This wait feels like an eternity.

Hi Sita26 - I’m waiting and going out of my mind too. Found 2 painful lumps in my left breast about a week and a half ago. On a Friday which meant I had to wait the weekend to make an appt with my doc. Luckily got an appt the Monday after and my GP confirmed my findings and ordered an US and mammo. Had the US and mammo done last Wednesday and radiologist told me I have 3 cysts. Two appear simple but one is complex and he recommended a biopsy. He gave me a BIRADS rating of 4B.

The day after the US and mammo I had an appt with my gyno who already had my radiology report. She said that she wasn’t overly concerned and told me to just breath. Easy for her to say. She also recommended a biopsy and scheduled me with a breast doc today for the biopsy. However when I saw the breast surgeon she told me it can’t be done today and scheduled me for another week out. Then a week after that for the results.

I completely understand your anxiety. I keep trying not to think about all this because after all I’m at the mercy of the doctors schedules. But I can’t keep the thoughts of BC out of my head even though I know the chances of it being cancer are low. I’m 46 yo and never ever thought I’d be worrying about this. At times I feel like my life is passing before my eyes. I’ll be praying for you and myself that good news comes our way

I know how you feel....the waiting is horrible. I had triple biopsy yesterday, core needle. Said they would be calling on Wednesday......one day seems like weeks. Hope everything goes ok with you.

Praying for good news to all of you. I know the waiting is horrible. When I was first told to get a biopsy, they couldn't get me in immediately, so I just looked for another breast center that could do it ASAP. I was going out of town for spring break and I didn't want this lingering on. Good luck and we will be praying for you. Hang in there.

Mimi

Had my biopsy done this past Tuesday (needle and tissue). Procedure wasn’t bad. Felt a little whoozie afterwards but other than that ok. I went expecting to have 2 areas biopsied but on the US they couldn’t see the less concerning of the 2 spots. However, the spot that was concerning got bigger in just 2 weeks. BS said from what came out (blood and debris) her first thought is a benign papilloma but only pathology couldn’t confirm that. I go back next Tuesday (June 12th) to discuss results and “next steps”. Trying to remain positive and go inn with my normal daily routine but feel like im walking around in a fog at times. I go to work and it all seems so stupid and pointlessnow.

Waiting is the worse guys! So many of us have been there. One day/minute you hold it all together and the next day/minute you fall apart. Whatever you are feeling, I can assure that someone else felt it before you.

Some things that helped me --

1) I learned to meditate with two phone apps -- Calm and Headspace. Both are free.

2) Sleep may be difficult during this waiting game, so make sure you get some exercise in so you are physically tired. And then, go to bed when you get sleepy. You may not sleep well, so take every opportunity to sleep when you feel sleepy. It's easier to control your emotions if you are rested.

3) Don't google too much. It will just get you MORE scared and nervous. A little is fine, but don't go overboard.

4) Remember that cancer treatments have come a long ways. Even if you are positive for breast cancer, there are so many treatment options out there.

5) Know you have a huge community of people here (and in the public) who will support you.

I started this journey back in April and am scheduled for a lumpectomy in 2 weeks. Every step of the way involved waiting of some sort. Each appointment and test gave more answers, but also required more waiting. I tried to remember that I was moving FORWARD to the final answer, but I still rode that emotional rollercoaster (sometimes several times an hour). But, I make it through and so will you. AND ....I was so relieved just to have answers at the end of it. It may not have been the answer I wanted, but it was a relief to have an answer!

Prayers to you all. Private message me if you need to vent more!

Sita, I've been following along your thread in the background, and thought it was time to jump out of the shadows. Robin is correct. The whole process is 'hurry up and wait'. I remember how difficult the wait was, so I sympathize. It took me a long time to realize that no matter how much I worried, that the end result wouldn't change. It's going to be, what it's going to be in the end. At that point I decided I would try as best I could not to waste time sweating it. The whole thing would just drive me nuts...I got sick of worry and managed to let things roll for at least a couple of hours a day. I would do things I loved and scream at the dark thoughts to go away, I told 'it' that this was my time and 'it' couldn't intrude for that moment. I did the marathon Netflix thing (helped big time) did a lot of home mani/pedis (concentration on it took my mind off things) and ate ice cream (not good for the waistline, but is for the soul). I tried not to hang out here too much, reading scary stuff, and tried my best to avoid Google...except for fun things. I know there isn't anything I can say that will stop your worry, but I hope you can find an hour or two a day to yourself, and be selfish with that time. This wait will end, all the worry won't make that happen any faster, so be kind to yourself. Big hugs and lots of positives your way.

Thank you. This is very helpful. I can't exercise because I just had my biopsies; however, I already downloaded the apps you recommended.

Totally understand. I get my results the same day. I wish you the very best!

Mimiesmommy,

I don't think there is anything we can say to make you feel better. Just know we have all been in your place and have gotten through it. What made me feel better was knowing that modern medicine has made so much progress that there will be treatments and options out there for you if you need it. I will be praying for you. Be strong.

I am so sorry for all you guys suffering through the anxiety and waiting game. It’s brutal. We truly know how all of you feel.

There really isn’t anything we can say except we have been through it and all of you will make it through the process too. Is it easy? No it’s not but it’s doable. It’s a kick in the teeth to be sure. We all drew the unlucky card.

You are in the early phases which is the hardest. All the uncertainty until a plan is in place. I think I went through it in a fog. The process moves very quickly - at least it did for me - once a DX is confirmed and treatments planned.

I am 7 years out in August God willing. I had a tumor that was early stage IDC and low grade.

They have come a long way even since my DX in 2011 so keep the faith and keep us posted.

Diane