waiting for biopsy result... how to cope? tips

worriedaboutlump123

I'm a 26 year old female. I found 2 lumps on Saturday night, and got seen by my OBGYN on Monday who referred me for an ultrasound. I had my ultrasound appointment on 8/22 (Wednesday). The first lump, the technician told me 'this looks like a fibroadenoma' pretty confidently. The second lump, she stayed quiet. She then called the doctor in, who said the same thing about my first lump - 'fibroadenoma, defined borders, oval, come back in 6 months or earlier if there are changes.' The second lump however, he stayed quiet and i did not like the look on his face/the technician's face. The technician said "this one is vague" and he said "yes, this one is more vague". he told me we could do a biopsy on the second lump because it was 'ill-defined'.

During the biopsy, i remember seeing the mass on the screen, and it did not look round. I am worried sick just trying to remember what it looked like. The doctor kept trying to calm me down by saying that he still thinks its a fibroadenoma but wants to be on the safe side. During biopsy, he said the lump kept bouncing away from the biopsy needle, which he again says makes him think that it is most probably a fibroadenoma. I have been reading stories about women in their 20s who were told repeatedly that it would be fine, and turns out they were diagnosed with breast cancer and this freaks me out immensely. During the day I'm mostly fine and try to distract myself but I get little pangs of panic throughout the day. At night, when I am alone with my thoughts, I start to really panic and cry.

Any ladies out there have any tips on how to cope? This has only been day 2 waiting, and i already feel so overwhelmed. I should get the results by Wednesday next week.

AprilMay

Hi, Worried. I’m sorry you’re dealing with the anxiety of lumps.

I was a complete wreck while waiting for my results. That having been said, if most of your worry is happening when you’re alone at night, I highly suggest finding a good meditation exercise and following it. Often, if I meditate while lying down at night, I fall asleep. If that isn’t helping, don’t be afraid to ask for a prescription for anti-anxiety medication. And, if you have a friend you can call during those times, that could help to distract you.

It sounds like the odds are very much in your favor. Fingers crossed for you!

April

MonicaBstrong

I tried not to be alone with my thoughts...audible books helped or podcasts to help me relax, meditate and pray. I kept reminding myself that I'm ok now and will be ok tomorrow. Where there is life there is always hope.

The waiting was just awful, sorry you have to go through this.

windingshores

It's okay to ask for a few Ativan while you wait. I watched a lot of Netflix.

JaBoo

Well, first, the reason why you read so many bad stories of the sort "they said not to worry and then the result showed cancer!" is simple - those who received a benign result just say "what a relief" and tell their family and just go on with their life, they don't need to search info or post questions and their stories...So we mostly hear the bad stories...

So just hang in there, try and get some sleep.... and don't forget to post info about your result 🙂

worriedaboutlump123

Thank you everyone for their replies and tips! Watching sex and the city reruns have definitely helped. I also have been taking some ativan before bed to help take the edge off.

3 more days!

AprilMay

So glad you’re finding things that are helping! Golden Girls is my go to binge watch when I’m anxious. Haha. I’ve loved that show since I was a kid.

chantalbe

I had my biopsy on August 16th and I'm still waiting for results.

worriedaboutlump123

Update: So the doctor called me earlier than expected! I was told i'd get results on Wednesday, but she called me today, monday morning and results are benign! It is a fibroadenoma and i just have to keep an eye on them and do a self-check every month. Yay!

Praying for benign results for everyone else waiting.

AprilMay

Wonderful! Congratulations!