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Breast biopsy clear but 4 week follow up

Augustday
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Hi all,

I've been looking through this site over my lump investigation and not seen anything matching my experience, so I thought I'd reach out and see if there's anyone with anything similar. I know waiting is the best thing but I'm sure you all know it's difficult as your mind wanders.

So I found a lump in my breast and went through the referral process being seen just after two weeks. The doctor I saw felt something so sent me for an ultrasound (I'm guessing no mammogram as I'm only 30). The ultrasound couldn't see a thing, so I was quite anxious at that, the lady asked for someone else to look, she felt where it was first and then checked and again couldn't see anything. She said it was promising but it felt completely the opposite as surely something should be visible. Plus I can't feel the lump lay down so (even though I'm not an ultrasound expert) somewhere I'm worried that it would make a difference in the imaging (as I have quite large breasts).

The doctor decided anyway that she would still like to do a biopsy as we can both feel something , which I was pleased about as I almost expected it to be dismissed following the ultrasound, and so it was done by feel on the day and off I went home.

As I was waiting to hear, I was worrying more and more that they might have done a biopsy in the wrong place, as it was by feel and not led by ultrasound, so I knew I would feel anxious even if it came back clear.

I had my call a week after from a nurse who said all was fine nothing to worry about, but the surgeon who ran the clinic wanted to see me in 4 weeks, she thought it was because it wasn't him who saw me initially.

At first I was quite relieved and so hung up without asking what it actually was, so now I'm kicking myself about that, but I'm also wondering what to expect at this follow up. I still have a couple of weeks to go but I'm wondering whether they'll repeat the ultrasound or whether it'll be just a chat. Has anyone else had a similar experience, and if so what happened with your follow up?

The most difficult part of all of this is that I was just about to start fertility treatment and so now I'm paranoid of the worst and also worried of how it could impact my ability to have a child. I have an overactive imagination I know, and I'm sure it's all nothing, but any reassurance on that follow up would be much appreciated.

Thanks

  • Hello Augustday and welcome to the forum.

    Hopefully some of our members who have had a follow up appointment after having a clear breast biopsy will get back to you soon but if you'd like to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    I hope your appointment goes well next month and your mind is put at ease.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Augustday

    First off you are not alone in this agonizing anxiety. The waiting is the very worst. Im going to the breast clinic tmro for a sound and I cant function today with worrisome thoughts. Im in my early 30s also and im scared they will find something or miss something!

    I cant offer any reassurance but I will say that at least they are investigating further and that there is nothing sinister initially thankfully for you.

  • Offline in reply to Anxiety21

    Hi Anxiety21,

     

    Thank you yeah it's like torture, even though I've had that call from the nurse there's still worry and doubt, but you're right though, it's good they're still investigating.

     

    I hope your appointment goes ok today and fingers crossed that they can confirm today that everything is all fine for you.

    x

  • Offline

    Hi Augustday!
     

    Just wanted to say I'm in exactly the same boat as you (literally reading this felt like I'd written it- weird!). 2 week referral, had an ultrasound that showed nothing at all but as the doctor could still feel a lump he said it would be best to do a biopsy, which I agreed with for my own peace of mind. They said they were pretty sure it was a fibroadenoma, but the biopsy results came back as clear, but not a fibroadenoma like they expected, and then I'd have a follow up appointment the following month, I'm guessing because it wasn't what they expected it to be? So maybe there is a similar reason for yours!
     

    I haven't had my follow up yet so can't tell you what to expect but I do hope your follow up appointment goes well, and I also hope the fertility treatment goes well for you too!

     

  • Offline

    Hi Augustday! 
    I totally get you what you mean about the waiting and scared they've missed something. 
    I had my first appointment last week after finding a lump,the ultrasound was clear and no mammogram as I'm also under 40. In my case they didn't do a biopsy but want to see me again in a few weeks to see if the lumps have gone and if not then do a biopsy. The consultant could feel the lump I was worried about and also another. They have given me reassurance that it's likely to be nothing sinister but I can't help feeling that something is wrong and only a biopsy will tell. I now feel like I'm stuck in limbo waiting for answers. I work full time and feel I can't concentrate at the moment and I'm not sleeping well so planning to call in sick this week,which I feel like I'm exaggerating as I don't even know what's going on. I'm so scared they've missed something and wished I'd have asked for the biopsy on that day just to put my mind at rest. I even called the breast clinic to see if I could have the follow up sooner but they said they couldn't.
    I really hope you're appointment goes well and you get the all clear,this waiting is just the worst. 

  • Offline in reply to CaronO

    Hi

    Just wondering if anyones had any follow up on the lumps? Mine also didn't show on ultrasound and I have to have a surgical biopsy I know this is an old thread but just looking for some reassurance

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