How do you cope with anxiety while waiting for cancer test results?

Im focusing on work and my daughters 😊

Diagnosed in March, and I’m still in the testing stage. Anxitety from the moment I wake til the exhaustion of the unknown take me down at night. Prayers for you Cindy. Here if you ever want to chat.

I was diagnosed on March 13, doing some tests, yes I’m nervous but I’m also enjoying the last few days of feeling normal 😊I’m working as much as I can and I’m enjoying time with my daughters.

When I broke my ankle in 2023, I took up needle point. My bilateral mastectomy surgery is in 6 days and I bought two kits to work on because I’ll be waiting for results after my surgery too. I also bought chicken soup for the soul book in case I’m not feeling up to needlepoint. I found with needlework, I have to concentrate a bit on that so it will help take away some constant thoughts about my cancer. And, when I finish the piece, it’s a nice piece of work that makes me happy.

Thanks! It's just good to not feel so alone. I do really hate the waiting!

Keep the faith. I will pray for you all here.

Just diagnosed feb.28,2025 DCIS My surgeon ordered a MRI and it lit up like a Christmas tree. Findings that were not mentioned IN PATHOLOGY REPORT FROM THE INITIAL IMAGING CENTER. SMH SO LAST WEEK MAMMOS AND SONO. THIS WEEK fri. ANOTHER 3 BIOPSIES. IM VERY NERVOUS so sorry about the caps. Anxiety is taking over me because I don't know what to expect from the BIOPSIES. Addendum! Surgeon called yesterday and they noticed something suspicious after the 3 BIOPSIES and now I'm scheduled 4/24 for another MRI biopsy. Smh

Prayers and more prayers. Father God remove any anxiety or torment during this time of waiting. In Jesus name, Amen.

Hello I just got diagnosed on March 13th my CT scans and other tests are not until April 21st. I did have an appointment with the surgeon on April 3rd. After tests I'll meet with my oncologist on the 24th the waiting is very hard.

Everything seems to be moving at a slow pace, but everything will fall into place eventually. I'm never in a hurry. When you underwent your biopsy beforehand was their a report ordered to determine reoccurrence, aggressiveness & speed of your cancer? That is sent out & takes up to 4 weeks to obtain results. The doctor's sense of urgency is determined per results. I understand that waiting can be unsettling. If the doctor removed more tissue than expected, it's surprising that the procedure didn't become an oncoplasty unless it was still quite a small area removed. You could call & ask if your pathology report has been received; it just may be that the doctor prefers to go over the report with you in person upon your appointment.

Yes they say it's non aggressive and that the dates for treatment are fine. It's just waiting for treatment that's bothering me.

It does go surprisingly slow… I was diagnosed in April and lumpectomy in August ! I tried to focus on anything else at that time so I could stay calm

I have my first lumpectomy on next Wednesday. I’m only concerned with the pain between arthritis, migraines, lymphedema, etc! I just don’t want another pain in my body. I’m grateful that they caught the DCIS in my breast during my yearly mammogram. Because I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort. Nothing was noticeable on my breast or pain in my lymph nodes. I read your fears, concerns, and worries that make me know that I am not alone!

I am right there with you. Always another test and then wait. My nerves are shot. I am trying hard but the fear and depression is getting to me.

I found a lump in mid January, diagnosed on February 24th with invasive mammary carcinoma with mucinous features, had a lumpectomy on march 21st, lymph nodes were negative, they did the oncotype DX test on the tumor and results show I don’t have to do chemo. Starting hormone therapy radiation next week.

Barbara M did you have anything else besides Mucinous features? How big was your tumor?

Tumor was 2.1cm, I’m not used to seeing so many doctors and doing so many tests. Wanting to get back to normal if that’s even possible.

I hear ya. I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma with prominent mucinous and focal Micropapillary features. I have a double mastectomy Tuesday. I can’t wait to get rid of this tumor. My ultrasound said the size is 3.1 cm but the MRI says 4.6cm. I am completely freaking out over this.

Stay positive in all you do. I am praying for all of us.

Pray,stay positive and lean on faith and family.

Cindy Was in same boat as you. Had lumpectomy in April. During post op visit doc said some her 2 positive cells leaked out. So the beginning of May I had to have a biopsy of the sentinel lymph node. Luckily the cancer didn’t spread and I only needed radiation. I’m on round 18 of radiation now 2 more to go.

It seems a lot in the beginning but you will get through it

We are all here to support you

The waiting period for pathology results can be one of the most challenging parts of a cancer journey, and these feelings are completely normal. Many people in this community find it helpful to focus on small daily activities, connect with others who understand this experience, or practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle movement when the worry feels overwhelming. Consider reaching out to loved ones or engaging here in the community where others truly understand what this waiting period feels like.