Long wait for breast biopsy result

Hello,

Sorry for my long post!

I've been reading the many posts on here since December & it's been helping me a lot.

I'm newly 40, found a hard smooth lump on right breast end of Oct & doctor thought it was typical of a cyst; I was advised to monitor for 2 weeks but went back and lump the same so referral to breast clinic in Aberdeen. Due to delays the wait was 4-6 weeks rather than usual 2.

I attended the breast clinic 17th Dec, had mammogram & met consultant whom I thought would look at the mammogram, feel my lump & confirm it's a cyst. Instead I was sent for an ultrasound and told the lump was solid & there was another smaller similar lump underneath the same breast close to my chest wall. Both lumps had core biopsies taken & markers inserted. It was scary but necessary so of course I agreed. I waited another hour or so to see the consultant again who was accompanied by a student and a specialist breast care nurse and was told the lumps don't typically stand out as cancerous but unsure exactly what they are so biopsies are the only way to know; she said I scored 3's and 4's on the scale. I was handed a Macmillan nurse care leaflet and the name of the nurse was written down for me in case I had any questions when I go home; I was told this is standard practice and not to worry about the word 'Macmillan '. I was then sent for another mammogram (tomo) & sent home. With the festive season I was told honestly (which I appreciated) to expect a delay with results & I wouldn't hear until early Jan. The consultant has her MDT meetings on a Wednesday but still by 12th Jan my biopsy results weren't back from the lab so it's now been over 4 weeks and my mind is going crazy questioning every little thing & going over it all.

Maybe someone on here has had a similar experience & can reassure me everything above is just standard procedure or maybe someone else has also been anxiously waiting biopsy results and can get some comfort knowing they aren't alone. My husband just tells me not to worry & everything will be fine  xx

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  • Hey MrsBR! 

    I have just read your message on the forum and felt compelled to join so that I could reply to you. Until now, I have been reading the odd story for my own peace of mind, hoping to find positive outcomes from anyone in a similar situation to mine...Thus far, I just read and then leave without interacting! However, noticig you're also from Scotland I thought I would pop on and say Hi! I'm so sorry to hear about all your recent worry. The waiting must be absolutely horrendous and I do hope you hear back very soon. 
     

    I found a lump in my left breast at the end of Sept. I realised it was during my cycle so thought I would wait a couple of weeks just on the off chance it was hormonal. After this time, I realised it was most definitely not period related and decided to book a gp app. I called my practice and was seen that very day. After the lump was confirmed, I was told I would be given an urgent referral to the breast clinic. Just over 4 weeks later ( I had been surprised as I thought it would only be 2 ) I was seen by a breast consultant who, just like my own gp, felt the lump ( actually 2! a 2nd larger lump was found ) she didn't seem overly concerned but told me I would be referred to have an ultrasound to investigate further. That appointment took place on the 25th Nov . I am still waiting. I couldn't believe that I had waited all that time to be told I had to wait again. Mental torture! It's now been over 7 weeks from that appointment and I habe just now been told I have my 'urgent' scan referral, ( after numerous phone calls! ) I was told they had absolutely no idea when I would be offered an appointment, they had no lead times. After another phone call, I was told they managed to 'squeeze' me in. My ultrasoumd is booked in for the 25th Jan. exactly two whole months after my  first hospital app and 3 months since going to my doctor. I am absolutely horrified and truly hope there is nothing sinister as the time that has been potentially wasted isn't worth thinking about. I have a friend whom works in the department and know of the incredible pressure the staff are under, however some communication would have been nice. I left the hospital assuming I would have a letter within a couple of weeks at most. 

    since finding the initial lump, I have been having burning pain just below the larger one of the two close to my rib case. It's very uncomfortable. I think this makes me so much more aware as I can be doing things, feeling positive and not worrying only to suddenly feel the pain reminding me of the uncertainty. So in a very long drawn out reply...I completely empathise with your anxiety over waiting...albeit not for the same thing! 

