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Waiting results for a breast biopsy

Lovemypets
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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

Parents
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    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

     

  • Offline in reply to PositiveT

    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

     

     

     

     

     

     

Reply
  • Offline in reply to PositiveT

    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

     

     

     

     

     

     

Children
  • Offline in reply to Lovemypets

    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

     

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