Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

He can guess that it looks like only DCIS but nothing but surgery can definitively confirm that.

Nope. But I assume he's speaking based on prior experience. Here is a link to a description on BreastCancer.org describing DCIS, and how it is diagnosed. (The description sounds a lot like what you describe.) But there are no guarantees.

First of all, 80% of biopsy results are not cancer (B9 or atypia). So there's no reason to think that it's cancer at all, until a pathology report comes back with that result. But any DCIS result leaves open the possibility (however remote) that there are mixed types of cells.

I think he's just trying to tell you not to worry too much. Nice of him. But it sounds like he's set you to worrying. And while I'm not going to be able to persuade you not to worry, I'll say it anyway. Try not to borrow trouble that isn't yours yet.

Nothing you can do (or not do), think (or not think) can have any effect on the biopsy result. (If you can't make yourself believe that, look up "magical thinking"...we all can let ourselves fall into that trap.) But the only thing worry can do is rob you of joy in the present moment. So try not to let yourself do that.

Come up with your own way of redirecting your thoughts. One pattern would be: I have a good med team, I've turned this problem over to them. Nothing I can do (or not do) will affect the results. So right now I will __________________.

Then fill in the blank with something you can distract yourself with. Bake cookies, see the new StarWars movie, spend time with a friend, clean the garage...whatever!

HTH,

LisaAlissa

Shelley-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry for the worry that brings you here, but we're glad you've found us. The waiting is truly one of the hardest parts, but just know that you are not alone! Please let us know what the results are when you get them back, we'll be thinking of you!

The Mods