Breast biopsy

Hello, I'm new here. I realise there are more serious concerns that other people have, but hope you'll forgive me for asking for some advice.

I had a breast biopsy two weeks ago, vacuum assisted (not sure if that makes a difference). I was told by the radiographer who did the mammogram that I'd have results in 1-2 weeks, this was also what I was told by the doctor who did the ultrasound. The radiographer who took my consent and also took the biopsies, also said I'd receive a phone call in 1-2 weeks. However, the BCN who I saw afterwards gave me a card saying I'd receive a follow-up appointment within 2-3 weeks, although she also said I'd be getting a phone call in 1-2 weeks. That was two weeks ago and I'm starting to get worried. The only person I've told is a friend and he seems to think that if it was something bad, that they'd have told me by now, and the fact that it's been two weeks means it is fine and he can't see why I'm worried. But obviously they don't waste time doing biopsies for no reason, so I still can't relax until I know the result. I had some biopsies taken a few years ago and I heard back after about ten days, thankfully it was a fibroadenoma, but just wondered if the needlecore biopsies and vacuum assisted biopsies are processed differently and maybe that's why this is taking longer? I don't know if I should just relax and take my friend's advice, or if I should be concerned. Any advice is welcome.

Thank you x

  • Cherry 

    I think 2 to 3 weeks is about the average time for results at breast clinic's however you could call the clinic for a uodate 

    I wish you well 

    love Lara ️

  • Hi Lara, thank you for the reply and kind words. I received a letter today with a follow-up appointment with a breast consultant. I'm not really sure what that means, and obviously I'm worried now. My friend keeps telling me it's probably nothing as the appointment is in two weeks, and he thinks it would be earlier if there was a problem, so he says I shouldn't worry but it's easier said than done. I was told by the BCN that I'd either get my results by phone, but would be offered an appointment if there was anything to discuss, so obviously my mind is trying to find things that would need discussing that don't involve anything serious.

    Anyway, I guess whatever is going to happen will happen anyway regardless as to whether I worry or not, so I suppose I should try and stay positive and not think about it.

    Thank you anyway, your reply made me feel better.

    X

  • Cherry 

    I really hope you get good news so many visits turn out good news too I hope you are one of them it's a terrible time waiting these results , stay away from google and I'm sure if you keep busy your appointment will be here in no time please let us no how you get on lovely 

    here to help or chat love Lara ️

  • Hi Lara

    Thank you, knowing that there is support here is a great help. I would be too embarrassed to tell anyone I had posted on a forum like this as I'm sure they'd think I was being overly dramatic, but I'm so glad I did as I already feel better...and no longer feel alone, which I did before. I don't really do forums and social media type things, but getting a bit anxious and looking for something to put my mind at ease, I Googled 'breast biopsy waiting times', hoping it would say something to make me feel better. When it kept coming up with this forum, I thought it couldn't hurt to just post a question.

    I'm so glad I did as it seems like such a caring and supportive community...and with positive things from folks who have been put through the mill a bit and come out the other side feeling stronger and happier, and also from folk who are just looking to be supportive. I really wish there'd been something like this when my mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but it was back in 1994, so no internet and we didn't have anyone to help us. And when she lost her battle I felt really alone as people started to avoid me...I guess they didn't know what to say, and I don't really blame them as it is hard to know what to say. But I'm so glad people have this lovely and supportive place to come now, and that there's such a good and positive atmosphere too.

    Anyway...sorry for rambling. Just wanted to say thank you for the support, and also good luck to everyone waiting for results or having treatment.

    Big hugs to all you lovely people xx

  • Cherry 

    yes I see so many get good results but fail to post and it's a shame as like people like yourself find it hard to find the positive outcomes , only a small few after biopsy get a diagnosis I'm sure it's only 2 in ten 

    yes stay here for support my diagnosis was July last year I should be well away from here now as I feel it was in my last life I feel amazing that it's all finished for me but so many helped me here at my time if people like us don't stay in forums like this to help others they would be pointless I need to give back what was given to me here x 

  • Sorry 

    I didn't mention your mum ️ big hugs to you my lovely im sure all will be good for you xx 

  • Hi Lara

    Well, after what feels like the longest fortnight ever, I've finally had my clinic appointment. The nurse came and got me and took me into the room and then went to get the doctor. When she walked in with two others and they both introduced themselves as breast consultants I did suddenly feel very emotional, but they were lovely and soon put my mind at ease.

    They found flat epithelial atypia, so I'm back at the unit in a couple of weeks time for a vacuum excision...I was hoping I'd never have to see that particular bit of equipment again, as it's not exactly comfortable, lol, but it's definitely better news than it could have been. 

    So another wait for results after that, but I think by the sounds of it, they are just going to remove all the abnormal tissue, which will hopefully be benign and then it's yearly mammograms and monitoring

    I'll let you know the next lot of results too, as hopefully it will give other ladies a bit of hope and support who are going through the same thing.

    Cherry xx