Waiting and Cortisol
So I had my stereotactic biopsy last Wednesday. That was 7 days ago and still no word. I read this article from the NY Times about women waiting for biopsy results and the fact their cortisol levels raised as much as someone who received the news they had cancer. I can see how this is true, since I can't focus on anything at the moment. My family has already dealt with too much cancer. I can't imagine if this is a journey I'll begin to face. I just wish I knew, then I could face it, do something, have a plan of attack. I believe I have the slowest, most disorganized medical group ever. If I am diagnosed I will be changing physicians. Every step from scheduling the first mammogram, to the follow-up, biopsy etc. has been like pulling teeth and now the waiting for results. Of course my primary physician is on vacation, I believe this is her third this year. This is all so frustrating. I have huge projects that need my attention at work but I'm so distracted by all of this I can't accomplish anything. I think anti-anxiety medications should be a natural course in this whole process. Anyway, my prayers are with all of you who are going through battle, starting your fight, or like me in the limbo of waiting.
Comments
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I feel your pain. While mine all went like clockwork for the most part and I did take one or two Xanax, it was hard to focus and still is even with a dx. Hang in. I got all of my results from everything including excisional biopsy within 48 hours so I think it's unnecessary for you to be waiting so long. However if it were bad news I do think they would be ok it right away . You can take some comfort there
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It completely depends on the facility and how busy they are. I had no choice where I went for care and it was necessary for it to be a drawn out process because they are a very busy county clinic. It took from the first of November until close to the end of April to get through mammogram, diagnostic mammogram, stereotactic biopsy and excisional biopsy. I waited nine days from the excisional biopsy until my appointment for results. I knew if they saw anything truly alarming I would move up the list.
Waiting does suck, but I try to put things in perspective when I have a Birads 4 biopsy - the odds are very high that I DO NOT have cancer. Better than 80% odds.
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Well as soon as I post I get the call. Praise God, benign!!! A huge wait has just been lifted and I can get on with life.
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Congratulations, wrencrow!!! You're right - the waiting is excruciating. But you should definitely celebrate your good news!!
MelissaDallas - That is an incredibly long waiting journey!! I hope you've found an effective way to stay as calm as possible.
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