Scared about biopsy results

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Lucyfish747
Lucyfish747 Member Posts: 14
edited January 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

I am 60 years old and had my first biopsy Tuesday. Both doctors that looked at the mass I have which is 9mm suspect cancer. Is this a definite? I heard that 80 per cent of biopsies are benign but does this lower my chances? One minute I am brave and the next I am terrified. All sorts of ideas are going thru my head. Has this happened to anyone else? Does anyone have any thoughts? I would appreciate any and all comments. Thank you

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Comments

  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited December 2014

    So sorry you have this worry. If the doctors "guessed" right it is a very small tumour. Hopefully you will get results soon so you can know what you are dealing with. It is so hard to not know. Find any way you can to distract yourself until you get the news and keep checking in here for support or just to vent. It is a great forum with lots of information and lots of very kind generous women. Take care of yourself.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited December 2014

    wrenn is absolutely right, in everything she has said.

    The definitive answer won't come, till the biopsy results are in. You're right about the 80%, so you still have a good chance of a benign result.

    Try to distract yourself, the stress and the worry, won't change the outcome. take it easy if you can, and let us know how you get on.

  • Lucyfish747
    Lucyfish747 Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2014

    thank you both for replying. I know I'm not the only one scared but it helps to see someone cares.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited December 2014

    Lucyfish, there are so many of us here, we all understand just how you're feeling, the fear of the unknown is just brutal and we have all been there. This is a great place to get support and advice, you'll never be alone. Hugs to you!

  • Lucyfish747
    Lucyfish747 Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2014

    The problem is I'm an only child so I don't have family to talk to. My mom is in a nursing home with dimentia and my 22 year old daughter is never home and when she does pop in she just says not to worry. My results will be in tomorrow or Tuesday and I'm getting more anxiety the closer it gets. This is the only place I have been able to say what's on my mind.

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited December 2014

    hi Lucy...waiting is very anxiety producing

    I want you to know I'm thinking of you and sending hugs from NY

    We wait for the results together. You're not alone


  • Lucyfish747
    Lucyfish747 Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2014

    Thank you so much

  • Jeeper4
    Jeeper4 Member Posts: 70
    edited December 2014

    I too am awaiting test results so we can wait together and support each other during this time. I have been terrified and my anxiety through the roof. Yesterday I decided I would live the next two days like a normal person to the best of my ability (tests are supposed to be in tomorrow) because things may change for me on Monday. I have been dealing with this since Nov. 7. Called back after screening for a diagnostic mammogram. Showed microcalcifications of an indeterminate nature-BIRADS 4/no further classification. Went for a stereotactic biopsy which ended up not feasible. So open biopsy was my only option: 12/17/14. Pathology from hospital is basically indeterminant as they have sent it off to Mayo for another look. My surgeon discussed the possibility of ADH. Still scares me because there is not much difference between ADH and DCIS. Hang in there. I'm thinking of you.

  • Lucyfish747
    Lucyfish747 Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2014

    Hi Jeeper4 what is ADH and DCIS? I'm new to all this and I don't know all the terms. I'm sorry you had to endure all the testing - that was also a fear of mine. I had a biopsy with the ultrasound so he could mark the area with these metal things and take tissue from mass. I had this done on the 18th so it has been on my mind since. I've been ok but today seems really hard. I'm glad we can wait together and you can write me back anytime today if you need to talk. I've been checking in here hourly in hopes of positive thoughts. Hope to hear from you!

  • Lisamarie6864
    Lisamarie6864 Member Posts: 24
    edited December 2014

    Hi Lucy😁

    You are not alone, we are here for you!, Waiting is the hardest (((Hugs)))))


  • Jeeper4
    Jeeper4 Member Posts: 70
    edited December 2014

    I was expecting to hear cancer/what kind or benign when I asked for my pathology report so the ADH was a surprise. It is Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia and puts me at higher risk for breast cancer; if I've understood correctly, it can lead to cancer. DCIS is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ which they consider a precancer, yet I've heard in some women it can be extensive so they get mastectomies. I too need a "cheat sheet" to tell me what some of the acronyms mean! :) I agree with many people on here that this waiting game is horrible-I sure do hate the worry of it and for so long. All of the different tests that are run to find out stage grade type etc/varying treatments depending/I honestly don't know how I can wade through all the information to make a good decision for me. Guess I am putting the cart before the horse so to speak. I have also read the 80% benign statistics so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. At least here everyone knows what we are going through. My kids keep telling me not to worry it will be all right. They are trying to keep up a good front for me and I'm trying to do the same for them.

