Waiting for biopsy results (family history)

Hi. I know this unfortunately familiar to so many. I lost my mum when I was a late teen after she fought off a brain tumour and 2 rounds of breast cancer before passing away. She had lost her mum (and my dad, his) and her sisters followed suit. My cousin has it and I’ve been on Tamoxifen for a year to try and prevent it (am 46). I was refused gene testing on the NHS because my mum’s cells were inconclusive due to being old despite the cancer all the way through my family. I had to have a biopsy and receive the results on Friday. I’m the main breadwinner with an eight year old son and a husband with regular depression. We’ve already gone through that a lot plus years of fertility issues. I know by this age all women have really gone through it but having seen in detail what happened to my mum I am petrified. I guess I’ve had this fear since I was a child. I’ve talked to someone but it doesn’t take the fear away. 
Can you guide me please on how you manage the fear about this as a topic overall? This second week to results will be busy at work but feels like an eternity already. 

  • Hello iris1

    I'm sorry to hear that you're currently waiting for the biopsy results later this week. Given everything that you've shared, it's understandable that you're feeling anxious, not only about the biopsy results but about your future health in general. 

    I'm not sure that the fear ever really disappears for lots of people who are possibly at an increased risk of developing cancer. Perhaps it's more about learning to change focus and live with the possible "what if" which admittedly is easier said than done. 

    It's good to hear that you've previously been able to talk with someone about how you're feeling and it may be that re-visiting some counselling support to help develop some strategies to manage your health anxiety would be a good idea. 

    In the meantime, if you think it would help to chat with one of our nurses before your results later this week you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice and support they can. 

    Do let us know how you get on on Friday. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you have some positive news. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator