Breast biopsy anxiety

Hi everyone,

I've been reading some super supportive posts from others and I'm hoping just writing this will help me process.

Im 34 and found a breast lump on Thursday morning. I went to the GP that day who said 'it's small, moveable and smooth lump' that he'd put money on being a cyst. I'm lucky enough to have private healthcare so I was seen at breast clinic on Friday morning, not feeling very worried. Unfortunately the lump definitely isn't a cyst and it's not smooth. The consultant did biopsies and said she doesn't know for sure but wants to rule out cancer. She originally thought fibrodenoma but the edges of the lump aren't smooth or even, though sometimes they can show up irregular like that. She said that she isn't using the words 'highly suspicious'.

When we went back to the desk, I tried to push for some more information and asked what she really thought and on looking at the scan on screen she said more likely to be cancerous. It's 1.3cm. 
 

I'm just not coping at all. I've been constantly shaking and crying and unable to manage. Can't concentrate and just keep being terrified that it's the worst possible news. I know this is natural. If so appreciate any advice you could give, I know a lot of this group have been here before. 

 

thank you so much x
 

 

  • Hi there, I'm really sorry to read this. It's such a shock anyway going through this process, it must be so much harder if you're led to believe one thing and then hear another.  Do you know when you will get your biopsy results? I believe they can't be sure until they get those and so please hold on to that for now. Positively, 1.3 cm is considered quite small and so they should be able to easily treat it whatever the outcome. I hope that gives you some comfort. I can only speak for myself in that your emotions are entirely natural. Most of us find this journey like a rollercoaster. Try to think positive and keep yourself as busy as you can until you get your results. Only then can you be sure. Sending positivity and virtual hugs your way, Mickey x

  • Hey Mickey, thanks for your reply. 
    The results are either Wednesday or more likely to be Friday. I'm just really struggling to cope with the unknown, as so many do. This year I've had my gallbladder removed and then my appendix exactly 5 weeks later. Before this, I was totally healthy and I think this feels like another thing. I know these must seem like trivial things to so many people here, I just wish I was dealing with it better. 
    I'm hoping that 'more likely to be cancer' still means there's hope that it isn't. 

  • Wednesday or Friday will soon come round and then you will know for sure. At your age, the odds are in your favour, so try to hold onto that. Most breast lumps are benign and I agree 'more likely cancer' doesn't mean 'definitely cancer'. I was told it's not cancer until they tell you it is after your biopsy results and I think that's very true. I know we all worry (me too), but once you know for sure you will be able to breath a sigh of relief because you know and all that anxious doubt goes away. I'm sorry to hear if your health problems this year. Is someone going with you for your result apt or are they ringing you? 

  • Sadly because of covid nobody is allowed to come with me. My husband will have to wait in the car outside. I'm trying to stay hopeful and stay away from the internet but I feel in my gut it's bad news. Perhaps that's silly to say. I just wish I was dealing with it better, I don't really feel able to cope. Thank you so much for offering me hope though, I genuinely do appreciate it. 
    I've read other stories on here of suspected cancers turning out to be fibroadenomas so I'll just have to keep everything crossed and try to find coping mechanisms until the appointment comes 

  • Good luck Hattie. I am waiting for my first Appointment. :-( 

  • Thank you Shona ️ I promise I will update whatever happens. I really really deeply hope and pray that it's good news. And honestly, this has been one of the hardest weeks I've ever had so my thoughts are with you - it's really traumatic whatever the outcome. 
     

    how long do you need to wait for you appointment? 

  • Any new yet? When you get your results are you allowed someone with you? 

  • Did you get your results in the end ?