anxiety about result of core breast biopsy

[noac]

Four days after the biopsy the breast clinic soc.worker phoned me. I am so worried I feel I am losing my mind. I started worrying a month ago already. I have had symptoms for years, lost my mothet to bc and an aunt, and another aunt and another cousin were diagnosed three years ago,  AND I lost my best frient to bc this year.... I am an empty shell now, I didnt want to hear what they wanted to say i was summoned next tuesday. I dare not ask questions, i am in total denial. I was a relatively normal human being a while ago.. I think about it all the time. seen a therapist I've known for years, tries to help me. I am terrified of hospitals and surgeries and I see me beeing wheeled to the or and picture horrible things and my imagination goes wild. can someone relate or any professional advise me.... thank you so much.

[vermontgirlII]

Hi,

OK, so the breast center didn't tell you the results of the biopsy and just made an appt. for you to go in next Tuesday?  I would want to know, good or bad.  You might be going through this anxiety because of an indeterminate bx result and they want to do an MRI or something.  It seems if they found something they were concerned about, they wouldn't want to wait 6 days to see you, don't you think?  Do you feel like you could call them and have them tell you what the pathology found?  Do you have a close friend or husband that could sit next to you if and when you called?

[noac]

hi vermontgirl and thanks for your comment, by the way I live in Israel and not usa. I found this forum being desparate for answers. Thank you, I need to get over my fear, it's so bad I can't face bad news. I have a spouse, not husband he is very busy these days but he came with me to the appointments. I feel so lost alone and not the me i used to know. I am afraid to hear cancer... I think they might have a partial result of the biopsy. can't face it... this evening i will meet with my therapist. please write again...

[vermontgirlII]

A good website that deals specifically with fears relating to breast cancer is breastcancer.org.  Click on the support and community button, and you will see a link to the "Dealing with Breast Cancer Fears" page.  Look through it for anything that might help you get a perspective on your situation.  Good luck and please keep posting.

[cyn17]

It's only natural with all the breast cancer deaths you've had to face that you feel so scared. Take a deep breath, exhale, and keep on breathing. You are strong! You have witnessed so much and can now face whatever comes your way. You can make educated decisions about your health because you have been through so much. You are loved and you are not alone.

If you just can't bring yourself to call your doctor back, do something loving for yourself while you wait for next week's appointment...get a massage or a facial or get your hair done...anything to help you relax. My thoughts are with you.

[noac]

Thanks to both of you. you are angels. I will take your advice. I cannot let myself go...

Please tell me about your own experiences.

[cyn17]

My mother died at 59, from secondary cancer in her bile duct and liver after being a 7 year breast cancer survivor. Very sad, as you know.

I've been having mammos since age 35, now 43. Last year I had my first biopsy (benign) and this past summer had two biopsies (both benign). I have dense, cystic breasts and find all my mammos are followed up with ultra sound. This year they also did an MRI...scared me crazy! That's how I found this site...looking for more information. I have learned so much from reading about other people's experiences. I had no idea 1 in 8 women gets breast cancer. Since I've had a few scares, I want to be as educated as possible in case one day I need to make decisions about treatment. I don't assume I'll get cancer...I keep a positive outlook. However, this past summer was quite the ordeal and I had many, many panicky moments. Now, when I'm faced with the next biopsy I can feel confident that I can handle the situation calmly.

[blondieny]

I have just had positive biopsy, i see surgeon next week. I had myself convinced the biopsy was neg. I am now waiting to see sugeon for my options. Im scared but i feel i am an extremly strong woman and i will get through it, this site has been AWESOME to share and read about other womens experiences. It sounds  as though you have experienced alot of loses due to cancer, be strong and we are here to share and hopefully help

[boninclyde]

Knowledge will be your best healer. DO NOT bury your head. Find out everything you can to fight this. It IS doable. There is such great new medicines out now that you can survive. Please go to the breastcancer.org site and read about the surviors there. And post your own questions. Get info about your path report and be ready with questions. You will need to have a list of questions ready but most good surgeons already know what you'll be asking.Always take someone with you to hear the things you don't and to write answers to your questions.

