went to clinic last week and they felt lump and sent me for mammogram and ultrasound even though under 40. As 40 in 6 months said was to get mammogram. 

    They examined lump and found another one behind it. Took core biopsies,  put in markers and sent me back to clinic.

    At clinic was given appointment for results, asked several times if I okay / could I drive home etc. Said small one behind lump I feel only 5mm which good and armpit seems clear. At that time introduced me to macmillan nurse who took family details and gave me card. I have no idea if all of this normal or if they acted this was as sure its cancer ?!

    Beyond terrified as well and whilst I am sorry I don't have answers I wanted to reach out as know how you feeling. 

    I have told my family (apart from kids), my boss and a few close friends. I am a worrier and need talk stuff through. Probably too much to be honest. 

    I hope all is well for you. 

    Take care xx