Waiting for biopsy results from breast clinic

Hi all

I've read so many lovely reassuring posts on here so I thought I'd ask for some insight and advice!

I went to the GP two weeks ago in relation to eczema on the breast that had spread to the nipple (I get boob eczema a lot just not on the nipple before). I thought I'd mention some breast tenderness as well that I'd noticed for a few weeks. Not expecting anything of it, I was a bit shocked when he referred me to the breast clinic. I don't have a lump, theres no history in my family and I've just turned 30. 

I had my appointment yesterday and I dont know how to process it. Someone examined me and said there wasnt anything to worry about but I might as well be scanned because I'm here. Easy peasy; I was expecting to be given the all clear and back to work by lunchtime. However they found an abnormality (a mass of some kind) in a milk duct which they then biopsied. The consultant said it was likely a papilloma but might need surgery, and the radiographer did say it could be lots of different things but they won't know until they get the results. However I've gone from I've got an itchy boob to they found a 'something' and I'm now having to wait 2-3 weeks for an appointment to hear the results. To make matters worse my husband has really bad anxiety and he's kind of shutting down (his aunt passed away of breast cancer over Christmas and all he can think about is me dying).

I thought I was being rational and calm about it (I'll find out when I find out and I might as well carry on as normal) but I'm working from home this afternoon and the idea of not knowing for several weeks while managing someone else's anxiety has gotten a bit much. Any thoughts on how to manage the waiting? What helped you get through it? And any tips on the husband! :p

  • Hi I can understand the anxiety I am waiting for results from my biopsy I had on the 8th of Jan. Going to phone tomorrow as I haven't heard anything yet. They believe that the lump is benign and wanted to double check what it is because of my age will be glad when I get the results back. Keeping busy is good distraction. Writing a journal watching comedies on the TV.  Trying to do things that are relaxing a nice hot bath a walk on the beach/ park. My husband I can tell he is stressed talking about it helps even if they don't like talking about how they are feeling. I have to admit that chocolate has been a bit of a comfort as well. Hope all goes well with your results.

  • Hi, i have swelling and a lump in my right arm pit that started off as a niggle, assumed the bone in my bra was cutting in, however i felt a tender lump like a pea there. Left it a day or two then saw the GP. Full boob examination and told if it doesn't go, come back. This was November, the lump and swelling is at least 3cm, scan confirmed it was a lymph node at the beginning of January. I went for the scan thinking oh its only a cyst/ fatty tissue, they ended up taking a biopsy. That was two weeks ago, the anxiety is building every day. Im working on the principle of 'no news is good news' and being optimistic. I did have a viral infection over xmas, and haven't really got over it. Typical hot/cold, rigors, very tired etc no obvious infection like chest/ear/throat etc. Still exhausted, so much im currently on sick leave. I can reate to your waiting game, but try and stay positive. Keep your self busy. 

  • Thanks for  your reply I am  trying to stay positive have good days and days when not so positive. Being busy today at work really helped. I hope you get your results soon as well. 

  • Thank you both for taking the time to reply- it's really comforting to know I'm not alone! Im going to give writing a journal as well to help empty my head. Fingers crossed for you both as well

  • I phoned today I got good news the biopsy results are all clear no cancer it's benign. What a relieve. I hope your results are good. Just want to thank all the lovely people on this forum for the help and support over the last few months.