A little about me. Found knot in July. Thought it was only DCIS. Right breast masectomy August 25th. Found 0.09mm invasive area. No lymph node involvement. ER+/PR+ HER2-. Onco score of 20 1/2. Now on tamoxifen. A survivor.

Please please arm yourself with knowledge. This does not have to be a death sentence. You are stronger than you think.

[noac]

woke up alone in my bed , my boyfriend had to go somewhere, and my head is full of thoughts that i try to push away. thank you all for your support on this wonderful forum. I wish us all the best of health. I will inform you the biopsy results, that is if I survive the day...

[cyn17]

Today is a new day...how are you doing?

[vermontgirlII]

Hi, how are you doing?  Hang in there, try to keep busy with something, go see a funny movie if you have time.  Tuesday will be here soon, and you WILL survive.  And yes, do as much reading as you can about your diagnosis IF, and I stress IF it turns out to be something other than benign.

As for me, I had a screening mammogram after a lapse of 7 :( years, and they sent me a letter to tell me they wanted to do a diagnostic mammogram, which turned out to be a BIRADs 4, suspicious, so they wanted to do a stereotactic biopsy on two different areas of microcalcifications in the same breast.  I had to wait 10 days for the biopsy, which was terribly hard, because I had a lot of anxiety about the procedure.  I got through that, and it was pretty unpleasant, but it's over, and then another wait for the results, which came back benign but with LCIS, and the recommendation to see a surgeon ASAP.  The breast imaging center wrote "Urgent, Needs Immediate Attention" on the report they faxed to my primary care doctor, so that has me freaked out a little, and at this point I am once again waiting, for my doctor to tell me when my appt. with the surgeon is.  LCIS is Lobular Carcinoma in Situ, which is not cancer, but is often present when cancer is detected, so I am guessing that they are going to want to do a lumpectomy to look for cancer, but I am trying to take this one step at a time, and not let myself jump to the worst possible conclusion.  I have already done that, and it just about incapacitated me for a week, so I know what you are feeling, except I haven't gone through the losses you have.  I'm so sorry for you.

This forum and these women have helped me so much, and also, reading everything I can find about what I have has kept my mind busy doing something proactive, instead of feeling like a victim of this.

[noac]

Good morning girls, I am happy to read your comments.
This minute I feel a little better, but I dread what this week might bring. I am afraid of the panic attacks I get with heart palpitations and a feeling that I am going to faint. Whenever the phone rings I think it's the bad news and every noise startles me. I was phobic before and now I am ten times more... I will try to take care of myself more. vermont girl thanks for your story I am glad it's mostly good news for you and that you have a positive outlook. I was discussing going to thailand if a surgery is mandatory, bangkok has wonderful hospitals and the personnel are SO nice, I had a cosmetic surgery there four years ago... what do you think ...  we will all get through this, won't we....

[boninclyde]

Good to see you are feeling a little better. Believe it or not it will get a little easier each day and better next week when they tell you that it is benign. I have suffered from panic/anxiety attacks since I was a child so when I recieved this diagnosis I crumbled. No sleep, vomiting, couldn't breath and nightmares. But I got through and so can you. Again glad you are feeling somewhat better today. Bless.

[boninclyde]

Do you take anything? I took 1mg xanax but now that has been increased to 2mg. Helps me to relax and not panic all the time. The attacks come out of the blue and I can't control them. Maybe your doctor could perscribe you something to get you throught this. Just a thought.

[cyn17]

Lexapro is also a good medication for panic attacks. I've been taking it for 5 years. It's been a life saver for me!!

[noac]

It's comforting to know other women feel the same. I have been taking something like valium but lighter the brand name is vaben. And I try to take it only when panic strikes about possible diagnosis... I pray for all of us.. many thanks for your advice I will ask my doctor about other tranquilizers like the ones you mentioned.

