New here.. waiting for biopsy results
Comments
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Nightnurse - So sorry to hear that your diagnosis remains conflicting. I had really hoped that the waiting for the diagnosis would be the hardest part and that once I got it, I'd be free to make a plan of attack. It sounds like the uncertainty is just going to continue. I hope that you get some clarity in the next few days so that you can formulate your plan of attack.
Sparkyandfeisty - That stinks that your surgeon can't even communicate with you until Wednesday. I had my biopsy done by a radiologist and the results will be communicated to me by the nurse at the Breast Center. While I'm not getting the results directly from the source, how hard is it to read positive or negative, right? I guess I should feel thankful for the nurse and being able to get the results in 2-3 business days. I had the biopsy Friday morning and as I was still laying on the table, the technician left me there saying she was going to walk the samples to pathology. So, I guess I'm about 24 hours into my 2-3 business day wait as of this morning.
Thankful4life - Thank you so much for your kind words. We all really need to hear those during these trying times. The more I read on this forum and hear from the ladies about their experiences, I'm struck by how similar our experiences and the processes we go through are. I read your post about "watching a movie of myself" and that's exactly how I feel. There's a mother at our elementary school who was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer earlier in the year. I don't know her well, but know that she's just completed her chemo and her hair has started to grow back. I've watched her process from afar all these months and have thought how awful it must be to be dealing with that. I attended a birthday party with her on Sunday and realized that I may soon be walking on the same side of the fence as she is. It's all just been a surreal experience. And, as much as I want the 2-3 days to pass so that I can get the results and know what I have or don't have, I also find myself wishing to be stuck in time in my last few hours of being potentially "cancer free" in my mind. After all these tests and mammos and biopsies, I feel like it's come down to a binary decision - you either have it or you don't. Not sure I'm ready to be there just yet.
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Nightnurse, your story touched me because I understand the total roller coaster of good news/bad news up/down. It's really hard! You are so right - we have to keep our emotions in check and realize that the answers come in little pieces, one at a time and are subject to change. That is such a challenge.
Your pathologist will automatically do the ER/PR/HER2 testing on the sample, that is standard on any cancer finding so don't worry, I am sure they are on it and you'll have those results soon. Take care. -
Well I finally got a call back with results.. sort of anyway. They told me they found atypical ductal hyperplasia along with other areas of atypia. She told me there is still the possibilty of cancerous cells in other areas of the mass so I'll be going for a excisional biopsy/lumpectomy to remove all of it. Basically they are not 100% sure so it's like a half answer. Now I'm waiting for them to call me with the follow up appointment and to get the surgery done.. and the roller coaster continues.
Nightnurse, I'm right there with you on the back and forth with news. I wish we could just get straight up answers the first time. **HUGS**
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I got the full copy of the path report: Right breast infiltrative ductal carcinoma, poorly differentiated grade 3 (histologic grade 3, nuclear grade 3, mitotic grade 2). Associated high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (grade3) cribriform and solid patterns with focal luminal necrosis. Invasive carcinoma shows infiltrative tumor border and brisk lymphoplasmacytic host response. Lymphatic space invasion present. Microcalcifications present.
I keep adding information as I get it. One step forward and one step back.....back and forth. What this report tells me: this is an invasive carcinoma with a high rate of recurrence. IMy body is putting a "brisk" defense up against this cancer. It has gotten into the lymph system. Whether it has gotten beyond the nodes remains to be seen. (I can feel an enlarged (although small) lymph node under my right armpit). One last thing this report tells me: Here We Go!!! Surgeon appt on Friday!! Yay!
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Jen - I hope you get good news back, good luck!
Sparky - I'm glad you heard something today instead of more waiting. I know, still more waiting with the lumpectomy, but I will be hoping for good news from that.
Ek - I have had a similar experience. I'm a teacher & one of our young parents was diagnosed stage IV earlier this year. I've felt such sympathy for her & her kids. Hope you will hear soon.
Night nurse - I can't imagine how confusing & overwhelming this is. But I know there are lots of lovely women here who will help you sort it out. You are in my thoughts & I hope you will soon have definate answers.
