Waiting on biopsy results

Hi Auntyjen,

I am 51 and awaiting the results of a hysteroscopy which removed a polyp 2.5 weeks ago. Had a week long bleed, post menopausal, although it was hard to tell initially because I’ve been on the progesterone only pill for 7 years which stops periods, however blood tests indicate postmenopausal. Have 5.1cms thickness, fibroid, polyp, cyst on ovary.

I’ve found that keeping busy is the best way of managing the waiting for the results. I have done some Googling, because I have found that the medical professionals I’ve met on the two week wait pathway don’t really want to tell you much about your case until there is a result. The support on here is great because talking things through with someone is a necessary part of processing your emotions I think. I’ve been up and down, sometimes thinking ‘this is ridiculous, there’s only a 10% chance of chance of cancer, I could be wasting energy worrying about it,’ and then thinking ‘well all these documents on the NHS app have ‘fast track suspected cancer on them,’ which obviously can set you off. 
So, I would say read enough to be informed on google, however look for support on this forum and also keep busy so that you don’t dwell too much. 

Thank you. I have been on progesterone since the 18th of June it’s hasn’t made any difference still bleeding so the doctor upped my dose. When they did the ultrasound someone messed up somewhere as they didn’t tell me they were concerns of cancer I only found out on Monday when getting my hysterscopy. I am trying to keep busy. Finding this forum invaluable. Hope you get your results soon x 

I’m sorry I’d disagree about Googling - it’s far better to stick to info on this wonderful Macmillan site and from other reputable UK cancer charity websites. With Googling you run the risk of finding info that is out of date, not applicable, inaccurate or just plain wrong, and you’re very likely to scare yourself to death unnecessarily. My advice would be don’t Google at all, but ask on here or look on the Macmillan site.

Sorry to hear you are waiting results which is a trial to say the least. I'm with you on the keeping busy idea, I think it's good to find some distraction if at all possible. I ended up on some 5 minute walks round the block just to reset my brain! Do hope you won't have too long to wait. 

Sending best wishes. 

Hi Auntyjen

Welcome to the group.

I am sorry to hear of your heavy bleeding for the last couple of months. It must feel very draining. 

Because of the abnormal bleeding and the thickened lining it would be normal to have a biopsy to investigate further. Hopefully it will rule out cancer but if it does come back showing cancer, then early stage endometrial cancer is normally a very treatable cancer. 

Hopefully the results will be back to you before the 4 weeks as in my experience they try to give you a rough idea but it does depend on how busy the pathology lab is. Even at the same hospital my biopsy results took around a week whereas the post op ones took around 3 1/2 weeks. 

Hopefully the progesterone will start to ease the bleeding. If it doesn't or if it becomes heavy enough to soak through a pad within the hour then it would be time to get checked. 

Waiting for results is always tough and we are here if you need us. There is also the Support Line if you feel like it would help to chat things through. 

Although it can be hard to focus on much else I found keeping to my normal routines where possible helped and also to go for walks in the fresh air. Anything to stop sitting and thinking about it. 

Jane