So, My mom had a biopsy on Tuesday (21st) and a follow up appointment booked that day for 9:15 am Monday morning (Feb 3).

They said the biopsy results would take 7-10 days and we've had some weather events since the biopsy so it erring on the 10 days doesn't really shock me.

They called today to confirm the appointment and I asked if the biopsy results were in. She said they should be then looked to confirm that they were but didn't offer to tell me anything and I am not the patient so I'm not sure she should have. She certainly didn't have the results in front of her when she made the call.

But my question is would they have you come in to check in on negative results? Cause I would think they would have called to give negative results. And so if they need to see her the results must be positive?

Am I reading too much into this?

Can I call and ask for the results?

Do I want to if it's Friday and I'm going to have the diagnosis and nothing I can do about it until Monday?

Hi, bwb
As I understand it (and I am not an expert), the nurse should not give you medical results unless you have a medical POA for your mom. In any case, the doctor would likely be the one to give results.
If the biopsy results are negative, the doctor will still likely want to see your mom to verify that the biopsy site is healing properly.
Does your mom like movies? Maybe you could both go to see one over the weekend. Waiting sucks, but it helps to keep busy!
Best wishes and fingers crossed for a good result.
Maria

Thanks,

Honestly, since the initial call and my freak out, I'm feeling more positive. Not so much about what the actual results are going to be because I have no control over that.

But for the first time in 10 days I don't jump when the phone calls. I know when we'll get results.

And if it is cancerous then we learn first thing on a Monday morning ready to tackle the week of scheduling scans and appointments.

Your reactions right now are about what we expect from someone new to cancer (either patient or caregiver). Initially, it just scares the devil out of you, mostly because it's so new and we know absolutely nothing about the disease.

But, then you join a family like this and let us work our magic on you, and then if you are lucky you learn some stuff and a little calm finally starts to set in. We've all been down this road already, and know what you will be going through, so we guide you gently down the road.

A big chunk of what we do is to help educate you about what's coming up, so you won't stay freaked out forever. For some, it's not too bad, for others it's worse. Can we predict what it will be for your mom ... absolutely not. Everyone is different, you will get tired of hearing that, but it's true.

If it's cancer, best thing your mom can do is to start eating ... like a horse ... like she wants to try to get fat as quickly as possible. During treatment I promise you she will lose weight, the goal is to not lose too much weight. If she does it makes treatment a LOT harder, for some bad enough they have to hospitalize you for malnutrition.

The other big thing she needs to do right now, whether it's cancer or it's not cancer, is to relax and not worry herself silly about it. None of us like to wait for results, but they will be what they will be, worrying about it ahead of time won't change the diagnosis. So, just relax, watch TV and movies, read a good book, take an extra nap every day, visit with your friends, go shopping, eat some more, sleep in late; in short try to enjoy life now because during treatment it won't be so enjoyable.

Regardless of the results, get back on the forum and let us know how it turns out.

take care,
Tony

Hi BWB, please don't read anything at all into the fact that your Mom's doc wants to deliver the results in person. As Maria mentioned, the doc will check the biopsy site. Beyond that, an in-person visit gives you an opportunity to discuss any follow-up monitoring the doc recommends. If no further monitoring's recommended, you'll have a chance to make sure you understand why and whether there are any warning signs to watch for.

Even when they turn out happily these cancer scares are traumatic. Docs know that and most will spend time easing your worries when they can.

Good luck!