    It's now my turn to apologise for the long story! Ha. That's was the very quick version! 
     

    Sending positive vibes your way,

    V x

  • Hello V,

    Thanks for reaching out & replying.

    You are a little ahead of me from when your lump was discovered & first clinic appointment but sadly you are a now  behind me with still waiting for your ultrasound which must be so difficult! In Aberdeen it's a one-stop clinic so everything happens at that first appointment. 

    I agree that our nhs staff work so hard & they'll be doing everything they can but it is so difficult all the waiting. I too I'm mostly positive but then as time goes on my doubts start to creep in.

    Have you passed on information about your recent burning pains, to the clinic or your GP. Maybe they would want to see you sooner or could offer you some assurance about it being ok to wait for another few weeks.

    Keep busy & stay strong. I'll let you know if I hear a date for my results & I'll keep the 25th for you in my thoughts xx

  • Hello V,

    Remembering your scan was booked for the 25th Jan, I just wanted to come on & wish you good luck with hopefully getting all your answers tomorrow.

    I'm no further forward, still waiting for my biopsy results (going on for almost 6 weeks now). I remain waiting patiently (or rather impatiently really ha!).

    Plesse update with how you get on tomorrow.

    Take care xx 

  • Hey MrsBR! 
     

    First off....I noticed your great news! I am so thankful that you're in the clear. How are you feeling? Lighter I bet?! It was such a long time to wait for your results! 
     

    Thanks so much for thinking of me! I am lactually ooking forward to tomorrow...as odd as it sounds! I'm just glad it's finally here and I will hopefully be able to move on and get on with things. This week has been especially slow. I have been overthinking a lot! 
     

    will let you know how I get on! 
    V xx

  • Hi,

    Just realised we are the same area - hope everything went smoothly today.

    Best wishes, Em 

  • Thank you so much, I woke up today feeling a lot more relaxed, first in a long while!

    I hope you got some answers today. Hopefully hear an update from how you got on xx

  • Good morning! 
     

    sorry I didn't get back on to update yesterday. Very busy day / night. All went well at the ultrasound. I was only in for 5 minutes. It is an odd one though. Both palpable lumps did not appear on the screen. I was told that it all looked like normal tissue and that the lumps are most likely nodular tissue which can appear as we age ( I'm 34 ) I would like to say I'm relieved but there is something nagging at me. I would have liked a biopsy to be sure. I have heard too many horror stories with regards to lumps not showing up and being told it's nodular, then turning out to be malignant. I wish I could fully relax! Have been told to keep an eye on the size or any other changes! 
     

    V xx

  • Hey, 

     

    That is good news!

    To balance out the horror stories;

    About 5 years ago I found a lump and was referred to clinic. On Physical exam another lump was found on the other side which did not show up on imaging. Consultant did a clinical core biopsy, which is actually a long story. In the end I requested it was removed and she was more than happy to due to a slight question mark re the biopsy. It did in fact turn out to be normal tissue. 
    ^ That is the really short version. 
    But any change go back to your GP! 
     

    Best wishes x

  • Hello, oh gosh I'm sorry you didn't get the proper conclusion you were hoping for. Perhaps discuss with GP & voice your concerns. Don't take any risks with your health, you're entitled to a 2nd opinion too. Having the biopsies & LONG wait for results was difficult but I can rest easier feeling confident with my diagnosis xx

  • Hello Em, I'm glad you were ok previously & good for you speaking up for what you felt was right for you. Not long until your results tomorrow, will be thinking of you & please update xx

  • Hi, 

    Just to update, had my phone call (2hrs early, nothing quite like making you panic!) Fibroadenoma 17mm, panic over! 
     

    Best wishes, Em x

  • Wonderful news Em! I'd never heard of a fibroadenoma until going through my scare & yet they are so common amongst all our scares. Will they just leave it alone? There is no plan to remove mine. You'll get a rested & peaceful sleep tonight I bet xx 

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