I am still awaiting my tests - this time tomorrow I will be through the MRI & waiting again. Very nervous, but glad its almost here. Hope you all can get some rest tonight. -
Sparkynfeisty: Yes, ma'am! Full disclosure would be nice. I did get a really nice surprise today. I got a call from a lady who is a coordinator at the Breast Care Center I go to. she said I could call her any time for anything and then faxed a copy of the path report to my house which saved me a trip across town. It felt so nice to have someone be so helpful and generous. I had a warm feeling the rest of the day! And I didn't feel so alone in this.
ek25: I actually do have some peace at just knowing what it is and that I have to do something BIG soon! I hope we all get some good news!
Lin1108: I am a sucker for help sorting things out!!! BCO is my new BFF!
Beacon800: You are so right. It is challenging and necessary at the same time. I see the potential to learn all kinds of things over the course of this. Maybe that was the purpose behind what has happened to me....I needed to learn these lessons.And yes, you were right about the hormone/her2/genetic testing being done. I saw it on the path report.
It is a bright spot in my day to hear from you all! My lesson today in meditation was to solve a nagging problem.....and I did. I found out what type of cancer I had and DAMN if it wasn't nagging at me!!!! LOL
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Nightnurse, your enthusiam was just what I needed to read! I'm so happy you had a productive day with such a kind person to assist you. You are so right, having some sort of game plan makes it easier. Just knowing they are removing the lump has made me feel more positive today. If it comes back malignant then I'll deal with it, I just want it OUT! I'm tired of a painful lump taking away from my daily joys and knowing it will soon be out gives me a feeling of peace about the rest of it.
Lin1108, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Hope your test goes well!
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Nightnurse,
You have a lot of good information there. Don't worry about the lymph invasion for now. I had no lymph invasion and am Stage IV, I know lots and lots of women who had it in their nodes and are doing fine years later. What you want to know next is if you are ER positive or not, whether you are HER positive or not, how much invasive cancer there is as opposed to the DCIS, etc. You are grade three, not great as you know, but maybe you are ER positive and HER2 negative, which would be good. Grade 3 means it grows fast, which means chemo works better.
Yes, cancer is a roller coaster ride and my best advice to all of you ladies is not to borrow trouble. Somebody once said that they try not to imagine the worst because then if it happens, they have to live it twice. Most women end up doing treatment and then living a long life, cancer in their rearview mirror, so try to put yourself in that category mentally.
Sparky, I'm sorry you have abnormal cells but so far, no cancer! That's a great thing! Let's hope when you do your excisional that holds up! How wonderful you have so many children, you are very lucky.
I'm sorry you have joined us, nightnurse but that woman you watched through chemo - it's not as bad as you imagine for her it is. Most of us do chemo and go to work and live normal lives and I hope for you the same. Good luck and big hugs!
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Sparkynfeisty: The Bible says (somewhere!) that if your eye offends you to pluck it out! Well, my tumor offends me! And yes, I want it plucked out. NOW!! Lol
Coolbreeze: You made some great points that I hadn't thought of. The percentage of DCIS compared to the IDC is something I didn't think of. Is that a routine part of the path report or do I have to request it? And suddenly a light went on when you said the quote about borrowing trouble. I wish I had thought of it! Now that I know it, I will use it. Thank you so much!
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Nightnurse - don't jump to conclusions about the rate of recurrence.
My dx was very similar to yours - I had DCIS and IDC, grade 3....although I did not have lymph node involvement or microcalcifications. However, once my surgery and internal 5 day radiation was done, the med onc did the Oncotype DX test on my tumor and I ended up with a low score of 11. This is a low rate of recurrence and also a cancer that would not respond well to chemo. He said 5 years ago with a 1.5cm IDC and grade 3 (I was also the same histologic score of 8: 3, 2, 2 with the cribriform and lots of nasty looking cells on the biopsy), he would have automatically put me on chemo. The genetic test said otherwise. I'm also lifelong healthy, vegetarian since 1990, no smoking or drinking, exercise daily, and no hx of cancer of any kind on either side of the family. It's all such a crap shoot. But just be aware you may not have a high chance of recurrence...one step at a time. Find out the ER/PR and HER2 statuses first. Then decide on type of surgery and radiation etc.....each step has things to solve before you go to the next. And please ask any and all questions, that's what we're all here for :-)
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Cherilyn64: Thank you for the info. That's a good point. I'm keeping a notebook with all the stuff I learn so I can ask the dr about it at my appt. The vast amount of knowledge you guys have and retain is amazing to me and I wish I had it right now!
