Waiting for biopsy results And trying not to panic

[Chick1]

Hello Frankie, 

Not been on the Forum for a while so just catching up with things.  As it is now into September,  I really hope that they have "punched" every last bit out so to speak and nothing has been found lurking behind.  It must have been such a worrying time for you,  and your partner.  I hope all is well with you now.

Wishing you the very best, 

Chick 🐣 x

[Frankiemum]

Hi Chick, 

had my appointment yesterday to remove the radial scar, or so I thought. 

When I asked if they would be removing the whole mass they said no,that they don’t do that and would be taking more biopsies.

Both my husband and I felt confused and unsure what was happening as my consultant had made it clear that the radial scar would be completely removed so they can check behind it and send it off for more tests.

After having a chat decided to go ahead - I had a mammotome vacuum assisted excision with ultrasound they took 12 biopsies. Followed by another marker inserted as the first is in the wrong place (I was aware of this) and a couple of mammograms.

once I got in the car had a bit of a cry out of frustration of not knowing what is going on. And with the fear in the back of my mind that they haven’t been completely honest with me.

This morning I called my consultant’s secretary and she managed to speak to him to find out what is going on. ( she was very understanding )

Due to the size of it (over 30mm) they need to do it bit by bit and eventually the whole thing should be removed. It’s just going to take a little longer. And testing each biopsy is more thorough. Will be having another consultant appointment in a few more weeks to discuss results. 

I think it’s the fear that there could be something nasty lurking behind it that got me so upset when I had my mind set on the idea that it will be removed and that’s that. 

Sorry for the long message!! 

Hope you are well! 

Xx Frankie 

[Chick1]

Hello Frankie, 

Just caught up with your news.  Big hugs to you too.  Well it must be a bleeding relief to get some kind of a definite result after all that time.  So just a few more weeks to wait for your appointment and pathology results and then hopefully you will be dancing round the house,  hubby in one hand,  gin in the other - but maybe to something a bit more upbeat than the beautiful Bridge Over Troubled Water. 

I know it has been a nightmare waiting but on the other hand,  it makes you think how fortunate we are to have access to Services that will persist with investigation. Sounds like they will be keeping a close eye on you afterwards as well which I hope you find reassuring ☺ 

Maybe you will give us an update after your surgery etc. 

Best wishes to you and your family, 

Chick 🐣 x

[Frankiemum]

Met with my consultant and it’s a radial scar, have to have it removed and then tested and another mammogram. But it is looking good. He said “it’s a guarded good” as they want to make sure nothing is hiding behind it. And then I’ll have yearly mammograms for a few years. 

He recommends having it removed with a vacuum biopsy ( due to its size ) and should get an appointment through in a couple of weeks. 

Felt like I didn’t breathe the whole time I was in there- husband asked lots of questions. 

Luckily I had done some research on radial scars as the radiologist said it might be one but they are very rare - about 6 cases a year! 

Have had a celebratory gin and tonic but will only relax completely when they have removed it and done all the relevant tests. 

Big hugs to all you amazing strong women 

xx Frankie 

[Frankiemum]

Chick,

thank you I thought I was over reacting - had a good cry whilst listening to the radio playing bridge over troubled waters (not sure if that’s the title!). Received a letter Saturday afternoon with an appointment to see the consultant on Wednesday.  Think I will go mad if they say they need another biopsy. I find all the ladies on here so inspiring - fee like a bit of a fraud as nothing has been diagnosed and it may be nothing. It’s just a horrible moment - waiting. 

I hope you are well . Have you finished all your treatment? 

Thank you again for your kind words 

Frankie xx 

[Chick1]

Hello Frankie, 

Wow - what a waiting game you are going through.  I am in admiration of your ability to cope with the situation.  Hardly surprising that you are snapping and going through an array of emotions.  I remember climbing the walls now and again especially when I was waiting for surgery after chemo.   I found having a cry and chatting it out was a good form of release. 

Best wishes to you and I hope you get specific results this week so you know where you stand.  Fingers crossed for you. 

Chick 🐥 x

[Frankiemum]

Am still waiting on news of my second biopsy - I spoke to the consultant’s secretary and she said that the minutes of the meeting needed to be written up and I should hear something Friday or Monday. Well it’s Saturday so am hoping will hear from them Monday. I am going crazy waiting. I’m on edge waiting - Friday I think I just paced round the house snapping at everyone and then crying as I felt guilty at doing that. Would they say anything over the phone or good or bad? Xx 

[Frankiemum]

Just a little update on my appointment yesterday. 

