Waiting for results

Hi Larry20 welcome to the forum. So glad at least one part of this process is at least past for you. The Hospitals seem to vary across the country, some do use phone results but most still use in person return visits. I know that doesn't help in your query but maybe it puts your mind at rest that one is better or worse than the other if that makes sense?

I always think its good to have someone with you when you go back for results, so yes I would take my partner with you. Thinking of you in this limbo land with waiting, but it will be here before you know it and we are here for you as and when  you need us to be. Sending very best wishes your way. xxx     

Hi Gail,

I received my appointment via text on Thursday, unfortunately my appointment isn’t until 6th Jan so I’ve got a worrying 4 weeks to wait. What’s the likelihood that it’s going to be bad news? Surely they wouldn’t make me wait this long ? But then in the other hand if it’s just to tell me that my results are fine and there’s nothing to worry about , why can’t they tell me that over the phone or by letter? I’ve now got to spend the Xmas holidays terrified I have cancer ??? 

Laura x

Hi Laura,

I've found out there's a lot of waiting involved in cancer! I've always been told three weeks for results - it takes two weeks for results to come back, then the case is discussed at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, then they get you back into clinic to discuss with you. Try not to read anything into the time it takes. My consultant prepared me for it being cancer when the first biopsy was taken - the wait was excruciating. 

Take care x

Do they discuss all cases even if they’re benign ? 

I think so, yes. To need a biopsy then the mammogram / ultrasound must have looked suspicious, so when a biopsy comes back as not cancerous that contradicts the imaging. They want to be sure they're confident it truly isn't cancer, and I know of some women where the radiographer has pushed for additional biopsies as they are so sure there is cancer (one woman did have cancer but had several biopsies before it was confirmed). This isn't common but can happen. Waiting is so so hard, but it's good that they are this thorough, to avoid false-negatives and be sure of the right course of treatment for those of us that sadly do have cancer. 

Hi ,

Yes I had a mammogram , ultrasound and then a biopsy ( she took 3 samples). The waiting game is the hardest. In my mind I’m thinking they’ve got my results right in front of them so if they’re benign and no further action needs to be taken then surely they could contact me over the phone to tell me, instead I’m having to wait 4 weeks for something that is possibly nothing. I appreciate they need to be thorough so they don’t miss anything but I suffer with anxiety as it is so this has just made it worse.

Best wishes to you and I hope you’re ok.

Laura x

I absolutely understand the worry and frustration ((((hugs)))). At my first results appt they told me they'd found a second area of concern on re-examination of mammograms that needed to be biopsied. My understanding is that they aren't doing nothing over this time. Two specialists look at all imaging to try and ensure nothing is missed. Samples are studied and tested to see if they are cancer, if they are reacting to hormones etc etc. Just not hearing anything quickly isn't good or bad. It just is. 

I have depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms and had to come off The Pill at my first clinic appt. My moods went wild! If you're struggling speak to your GP, or MH team if they're involved. I found my breast care nurse sympathetic and lovely but not very practically useful. (She did tell me more about why things take the time they take though!!) I got an urgent referral to psychiatrist for meds review, and some "if in crisis" tabs. I'm doing better now. 

Probably absolutely no use, but try and think of this as time you're well. Regardless of what tests say. Do things you've not gotten around to - watch that film, visit that place, catch up with that friend. And reach out for help when you need to. See if there's local cancer charities that offer support if face-to-face helps. There's the Macmillan phone line too. 

xx

When I attended my last appointment the doctor said I’d hear within 7-10 days either by phone call or face to face. I guess I just assumed that’s when I’d get my results. In my head if it was over the phone it’s good news and face to face is bad news