[sue-aloo]

How are you doing today?  I just read your thread and I am so sorry for the pain you are going through right now.  I lost both my parents 6 years ago (dad from the heart, mom from leukemia) and I know all about panic attacks.  When I had microcalcifications it was all I could do not to vomit.  Cried constanty and couldn't focus on anything.  You are not alone with your feelings.  Just try to take things one day at a time.  I take buspar for my anxiety.  It is an anti-anxiety medication.  You also sound like you are very depressed.  Please continue to get professional help.  I have a great therapist that I couldn't live without!  Hopefully, when this ordeal is over and all is well, you need to focus on yourself and become emotionally "healthy" again so you can fight any obstacles that come your way.  STAY STRONG!!!  and remember one day at a time!

[noac]

Thanks for your support. I am glad to know I am not alone in this nightmare. will keep you all posted.

[sue-aloo]

Just checking in to see how you are doing today.  God bless.

[noac]

Yesterday had a meeting at the breast clinic, only to be told there are no results as yet... ten days after the biopsy. what does this mean... Is it so complicated? some say it's a good sign, I dare not hope. They were very nice to me and supportive and tried to comfort me as I was tearful. I would be happy to have any input from all of you who have been so supportive.

[vermontgirlII]

Hi,

Did they give you any indication of when they will have the results for you?  Are they understaffed or something?

[boninclyde]

Ten days does seem like such a long time. I would question them as to what is taking so long.

[cyn17]

I'm not familiar with Israeli medicine...is it socialized (gov't run) like the UK? Many of the posters from the UK say it takes 10 days to get results.

[noac]

I think it's like in Uk, However I know from people that if it's cancer they tell you almost immediately... The clinic said at the beginning two weeks. with my anxious mind I was waiting from a day after the bio to hear that it is what I fear so much and so when they said no results yet, I was perplexed and am still. I hope all of you are doing well. will keep you posted. Thanks again.

[boninclyde]

I've been posting you at the other bc sire on here. Glad I found you. Maybe it is good that you haven't heard since they usually tell you imediately. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[suzi-q]

Take a deep breath and exhale.  We are still all rooting for you!  Let us know.

[noac]

I am inhaling and exhaling with the vaben in my system. Tomorrow at 3 o'clock israel time I will know my fate on this earth. My eyes are filling with tears, I dread treatment, I hate the thought of chemo and surgery. I want something new and noninvasive. I regret so many things in my life, today incidentally is my birthday, I am 54. I want to disappear. I have never had such a lousy birthday. Please pray for me dear friends... I love you.

[cyn17]

May your 54th year be full of goodness! Do not regret the past...learn from it and move forward with the knowledge you have gained and live the best life you can. You are in my thoughts everyday and I pray that tomorrow brings you good news. Keep on breathing and know we are all here for you!!

[vermontgirlII]

Happy Birthday!!!!  Here's to having a great 54th year on the planet!  You will probably be waking up on Monday when you read this, so TRY to think on the positive side.  I know it is terribly hard when your fears are this acute, and understandably so.  You WILL get through this.  I am praying for you, and I think about you often.  And it does no use to have regrets in our lives.  I'm sure you did the best that you could at the time, and with the tools you had then.  Don't beat yourself up.  It's not worth it!!  There are too many other things in life standing in line to beat us up, aren't there?  So prepare to celebrate your life, when you hear that you are going to be OK.  OK?

[sue-aloo]

Happy birthday!  May this year be just the beginning of all new and good things coming your way!  Please post when you get the results.  You are not alone.  You now have friends all around the world!!!  Please try to muster up whatever strength that you have inside (which is more than you know!) and hold your head high.  I pray for all positive answers today, but also know that breast cancer is NOT a death sentence!  If, God forbid, there is bad news, you WILL fight and you WILL win!  One day a time, my friend, one day at a time....God bless and give Him your fears...He will take care of you.

[noac]

hi, I got a positive result... will see what happens next with the treatment... I still have to do a bone scan before the doctors will decide about treatment. The other tests I already did and they were ok. Thanks for supporting me. Of course I am in shock and depressed and so many other things...

