Breast cancer fear

@auntieoakley is the biopsy going to be painful? What should I expect or prepare for?

@oliviasj As others have already said, try not to worry until there's actually something to worry about. That’s honestly some of the best advice you can carry with you throughout this whole process, especially since there are several tests ahead that will help determine the specific treatment plan for you in case that you need it.

My main advice right now would be: don’t let your mind jump to the worst-case scenario. Try to stay grounded in the facts you currently have. For example, right now there’s a mass, but you don’t have a confirmed diagnosis—so don’t assume anything until the exams give you clear answers.

Also, lean on your support system—your family, and if you can, find a good therapist. Therapy has helped me see things from a different perspective, and it’s made a huge difference for me.

I have had a few over the years and I will say the needle core with the clicker was pretty uncomfortable. I believe this is mostly due to location on my part (upper inside anchored to chest wall). I have had several guided needle biopsies and I rarely felt a thing due to the local. I of course felt the immediate pin prick of the needle with the local, but if you tell them you are needle shy, I am sure they will understand and try to help.
For the record, I was very needle shy before cancer, and I found that not looking was very helpful to me. Pick a favorite thing to think about and take your mind there and don’t watch. Think about your dog or your child or grandchild or anything else.
I will be thinking about you tomorrow, you got this❣️

Because of your left sided involvement, did you have radiation lying on your stomach? I am on week 2 and they have me lying in that position for heart and lung protection.

Yes, I will. As a therapist myself, I believe in the power of therapy! Yes, I agree that not jumping to worst case scenarios is very important! Well, when I walked in to the breast surgeon's office "fine" and walked out "you have breast cancer", that changed my whole world! It was the surgeon who initially laid out all the possible case scenarios for me after I pressed her...this happened on Monday and my biopsy is sched. for tomorrow. Thank you for your support!!! It means the world to me right now!

I guess I really trust my doctors. I know I will have some sort of a breast exam every 6 months. My doctor said go live your life. I get what you are saying.

Hi @oliviasj. Darn. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. My heart really goes out to you.

Of course it is scary as heck to even consider the possibility of cancer. It sounds like you’re in the waiting phase, which is so darn hard.

Bob Marley said “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”

It is so hard to wait and worry. Even though you might be worrying in the back of your mind, try to do some things purposefully that make you feel a little better — whatever that looks like for you. (I walked my dog a lot while waiting for several days for an initial diagnosis to be confirmed and watched shows that made me laugh.)

Keep us posted! Wishing you peace and strength while you wait.

@oliviasj, I completely understand your fears of the unknown and potential pain associated with getting the biopsy. I didn't sleep for days before thinking about it. It was far easier than I ever thought. The doctor was gentle, explained every step, and gave me enough lidocaine that I hardly felt it. My tumor was 3 inches from my nipple and midway into my breast. I am now three weeks post-lumpectomy surgery, and healing from that a little more every day. The best way for me to live through all of this is to keep my mind busy, talk with friends, and visit my granddaughters. They bring me the most joy.
Best to you, and keep your mind as busy as possible on unrelated cancer things. It can take over all of our thoughts.

@cmce thank you so much for your kind and positive words! I survived my biopsy today...I hope they send me straight to surgery as soon as the results come in...please pray for me..

@oliviasj I am happy to hear the biopsy is behind you now. You made it! When the lab analyzes what was biopsied, you will hear the results along with your doctor. That should be early next week. The Dr will base the surgery on the results. Ask lots of questions and never feel intimidated. It’s your body and you can be part of the decisions. Ask anything of us here in the group. I found support here that my friend and family couldn’t give me. The comfort and kindness of a sisterhood. Sending love and prayers.