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Biopsy waiting

MomoLennon
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Hello 

I am a 31 year old female and back in June I noticed a lump on my shoulder. After going to the doctor the said it was likely a cyst and said they would refer me for a scan to be sure.

Scan finally came through in early August where the radiographer said that it did not look good. Got referred on to a specialist two weeks later who then arranged an MRI but that was inconclusive so they arranged a biopsy which I had just over two weeks ago on the 17th of September and they said I would hear within two weeks.

I haven't heard back yet and I was more wondering if the Queen's funeral could have affected things if things like MDT meetings that were scheduled for that day were cancelled.

I'm okay with waiting longer then the two weeks, and I told myself that I should give them another two weeks before I phone. But should I phone earlier, busy to be sure?

Extra info: The lump has been getting more painful since I first noticed, and it has got aggravated by movement. Unfortunately as it's on my dominant side and I work in an active job I can't avoid using it

 

 

  • Hello MomoLennon

    I'm sorry to hear about everything you've been through over the past few months. It's understandable that you may be feeling anxious about waiting for the biopsy results. 

    While things may have been delayed by the additional ban holiday I certainly don't think there's any harm in ringing to ask when you may have some news. Often just knowing when to expect a letter or phonecall can help make the wait a little easier. 

    I do hope that you have some news soon. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hello, thank you for the reply 

    I ended up phoning them earlier today, partly because a few of my work friends were asking me about it and they all knew that I was due to get results by Friday.

     

    The nurse was very lovely and nice to talk to and told me that they hadn't got my results back and that she would chase them up and that it was likely there were delays due to any additional  tests they might need to do but didn't tell me any more. It was a relief in a way, and the woman in the phone was so nice to talk to.

    I think I might phone again on Monday if I haven't heard, I have a somewhat unrelated hospital appointment on Wednesday so I might bring it up then too 

    Thank you again for the reply, I've been keeping this all to myself mostly - not many people outside of my work colleagues know what I'm going through so it's been a little overwhelming 

     

     

  • in reply to MomoLennon

    Hello,

    I'm glad you rang them and that the nurse you spoke to was helpful. If you've not heard anything next week then don't be afraid to call again. 

    It can be really difficult waiting for tests and results. We know that lots of people feel anxious and overwhelmed during the part of the process. If you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses at any point you're most welcome to call them for some support. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I hope you have some news soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hello, I got my results today!!

    Unfortunately it was not good. They say it looks like it's a sarcoma. But as it's superficial I think prognosis is good. I know this is not the place to discuss this though. I'm feeling optimistic though

     

  • in reply to MomoLennon

    Hello MomoLennon

    I'm glad to hear that the wait is over and you've finally have some answers.

    Whilst I'm very sorry to hear that it's likely to be a cancer diagnosis, it does sound like the team was able to give you some reassurance and it's great that you're feeling so optimistic. 

    If you want to chat things through with our team of nruses at any point you're most welcome to give them a call. You might find it useful to chat with them ahead of your next appointment. I know they would be happy to offer any advice and support that they can as well as help you think about any questions that you want to ask the specialists. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I also wanted to give you the link to an organisation called Sarcoma UK which is another source of support and information that you may want to tap into at some point. 

    Hopefully now things will start to move more quickly for you and you'll know what the next steps are before too long. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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