Waiting for biopsy

JMG2016

Hi. Brand new to this. 46 yo who had a diagnostic mammogram showing loose cluster of micro calcifications. Stereotactic biopsy planned for Tuesday. I'm very nervous and upset...

kaylynn

They are very very common dontpanic yet. They just have to make sure. 

LisaAlissa

Of course you are! But "deep breath:" This whole thing may well "go away" as quickly as it has popped up in your life. Most people who are "sent on" for biopsies after diagnostic imaging (80%) are not given a cancer diagnosis and are either returned to a regular screening routine or asked to come back in 6 months so that they can confirm that "nothing" is the right answer.

There is no reason to suppose that you'll be in the 20%...so try to relax and recognize that your medical team is being careful and you're following the well woman protocols to safeguard your health. Try not to borrow trouble that isn't yours until (unless!) it arrives on your doorstep.

In the meantime, distract yourself with things that require focus. And when it crosses your mind, just repeat something like: "you have good docs, you've done what you're supposed to do. There is nothing more for you to do at this point!" Then turn your mind to things you enjoy!

Hope to see a post from you very soon with good news.

HTH,

LisaAlissa

etc: spelling

JMG2016

thank you. I know that it is a common next step. I think that besides the chance of a cancer diagnosis I am also anxious about the chance of 'atypical cells' or hyperplasia...how that will be handled...how to navigate a best plan

JMG2016

thank you for this forum. I am trying not to burden my family with the anxiety I'm feeling

mettasun

JMG2016, if biopsy shows atypical cells then consider requesting 2nd opinion from another pathologist.

I agree, this discussion board is such a fantastic source of support. I hope all works out fine for you. Do keep us posted!

JMG2016

Yes, a 2nd opinion for sure. I just finished reading the NYT article about biopsies not providing clear answers and the poor agreement of pathologists rating tissue samples. Sobering.

marie5890

Loose cluster of microcals suggest to me that they are being prudent, not so much that they are overly concerned.

If it were a tightly clustered group, that is a bit more concerning.

In the meantime, KEEP busy and STOP researching. You simply don't know enough to do proper researching at this point. When you have your pathology report in hand, then you will know where to begin looking. Dr Google is many times out of date, or just mis-informed.

Wait until you have solid data at what YOU are dealing with.

HUGS!!!!

JMG2016

I know that the researching is leading me down some paths. But, I feel like I want to be educated and have a bit of a plan for the possible outcomes. The need for this biopsy just knocked the wind out if me. I was fine with a diagnostic mammogram, extra views, the ultrasound...but this biopsy just feels like a whole other level.

Not to go down a dark road again, but isthere anything I can do (besides ice,pressure) to avoid a hematoma developing after the biopsy? Is it good to start moving and being active after 24hrs?

JMG2016

Core biopsy done yesterday. The radiologist felt >50% chance malignant. Path results are in...benign!!!!

Am grateful for the good news. Please know the encouragement meant the world to me during those first few days after the diagnostic mammogram. I know I over-read, but it has been eye opening to see this support network. Thank you

kaylynn

Wow you got results fast i had mine done yesterday and wont hear until friday. Congrats on the results. 

Everyone knows there birad rating or chance of malignancy. They wont tell me anything at all! I ask and they say you will see the report and it will be gone over. But not until the biopsy results are in i guess because each dr i see says this and blocks all info. But the last time i went for a lump each dr said it was nothing before they checked it. 

JMG2016

Karlyrie, I will be hoping for good results for you on Friday. You are almost there.

Having gone through this, the two things that would help most are information from the doctors and quick posting of results.