So scared after biopsy

Hi everyone,

I was at hospital yesterday after finding a lump in my right breast, I'm 46, after mammogram and ultrasound doctor took 4 biopsies, both he and the other doctor I spoke to said they weren't very concerned but I can't shake a very bad feeling about it.

I had another bad scare last July when initially they took 3 biopsies which turned out to be benign and I was sent for a vacuum assisted biopsy as consultant still wasn't happy, they eventually diagnosed me with papillomatosis, I can still hear the consultant tell me that although this is a benign breast condition it can turn cancerous very quickly and to be super vigilant about new lumps etc.

I just don't know why I feel so scared this time, last year I was told to prepare myself for bad news, this time it all seemed much more relaxed but why would they take biopsies if they didn't suspect cancer?  It's going to be a long 2+ weeks wait for results.

Maggie     x

  • Hello Maggie, 

    Waiting for such important results can indeed feel like a lifetime so I can imagine that the next two weeks are going to be a very anxious time for you. What a stressful time it has been for you in recent months but I am glad that your three biopsies in July turned out to be benign. It's normal to be scared but try not to anticipate the worst and it's a good sign that the doctors mentioned that they were not very concerned. Obviously you won't know for sure until you get your results so it is normal to be worried about it - fingers crossed that it all turns out to be benign again. 

    The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this in the next couple of weeks is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. There are also some helpful tips on this page on how to cope while waiting for results. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator