Waiting for biopsy results

[Pixiemycat]

Hi, I am new and sitting here after my biopsy on Monday waiting for my results. Perhaps it is to early to post I don't know, but they are telling me they are 95% sure and all the doctors start with the I am so sorry when they call. 2.6 mass right breast upper quadrant of. I had a clear mammogram last August. I am glad I have found this page and I am sure tomorrow after my appointment I will have lots of questions. Reading your stories has already helped. It is hard going through this during COVID when all the responsibility is on my husband and I cannot see my sister. No matter what they tell me tomorrow I will never be the same person. I just needed to talk to someone else. I have to be braver for my family than how I feel inside.

[Betbop]

Hang in there so many new treatments and success stories I'm hoping you'll be one of them. I have 3yrs in with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and still doing relatively well.

[Hatoola1]

This was me about a month ago. I expected to be told I had a cyst. The next thing I know I am being biopsied. It all is fast and surreal. I am sending you lots of love, hope, and patience with yourself. When you get your results I hope it is great news for you, a cyst, benign nothing of some sort. I am happy to talk more to you as I am only a bit ahead in the process. I talked to a lot of people, and I found some to be really helpful and others so well intentioned but less grounding. I think its best to let your results come in and then go from there. If it does not end up a celebration, reach out to me if you want to talk more. There is a possibility of a silver lining within a dark cloud for sure. This community is very helpful. I was really grateful to find them so soon.

[Hatoola1 in reply to Hatoola1]

PS, my sisters are out of state (2 different states) one came the week of the 5th and the other is here now. You'll figure it out if you need to, I promise.

[Pixiemycat in reply to Hatoola1]

That is me as well. I have had breast cyst several times and no one in my family has ever had cancer. We have heart disease and I have worked on my high cholesterol and tryglcerides most of my life. I didn't even tell anyone I was going in for a mammogram I have had so many cyst. Getting in for it was a challenge because of COVID, so there were delays. When he radiologist started the conversation with I am sorry this appears cancerous I just blanked out. My husband had a heart attack last August and I have an unusual birth defect in my cardiovascular system that would make COVID very dangerous, so we have been so cautious. I am very close to my two daughters and this is the longest I have gone without seeing them. We travel togther once a year instead of Christmas presents. One is in Austin and the youngest just moved to Denver. Before COVID I was scheduled to see her in April. We have been in survivor mode for the last couple of months and this just made navigating it all so much more precarious. Thanks for your kind words. I am just having a hard time talking to my loved ones on the phone without crying and the distance makes that hard. I have just learned recently to let go more and let others care for me. It is a foreign thing for me.

[Hatoola1 in reply to Pixiemycat]

Pixie same here zero family history, not even of any cancer and youngest of 15 grandkids, im 41 oldest is 70 where most are female. Its a surprise for sure. I also had cysts chronically. Stay positive and let yourself feels whatever you need to. I have done way too much bc im also a caretaker and have an 11 year old. But people like us are strong, and I've done too much but am learning patience.

I live in Denver. It gorgeous. You will have plenty of time to visit, maybe soon! You may or may not have cancer, or its very possible having had nothing last mamo that you have what I have DCIS, which is kind of inbetween. Once you get diagnosed officially let me know. If its the same as what I have I can give you info as I've researched and my husband is a doctor so I got exceptional care and so many extra opinions from all over the country. I don't know where you are but if you come to Denver to be treated Rose Hospital could not have been better if they tried from the garbage man to the doctors. Seriously unreal. And I was told by every different person my breast surgeon and plastics are the A team.

Cancer is scary no matter what but keep in mind it can mean anything from no treatment wait and see, to not great but a nearly 100% cure rate with no chemo, radiation, or drugs (me!, thank god), to more severe stuff. But breast cancer generally vs a lot of others are almost never a death sentence anymore and have a lot really good research and treatments. Keep in touch.

[Pixiemycat in reply to Hatoola1]

It is cancer. Grade 3 they will do an MRI next week. No results on the type. I see the breast surgeon after the MRI. The doctor initially said it was not in my lymph nodes but that was not noted in the report. They are going to confirm that for me. Oddly just knowing has reduced some of the stress and I am ready to move onto the fighting part. That at least gives me some sense of purpose. I am back to mediation and that is helping keep the nerves under control.

[Hatoola1 in reply to Pixiemycat]

DCIS grade 3 or stage 3 cancer? I had DCIS (grade 3). If so, and you want to talk happy to give you my number if you'd like. They really don't know for sure until surgery. Mine was DCIS grade 3 with no invasion to their surprise on tests biops, 2 mamos, 2 scans and an MRI. Then going into surgery there is a 10% ish chance its stage 1 invaded into lymph nodes, they will remove a few and send it to pathology. Hang in there. I know this SUCKS. If its DCIS grade 3 is your prognosis this blows and it won't be fun, but will be fully curable. Grade 1 or 2 would have bought you time, but otherwise its the "best" "breast cancer" you can get. So lucky, right? Im sending you love and light. No matter what it is, you are not alone. Your amazing family, friends, and all of us who have been through this on this site are here for you in whatever capacity you need. I called SHARE and they have been so caring and my point person checks on me once a week. Its so kind. Hang in there. Meditation! Smart. You've got this.

[Pixiemycat in reply to Hatoola1]

I do know it is grade 3. It came on fast after a clear mamagram in August 2019. Started having some issues in February and with the COVID and new insurance everything was slowed down getting me in. It is infiltrating duct carcinoma. They not given me a stage yet. I am still new to the lingo and reading the report we just got today. I will know more once I talk to the breast surgeon. Today was pretty much confirming it was malignant and starting the process.

[Mmnyc]

Hi,

I was in your position a year ago. No one who hasn’t experience this can truly understand the fear you feel when they tell you you have BC. I’m a pretty strong person and I tried for the longest to keep it together and stay strong but I broke down many times during my journey. My first thought was ‘how will I tell my mom?’ I prayed to god for strength and he gave it to me. My faith in god gave me the strength to go on.

My tumor was about double your size, I think they said it was 4 cm, according to them it was ‘tiny’. It was very deep and undetectable to the touch but the mammogram was able to detect it and it went from there. Sonogram, needle core biopsy mri, needle mri😰 my poor right breast went through so much. Well in the end I ended up having BC in 2 locations in my right breast so it was decided that I had to say goodbye to it. After genetic testing I decided to just go ahead and get a bilateral mastectomy. Long story on how I came to that decision but it was the best one for me.

It June it will be a year since I said goodbye to my breasts 🥳 in my mind my cancer cells have gone to sleep. I feel my breast surgeon took everything! I ended up being stage 1b, clear lymph nodes, clear margins but they still recommended chemo. Ugh, I was so afraid, how will I manage work and my toddler? Again, god watched over me and somehow I pulled through. My hair is back, I feel good.

God is big, he took care of me and he will take care of you.

That dark cloud you feel will lift and go away.

Of course I hope your results come back negative but if they don’t take a deep breath, cry if you need to and prepare yourself for a fight. We are here for you 🙏🏽

[Paradise43]

No child. You suddenly get to be the most selfish person on the planet. For once it’s all about you. Being brave is being human. A fighter can’t win if first they don’t grieve for the might have been...then hang on to the news that will push you forward while holding hands with those who love and those who pray for us. To move towards what can be. Long dark road with many good people waiting on the sidelines to cheer you on. You’re never alone now. Unless you want to be. Wrap yourself in our prayers. ❤️

[Ditzy60]

No, you will never be the same person and if it is not good news you will feel petrified and overwhelmed but you have a family who love you and will want to support you. I think sometimes we think we have to be brave to save others from the pain but I think that by doing this it makes it hard for loved ones to share their fears because they feel they have to be brave for you. It’s a hard journey, I got through by focusing on each bit as it happened and not trying to think about the whole journey at once. Some days you will feel you can take on the world others not so much ! Never beat yourself up or place unrealistic expectations on yourself . Remember everyone on here is willing you on and there’s always someone to talk to. Good Luck, keep us posted. Carolyn x

[quilting66]

Hi, I was also where you are a year ago. When my initial and second mammo came back I wasn't too worried . I had had 2 fibroids removed in that breast previously (over many years) so I thought and the doctor thought it might have come back. But no, after the biopsy it was confirmed. 2 cm mass invasive ductal carcinoma. The doctor didn't think it had spread to the sentinal lymph nodes but they removed them to check during surgery. Clear. I did change doctors after a second opinion so feel free to ask for one if you're no comfortable with the original surgeon. I was but my niece, a nurse at Memorial Sloane Kettering recommended it, so I did. It's good to have input from family, so don't be afraid to speak of your situation. When you get your report and go for genetic screening, they will tell you if it's hormone related. Mine wasn't (triple negative for hormone involvement) so even though it was early stage 1 cancer the doctor/team recommended chemo and radiation. I opted for radiation first because there was one cell in the margin. The aim is clear margins (no cancerous cells after the mass is examined?) I could have redone the surgery but the team decided radiation would take care of it. But I won't get into the rest of it yet, for now focus on the diagnosis and the next step which is consultation with the doctors. Expect to talk to what will be eventually, your team, surgeon, radiation and oncologist (chemo) if it comes to that. Or you can opt for mastectomy (I had lumpectomy-hence all the other treatments).

[stayblessed]

Hi,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and he will see you through. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Peace and blessings

[CancerkickerKathy]

These are my own rules. Rule 1 It's ok to be afraid. Rule 2 boobs and hair are only part of us. They aren't who we are. Having said that, I didn't have to deal with a pandemic at the same time. Relax as best you can. When you're hungry, eat and when you're tired sleep. Maybe if you can video chat your friends or sister it will help you feel a bit better. Stay strong.

[Hatoola1]

Just checking in with you to see how you are hanging in there and if there is anything I can do. :=)

[Pixiemycat in reply to Hatoola1]

Thanks. I am doing ok. I have a friend that will be 5 years out in January 2021 and we had a long talk about pratical things and what to expect. We both feel like the wating and telling friends and family members was very hard emotionally and getting past that has made me feel better, but I know I am in for a roller coaster ride. MRI is on Thursday and already have appointment with the surgeon to discuss options and treatments with oncologist. Moving forward is helping me feel less helpless. I have been reading about diet and have been on a heart-healthy diet for years due to family heart issues. That is where I thought my future health issues would be, but I am adding to it to get more anitioxidants and other cancer fighting foods. Stepped up my walking because I would just do yoga all day if you let me. It helps me when I fell proactive.

[quilting66 in reply to Pixiemycat]

It's amazing how many women have had breast cancer! People came out of the woodwork at my community center to say they survived cancer many years ago and are now fine (keeping up with health checks). So try not to focus on the what ifs and try to have a positive outlook. It's hard, I know, the thought of recurrence lurks in the back of my mind now and then but there are so many who are healthy and living their lives in a grateful new light. Looking ahead and preparation is good, but I didn't use half the things that were recommended by the countless videos and stories that I read online. So don't go crazy buying everything mentioned. Save some of your money for co-payments (test, doctor and meds) that will nickel and dime you through the course of treatment. Hopefully you have good insurance or a payment system that works for you. Be sure to talk to the hospital navigator about their financial help if you need it and any research they offer for you to read up on your condition. My hospital had a library and the librarian would send articles on topics I was interested in. Every breast cancer is a little different. Take care, we're here for you.

[Hidden]

Hang in there. Had my Biopsy on May 4th. No phone call or nothing. Finally I called my doctor today and she she told me its cancer property invasive ductal carcinoma. She didn't know the stage or nothing. She said the hospital was supposed to call me 2 weeks ago however due to COVID-19 everything has been delayed. She said if I dont hear soon to follow up again with her or the hospital. Nice the waiting sucks.

[Pixiemycat in reply to Hidden]

Doing this during COVID is the worst. My mammogram took forever to get scheduled and now I am being more assertive. The surgeries are backed up and I get that others have been in line waiting.

[Hidden in reply to Pixiemycat]

I hear you. I was lucky my mammogram thankfully got bumped to May 4th due to a cancellation or else they said the end of July. Yes all surgeries are backed up. However I am going to follow up again with my doctor on Friday. Because my boobie is really sore. Good luck as well.

[Hatoola1]

Pixie, I am so glad to hear you have a friend that truly gets it!!! I've found a lot of good comfort in talking to people who were in my exact or similar shoes. A friend who relates is that much more a gift.

I know you are not positive of your exact diagnosis. It sounds like either its Stage 3 Cancer of some sort, which I understand is advanced, and I cannot offer anything other than you are loved and cherished and valuable, and Im sure you'll have support with such a great family. OR your diagnosis is DCIS grade 3. If that is the case that is exactly what I had. My husband as a doctor was able to get a lot of attention and guidance for me quickly, as well as Rose Hospital in Denver being AMAZING.

I have so much knowledge on my diagnosis now that if you wanted me to I could absolutely tell you what I learned. They actually took my case for review to the entire oncologocal team.

I HATE that not everyone, especially during COVID had the advantage of the "doctor card,' that I do bc my husband is an OBGYN. If it is DCIS and you want me to pass on anything, even just a listening ear please feel free to hit me up.

I too have zero family history of BC, autoimmune issues is my family's gig. Like you that would have been less of a shock, although again I am grateful honestly for this instead. I've had 2 scans, a biopsy, 2 mamos, an mri, a double masectomy and breast implants since the end of April! My diagnosis to surgery was 3 weeks. Its shocking and quick and crazy no matter what.

I think about you everyday. I know so many others are too. We send you love and light. Im a yoga instructor so I get it on that too!!!

Wishing you the best news possible.

[SeattleMom]

Dear Pixie

You have much to be hopeful for. If you have lymph node involvement, you will likely be a candidate for chemo or some form of hormonal therapy. But the treatment options are much improved—with research providing great progress in fighting this disease.

Look at every option and get more than one opinion! God bless you on this journey that none of us wanted to take! You should do just fine!

💗💗🙏🏻🙏🏻

Linda

[Dimsdale18 Partner]

Hello. I was reading your post from 3 months ago and wanted to check in to see how you are doing after your initial diagnosis. I am the Breast Cancer Helpline Manager at SHARE.

SHARE Cancer Support breast cancer helpline is a great resource. All of the volunteers are breast cancer survivors and can offer support because they have been where you are now. In addition to the Helpline, if you want specific information on your type of cancer, we have a peer matching service which allows us to match you with someone who has a very similar diagnosis and/ or treatment. You can reach out 7 days a week from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm. The number is: 844 ASK-SHARE ( 844-275-7427). Our website has accurate and updated information, support group contact information and educational resources.

sharecancersupport.org. You are not alone with SHARE.