Waiting for biopsy results

Hi, 

I've been lurking here a couple of days now. I am currently waiting for biopsy results. I originally went to GP. for a lump in breast, suspected cyst, and was referred to the breast clinic.  I'm 37 and pretty fit, hardly ever at the doctor at all. In fact they commented they have barely any info on me!

At my referral appointment, last Thursday, the consultant did a check up and asked if I could return the next morning for an ultrasound. Being a bit younger, I guess, I didn't think too much of it but later that evening wondered more about the urgent referral.

I did go that next morning, Friday, expecting to have an ultrasound only. During the ultrasound, done by a different consultant, I realised they were taking lots of screenshots of my lump area. They also did a thorough scan of my underarm area and took a screenshot there too. The consultant then said I needed a biopsy and they would do it there and then!

Like so many here I was shocked and went into autopilot mode I think. They did the biopsy - it wasn't too bad really but the sounds were horrific - and put a titanium clip where the lump is. Then they sent me across the hall for a mammogram. The mammogram in itself was ok but I fainted halfway through as I'm pretty squeemish and they were squishing my biopsied boob! I joked later that I must be one of those goats that faints when they sense danger as everyone in the room had gotten all serious and I was like ok goodbye. When I came to, we finished up and a nurse said 'hmmmm' then another nurse asked me if I had anyone with me or was I alone because I would need to go see the original consultant. 

Luckily my mum was with me. We went through and the consultant as good as told me I might have cancer. Of course I was shocked but I'm proud of myself as I stayed very calm. They said they'd need to see the biopsy results to confirm but that it's definitely not a cyst and that the ultrasound consultant felt it was something "suspicious". They then gave me an appointment for my results and told me that they like to let people know it might not be good news in advance so they have time to prepare. They also offered me contact numbers but at the time I said no, let's see at the results appointment what we're dealing with, and I somewhat regret that now but hey ho.

Of course once I got home I cried, the mornings are the worst because it's the first thing on my mind when I get up and I force myself to dress and smile and behave like a functioning adult. I can't believe this is happening to me, today I walked 6 miles no problem feeling perfectly fine (apart from the bruised and sore biopsied boob)! 

It's 4 days until my results appointment, so here I am, on the internet, wondering if anyone else is out there in the same position and can we support each other a bit. I'm currently in that maddening space where I swing between thinking buckle up lassie and prepare for the worst and maybe I'll turn up and they'll say oops it's just fatty tissue, no dramas! 

Hugs to all who find themselves on this forum. It's frankly quite *** but at least we can find some ways to laugh, r.e. fainting goats :/

Jen x

  • Hi MommaTrish, yes it is a shock isn't it. I was quite blasé and thought I'd just be in and out, ultrasound to confirm cyst, etc. I almost wish I'd had a better idea that further tests on the day would be a possibility but as it was, it was quite the whirlwind. Like you, I'm swinging between the two extremes but I am trying to calm myself down by reminding myself that if it is a positive result then these things can be treated. Although the first appointment was a shock I am grateful that everything was done in one go - this wait is bad enough, I wouldn't want to add to it.

    P.S. Yes, also still have sore boob :(

  • The wait was deffo the worst part for me one min I was like no way this is impossible then the other was like something not right x when do you get results ? Bless you I completely understand I hope it will all be ok xxx

  • I waited a week for results lost about 6 lb in wright went for routine no lumps felt brilliant but they found a lump was devasted but you do find the strength , try not to worry it could all be ok good luck when do you get results how long away ? 

  • My appointment is next Wednesday. My ct scan is tomorrow.

    lost 6 lbs?! I think I might be the opposite. I eat more when Im low. I just think, why not? Have that but if cake, what difference is it going to make? 
    And my boob is STILL sore! 
    Im just gonna moan about that until it's done.

  • What a load of ****!
    Im so sorry Amanda! Big hugs hun.

    Have your cry. Have a scream. Punch the wall. Have whatever it is that helps relieve your stress. Then wash your face, stand up tall and remember that you can do this.

    Do you have someone you can talk to, someone you can cry with?

    If not, I will. Message me anytime.

  • Hi momma yes I no I soon put it back on after diagnosis it was just that week waiting I was scared but soon got back to normal eating and more than ever now spoiling mystic with treats lol , I hope all goes well today with ct scan I didn't have one of those xxx 

  • Hi All

    Just wanted to post to offer some support.
     

    Waiting for results is BY FAR the worst part of all this. I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer and had mammograms, ultrasounds, multiple biopsies, MRI and CT scan. Now I have the results and  my treatment plan, i feel remarkably calm. I just want to crack on. Thousands of women have done this before me and there will be thousands after me.
     

    What I want to say though is that I had multiple biopsies as the MRI threw up multiple areas of concern that they warned me could possibly be cancer. Anyway, they weren't. They were fibrodenomas so there is a chance that your results could still be benign.

    I know it's natural to think the worst but until you are told it is definitely cancer, try not to dwell on it. Ultimately worrying won't change the outcome and just drains you.

    Before I got my results, I suffered terriblly with back pain, chest pain, pins and needles down my arm. I was convinced I was riddled with cancer. I got all my results which confirmed just the one tumour in the left breast and - surprise- all my pain disappeared. The consultant said it was anxiety. 

     Just try and keep busy and positive xx

  • Thank you story78, and thank you too, to all the others who have responded on this thread. It's funny, I have told 2 close family members, my partner of course and a couple of close friends but there's something different about hearing from other people who are going through / have gone through this process which is making the world of difference to me. Thank you cancer research for this space!

    You're absolutely right in everything you say and I hope your treatment is going / goes well if not started yet.

    I am indeed keeping busy today. Results should be in tomorrow (I hope). Until then, I'm offering myself up and trusting in the process. Not a religious person by any means but as the Serenity Prayer goes "grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." xx