How long is too long for biopsy

marlie67

hello, I was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Mets in lung and bones. I have been cancer free for 11 years. I have to wait until Sept 13 to see the pulmonary Dr. Then he will schedule my biopsy with probably at least a week after that for treatment plan. Does that sound about right or too long of a wait? I am scared it will keep spreading until there's no hope at all. Any advice will be appreciated.

exbrnxgrl

marlie, Sorry that you’re joining us. Although the mental stress of waiting for a biopsy is difficult, most breast cancer mets are still relatively slow growing so waiting until 9/13 will likely make no difference. One thing that some do to get their appointments bumped up is to ask to be put on a cancellation list so you might want to give that a try.

moth

marlie67, do you have an oncologist already? When did you get the dx & is it based on scans so far?

I'm not sure why pulmonology is involved, unless they want to do a bronchoscopy? My lung biopsies were done by interventional radiology and the referral was straight from the oncologist.

I started treatment 6 weeks after dx and that was longer than my MO wanted but it was because I was getting into a clinical trial.

I think in your case I'd push for a bit faster process but I'm a super impatient person. I agree with asking to be put on a cancellation list..

marlie67

Hi thanks for responding. I do have an oncologist. So far dx only by CT and pet scans. It's in my lymph nodes too so that's where they have to biopsy. My oncologist said the lymph nodes would be biopsied through my throat with a scope. I'm so not using technical terms lol. It's all a whirlwind. I thought I had bronchitis. I was told to keep calling to see if there's a cancellation. We have to see if it's BC Mets or lung cancer. Oncologist is leaning towards BC reaccurance since it went to my bones.

marlie67

To Exbrnexgrl Thank you for that advice. I will keep calling to see if there's a cancellation. Appreciate your response. This is so scary.

moth

marlie, I'm sorry you're going through this. Yeah, sounds like they want the bronchoscopy. Good that you followed up on your symptoms and I hope you get the definitive dx soon. These early days are very scary. Hang in there 🤗