Waiting for DCIS pathology results: Feeling alot of fear & anxiety

If it helps to feel better, tell us here how you feel and what you worry the most. We're all through it and understand the anxiety of waiting. I remember having a conversation with another member of the forum and we both agreed that venting is good. Hugs.

I had the opposite situation. I had IDC Stage IA HR+ I thought lumpectomy and radiation was all I had to do. It's the new "gold standard" in treating early breast cancers with no lymph node spread. But nobody had told me about the oncotype testing. So when I went to the hematologist, I thought maybe to check out my wounds or talk about estrogen suppressors, and he said I needed chemo after all, it was like being hit in the face with a shovel. I was stunned and started crying. I did not hear a single word the doctor said after that, even though his report says that I had heard and understood every word he said.

Anxiety awaiting test results (we've all been there) or unexpected traumatic episode. That's life in the Breast Cancer Zone. Just BeCuZ.

I try to find even the tiniest bit of fun in this situation where I can. The absurdity of the entire process through the Breast Cancer Zone is fodder for humor.

I know it's a drag. I hate waiting for test results, too. Pro tip: Never have a biopsy or other diagnostic test after noon on Thursday. I hope you get to a serene place AND a favorable result.

Easy to say, but not so easy to do, I know.

I had the opposite situation. I had IDC Stage IA HR+ I thought lumpectomy and radiation was all I had to do. It's the new "gold standard" in treating early breast cancers with no lymph node spread. But nobody had told me about the oncotype testing. So when I went to the hematologist, I thought maybe to check out my wounds or talk about estrogen suppressors, and he said I needed chemo after all, it was like being hit in the face with a shovel. I was stunned and started crying. I did not hear a single word the doctor said after that, even though his report says that I had heard and understood every word he said.

Anxiety awaiting test results (we've all been there) or unexpected traumatic episode. That's life in the Breast Cancer Zone. Just BeCuZ.

I cope a lot by trying to find even the tiniest bit of a laugh where I can in this situation. Crossing over into the Breast Cancer Zone does have its ridiculous and even funny moments.

I know it's a drag. I hate waiting for test results, too. Pro tip: Never have a biopsy or other diagnostic test after noon on Thursday. I hope you get to a serene place AND a favorable result.

Easy to say, but hard to do, I know.

Hi
Well, that's not what I wanted to hear. But thanks for sharing. This is the week I was supposed to see the surgeon tomorrow. But they moved me to Friday the 19th I just want to know I have so much.
Fear. 5 wks is too long to wait. It's nuts. Nothing we can do but wait i'm so tired of it. I also am having complications with bladder. Issue which they still can't seem to resolve. Going off hrt moods are all over the place.

I'm sorry my suggestion and message were unhelpful to you. I missed the postponement part. I agree that 3 weeks is way too much time. It's often the case that breast cancer patients have to "shout" to be heard. Call them back, and tell them the additional wait is unacceptable if not downright cruel. Demand that the earlier appointment be honored. The last thing you need on your plate is to be jerked around by your doctor. I've done a lot of research, and oncologists who become breast cancer patients are often stunned by the patient experience. They don't get us. It's like a parallel alternate universe.

Unless it's a delay on the lab's part. Then complain about that.

Hi
It's 5 weeks. I have been waiting not 3 and the change to my appointment was not the surgeon's fault. The hospital changed his surgical operating day this week, so he had to flip his case load.

@sue417 you have DCIS, at least so far that is the diagnosis. @gemjaynes had IDC, invasive ductal cancer, which is a very different picture. Some DCIS is even considered "pre-cancer," I have read. There is an Oncotype Dx test specifically for DCIS if it is ER+ and HER2-. I wonder if your doctor is prioritizing invasive cancer and therefore making you wait longer. (I don't know if that is a thing!) If so, it could help to let them know you are anxious.

I didn't like waiting and went to the hospital record room to get any info. That was before patient portals. Do you have any info besides that it is DCIS?

Hi
I'm in ontario In canada so this is normal wait time The hospital changed his surgery day. So that's why they had to move my follow-up appointment.