I seem to have stumped them with my mammogram- the words used were odd and subtle. The area is odd but subtle and the radiologist said that when they had the meeting with the consultants they felt it needed to be investigated ( she used the term we have an itch about some scans). Had another core biopsy with mammogram (uncomfortable but not painful). The team were lovely and we made light of my conundrum breast! 

It has been mentioned that the area may be a radial scar - which are quite rare and not to worry about , or a benign mass or if it is something more sinister it looks like it would be very treatable as it is so “subtle”. They have placed a titanium marker in and the next step may be an mri if the results of biopsy are inconclusive. I feel

quite positive whatever the outcome is, as they are being so thorough. Have numbers of nurses etc to chase results next Friday and was told not to worry and to have a large glass of wine as I deserved it! 

[Frankiemum]

Am having my second biopsy today trying to stay positive - husband is coming to the clinic with me - have told him he can’t come in when I have it done but he just wants to be there. My brain doesn’t seem to retain any information when they tell me anything (not that they have given any diagnosis yet)all I do is listen to their tone of their voice.... 

and then it’s the bloody waiting game. Xx 

---

[Frankiemum]

Hi 

yes the waiting game is horrible and your mind just goes into over drive. I do hope you get good news too on the 18th. Xxx 

[shirleyemm]

Hi

I am in the same boat, I was a recall there were two suspicious areas on left breast one looked like a shadow and the radiologist said they would watch that one the other looked like a piece of popcorn and she thought it was a cancer but I needed a core biopsy I had that plus 4 more mammograms and I see the Consultant on 18th for results, its the waiting that gets you. I wouldn't care it was to be my very last mammogram as I am 73. I do hope you get good news...

[ann-m]

Too right, cheers! 🥂

[Frankiemum]

Thank you Ann, that was our thinking too. I think a lovely glass of wine will help!! X Frankie 

[ann-m]

Hi Frankiemum,

I would suggest that nothing is going to change until you see them again, so maybe just get on with holiday for now.

ann x

[Frankiemum]

Just had a phone call from my consultants secretary- we’re still away on holiday and the line was really bad - plus being in a restaurant didn’t help. 

I need another biopsy- she mentioned calcification and the radiology team not being happy with the results. It was such a bad line and couldn’t really hear much , but am having the second biopsy next week as we return Sunday morning.Am tempted to call them back, but it’s my sons 10th birthday tomorrow and don’t want to be upset and preoccupied as the kids haven’t been told anything yet. 

Xx

[Frankiemum]

Thank you Ann for replying. The holiday (and wine )is helping but it’s always at the back of my mind. I had the biopsy on Wednesday and my breast is feeling a bit achy and tender now so I feel even more conscious of everything. 

It does help to write /talk about it and read everyone’s posts and know we’re not alone. Once again thank you Ann it meant a lot xxx 

[ann-m]

Hi Frankie,

Do hope that writing it all down helped.

The uncertainty is horrible & sends the mind into overdrive when waiting. It's not really possible to second guess anything, but it will get resolved.

Honestly, it's the not knowing that is worse, but IF you do get a bc diagnosis, then the sooner treatment starts the better & hopefully, it won't come to that.

As you say, it's good you have the holiday, so try to distract yourself as much as possible, as there's nothing more you can do now.

Do let us know how you get on.

ann x

[Frankiemum]

Hi all,

I’ve locked myself in the loo to have five mins away from the kids and am trying not to cry/ freak out my situation is: 

got referred by my gp as my left breast felt thicker / harder. She wasn’t concerned but wanted to be 100%. Had appointment 4 days later with a consultant who could definitely feel thickening of the breast and sent me for a mammogram which I got an urgent appointment a few days later. I was feeling quite calm at this stage. Had the mammogram and was told it would be 2 weeks for the results and would hear from my consultant. Approaching 2 weeks and a letter arrives for another mammogram appointment and ultrasound at a breast clinic. Had the more in-depth mammogram and then the ultrasound. I have a mass that “doesn’t look quite right”. They can’t see what it is for certain so had a biopsy 3 samples where taken. I keep going over everything that they said and how they said it. Were they being over kind/ nice? She did say that they will definitely get a diagnosis and if it comes back and it isn’t clear they will do another biopsy. 

My mind is racing - I’m a nervous wreck. We’re going on holiday later today for a week with friends so that should distract me but it’s just so horrible not knowing.sorry for the long post !!!

frankie xx