[Greenleaves]

No appointment yet.

The lady said it's really hard to get through to the place that does the biopsy. I just have to wait. I don't know how long I have to wait. What if my lump was more suspicious? Would it be this difficult to get a biopsy? Or would they really make me wait this long? I've read of other people's experiences with lumps and it doesn't take weeks and weeks to go from ultrasound to biopsy.

[January]

Green, it really does take a while to get an appt for a biopsy. I know it's terrible to have to wait, but be sure to be very, very nice to everyone involved. It's not unusual to have to wait one or two months to get a biopsy if the Dr does not feel it's suspicious. I do understand that you want and need a definitive answer. Try to be patient and if you have a t or pdoc, get in touch with her and let her know what is happening with you.

Hugs,

Jan

[darkeyes]

In my case, when things weren't quite clear enough to have the docs be able to set me at ease, they had me have a 2nd mammogram shortly after the first and go that same day for ultrasound. Previous to that time, when I did have a lump the doctors felt it necessary not to wait for biopsy they scheduled promptly and went on to remove the whole lump.
Apparently, GL, they feel,from what they have seen so far with your exams/tests, that there is no rush, often certain cases and/or suspicious findings have priority in appt scheduling, so I'm feeling that your situation at this time is not immediate priority.
Try to be patient, you do not want them to think you are a hypochondriac, or a nuisance.
Your case is important, but you need to realize you are not the only patient, nor the only woman dealing with such problems, also remember there are worse cases that truly need attention.
Not saying yours doesn't, but there are priorities.
Easiest example: Say you went in the ER for a broken ankle, while at the same time the ambulance brings in a person with a severe head injury,heart attack,stroke,severed limbs,poisoning,etc. they will get the medical attention first.
If you sense, your medical staff isn't doing things in the manner they do, then I'd suggest seeking another group.
You need to chill a little bit and have some faith in the docs, you also need to try to understand you are not their only patient.
Good luck with this, take care now.
DE

[Greenleaves]

I'm really trying to be patient, but I'm afraid they might already think I'm a hypochondriac. I sort of left several messages very late at night one day, all crying and saying I was afraid I had cancer.

I know others should have priority, I just really really hope the doctors are right and I don't have breast cancer.

in my limited experience, having had breast cancer , married 16 years to a surgeon and worked in ER, a malignant lump generally feels very hard, is not usually attached and is like a small pea.

if your doctors thought you had a malignancy, i dare say that you would have been referred to a surgeon promptly. doctors don't behave in a cavalier manner if they suspect that a patient has a malignancy.

i will tell you this, if you are behaving hysterically and calling a lot, you'll be put off because those people are dealing by the hour with patients who have immediate concerns and you'll end up at the back of the line.

when i worked in ER, a young woman thought she had a little problem and a young child came in with a fever of 105 degrees. who do you think i took first? Darkeyes is right on about who gets seen first. priorities are one of the first things that a medical staff learns. and i certainly agree that if you believe that you absolutely cannot wait to see your surgeon, book an appointment with another group.

[Greenleaves]

Fayerody, now you're really scaring me! My lump *is* very hard and isn't attached. It feels like an oval pea!!! I already know it's solid, from the ultrasound.

[Greenleaves]

I need some comfort right now that my lump isn't cancer.

greenleaves, generally that is how a malignant lump feels. i had severe fibrocystic disease in my breast also and the lumps were similiar.

several people here have suggested that you see someone else, if you don't feel that you can get in soon enough at your regular doctor's. at your age, i seriously doubt that it is cancer.

let me ask you this? if you didn't have this cancer scare going on, would you have something else that was worrying you? trying some relaxation techniques, as others have suggested, would help you.

didn't your mom say she thought it was your rib? i can rub on my rub right now and "find" a lump. if your mom thought you had a malignancy, wouldn't she be pushing for an appointment also? i'm too tired to go back and start reading this thread again from the beginning, but i don't think that you are going to resolve this tonight. the only resolution you will get is with a doctor.

didn't i read that you had an ultrasound? have you had a mammogram? have you had a doctor do a physical exam of this lump? and if so, what were the results? pat

[Greenleaves]

The possible rib-lump is an entirely new lump, on the other breast. Ultrasounds haven't found any abnormalities in that breast 6 months ago. I don't know if that has changed.

