Biopsy results today - terrified!

chickadee

...and it isn't even for me. My sister had a biopsy last week after being recalled following a routine mammogram. She isn't married and asked me to take her to the hospital. I was OK with this, knowing that many lumps are actually cysts. However, having had a scan and a further examination, she had to have a biopsy. Anyway, today we go for the results. I'm scared that the results will be bad and she will need me to be strong and supportive but I'm worried I will cry and make things worse.

What kind of things can cause lumps if they aren't cysts? And how can I be strong?

Toothsmith

To start with, the vast majority of biopsies will come back as something innocent or benign.

The fear you're feeling is not the fear that she has cancer, but the uncertainty of not knowing.

Once you know - things become clearer. You then know the situation and can make plans accordingly.

In the highly unlikely chance of it being the worst news - what is wrong with a bit of a weep on hearing the news? Absolutely nothing, and it's an excellent way of getting out all the anxiety you've both been building up. It's even a good idea if (rather WHEN) you get the good news too!

It's true that in this country the sorts of scenes you see at arab funerals of women beating themselves and wailing are considered a bit 'unseemly' - but I think you'd both be very unlikely to do that! Even though it might also help a bit!!!

The point is you won't be doing that all the time throughout her entire treatment (even though there will be nothing that needs treating!). You WILL give her strength and support, because you just will!

Sorry if this seems a bit on the lighthearted side - it's not meant to belittle your situation - just help you.

Best of luck - but the odds are very much in your favour.

The_Bargain_Hunters

I have gone through Breast Cancer and all the ops and treatments and have made many new friends along the way, my attitude to life has changed for the better and now i'm waiting for my "tummy tuck & boob job" so think positive, it does have it's up side!


The other possible result could be calcification, which also causes lumps!

Let us know how your sister gets on, fingers crossed it will be all clear but if it comes back positive at least she has you for support and don't worry about bursting into tears it is only natural and the hospital will have a breast care nurse who is trained in coping with such situations and will be on call for support for your sister.

Good luck

chickadee

Hi there, sadly the results were positive but after the shock of hearing the news we didn't want, we both felt a sense of relief that at least we both now know what we are dealing with. The doctor told my sister the news and she was able to select her preferred hospital for treatment. She also has a choice of operation, just the lump and surrounding tissue, or the whole breast. Don't know what she will choose yet. The breast care nurse was fantastic. She gave my sis some information and a phone number in case she thinks of any questions later.

Of course I'll be right there for my sis all the way and hopefully it has been diagnosed in time for a successful outcome. She had no idea it was there, it was picked up through a routine screening examination.

Thanks for your supportive words, now we can plan. In any event, we are heading off next week to Wales for a few days so hopefully a bit of quality time before ops and treatment starts.

chickadee
x

Bendybops19

I am so very sorry...:(

But you and your sister sound quite positive - which is great! Its always best to look on things with a brighter outlook, even though it can be hard.

Your sister is in my thoughts, and you sound like a brilliantly supportive sister.

xxxxxxxx

filigree_2

I'm sorry to hear your sister's news. I found the following sites very helpful:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk - they have a forum, also they run information days and all sorts of support activities

http://www.phpbbserver.com/breastcancer/index.php?mforum=breastcancer - I prefer this forum personally, it is more user friendly and the ladies are all very friendly.

If your sister doesn't like using the internet, you would be welcome to join the forums yourself to get information and support, there are quite a few members who post on behalf of their loved ones.

FRUGAL_4

Chickadee,

I am so really sorry to hear of your sisters news.

Thinking of your sister and you in this difficult time.

FRUGAL

anniebooklover

((((hugs)))) chickadee. My thoughts are with you and your sister. Your sister is lucky to have you. xx

comping_cat

((HUGS)) chickadee to your sister and to you xxxxxxxxxxx

ktb

sorry about your sister's news chickadee... I really hope that she is able to stay somewhat positive considering. My mum was diagnosed with quite advanced breast cancer 2 years ago and is all clear and fit as a fiddle today!

Like toothsmith said above often the uncertainty is often the worst bit... at least once you know what's wrong you can move forwards with the treatment & feel less helpless etc.. I wish your sister all the best... xxx

BubbaUk_2

Bless you both... stay positive and come out fighting!