I know you people don't know me but I am freaking out and scared about having a biopsy monday

[Robyn66]

Hi,
I guess I am just looking for a place to vent so I don't have to look all strong and in control in front of the hubby and kids. But I had my first mammogram (always sounded like a combination between mammoth and telegram) and after re-doing it (painfully) about 6 times over two days they have decided to send me for a biopsy. There is no lump just a foggy area. They were all very nice but the vibe felt like this biopsy is just a confirmation of cancer. Nobody said that to me but its how I feel right now.

I am 42 years old, my mother died at 51 of lung cancer. I have always been terrified of dying young. I have two incredible daughters one is 9 and the other is 13 and she has Asper ger's syndrome. My mother in law is going through treatment for breast cancer right now and she looks HORRIBLE.

My poor husband is being very strong but I feel bad for the poor guy having to go through all of this at the same time. Plus I am a total train wreck because all I can imagine is the worst!

AAAARGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Robyn the insane and frightened

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Okay, first of all.

There is a very good chance that the biopsy will be negative for cancer. Try to stay calm. In the absolute worst case scenario, the disease has been caught early and you will be fine.

:hug:

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

2. First of all, you are not insane

And I can understand your fright. My sister died of breast cancer 7 years ago - she ignored a sore on her breast until it broke open and bled - turned out to be Stage III-B with mets, and she suffered horribly.

I am hoping and praying that the "foggy" area turns out to be nothing. Keep strong and know that you have friends here and a loving family.

:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

3. Although I did not have breast cancer - I am a twenty one year survivor of cancer.

They have come a long way in detection and treatment, if it is breast cancer. I am sending the best of positive thoughts for a clean outcome for you.

I go through an annual freak out right before all of my yearly post-cancer checkups.

:hug:

[petronius]

4. It's very normal to be scared, but trying to interpret tones and facial expressions

from medical providers is a very bad idea. I've had a bunch of experiences where a doctor will frown and say, "hmmmm," call in a bunch of other doctors who will frown and scratch their chins, send me to labs where technicians with grim faces will poke and prod - and in the end it turns out to be nothing. Remember that doctors will err as far on the side of caution as they can - it's probably not that they're confirming cancer, but that they want to remove that last 0.01% chance that it could be...

[Hell Hath No Fury]

5. Both my Mom and I have been there, done that.

Both incidents turned out perfectly OK, but it was some scary shit in the meantime. I can only say to you to hang tough, try not to obssess, and know that it is mostly likely OK and that -- if it is the worst case scenario -- you will handle it. Amd just remind yourself that you are not your mother. :hug:

[bluethruandthru]

6. My Mom and sister both had to have biopsies

and none turned out to be anything. I think very often these days doctors really go the extra mile to make sure everything is okay.
Hugs to you! You'll be fine! :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

7. Robyn, you're not being insane; your reaction is normal.

I went through something similar, and was in full freak-out mode too.

I know you don't want to get all freaked out in front of your kids, but if you need to cry, grab that husband of yours and cry on his shoulder. He may cry too, and that is also fine. Or cry by yourself. Getting some of that out will be more helpful than harmful, IMHO.

I will send you good vibes that the outcome of the biopsy is a good one (and very often, they are).

:hug:

[crim son]

8. Please don't assume the worst.

My younger sister and mother have both had biopsies for suspicious lumps and they turned out to be cysts, harmless cysts. And if it was difficult to get a shot of the mass in your breast, maybe that's because it's really small & you'll have caught it in good time. I'm sending lots of good vibes and do feel free to vent here in the Lounge. We're here to give and get support. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[southpaw]

9. My wife went through this about two months ago.

Her mammogram was similar to what you describe... not a well defined lump, but a hazy area.

The biopsy revealed nothing more than an area of inflamed tissue, no cancer... not even a fibroid cyst.

Stay positive.

Good vibes for you:

[Skittles]

10. well you're not insane my sweet

and the over-caution could be because: 1) there is a history of cancer in your family and 2) they switched to digital film and are seeing all kinds of things (which usually turn out to be benign) that they would not have even seen before. My bet is you'll be pronounced fine. Stay strong and keep us posted, Robyn

[optimisticin08]

11. Good luck!!

All you can do stay positive. i had a similar situation recently and when the test results came back i had a message on my answering machine to call my doctor. i was thinking the worst and was a wreck. i called up and they told me everything was fine. the odds are you will get the same good news.

[MorningGlow]

12. Of COURSE you're frightened

That's perfectly understandable--we're all terrified of biopsies and "the big C". You're watching your MIL battle breast cancer. And family history casts a big scary shadow over us all. (For me, it's colon cancer.)

But...breathe. Deeeeeep breath. Now do it again. Now do it one last time. And bear in mind that you have a good chance that it's absolutely nothing at all.

Freak out to your husband, Robyn. That's what he's there for. I'll bet you anything he'd be hurt if he thought you were hiding your fear from him instead of sharing. But of course you can freak out here as well--we're good at handling ALL kinds of freakouts!

Sending you good vibes and white light that your biopsy comes back showing a whole lotta nuthin'.

Keep us posted, okay? :hug:

[WinkyDink]

13. "Biopsy" is one of the scariest words. But it so often is followed by "all-clear" that THAT is a

term you can dwell on!

{{Robyn66}}

[Robyn66]

14. Thank you all!!!!

I needed to hear your kind words!!! I am so fucking scared right now!!!!! I can't believe this is happening to me!! I thought my worst fears were a Republican in the Whitehouse!!! Now I am af aid I won't live to see my children grow up!!!!

I know its stupid but its going through my head right now. I will let you all know what happens. In the mean time I am meditating on positive thoughts and praying a LOT,
Love to ALL!!!
Robyn

[Swede]

15. Hang in there.

It's normal to be scared. Vibes going out to you. You'll be fine.