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Sparky- I'm glad you are getting it removed, mostly because I think it will give you better peace of mind. Are you going to hear back from them this week about an appt? I'm so glad that the results are benign!
Nightnurse- I can see why the path reports are so confusing! I honestly think a doctor or nurse should be much more thorough when they explain results over the phone, because trying to interpret those results yourself can be so overwhelming. You have such a great attitude and I loved the advice from CoolBreeze, too. I always try to think positive...but in certain situations it is really difficult not to imagine the worst at first. I think it's natural to worry about the worst case scenario, but knowledge is power and the more you know, the better because you have some real answers. Please keep us posted!!
Coolbreeze- I just wanted to let you know that your blog is fantastic. I started from the beginning a week or so ago and your writing style, sense of humor and straight-forward approach is...refreshing. I've also really enjoyed reading your advice to other women on the board.
Lin- Good luck with your MRI today and please keep us posted!! We'll be thinking of you!
I noticed a few others have joined the "'waiting" room here and I wish them all the best!! I am headed over for my core needle biopsy around noon today (ultrasound-guided). I will keep everyone posted. Good luck to everyone waiting on results or going for testing today!
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Good luck today Michelle!!
I have a consult appt. scheduled for Monday. I hope it doesn't take long for the excision after that. I know I will have a huge sense of relief when it's out.
Thinking of each of you today and hoping for good news all around!
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Hi everyone-
I was hoping I might see more updates with news when I came back!
I had my biopsy and it went fine. Not as painful as I was expecting and she told me I would have my results between 3-4pm tomorrow which really surprised me. She did tell me that it looked like a classic fibroandeoma and she would be shocked if it came back anything but benign. So, I'm going with that until I hear otherwise tomorrow!
I will check back later to see if anyone received an update today.
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Hi All,
I still haven't heard anything yet. Glad to hear that your biopsy went well mland. That's a really quick turnaround time. I'm 48 hours into my 2-3 business day wait, so I was hoping to hear sometime today. Nothing yet. My radiologist said nothing. I'm always surprised at how different peoples' approaches are. I think my center tends to err on the side of "say nothing and never be held liable". So, for me, it's like 50/50 in my mind even though I know the stats are telling me otherwise. When they call, they're either going to say, yes or no, so it feels more like 50/50.
Good luck to everyone else awaiting results today.
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Hang in there. Waiting is the hard part.
09/12/2011 routine Mammogram - found a lump
09/29/2011 Core biopsy
I was so sure it was nothing, that I cancelled my BS appt on 10/4 and moved it to 10/14. I'll never do that again! 80% of biopsies are nothing.
10/14/2011 Diagnosis confirmed 1.2 DCIS - 1.7 IDC, ER/PR+ Her2-, Grade 0
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Michelle, that sounds promising! Happy for you.
Sparky, I hope your surgery goes well, I'm sure you will feel so much better to have it gone.
My day did not go as planned. My first test was scheduled for 1:00, the last, the MRI, scheduled at 3:00. Got a call from the hospital at 12 telling me that insurance was being slow processing forms, and the preauth for the MRI was not approved yet. After I have waited two weeks for the specific purpose of getting the auth. I called the insurance company, and the girl I spoke to said she would try to get it rushed through before my appt.
Had the mammo done, dr said to do ultrasound. We did the ultrasound, & in the area where the lump is the us showed only what they believe is a very small cyst - it is deep so they couldnt get a good look, and so small, they don't believe I would be able to feel it. Doesn't seem they are seeing what I am feeling. What I feel is deep when i am not laying down, but very easy to feel when I am on my back & probably in between the size of a pea and a marble. They didn't give me any info about the mammo results. Want to recheck the cyst in 6 months.
Go back to waiting room with more than an hour until MRI is scheduled, still haven't heard from insurance. She called about an hour later to say it didn't look like paperwork would be through in time.