[cyn17]

I'm sorry to hear your results were positive. Do you have any other specifics besides 'positive'? Stay strong and let us and the people in your life support you! You will get through this!!

[sue-aloo]

I am sorry to hear about your results.  I truly am.  I have been checking this site all day for your response....OK. So you are in shock and depressed.  Very normal feelings, but now do what you have to do and get yourself better!  Turn to your doctors as well as people here who are going thru or have gone through what you are.  If you need to cry, then cry.  If you need to scream, then scream.  But FIGHT HARD AND STRONG!  You remain in my prayers that you will get through all of this.  Keep us posted and updated.  GOD bless.

[vermontgirlII]

I am so sorry to hear about your results.  Do you have any more info?  Please keep in touch with the women here.  I will be thinking of you..

[boninclyde]

I am sorry.

[suzi-q]

Where is NOAC?  I am concerned about her.  I hope she reads this and realizes that there are people who are concerned and want to know how she is doing.  So, Noac, if you are there, please let us know! Keeping you in my prayers.

[vermontgirlII]

Hey there, what's up?  Have you gotten any more information, or have you had a consultation with a surgeon yet.  Please let us know.  I had my consult with a surgeon today, it was moved up a week, thank God, and the consensus is that he will do two lumpectomies on my left breast on January 19th.  They will look at the tissue for ILC.  I am hoping this won't leave me disfigured.  The lumpectomies are in two different quadrants of my breast.  Oh well, I just want this over with...

Noac, please post....

[vermontgirlII]

Hey girl, what's up??  Please post.  I'm thinking about you.

[boninclyde]

I don't like it when people don't return to post. I know this is a busy time but I worry for them to. Hope all is well.

[noac]

I am here, was away from home, I can't stay by myself these days so I went with my boyfriend EVERYWHERE. But now he went  somewhere. I am alone and scared. I don't like the doctors suggestion for my treatment so am looking for alternatives.
Thanks for your concern.

[sue-aloo]

So glad to hear from you.  What were your results exactly?  Please post them here so these fine women can help with some suggestions.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!  What are your doc's saying?  Let us know.  You probably do not celebrate Christmas, but even so, this is a magical time of year.  God is with you and may he bless you tenfold.  Let us know how you are doing.  We are here for you.

[vermontgirlII]

Hi,

What is your diagnosis?  What are your docs suggesting for treatment?  Please let us know, we are worried and concerned!!  Please post.

[boninclyde]

Are you OK?

[noac]

Thanks for your concern. I am so distressed by the diagnosis that I dare not mention it. I am opting for alternative therapies and so far started only a strict diet but will soon do some other things. I am beyond despair and am sure my mental health is almost irreversibly damaged, but I go on living, hoping today isn't my last and looking for alternative therapies, there are a lot, i found a lot of material on the internet. Tomorrow I will get a second opinion as my boyfriend insists - the first oncol. and surgeon said 3 months chemo and then porbably a mastectomy... I will not do it.  
Wishigng you all a Happy and Healthy New Year.

[boninclyde]

You don't want to share the particulars of your diagnosis and that is OK. Good luck with your treatment. Wish you well.

Happy New Year!

[suzi-q]

Whatever it is that you decide to do, I wish you the best.  Take it one day at a time and I am praying for you.  When you beat this, you will become mentally stronger!  I just know it!  Don't sell yourself short and keep fighting!!!

[vermontgirlII]

Dear noac,

You might want to check out Richard Gerber, MD 'Vibrational Medicine'.  There is a lot of info on alternative therapies for cancer, although I have not personally checked any of them out.  Good luck, and I believe in the power of positive thought!  If you can't find a copy of this book in Israel, I can send you a copy.  Just let me know.

[boninclyde]

There is a girl on the breastcancer.org website who would love to talk to you and she is also from Israel. Just go to their discussion board look under help me get through treatment. She is there. I will get her user name and post back here. I think it would be great if you two could talk. She is young also had breast cancer I believe 1 year ago and is doing great..

[vermontgirlII]

Hi, how are you doing?