IBC Biopsy results taking longer than expected

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can1616
can1616 Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

I'm wondering if any one has had their biopsy results take awhile to come back. I have had a rash and discoloration on breast for over 3 months, there's only some very slight swelling, and slight tenderness, but no other significant more common IBC symptoms. Physician, Dermatologist, no one sure what it is ( so far hasn't gone away with hydrocortisone or antibiotics). Mammo and us seemed to be okay. But still went to BS on referral from family friend who's an oncologist. BS did punch biopsy, and also said he was quite sure it would be found to be benign (95% sure). We scheduled a follow up for two weeks later, just to be on the safe side, but since it was through a more personal referral, he assured me how he'd call and tell me the results and if all was fine (which he was expecting) I wouldn't have to come in for the follow up. I felt a lot of relief post the biopsy.. he was giving it 5 business days for testing and told me to call his office and he'd call me back and give me results over the phone. 

I called the office twice that day, and the next morning, no one called me back, so by noon the next day, I called the nurses station to leave message for nurse. The nurse called back to tell me the results hadn't come back yet and they were now giving it 10 days (10 weekdays, from the day of the biopsy). She said there was a slight chance the results could be in sooner (on Friday, today, which is the 9th day) but did express that it was only a slight possibility. I haven't heard anything from the Dr. or nurse and week-end is here. Now my follow up appointment, which I did not think I would have to go to is the same day the results are supposed to be back..  It's starting to look very much like I will have to go see him in person that day ( the expected 'all is fine, it's benign phone call' just isn't coming ). I'm getting very worried.. 

 I'm in a big city in Canada and BS is with large hospital, with very good bc center.  So I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with a biopsy for IBC, where the results took longer than they expected, or if anyone has waited longer than a week for results (and if they know why that happened).

Hoping someone may have insight into this.. 

 Thank you!! 

  

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited August 2012

    My first skin punch biopsy was negative got the results quickly.  Mammo & US were negative too. Had a breat MRI that found a small area, that BS did a needle biopsy, which turned out postive.  The doctor herself called me on that one.  It didn't take but a few day.  I suppose some delay could be where lab smaplers are sent for testing.  But waiting 10 days sounds terribly nerve racking to me. Hope you get your results very soon!!!! 

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  • can1616
    can1616 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2012

    Thank you so much for replying, and also see when you were diagnosed and how much you've gone through, it's amazing - so very glad you got through it -- I find it really inspiring. 

     This long wait has definitely been stressful, wasn't so much the first five business days, especially when it really seemed like it would come back benign.. now I'm really in unknown territory and I can't stop thinking that having to actually go in and see him cannot be a good sign.. 

     Because IBC isn't that often seen, and my breast is presenting with mainly just rash/reddness, I have thought it is possible that he sent it out to double check, or run additional tests, but I go back and forth wondering if he is double checking a benign result ( to make sure the redness for sure isn't that ) or is it more likely more testing because something was found ? I know there's really no way to know until I get the actual results, but I can't stop going back and forth.. As much as I try to calm my thoughts, the extended time for the results and having to go in and see him is really worrying / scary..

     Thank you again so much for replying, and sharing your experience, it helps

      

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  • can1616
    can1616 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2012

    Just an update .. biopsy came back today as not IBC, instead a very rare skin presentation called reticular erthemotsis mucinosis.. The wait was hellish, but relief to know.. While rare, I'm hoping that knowing that this type of rash / skin discoloration on the breast can occur may be helpful to some women. For everyone on here, fighting and beating IBC, reading your stories has been so informative and inspirational, it is such a great community of women. I'm so appreciative that this site exists as an honest and insightful source for information and from my heart, I am wishing you all strong health and life, filled with love and goodness.

     To each and everyone of you,  Thank you!!

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited August 2012

    Very glad to hear your good news.

    Terri

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