Weeks and weeks of not knowing!!

I had BC nearly 10 years ago when I was 43, I had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy and recovered well. I was still under the breast clinic until 3 years ago, then was put back on the normal 3 yearly screening programme. Had my first mammogram through ordinary screening in Ocober this year and was recalled for further testing, because of a cluster of calcifications on the ‘other’ side. Would you believe, I am STILL waiting to know whether or not I have cancer. They did a biopsy at the beginning of November which showed abnormal cells. These are not cancer but as I understand it, could be pre-cancerous. I had a to wait a month for a Diagnostic Marker Biopsy which I had 10 days ago. I was rather shocked to find this was a real proper operation, much like the lumpectomy I had before. I was hoping to go back to work this week but am not fit because of pain and swelling from the surgery, (and am getting excessively tired as I start to do more around the house/dog walking etc.) I got a letter with an appointment for the results on the 30th December. I phoned to find out why so long, and I’m very lucky that one of the specialist nurses has managed to bring that appointment forward to the 23rd. But I feel like I’ve just been wishing my life away until I find out. And now I’ve got the appointment brought forward I almost wish I hadn’t, like I don’t really want to know! It’s all so confusing and weird. It’s been very hard to know how much to tell different people as it’s all gone on so long. Has anyone else been through this?

Hi wendo, I am sorry to read that you have this worry. Whilst you await replies please feel free to call our helpliners for some support, lines are open 9-5 today 0808 800 6000

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Take care
Lucy BCC

If anyone’s interested, I had my results today and the tissue taken out ( a chunk of 5x3x2cm) was all benign. Phew!!

Thank you much for your repliesel and Cassie. Yes my results were in time for Christmas, I am very lucky in so many ways. Phew! Just need to finish healing now and get off the painkillers! I hope this story will help other people to take heart when waiting for results. I couldn’t imagine they would have put me through all that if it wasn’t malignant!