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

    Dear Jeeper, Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that you worry and anxiety have brought you here but as you can see this is the place to share those concerns with others who truly "get it". Most of our members will agree that the unknown is far worse to deal with then what is known. It seems as though you are getting good support here. Keep us posted and let us know your results. The Mods

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

    Dear Jeeper and Lucy, the acronyms - of which there are many - can be checked by clicking on the "Help with abbreviations" button in dark blue, at bottom of main blue menu.

    ADH - atypical ductal hyperplasia which may double your cancer risk, but is not cancer. It is better to have ADH as it is benign but it is not good that it may increase your risk factor.

    DCIS - ductal carcinoma in situ is actual cancer cells that if the escape the duct become IDC.

    Hope the Abbreviations 'cheat sheet' and these links clear up some things for you.

    All the best, The Mods

  • quiltlibrarian
    quiltlibrarian Member Posts: 174
    edited December 2014


    Hello Ladies. I am also waiting for test results. My appointment is tomorrow. I had core biopsies on the 12 of December and scared about results. I wish the best for both of you, and positive results.

    Hugs 

  • Holeinone
    Holeinone Member Posts: 2,478
    edited December 2014

    Lucy,

    Breast Cancer & this website has its own language, almost ! Hopefully you will not need to learn it. Getting tested & diagnosed is scary indeed. Lots of wonderful, caring ladies on this site. I would of been lost without it.

    Stay busy. It helps to do physical stuff, excercise, clean.

    Being dx is a nightmare. But many women do, they have a lumpectomy and do not need chemo. My dx was/is scary. Life slowly moves on.

    I hated when people told me to "just stay positive". I truly wanted to scream at them & then slap them upside the head.....lol....keep posting, we all "get it"....

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2014

    Fear while waiting for results, is something that practically everyone here has been through and will agree that it is a horrid time. There is no easy way through it though keeping busy does seem to help.

    Remember to take a list of questions with you for your Doctor, and if possible a friend or relative, as two sets of ears are better than one, and they can take notes. If you ask permission you may even be able to record the meeting on your phone, as there may be so much new technical details that you may be presented with.

    Hopefully, the results will be benign and you'll be able to relax again.

    We wish you the best results.

    The Mods

  • Lucyfish747
    Lucyfish747 Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2014

    it means so much to hear from all of you. As I said before I'm dealing with this myself as my mom is not well and my daughter just tells me not to worry. I think she is as scared as I am so coming here is a big help.

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited December 2014

    Lucy...I have 2 adult daughters when i was diagnosed they were in their 20's

    My older one also couldn't cope very well not in front of me but with her friends i heard she was crying all the time

    Some children show different kinda emotion

    I'm glad you found this site

    Sheila♥

  • rekidal
    rekidal Member Posts: 77
    edited December 2014


    Hi everyone.   I was diagnosed on Friday with DCIS.  Unfortunately the doctor didn't have the written pathology report for my appointment, so I didn't get any details.   She recommended surgery along with radiation.   My biggest concern is that she stated it may be more than one surgery.  Actually, she told me that she would go in as many times as necessary to get clear margins.  I contacted pathology and asked them to sign off on the report asap as I needed to see a copy.  I was able to get the report on Monday and was surprised  that it is grade 3 and comedo necrosis.  I have been online like crazy since my biopsy on the 3rd of December.  Probably not the best thing to do, but cannot stop myself.  After going on to different discussion boards and looking at the postings, it seems that most women with stage 3 DCIS end up having a mastectomy after two or three surgeries.  Is that the norm?   I am not sure that I want to go through multiple surgeries and then end up having a mastectomy.   I am going for a second opinion on January 7th, but would love some feedback on your personal experiencex or suggestions that I should ask the surgeons.  Thank you.

     

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited December 2014

    Take a look at a Laypersons guide to DCIS and anything that has been written by Beesie on DCIS, this website. You will understand so much more if you read this information. It has been kept updated too. Don't read the Google stuff, unless it is from a really reputable place.

    To answer your question about women with grade 3 DCIS ending up having a Mx, I don't believe it is the "norm", as such, it has to do with the amount of DCIS, and the margins.

    There are women here who have had one Lumpectomy surgery, had clean margins and radiotherapy and they move on. There are others who have had two or three surgeries to get clean margins all round and others, who have done all that and still ended up having an Mx.

    There are others, like me, who opt for a Umx from the start and yet others, who go for a BMX, with or without reconstruction. All may still need rads, or the ones who opt for the Umx or BMX sometimes get away without the rads, but then they usually have a Sentinel Node Biopsy.

    I don't mean to confuse you, I know this sounds like a mine field. I was offered my choice of Lumpectomy with Rads,or a Umx with Sentinel Node Biopsy, in case there was any invasion discovered in the final Pathology. I also had a second opinion and decided for many reasons, that the Umx & SNB, without reconstruction was right for me.