So, looks like all I learned is that MRI is apparently what we need to do. But can't schedule MRI until I hear from insurance. More waiting, more anxiety over the MRI, get to do this all over again. I'm not in very good humor this evening, I'm afraid. Pretty fed up with insurance. But hopefully will get rescheduled soon, and so far no bad news - there's always a positive. -
Lin- I'm so sorry. That sounds like such a frustrating experience. I get so angry when insurance issues get in the way of appointments or necessary tests.
I hope you can relax tonight and try to put the day out of your mind (I know...not easy). I hope you can get back in for the MRI right away. To your point, the GOOD news is, it looks like a cyst which is great news. SheChriple- Did the radiologist also think the lump seemed benign? Did you get the results of the core biopsy and then they recommend that you see a BS?
ek- I'm sorry you haven't heard anything yet. I was definitely surprised when they said I would hear something by tomorrow. Boston is pretty competitive for health care (especially women's health), so I'm wondering if they compete for the quicklest turn-around at various Breast Centers. The after-care instructions they sent to me also stated I would receive a call within 24 hours. I hope that you hear something first thing tomorrow morning...waiting causes so much anxiety.
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Hi Ladies in waiting, this is truly the hardest part.
I can tell you that the day I heard "you have breast cancer" it knocked me to my knees. While I was on my knees I prayed that God would guide my medical team to the best treatments for me.
I'm a little over 6 months past my diagnosis, got a lumpectomy, sentiel node biopsy and 35 radiation treatments under my belt. I'm slowing getting back to my "new normal". I got my first dance with NED (no evidence of disease) in February and it was wonderful. I'm expecting to continue to dance with NED.
We are going to have about 30 people here for Easter, about 16 adults and 14 kids! We will have a full house but I love it.
The best advice I can give you is get a binder (mine is pink) for all your medical paperwork (path reports, insurance claims, etc) and when someone says "let me know if you need any help" accept it.
You are not alone and the ladies on the board have a gold mine of information and experience that they are more than willing to share. I praying for all of you and I hope y'all don't have to wait to long. For those that have just been diagnosed, you will get through this, just keep putting one foot in front of the other and take it day by day (sometimes just minute by minute). It's okay to have a "meltdown" from time to time.
Happy Easter!
LaDonna
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Sounds very promising Michelle! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
SheChirpie, so sorry you are dealing with this, wishing you peace as you figure out your treatment options.
Lin, I'm so upset for you!! Insurance companies are a true pita. I hope they get their ducks in a row in a hurry and you are not left waiting much longer. Sending lots of hugs and positive thoughts that all they find is the cyst.
ek, gosh I know how hard waiting for that call is! I hope it comes early tomorrow and comes with good news for you. I'll be waiting with you and feel free to message me if you need someone to talk to.
FilterLady, thanks for coming and chiming in about your experience and advice. I started a folder with my info so far and need to remember to pick up a binder next time I'm out. I want to stay organized with my info even if it turns out benign that way as I go through life I will have it to reference to if I ever need it for me or my girls. Easter sounds like it will be a blast at your house.
We are going to my parents for Easter I believe. It will be the 10 of us plus my parents, then my brother and his wife and my one nephew. With my size family it's a party with just us. LOL I'm also hoping to do an egg hunt in the yard for our kids and a few of the neighborhood kids that we are close to. It just depends on how much time I end up with though since the fire clean up crew is still not finished. Our new stovetop came today and they will hopefully have the couch cleaned tomorrow.. just seems to be taking forever to get things back in order.
Anyway sending lots of gentle hugs to each of you and thinking of you all throughout the day.
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Thanks, girls. Disappointed to have to do this all again, and very frustrated. But trying to keep it in perspective. I appreciate the encouragement & kind thoughts.
LaDonna, thanks for stopping in & for the advice. I should also have a binder to get organized for my various doctors.
