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Safe to wait a month to biopsy suspiscous spot?

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Posted 12/21/2012 7:27 AM (GMT 0)

Hi, I'm 57 with no family history of breast cancer. After a follow-up diagnostic mammo and ultrasound 12/19/12, the radiologist decided I needed a biopsy to determine what the new "spot" was that had shown up on my yearly mammo 11/29. It is not a cyst and the BiRads 4.5 according the to radiologist indicates that it is very suspiscious. The earliest appointment radiology said they could give me for the biopsy is 1/14/13, almost a month away! I thought that it was very important to deal with a possible breast cancer as quickly as possible, so waiting a month to find out what is growing in my breast seems wrong on so many levels. I try to be positive until I have reason to worry, but the fact that the breast health radiology department is so indifferent to my situation has been so incredibly upsettting.  Has anyone had any experience with having to wait this long to have a biopsy? Is it safe to wait or should I continue to push for an earlier appointment? There are other breast health facilites in my city that aren't affiliated with the hospital system that I have had my mammmograms at for the last 10 years. Should I try a different facility to possibly get an earlier biopsy? I'm sorry for so many questions but I'm really starting to fall apart here. Thanks for your help.   

Posted 12/27/2012 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Mimi57: I, like you, also had the dreaded callback for a second mammogram on Dec. 14. I am 55 and in good health, but with a family history (Mother, died age 58) of breast cancer. The radiologist called the small microcalification (less than 2 cm) "indeterminate" and prescribed a stereotactic biopsy of the spot. Needless to say, it has been a very different holiday! I am scheduled for Jan. 8. I confess that I am concerned and scared and anxious. I read a lot about these things, which says that 80% come back as benign. I keep trying to tell myself that. Know that there are other women like you and please write if it helps to reassure you that all will be well. Look forward to more posts from women who have been down this road and can share some positive stories! Happy healthy New Year to all!
Posted 12/27/2012 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
Mimi57 and Vita1,
I too just went through the same thing of waiting a month to find out what was going on with a mass i had behind my nipple on my left breast. The radiologist on his first check of it was "Very Concerned" it is a terrifying experience and made Christmas very difficult. All I can say is have faith in yourself and if it is to big for you hand it off to a religious thought, or perhaps even a good friend. I know the anguish this breeds and it is so hard on your body. Luckily for me my mass changed in the 6 days between my mammogram/ultrasound to the day I had my biopsy, which was yesterday, it turned out to be benign and just an infection. I have never been one to believe in the man upstairs until I prayed for my Christmas miracle, I did not know what to do, and it would seem he answered me.
good luck to you both and I pray you have the same graces I did.
God Bless and Happy New year!!
Posted 12/28/2012 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Woogie:  Thank you for your encouraging note!  I have confided my worst fears to God and to my best friend.  I have spared my 19 year-old daughter because I did not want to ruin her Christmas too.  I am nervous about the upcoming biopsy--not only because of possible bad news--but because I get nervous about all medical appointments!  I have never had a biopsy (stereotactic or otherwise) and the strangeness of it is also making me anxious.  While I am taking each day before my exam on 1/8 as it comes, I am also preparing myself for both good and bad news.  My doctor is very supportive and I have found that keeping busy helps me from going places in my mind that I should not go! LOL!  I will hope to use this forum and all the brave women here as additional support!  Thank you again for sharing your story with me!  Merry Christmas and wishing you a happy, healthy new year! wink
Posted 12/28/2012 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Vita1,
You will be in my prayers and if you ever need me I check this forum daily and will be happy to exchange emails with you or whatever you might need. God Bless you!!
Posted 12/29/2012 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you! Today was a good day! Iwill be back here! God bless!
Posted 12/29/2012 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Woogie: I am going to keep busy today so my thoughts do not wonder toward the morbid. Today, I thought of how much time I have wasted worrying about people, places and things that are not in my control. I thought about how much I like to plan things and perhaps not always enjoy the present moment. While faith has never come easily to me, I realize that it is faith in somethng greater than ourselves that gives life real meaning. Thank you for being so supportive to me, a stranger! Your kindness means a lot.
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