    Take your time with your decision making and don't be swayed by what anyone else "thinks" you should do. It has to be your decision and you'll find that there are as many reasons for the decisions, as there are women, on these boards.

    There will be others, who will share their experiences and tell you why they made the decisions that they made. Ask any questions you like, everyone here is willing to help, if they can.

  • Jeeper4
    Jeeper4 Member Posts: 70
    edited December 2014

    my results were not favorable. Preliminary report from Mayo is single foci of invasion DCIS. My surgeon said they are doing extra staining tests now (whatever that means in the meantime I have mri scheduled for wed

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited December 2014

    Hi Jeeper, I am sorry you've received these results, but if it is a single foci microinvasion of DCIS, that won't really change the treatment plan, from that of pure DCIS.

    I wish you all the very best, let us know how you get on.

  • Jeeper4
    Jeeper4 Member Posts: 70
    edited December 2014

    Ariom and others, thank you so much for all the information. I'm going to find Beesie's information and school myself on this so when final pathology and the mri report is back i'll be more informed. Guess I'll have more paperwork to add to my "boob binder"! For those of you still awaiting your results, I'm praying for the best!!

  • SweetHope
    SweetHope Member Posts: 439
    edited December 2014

    Dear Rekidal, just to let you know about my experience last month. My diagnosis is below and I chose a lumpectomy. When the pathology report came back after surgery that I did not have clear margins, I wanted surgery the next day. But it was a weekend and I had to wait until Monday. The surgeon went right back in the same place, so no scar change, and I was home the same day. Easy peazy.

    Here is how I grade the difficulty of this journey:

    Worst - Waiting for diagnosis. Feared the worst, prepared for the worst by reading all I could, and prayed for a healthy outcome. Cried in the shower, could not sleep, but kept a brave front which I think my family did not fall for.

    Best - Surgery itself. The surgery staff treats you like a princess from the time you walk in the door. The anesthesiologists are so thorough and knowledgeable. (After watching the care and attention given to the high-risk-for-surgery patient in the next bed, I knew I was in good hands.). And the recovery team was quick to make sure I was comfortable upon wakening.

    Somewhere in the middle - Recovery. I wanted to bounce back quickly, but I had some issues which you can read about in my other posts. Just click on my name. It is different for everyone.

    Lucyfish, I had a scare about mets to right lung. It turned out to be benign. Until I got the results I was a basket case. Luckily my NP put me on Xanax. If this is an option for you I recommend it.

    (((Hugs))) to all.

  • quiltlibrarian
    quiltlibrarian Member Posts: 174
    edited December 2014

    Hello Ladies, got a report from my doctor today and fibroadenoma and benign. Such a relief.

    Jeeper DCIS my original start of my journey. I did go with the removal of my right breast, but it was by the time of surgery 12 cm. Not much choice by then. I did not have to do any treatment though. I wish the best for you.
    Hugs to all.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited December 2014

    Thank goodness quiltlibrarian, that's such good news, all the very best to you!

  • rekidal
    rekidal Member Posts: 77
    edited December 2014

    Dear Ariom and SweetHope, thank you for the information.   The surgeon who performed the biopsy is highly recommended but, when I questioned her about different things I read, she asked me if I went to med school and have I been performing breast surgery for 20 years.  To say that she is confident in her abilities would be an understatement.   She just wanted me to have blind faith in her and book the surgery.   So, I have been reading the information posted by Dana Farber, John Hopkins, etc. but can't seem to stay away from people posting their personal stories.   They give me a different prospective which I think is important.   From the reading I have been doing, I now have a list of questions to bring with me for the second opinion and will have someone with me for that extra set of ears.   Thanks again.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited December 2014

    Hi rekidal, it's good that your surgeon has great confidence in her abilities, but it is you, who needs to be confident, in her. I would have taken offense to that comment. I have blind faith, in no one!

    Of course it is important to do your own research, this is a big deal and you have to be happy with your decisions, with the help of your surgeon's guidance. Getting a second opinion is totally your option, many of us did that.

    Take care and let us know how you get on!


  • SweetHope
    SweetHope Member Posts: 439
    edited December 2014

    Rekidal, I totally agree with Ariom.

  • fmmbw
    fmmbw Member Posts: 41
    edited December 2014

    Happy New Year! Had a biopsy this morning, looks like holidays and my health are connected. Mammogram day before Thanksgiving, 2nd mamo and ultra sound day before Christmas, now biopsy day before New Years', Everything went well, wasn't as bad as I projected in my mind. The doctor and I are acquaintances so she will call me Friday with results, though we spoke honestly about options. I know with faith in God and doctors I can face all things. Can't wait to see what next holiday brings!

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