Waiting for results

[websister]

Hi
I have a long history of fibrocystic breast disease, with two lumpectomies for benign fibroadenomas and several fine needle aspirations performed on breast cysts. I am 54 now. I found a new lump on my right breast, 9 o'clock position a few weeks ago, the nipple sensation had changed about two months ago to painful and there has been pain on right side of breast into axilla for several months.
I went to the breast surgeon last week, had a mammogram/ultrasound two days later - they seemed very concerned, I was take back to mammogram twice, for the second and third views they used a different, smaller paddle that they said increased the magnification for these views.
When I went into the room for the ultrasound, the tech said 'oh good, you already have a breast surgeon'. They ended up doing core biopsies on three areas, including a lymph node in the axilla and fine needle aspiration of a cyst with bloody fluid returning. With the core biopsies several samples were taken from each site.
It is now Thursday the week after, I still haven't heard about pathology results - which they told me would be back in 5 - 7 business days. I have an appointment next Wednesday again with the breast surgeon. A friend suggested to me that if the results were bad, I would have heard by now, is this true?

[japdip]

I'm sorry your results were positive for cancer. You have a challenge before you now so stay positive and meet it "head-on" ... I wish you well for your surgery next week and we will be anxious to hear how you are doing. We will be here to help you along the journey ... we have all been there and now we are here to help others. Please let us know how you are doing and come back with any questions or concerns you may have .... we'll do our best to answer and in the meantime we are holding "GOOD" thoughts for a speedy recovery from the surgery. Kindest regards ...

[websister]

Thank you, your advice is appreciated. I received my results June 20th. IDC Grade 3 one biopsy site, satellite site, DCIS Grade 3; metastatic adenocarcinoma found in the fine needle aspiration of the lymph glad. Surgery next Friday.

[japdip]

You can never tell much about how long it takes to get your results except that some institutions send specimens to an outside lab and the time for the final results to be in can vary quite a bit. You might call your Surgeon's office and ask IF the results are on your chart. As a rule it's preferred to give the pt. results (no matter what type) in person at your next appointment. I have never been in favor of releasing a report to a patient until they have been given a detailed explanation of same ... non medical persons should never be expected to make sense out of a report that is meant for another Physician. IT's quite a process .. the films and lab specimens are examined and a report is dectated. This then is typed and often returned to the Dr. who did the procedure to be read and signed. Then it is sent to your own Dr. who doesn't necessarily read it the day it arrives in the office. You just can't base the results on the time it takes for this process to be completed. I'm sure when you see your Surgeon, he/she will explain all resuts to you. In the meantime you might write down any questions you have and take the list with you to your appointment. Do Not leave the office without every question or concern being addressed or answered. Best wishes .....