Waiting for biopsy

Catcamp

Hello all,

I had my mammogram and ultrasound last Wednesday. The radiologist doesn’t do biopsies so I was referred to a breast center. The BIRAD was 5. I am going through a roller coaster of emotions as I am waiting to get a biopsy appointment. How long does generally take to schedule those? Should I start calling other centers

MelissaDallas

Hi Catcamp. I can hear you are scared.

I think you are very fortunate to have been referred to a dedicated breast center for biopsy. They are the ones who really know what they are doing, and also usually coordinate your care going forward with other specialists who specialize in breasts. I would wait for the appointment instead of just randomly calling around. Even in a big city like where I live, there are very few of these centers of excellence. Also, I know emotionally this feels like an emergency, but physically, with very few exceptions, it is not and a week or two makes no difference, especially just to get in with a lesser facility.

You mention that your Bi-Rads score was a five. While there are a few benign things, like radial scars and sclerosing adenosis, that can mimic cancer on imaging, the reality is that about 95% of Bi-Rads 5s do result in a cancer diagnosis, so you can take the time to try to come to grips with that, while still hoping to fall in the lucky 5%

Let us know when they get you scheduled. Ask any questions you may have and we will try to help

Catcamp

Hi, MelissaDallas, thank you for your response. I didn’t consider the benefits of a single facility. I didn’t give the full story of my sense of emergency. I have a surgery another surgery scheduled in 2 weeks. If I am in the 5%, I can have the surgery... I’m hopeful. Unfortunately, I need to let them know by next Thursday and the breast center doesn’t seem to care. I imagine there are plenty of people ahead of me but the navigator promised I would get an appointment by last Friday afternoon then it was yesterday afternoon. I also have no clue as to how long it usually takes to get an appointment and maybe it would be the same at other places in town. I have a feeling I will be canceling my surgery without an answer. So , hopeful for the 5%, preparing for the 95%

Moderators

Hi Catcamp, and welcome to Breastcancer.org.

We're so very sorry to hear what you're going through. Great advice from MelissaDallas above -- we're all hopeful you'll fall into the 5% benign category. Please keep us posted with what you find out. We're all here for you!

--The Mods

LivinLife

Welcome Catcamp! MelissaDallas is correct about a breast care center of excellence... If you need an MO, RO, genetics counselor - they are all there - obviously a breast surgeon as well... Nurse navigators can be priceless for various things too...

I had my first appointment with a local general surgeon the same week "I got the call." I did meet with him and then realized going elsewhere was probably a good idea. I live in a community with only a "county hospital" with nothing else for at least over an hour for the other closest one. I decided to drive 4 hours to a nationally certified breast care center in a large city at a large hospital. If I remember correctly they were going to be able to get me in about a week's time. This may sound strange though I was focused on what would work for my work schedule even though the appointments were all going to be telehealth at that point. So I maybe waited an extra week and got in with the Medical Director (breast surgeon) - couldn't believe how well that waiting worked out. So... hopefully you won't have to wait too long though you mentioned the other surgery in 2 weeks.... Only you and your docs will know the priorities there...