Lots of hugs & positive thoughts for all of you! -
I felt kind of down this morning when I left work (nightnurse!!). I was worried about what will happen to me if I have to continue working on my floor where we take care of lots of patients on isolation for MRSA, VRE, MDRO, CDIFF, etc. I really don't want to be working there on chemo with a low white count. I was also worried about not having any control over being off work for treatment if I need to be and not lose my job. So, I went to our union office and was given info about the Family Medical Leave Act which is for people with serious illnesses. You can be approved for up to 3 mos of leave per year and take it as you need it. I also got a list of all the openings on floors where they do not have isolation patients. I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER NOW!!!! I will still be able to work and support myself and pay for my insurance. This was one of my medication lessons for today. Solve a nagging problem. I think I worried myself into a stupor about it and all it took was taking the elevator to the 7th floor! The problem is that I have a nice lengthy list of nagging problems!!! I keep moving the IRS to the bottom. Peace all. I'm thinking of each of you and hoping for the best.
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Gah, meditation lessons..........
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Hi Ladies,
I ended up calling for my results at 4:30 this afternoon as I had determined I couldn't wait another night. I am sad to say that this site has a new permanent member. So much for having a BIRAD 4a rating and a 90% chance of being benign. My calcifications were very faint, somewhat clustered and had some irregular borders. The pathology showed DCIS with ER positive. Not sure what all that means, but when I didn't hear buzzing in my ear, I think she said it was Stage 0 and would likely be treated with radiation and possibly tamoxifen due to it being ER positive. I know I should be dancing a dance right now thinking that if you have to get cancer, this is probably the best kind to get, but I'm still very much in shock and mourning the loss of my health.
Hope other peoples' results are better than mine.
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ek25: I have started employing the "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" rule myself. I also use the "hot potato" rule too. I am so sorry for your news. Mine is still fresh in my mind, too. I will be thinking about you tonight while I'm at work. I hope you get some good sleep.
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Nightnurse... what great news about your job, such a huge relief I'm sure. One thing at a time for the rest of it, your in my thoughts. **hug**
ek.. oh sweets, I'm so sorry for your news. Sending lots of calming and positive thougts your way today. **hug**
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Ek- I'm so sorry to hear about your news. I know it's hard to focus on the positive you heard (Stage 0) and right now you are likely trying to process everything. This forum seems like such an excellent resource for information, venting, and processing new information. I hope that you get more information soon that will hopefully answer all of the questions I'm sure you have right now. Please keep coming here, because I know these women understand.
NIghtnurse- I couldn't help but smile at your story, because I very often do the same thing...worry about something incessantly instead of just addressing my concerns right away. I'm glad you feel better with the information and, if necesary, I would definitely keep talking to HR about your concerns working with highly infectious patients.
Did anyone else get more news today?
I have good news. My results came back benign! She said it's a typical focal fibrocystic change breast...I need to keep going back each year for mammograms because of my family history. The other great part of this is that my path report is going to my another cousin's doctor to support her case for genetic testing. Her grandmother had BC and passed away when she was 40 and my aunt will not get the genetic test done, so my cousin has no idea if she has the gene and goes for mammos every 6 months and is constantly getting biopsies on fibroids. Anyway, because of our other first cousin who just finished chemo and her grandmother and now my report, her physician thinks she can build a case for genetic testing.
I am going to keep checking in on everyone for updates. Lots of positive energy and prayers for everyone waiting.
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YAY Michelle, so so happy for you and hope your cousin can get her testing done with the support of your tests!
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Very happy to hear your good news, mland, thanks for sharing
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Hello ladies,
Night nurse - so glad you got some answers to help you feel better. One less obstacle to worry about has to be a good feeling.
Michelle - so happy to hear your news! Celebrate!
Ek - I'm thinking of you & so sorry you didn't get the news you hoped for. Sending hugs & hopes for good news in the details as you learn more about your diagnosis.
I am still waiting for insurance...called today & paperwork was still in review : (. Couldn't sleep last night & dragged through the day, hoping that in being utterly exhausted i will sleep tonight. Going to call again tomorrow, & also call my dr to see if reports are in on the mammo & us. Thankful to have a wonderful intern in my classroom for the next 3 weeks, as my brain is not functioning at 100 %. Also thankful to have you ladies to cheer me on as I hurry up & wait....& wait....lol! You are appreciated so much.
Hope everyone sleeps well & that we get some more benign results in here soon!! Hugs to all.
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