25years old- biopsy in the morning.

Sarahalizabeth

I am completely new to this forum- or any forum, so bare with my please! About 4 weeks about I found a lump in my left breast. I had a breast reduction so I thought maybe it was scar tissue, but I asked my dr to check anyways. I also get weird shooting sensations across my breast occasionally. Anyways, dr found lump, I had an ultrasound. They said it doesn't look like anything that is benign. So tomorrow I am having a core needle biopsy, ultrasound guided.

Per request from the dr I have also been digging into my families medical history. Turns out I have an aunt and 3 cousins who had breast cancer on my moms side, an my aunt on my dads side died from it. My mother had cervical cancer and pre cancer cells on her left ovary.

I am just not sure what to think but I have a deep feeling that I am going to be diagnosed. I have two young children and my worst fear is having them cared for while I recover from whatever is next!

I mainly am posting this to stop internalizing it on my own, and to reach out to any guidance, support, or stories that may help me through this wait.

Moderators

Sarahalizabeth, welcome to our community, and you are doing the right thing in talking about your concerns. We all understand just how taxing it is to have tests done, and have to wait! We are all here for you, and thinking very positive thoughts. Please keep us all posted!

ElaineTherese

Hi sarahelizabeth,

I'm sorry you find yourself here and at such a young age. There is always a chance that your lump is benign, so don't assume cancer right now. And, if it is cancer, remember that breast cancer is highly treatable. Most women live for years and years after their diagnosis. This can be true for women who even (presumably) have the worst prognosis (Stage IV).

Given your family history, you may want to look into genetic testing so you understand your cancer risks.

If this is an anxious time for you right now, you can always ask your general practitioner for an anti-anxiety med. I have a stash of Ativan for that very purpose. Take care of yourself!

Sarahalizabeth

thank you for you response Elaine! I am actually already on anti- anxiety meds because I have anxiety as it is but I am definitely going to ask about upping my dose. They gave me one Ativan pill to take before the biopsy- hopefully that we'll help me to relax during the procedure.

I am trying to not assume cancer- but at the same I would rather prepare for the worst and hope for the best- that way I can be pleasantly surprised instead of in complete shock! Hopefully the waiting game afterwards won't be too bad. I've had 9 surgeries but I have to admit I am nervous about being awake during the biopsy

ElaineTherese

Sarahelizabeth,

You're like me! Prepare for the worst, and then you can be pleasantly surprised.....

Yes, by all means, ask your doctor if you can up your anti-anxiety meds until you get your results. You can always go down to your previous level once you're past scanxiety. I've come to appreciate a saying around here, "Better living through chemistry."

Typically, they use a numbing agent during the biopsy, so you shouldn't feel much. A few women have complications from a biopsy, but not many. My nurse gave me a special ice pack to put in my bra! OY. Who knew that they had such things?

Best wishes, and let us know how things go!

ladyb1234

HI Sarahelizabeth, I am sorry to see you here at such a young age! I am wishing for the best that your results. BTW, the ice pack does wonders. I used it after my lymph node biopsy as I had swelling and soreness afterwards.

Best wishes and keep us posted!

Beatmon

Here in your corner tonight and as we say in your pocket for the biopsy! Best wishes for a benign finding.

Sarahalizabeth

thank you ladies for all of your support. I'll post an update after the biopsy I am just relaxing tonight and trying to find my calm and get some good sleep. How long do results typically take?

Sarahalizabeth

biopsy is finished and I am home resting now.. It wasn't too bad but we will see how I feel as the numbing wears off!! They told me I should have results in a week. So now the wait.... Trying to relax today and then stay busy the rest of the time.

What are some things you ladies did to help keep you from going crazy waiting for that call

ElaineTherese

Glad it went OK. Staying busy is a good idea. Do things that you like to do!

Sarahalizabeth

these two girls keep me quite busy! But it would be nice to sneak away for a pedicure or reflective quiet time I am relieved this part is done for now. I woke up after a nap panicked that I missed my biopsy- until I looked down and saw my Ice pack!! Haha

Sarahalizabeth

thank you Marie!! They are such blessings. (Usually

tangandchris

Hi Sarah! Cute kiddos!

Keep us updated and yes we are all familiar with the wait.....the wait is the worst. I would say keep busy, but that shouldn't be hard with those 2 cuties around lol

((hugs))

RockingT

hi there! I saw your post and decided to finally get an account and post. (I need to fill out my history so it shows my stats but wanted to get this to you first.) I was part of a study and had four biopsies. They numb you and the oddest part is the clicking sound. Maybe take a coke or snack and listen to music. That's what I did. And what prompted me to write was your comment about your children. I had a double mastectomy, chemo and radiation And except for some days after surgery I got my children up and to school just about everyday by myself. It was not easy but it is amazing what you can endure for your kiddos. Wishing you the best tomorrow

Sarahalizabeth

thank you for your reply RockingT! My biopsy was this morning and went smooth- just some soreness here and there. I'm so glad to hear that you were still able to be An active part in your children's lives! Thank you for reaching out.

Sarahalizabeth

update: still no results- but now I have a weird red patchy spot on my breast that the lump is on it's not where my insicion is, or even on the needle path. It's starting to sink in that there might really be something wrong, and the wait is horrible.

Is this also a symptom? I have been too nervous to google it- as my mind is running enough on its own.

LRGO2016

Hang in there and try not to panic. Your breast has been traumatized and a red patch might be nothing more than a bit of bruising. The wait for results is so difficult and stressful. I've had two biopsies and both were benign. I hope yours is too!

You mentioned a family history of BC. There is a fantastic book available about genetic cancer risk. Called: "A Cancer in the family", written by Dr. Theodora Ross. Dr Ross is a cancer survivor and specializes in cancer/genetics research. The book contains a tremendous resource list for patients and their families. She helps the reader understand how not only the patient, but also their families react to a diagnosis of cancer.

She encourages genetic testing. It can save your life by giving you a view into the future and the ability to choose preventative options. Genetic knowledge can save your family as well. If anyone in your family tests positive for a known cancer gene, everyone in the family qualifies for preventative screening.

Her book and advice helped me embrace options that I now know likely prevented me from developing cancer. I'm using my genetic knowledge to help my family stay healthy and obtain the best medical care possible.

I'll be thinking of you and wishing for a benign outcome. This period of waiting truly is awful.

You will find a lot of support in this forum.

Mominator

Sarahalizabeth (wasn't sure if that's a typo): it is possible that the weird red patchy spot is a reaction to the ice packs and/or maybe the biopsy incision is draining to that area.

Call your doctor's office with any concerns, but do try to relax during this waiting time. I know that's hard.

Agreeing that with your family history, genetic counseling and probably genetic testing will help you understand your cancer risks, and possibly influence treatment options.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength. - Corrie ten Boom

Best wishes to you,

Mominator

Mominator

Welcome RockingT! It sounds like you have been hanging around for a while. I hope you post more often so we can get to know you.

Sarahalizabeth

called the dr today- and it's benign! She said the radiologist still needs to review and the team needs to talk about what they suggest from here- but it's not cancer. I am relived- but it's almost taking a bit to sink in! How do you flip the switch to excitement after such an emotional time!!

Thank you for all your support- and I hope you ladies and having a wonderful day.ill update more if they suggest anything further