Other than keeping busy, there is no magic bullet as far as the wait goes. It's one of the toughest parts mentally, the waiting and the not knowing. As cliche as it sounds, we found walking, or at least i did, the most therapeutic. But yeah, you'll worry regardless. If you really begin to struggle, stuff like propranolol is very good for anxiety and nowhere near as bad as the likes of Valium etc. It's quick acting and doesn't zombify you. But that's all just an option should you find yourself climbing the walls with worry.

If i could give you one piece of advice from bitter experience is do not google.  Google is a great tool for when you know exactly what you are dealing with because it can put you in touch with others, but it is not a diagnostic tool. It's ad driven and because the worst case scenarios throw up the most searches, it generates the most cash. Google can't tell you what you have or don't have. And if you begin to lump all symptoms together it can't differentiate between them all, so BOOM, you have stage 4 cancer. Every twinge you get, you'll begin to believe it's cancer.

Seriously, do you feel any better after reading Google? I'll hazard a guess and say no. That only gets worse because you will never find what you're looking for. Like ever. Even if you did, you'd suddenly spot something negative and run with that instead. Just look around these very chat boards, it's littered with folk freaking themselves out. Most have themselves dead and buried before even the doctors know anything, and most come back as benign, even some of the more nailed on cases.

Hi, I was in same situation recently waiting 3 weeks for breast cancer results and I can honestly say it was the worst experience of my life, I was miserable, tearful, depressed etc. I did do the cardinal sin of googling, but tried to stick to the 'official' websites, but by 4am on results day I had basically diagnosed myself with a death sentence! I can only say try and keep busy, but I'm with you, it's so bloody hard. My results were cancer (but not the extreme I had diagnosed!), and although yes it was bad news, I feel like a whole weight has been lifted. Sending hugs. Here if you want to chat x

Thanks, I know you’re right. It’s the worst case scenarios that create the panic. Can’t take meds for panic due to other health issues but I’ve  decided to throw myself into housework and Christmas so I’ve no time to think! 

Thanks. Its torture! I came to the same conclusion this morning, keeping busy is the way to go. Frantic panic isn’t going to change or help anything. 

It's absolutely horrid isn't it. I didn't tell my mum and sisters to begin with as there was no point them worrying for 3 weeks as well. I just told my husband and a few close friends so I had some support and people to chat to. I had my MRI Monday and got a call yesterday to say come in Friday to meet surgeon to discuss results and next steps, MORE waiting!

Ah I can relate to all of that, it’s the not knowing (the extent of it), and guessing what might happen. I agree even if it will be bad news it will be a relief to know the facts and have a plan! Not googling any more. Will stick to chat threads like these. Thanks for taking the time to reply. 

The waiting is agonising! You’re moving in the right direction at least. Keeping everything crossed for you x

I am nearly 4 years on from my breast cancer diagnosis. The very worst point of the journey for me was the time between my initial biopsy, when it seemed fairly obvious I had cancer, to the point where I had my diagnosis and sat down and discussed a plan with my surgeon. Once I had a plan and knew what was happening I felt much more in control, and could move positively on to do what I needed to get better. I had an earlier scare and my close family had all been a little annoyed that I had not shared it with them as they wanted to support me, so I did decide to tell them (but it was not just before Christmas, so I may have made the same decision as you). Looking back I think that the important people in my life at home and at work all benefited from knowing what I was going though and provided a huge amount of practical and emotional support for me. I know that the people around you feel very helpless, and they just want to do something to make life better for you. In my case their support and the love they showed me kept me mentally strong, which helped me in the healing process. Once I had my diagnosis and plan in place sharing my terrible news more widely turned out to be an amazing way to reveal how loved I was by the people around me, 

I can only echo the comments above about Googling. My surgeon told me to not go on the internet in our first appointment. it was one of the best bits of advice I received. I am only here now because a family member is in your situation today. 

Sending love at this difficult moment in your life.

Thanks for replying. Sorry to hear about your family member. I also had another scare some years ago and my kids were annoyed I hadn’t told them, so I do feel conflicted about it. My daughter is at uni and has another essay to be handed in by the 4th Jan and is quite stressed. So there’s that on top of Christmas. Difficult to know what’s best and it’s hard not telling them as I feel physically ill with some symptoms too, and am catering for all 12 of us Xmas day! Sigh.

I’ve terrified myself with Google and not doing it again!