Do I request biopsy results before or after Christmas?

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7of9
7of9 Member Posts: 833
edited October 2016 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

First off, thanks to Kbee (sp?) and others for their support...I got my biopsy moved up from Jan 7 to this coming Tuesday Dec 22. Kbee said no way should I wait that long. Thank you sister!

Now for the next dilema: There is a chance they could have the results by Christmas...off course I'd want good news before Christmas, but if they don't call then I'll know the worst also. :(((

I already scheduled an appt Jan 4 with my surgeon at 10 a.m. and wondering if I should just tell them don't call me at all, I'll come get the news from her (with my husband). We have so much great stuff planned, my six year old is singing in the church choir on Christmas Eve, we are taking him with his cousins to see the new Star Wars and we are taking him to his very first NBA game to see his man LeBronn James Jan 2. I do have my script filled (and have been taking ) Attivan (got it called in and started within 2 hrs of my "very suspicious" ultrasound - gulp....and Ambien (up to full strength from my usual half dose). I was sure I was being overly cautious and pushing for the U.S. because I've gained weight back and it's distributed weird under my left arm - oncologist said not to worry, looked/felt fine to him mid September. My regular check up doctor didn't feel anything other than scar tissue and yes lopsided just this last Tuesday! (even the plastic surgeon guy confirmed albeit last year when I was considering fat grafting to even up and get nipples, I chickened out). I had lymph nodes not palpable but enlarged on US when first diagnosed but turned out clear at mastectomy. This specialist thought they still look large or larger and other areas of concern that may be scar tissue. How the hell did I go from being overly cautious to sitting on moments away from a recurrence!?!?!


Part of me wants to know asap but it's not like I'll be able to get anyone moving or schedule tests over Christmas anyways (won't this probably mean pet, bone, ct blah blah) again....

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  • exercise_guru
    exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
    edited December 2015

    I think it depends on your personality. I Could tell myself to be patient and get the results when I was ready. Your plan actually sounds so much more reasonable than jumping everytime the phone rings before Christmas & New Years. On the other hand I cried for days before they called with the results and made myself sick. Then again I cried after I found out as the news wasn't what I had hoped for so basically I was miserable for a week that I could have just been a bit anxious but otherwise engaged. I say tell them you will find out on Jan 4th.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited December 2015

    This is tricky but ultimately you will know and decide when you want to know the outcome. Perhaps say 'don't call me, I'll call you'. That way, you will find out when you actually decide you need to know. You may feel differently next week after the main parts of Christmas are over.

    Wishing you a lovely time with your family, whatever happens regarding the biopsy.

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  • 7of9
    7of9 Member Posts: 833
    edited December 2015

    Gosh even having some power over how & when the information is delivered helps (my lost state of mind)...thanks ladies

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2015

    I have had a recurrence and a good biopsy since recurrence. Waiting was harder for me than either the good or bad news; I could think of nothing else and drove myself crazy.... But I do not even like suspense in movies. You may be more patient. Either way, I am thinking about you and wishing you the big all clear. I am glad you got the date moved up!!!

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  • 7of9
    7of9 Member Posts: 833
    edited December 2015

    KBEE THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! (( HUGS)) I did my biopsy this morning (took me two Attivan and a Promethezine to be sure I didn't freak out). Never thought I'd be so relieved to hear that the damn cancer is probably back. wthf!?!?! This doctor really took her time, her and the nurses talked about Christmas, my son, we joked (I informed them my last diagnosis the first time around the ultrasound biopsy was horrible). The doctor was very reserved but at the end as they were wrapping it up she sat me up and said while the well defined mass that appears contained (about a centimeter) was half way up in my arm pit muscle (why the biopsy hurt like a mo-fo) was not palpable which is why neither of the doctors caught it in the last 2 checkups (3 doctors if you count the fellow who was training with my world known specialized guy)....ta da.....I just saved my own life.....again. She biopsied what appeared to be prominent lymph nodes but NOT swollen or chunky as she described the type she worries about, she said they didn't appear to be involved but we have to know for sure. In her own words she said "This could be a very easy fix". Not the results I was looking for....but I'll take it. Aren't like 30% of recurrences local/regional and the rest are mets? I will be crapping my pants as I'm sure I'll get scans to follow this up but I feel terrific.

    As for the rest of you worriers....get your head in the game and listen to your gut. You insist on a scan or biopsy if YOU, not the doctor, HAS ANY DOUBT!!!!!! We have to fight like hell to see our kids grow up....not out of the game yet sisters!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2015

    I am so glad you got the biopsy. I was told last January that doc was 99% sure it was scar tissue; the only reason he did not say 100% is because he never says 100%. My gut told me otherwise, so I asked for a biopsy. Thankful I did!!!!! We know our bodies. I am hoping the biopsy is benign. If it is not, it sure looks like you caught it early, like I did. It was not a fun year, but it was doable. Thinking good thoughts for you. Keep us posted. PM me anytime

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  • 7of9
    7of9 Member Posts: 833
    edited October 2016

    Wow revisiting this page almost a year later...recalling how I got the news that the cancer was back but I had to go look for the croutons in the next aisle anyway since Christmas was at our house the following day. Was probably the first and best lesson....once your worst fear is realized, what do you do next? Fortunately when caught early, you keep on doing whatever it is you need to and want. We are women of action, lies and false realities do not become us. Here in the real world there is real beauty, amazement and adventure. It's often more about perception of what is than what actually is. God bless my surgeons and doctors who have gotten back to almost full health again. I am forever blessed to have done and seen the sights I have and to help my son grow in wisdom and age with so little minimal impact from cancer. Thank you.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited October 2016

    So glad you're feeling good again!!!!!!!!!!!!

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