Hi there, I had a metal marker put in at my biopsy 11 days ago and wondered the same as you. As far as I can make out it's just a marker if they need to look at the area again, or for future mammograms, not necessarily for surgery. I'm not in any pain and the bruising is starting to fade now.

I just got my results today and whilst they have not found any cancer cells they want to do another biopsy, as looking at a possible radial scar. I guess the marker they have put in will help with this?

It's a nerve wracking process, the waiting, think I've aged 10 years in 10 days!

When do you get your results? Xx

From what i remember them telling my wife a couple of weeks ago, they're used as wee arrows so everyone from the radiographer to the surgeon, should you ever need surgery, know exactly where things are. It's to keep them right and to stop any confusion.

Again, from what i remember, the reasons for them using them isn't always because you 100% have cancer.

Hi there,

I wouldn't wish the wait on my worst enemy and I'm sorry that you have having to wait as long as 3 weeks. I think I was lucky with only having an 11 day wait. I was able to transfer from the hospital I had to biopsy done (I was recalled under the National Screening Programme) to my local hospital for the results. I am wondering whether this speeded up the process at all because they rang and offered me an appointment the same day as I had the biopsy. I was told that they nearly always have a face to face appointment for results, but I guess it depends on the hospital.

I'm 55 and this is my third recall in 6 years following an abnormal mammogram, but they first time they have done a biopsy. I had a fibroadenoma removed in my early 20s. My Mum had breast cancer when she was 81 but no other family history as far as I know. I've been told there is fibrous tissue, cysts and a possible radial scar. To be honest, I was pretty much kept in the dark at previous appointments. When I asked the consultant after the recall mammogram what she thought it was she said she didn't know. Although she did mention asymmetry.

I'm keeping everything crossed for you, I know what you mean about the wait changing you, I feel the same way. It was my birthday at the weekend and I just didn't want to do anything. Thankfully at the last minute some friends persuaded me to go out for a couple of drinks and thank goodness I did because I felt normal for the first time in weeks! xx

Thank you making me aware of this and it is reassuring to know it is not always associated with Cancer

Hi, I have never felt like this. I have experienced a lot of uncertainty but this feels very different waiting and it feels very much like it could go either way, 50/50 as they have all said different things.

I called on Monday and they said I had missed the cut off for this week's meeting so it is not likely I will hear anything.

I have had 6 of my extended family members which have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and beaten it but it makes me feel anxious.

I understand what you mean as you don't feel like celebrating but normality can help take your mind off it. I just don't feel in the mood to plan anything until I receive my biopsy results xx

Yes I can see that the fact that they have said different things is causing more uncertainty for you. To be honest the whole process seems so long, even for me and I'm only 3 weeks tomorrow since my recall mammogram, it seems like months, time seems to pass so slowly.

I had my biopsy on a Friday and the weekly meeting at that hospital was on a Thursday, so I think I got in in time for the next one, hence my results being back by today. My Mum went for a recall mammogram and was diagnosed on the spot, which was a huge shock to her at the time, but her next appointment basically consisted of what was going to happen re. operation etc.

All this waiting is just time to overthink, I have been worrying about ridiculous things. But then a friend said to me think of the people you know who have had breast cancer and beaten it and there were several. One who had it 30 years ago and is now well in her 70s and very well. It is a positive that six of your extended family have also beaten it.

Hoping you get your results very soon xx

Hi, so sorry I meant to reply early than now. 

I started reading a lot of different posts and got more anxious so I had a break from the chat. Hoping you are ok after receiving your results. 

Its all the overthinking then thinking maybe I'm just being over dramatic or am I being realistic? It is positive all my extended family have beaten breast cancer. They have all had different types of it I believe.

I found out my MDT meeting is now next Wednesday so hoping to hear something after that so the wait continues. I go from keeping really busy to feeling feel anxious and panicky about it all xx

Sorry for the slow reply - wondering have you had your results yet?

I had my second biopsy today, this time by ultrasound. They removed the previous marker and put a new one in. The Dr seemed fairly optimistic that it is a radial scar and I get my results next Monday. Also had six mammograms. Very sore now, there was still a lot of bruising from previous biopsy. So grateful that they are being so thorough.

Hi, hope you are doing okay. The waiting is awful. I had a lot of bruising after my biopsies and was sore for awhile after. It seems to be clearing up ok and still have the marker inside.

I know the MDT meeting was done last week so now just waiting for the results and they are sending a letter. Even if it turns out to be ok, I will always worry given family history of Breast Cancer and still having this cyst which I think is complex. Its just not knowing what is going on.

Thinking of you and it is better they are really thorough and checking everything out. Hoping it goes ok x