The lump in my right breast was felt upon examination by the doctors. It was found on the ultrasound too. It is "most likely" a fibroadenoma. I'm guessing they are saying this because of my age.

I've read of people my age having breast cancer and the diagnosis being delayed for months and months because no one thought it was cancer that their age.

I've not had a mammogram. I suspect this is because my breasts are too dense at my age for the mammogram to be accurate.

[darkeyes]

Gl, no offense, but I think you are getting obsessed,and creating more upset than necessary.
As many of us have said already, over and over,if this was priority over the other patients waiting to see your doc, you would not have a long wait for your appt.
It really sounds, like many have said, and if I remember right, you said the doc said this was a fibroadenoma, awhile back.
At this point can't you just believe? Many of us woman have that too,have tests, and/or removed. When I first started with this fibrocystic stuff, I was petrified of cancer, after I learned more about it what it was, I grew less scared, and now are familar with them.
Still it is good to stick with check ups, but not obsess over it, you are obsessing way too much, and I think at this point you should really talk to a therapist, and maybe chill on haunting your other doc's office.
They gave you an appt. you said? So, just go when your appt day is scheduled, period, the end.
Meanwhile seeing a therapist, may help you with your obsessive behaviour, and even possible hypochondria.
Addressing those issues can be of help to the physical you too.
As so many of us here have suggested to fill some of this time you have on your hands, which allows you to obsess with stuff, would be finding a job,if not possible do some volunteer work,which can be at animal care centers,or people related things like hospital,elderly care centers, and even with children.
Take up a hobby or sport, even both. Help mom with chores,or stuff like reading,gardening,etc.
There are so many alternatives,if you really want to lose this excessive worrying,looking for attention,you can help yourself by trying some suggestions that the members have been donating a lot of time in their caring replies to you.
Most of all you need to see a mental health professional, the sooner the better.
Again, take care now.

DE

darkeyes made some really good points.

i have a suggestion also. how often do you scan through the forums and offer support to others here? offering help to other posters will help you. there are hundreds of posters here, daily, that can use an encouraging word. pat

[Greenleaves]

They didn't give me an appointment yet Darkeyes. I'm still waiting to get an appointment.

I just started a job today. I'm really glad I did. I'm getting some structure. Before I was sleeping in until 3 in the afternoon. I wanted to do some volunteering at the hospital, but now that I have a job I can't.

I'm really grateful for all the replies. I really am. I just lose it sometimes and get really scared.

I will try to help others more.

[LMo]

Congrats on the job! What will you be doing?

coooooooooooool. you got a job? tell us about it!

[Greenleaves]

It's nothing much. I'm a cashier at this fast food restaurant at the mall.

My uncle owns the restaurant. My Mom works there too. Now I'm working alongside my Mom. I'm only working 12-4 on Mon. and Tues and I work 12-6 on Weds, Thurs and Fri.

[LMo]

Well cool - extra money leads to independence. These are good things. I'm happy for you!

[(JD)]

I agree, independence and learning good work habits and money handling, what a great way to learn!

that is excellent! good for you!

[darkeyes]

GL, that's a start, it's good news.
Even a few hours a week can help, it takes away from that extra time on your hands to obsess, gives experience working with public, begining of independence.
Summer jobs for students off from school is an excellent thing, even if it isn't a lot of money.
Many of us "elders" and "youngins" have done this in our early teens while being students. I actually liked it,had money for clothes I liked, albums (now CD's),the type of things mom couldn't afford or just didn't feel was a neccesity (sp?).
GL, live your life,your young and have a future,don't waste your time obsessing about your health, but still do keep healthy and go for yearly checkups.
Take care now,
DE