trying to make this work

[tiote]

I know there's never a good time for cancer - but.  I'm having a biopsy on Monday for a 3 cm suspicious non-cystic lobulated dense mass (also + family history).  I read that 80% of all biopsies are benign, but it appears that may have a lot  to do with cysts.  What I'm wondering is, is there a greater chance of malignancy when the mass is lobulated and not a cyst.  The reason I'm wondering is I have 4 very expensive (and logistically complicated) events I have to attend in the next 3 weeks and I hesitate to make all the arrangements if, say instead of an 80% chance, it's only 40 or 50%.

[often]

I think I would discuss with my surgeon and ask for an honest opinion.  Explain the issue and ask if he thinks you should hold off.  Even if it is not benign ( and I wish for you that it is), your treatment options may not physically preclude the events (although emotionally that could be a different story).

[Irishgal2]

I agree, ask your doctor straight out if you should go ahead and attend the events.  Ask the doctor how quickly he will have the results and based on these answers then you can make a decision.  However one of the worst things is the waiting game and you will have to wait for the results, so in a way I would attend the events that are organised during the time you wait for the results for your biopsy. Keep as busy as you can while waiting for the results.

[Joyce343]

I certainly agree with Irishgal.  I had a biopsy this afternoon and the radiologist removed 6 samples and set a marker.  That's the easy part. I commute to my job from the east to west coast and am hoping this is benign, primarily because I can't fit further treatment into my life right now.  Having the biopsy itself, following multiple mammos and ultrasounds, was a major inconvenience.  But you kinow that, if you have to, you'll make it work.  The main thing to remember is that you will cross that bridge when and if you come to it.  There's no point in agonizing over it now.  Moving on with your events will help tremendously in that it will keep your mind occupied so that you do not dwell on the "what ifs."

[juliebolie]

any breast lumps, cysts or cancer, does not come at a good time or convenient time. i went for a triple assesment, mammo,ultrasound and fine needle for a lump i found in my left breast, after triple assesment iwas told i needed a biopsy(same day) i was told dont worry, it looks like a cyst!!! it will be ok,2 weeks later i went for results..its a rare tumour a PHYLLODES tumour, next came a operation to remove the tumour a 1cm of healthy tissue. 2 weeks later, clear margins i did not get. i have to go back again and be opened up for a futher operation to get healthy tissue on the 22nd of this month. with this type of tumour there is no chemo, it is not hormone reseptive. if it is in my blood stream it will go to my lungs, and brain and the outlook is not good!!!!! today is my daughters 7th birthday (19thoct) i am putting on a brave face but i am wooried sick! i would fit any treatment into my life... i am a single mother of two 7 and 12. i am 43years old. this has been a wake up call!

[Irishgal2]

Very sorry to hear your story, it must be so tough on you.  I will say a prayer that it is not in your blood.  You are very brave and and wish you all the best