second biopsy within two months - i'm only 26

this has been a never-ending story. I developed a lump four months ago and got a core biopsy done end of last year which showed nothing at all. I went for my follow up yesterday and the doctor decided to do another core biopsy on me. He reassured me that he didn't think it was the big C, because it showed nothing on the ultrasound or the first biopsy. He said he just wants to be thorough. I saw my own ultrasound images and it looked like a cyst. But how did the first biopsy not pick that up? I remember him taking two samples that day. This time he took three. I'm in so much pain and I can't stop crying, why can't diagnosis be simpler.. why must I do this again?

I'm only 26 years old and I am away from family all alone. I don't know who to talk to. Is this allowed for someone my age? I thought doctors would consider other options before suggesting core biopsies.

 

  • Hello Goldenswan

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had some concerns about a breast lump. It sounds as if it's been a difficult and upsetting time for you. 

    A core biopsy, also known as a needle biopsy, is a common diagnostic tool and I'm sorry to hear that you found it so uncomfortable. I hope that the pain has now settled. 

    I wonder if you might find it helpful to chat things through with one of our nurses. I'm sure they would be able to give you some advice and support and possibly help you think about questions you might want to raise at your next appointment with the Consultant. If you'd like to speak to one of the nurses you can call them on 0808 800 4040 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm). 

    I hope that you don't have to wait too long for your results from this biopsy and that they bring some positive news. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thank you for your reply, yes I know. I meant that I was asked to do another biopsy within three months of the previous one (which had only shown normal breast tissue). It's kind of concerning that he decided to do it again despite there being nothing suspicious on the first biopsy or the ultrasound. I asked him if he suspected anything serious and he confidently said no, but that doesn't reassure me why he had to do another one.

    He simply told me he wanted to be thorough. He wouldn't lie right?

  • No one ever replies to my threads :( I would just like some support, I have no one and I'm all alone here in the UK.

  • I'm sorry I don't really know anything about your problem.I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was just looking through posts for people in a similar situation,saw your post so I thought you sounded a bit desperate.Is there no relative u can talk to,if not in uk,by phone.Could u maybe book to see a doctor and explain your concerns to him or go to your local hospital and ask if u could talk to someone about it.If u want a talk any time,just post me.Try not to worry,the doctors are just double checking that it is not anything serious.Look after yourself and try to stay positive.All the best john.

  • Hey, what country do you come from? I am also from abroad and I suffer from a big fear atm 

  • Hi sorry your going through this. I would suggest phoning the Cancer support line if possible. Someone may be able to give you better advice than others on here. 

    I think if they have told you they aren't concerned then that's true .I'm my experience they are pretty honest about what they think it is. 

    I'm 32 and my diagnosis came from biopsies and the results came back within 3 days, although they were not what they expected. But I've also had negative results before too. So they do their best to tell you what they think it is but ultimately the biopsies say for sure. 

    In regards to having more biopsies. Maybe the sample was insufficient? One of mine was. 

    Do you have a family history? 

    Hope you are ok 

    Phili x

     

  • Goldenseal

    Hi I'm so sorry to hear  you have had to have these core biobsys so close together. I know how painfull  they are I had five  taken in May 2020,three from my right breast and two from under my right arm. The pain will settle eventually, and I know its hard to cope with ecspecialy on a emotional level,as if like me it felt like I'd been shot  and I wasn't expecting that.  But in all honesty, if he needed to do this to make sure ,then he did the right thing. I do hope that it isn't anything serious going on,but if it is you will be well looked after , I was and am still,and im extremely grateful.  Always here if you need a chat,I do pop on in here  from time to time.Good luck with everything x

  • Thank you so much, Philli. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. How are you doing? Are you still in treatment? 

    I asked my doctor point blank if he suspected cancer and he said "no". He didn't seen unsure so I'm trusting in that. Though it's still concerning that he decided to take three new biopsy samples after the previous one showed normal tissue. 

    I'll be getting my results in two days (On thursday). I'm praying this will all end soon. Praying for our health <3

     

    (And no, no history of BC in my family at all! Not one person). 

  • Thank you all for your replies, really. It just feels nice to hear an outside voice. My head's been so loud and I know you can all understand that. <3 you're all amazing souls.

    PS: Has anyone experienced this before? Where you had to do another biopsy despite the ultrasound showing nothing sinister and the biopsy showing only normal tissue? I'm guessing the doctor's curious why the biopsy didn't show even signs of a benign lump. 

  • I’m good thank you. 

    Yeah, I’ve only just had my surgery and I’m due to start chemotherapy in about four weeks, then radiotherapy then ten years of hormone therapy. So a long road ahead but we take each step as it comes.

    I can understand your anxieties, it’s normal to be concerned and especially in uncommon experiences like yours. 

    Hoping you get positive confirmation tomorrow, I’ll be thinking of you. Please let us know how you get on. 

    Phili xx