Throat biopsy - how do you cope with wait for results?

Good afternoon, I'm new here. I'm 57 yrs old. After having a sore throat from dec last year and my GP finding a mass with lesions I was fast tracked for a throat biopsy which I had on the 17-02. From seeing my GP to seeing constant and surgery was less than 3 weeks. Now it's the awful wait for results. How do you all cope while waiting for the results? my heads in bits waiting and also has anyone else ended up with infection in biopsy site along with ulceration if so how did you help the pain. Im on antibiotics and codiene which up to now isn't working, feeling stressed out with no one to talk to.

 Thank you x

  • Hi,

    Waiting for results is probably the worst thing about having cancer. It is unbelievably stressful, and nobody can understand what it's like unless they've been in the same situation. I try to keep myself busy whenever waiting for results, less time to think about it, doesn't stop those late nights when it's quiet and there's nothing to do and you mind goes round and round though. Try not to worry, the results won't change because you worried about them, and whatever they are you'll deal with it when you have to. 

    I can't offer any suggestions for the pain, different cancer, different pain. Do speak to your doctor though, see if they can offer alternatives that might work better.

    Hope you get good news.

    Mac.

  • I know how you are feeling.  I will be having a throat biospy in the coming weeks.  I was told my appt could take up to 6 week to arrive which doesnt bear thiniking about.  Every moment of the day I am lost in thought of what may lie ahead.  I feel ike I have been carved out inside... hollow  , numb and unable to communicate with others.,, people speak to me and I am not even aware,  I am so closed up inside my own head.. 

    Sleeping is so hard.  I did actually download an app for mindful meditation and relaxing, which I  must admit , it did acutally distract me and send me to a better more relaxed mindset and I fell asleep to it .  Annoyingly it is only free for 28 days so looks like I may need to invest for the long time frame I know is ahead .. if my biospy takes 6 weeks and my results 2 weeks I have another 2 months of this . :neutral:

  • Oh my that is such a long wait. Hope you get it done sooner, it is so difficult when they find something and I feel it's the not knowing and the wait after biopsy for results is the worst, I agree you cant function or turn off no matter how much you try. I have everything crossed for you that it is quick, good news and you have a speedy recovery x 

  • Thank you for the reply, yes the waiting is the worst part, I keep trying to keep myself busy but it's really difficult especially as my hands don't work properly so I am limited at to what I can do. Praying you get positive results x

  • Likewise , I wish you the same too.  I am hoping the 6 weeks was an over exaggeration but with Covid delays I guess it is highly possible. I have an MRI looming first, this I was told would be around 2 weeks time.   Would recommend some meditation apps to listen to,  if you are able.  I am not usually one for that kind of stuff but it definetely soothed me and gave me something else to focus on.  I got this tip from another person on Macmillan community.  

  • I really hope it was an over exaggeration, mine was just short of 3 weeks from seeing GP to seeing constant and having the biopsy under general anaesthetic, they have said it's now a 2-3 week wait for the results which I will get in clinic. I'm still waiting for this appointment and finding it difficult not being in control of my life. If I could sleep it would probably help but that is evading me. I will try downloading some relaxation music to see if it helps. Thank you for the tip. X

  • If all else fails read your favourite book or watch your favourite film, or new ones. Anything to keep your mind occupied. The waiting and not knowing really is the worst part. Hoping you get the results you want. 

  • Well I just had my MRI scan appt for the 5th March - this has to be done before my biospy from what i gathered .  Mine too is under GA .  The meditation music apps that make you focus on breathing and body seems to be calming for me.  The calming voice  and gentle music .  X 

  • That sounds better, once you've had your MRI hopefully biopsy appointment is quick. Will definitely download some of the apps x