How long can you wait?

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Scaredandworriednewmom
Scaredandworriednewmom Member Posts: 17
edited April 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

To provide a brief background: I had a breast ultrasound 6 months ago to rule out mastitis as I am breastfeeding. The US detected an indeterminate nodule and I was referred for a mammogram. Mammogram identified the nodule as involuting fibroadenoma and also detected multiple other fibroadenomas. Was asked to followup in 6 months

Last week, I again went in for an US which again detected the indeterminate nodule. As my mammogram reports were not available to this facility, they have again raised suspicion on this nodule. My gp has referred me to a breast surgeon.

I have a long planned family holiday where I will meet family I haven't seen in 4 years. This holiday is in 2 weeks. I have the surgeon's appt next week. And I don't want to go. I would rather go on my holiday and then go for further investigation in May. I know this sounds silly but if this does turn out to be something sinister, I will lose the opportunity to see my family and have a carefree time, one last time.

So my question is, is waiting for another 4 weeks detrimental? If it is indeed the C word, will my chances of beating it diminish because I chose to wait for 3 weeks?

Comments

  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited April 2019

    Why do you think you'd lose the chance to see your family if you put that off? I hope you realize that the majority of women (and men) who post here have already undergone surgery and other treatments, and we're still here for and with our families.

  • Scaredandworriednewmom
    Scaredandworriednewmom Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2019

    Absolutely, and I didnt mean it in a negative way. I have high anxiety and if I start the process, there is no way I can rest and have a carefree time till I get the results. Strange as it may seem, I am able to function better when I am not waiting for any reports/results to come through.

    I am sorry if my post comes across as insensitive

  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited April 2019

    Waiting another 4 weeks is just fine.

    Hopefully this isn't breast cancer but if it is, most breast cancers are slow growing. For most of us, a breast cancer diagnosis is an emotional emergency, but to our doctors, it's rarely a medical emergency and the process to surgery and treatment often takes 2-3 months.

  • Scaredandworriednewmom
    Scaredandworriednewmom Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2019

    Thank you so much. That is reassuring

  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited April 2019

    Oh, I didn't think it was insensitive, just letting you know that even if it is cancer, it isn't usually something that will interfere with family time unless you let it. My hubby and I took small vacations between surgeries/tests/appointments last year, or fun day trips. It helped my perspective and attitude enormously to have intentional fun days.

  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited April 2019

    Scaredandworried, I totally get where you are at. A cancer diagnosis is devasting and I just wouldn't be able to 'put it on the shelf' if I were visiting. Good luck, sweetie.

  • Scaredandworriednewmom
    Scaredandworriednewmom Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2019

    Thank you so much for understanding, Cowgirl

  • Scaredandworriednewmom
    Scaredandworriednewmom Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2019

    Thank you for your response Alice. I was worried I unknowingly offended you.

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