No news yet.
Edited To Add: After I had uploaded this post, I thought I would go ahead and call our local doctor’s office to see if something might have gotten overlooked there. When I was put through to a nurse she said, “Oh, I thought I saw that come through yesterday! Let me take a look.”
Well, of course, my heart just about stopped and my stress level sky rocketed and I could barely hold on to the phone for nervousness. After about nine minutes of waiting (according to my phone call log) she came back on and said, “No, it wasn’t Sarah’s results after all. I have looked on the computer and in every single place we put that information and it’s not here.”
She was very apologetic which was a good thing because I was about to pass out from the stress.
She suggested calling the office again that did the biopsies but I’ll wait until this afternoon to that. It will take me a couple of hours to recover from the Longest Nine Minutes on Record.
This is the face of brave.
For almost two weeks, Sarah has lived each day with the threat of really bad news hanging over her head; however, you’d never know it to look at her. With the exception of a few (well needed) teary sessions, she has held up rock solid during this long, long wait. I never knew that a 97-pound, five foot nothin’ girl could be so very strong.
I knew it was a tough thing we’ve been facing but I came across an article last night that confirmed (and validated) the stress we have felt. It basically says that NOT having a diagnosis from a biopsy is just as stressful as getting back a cancer diagnosis. And at this point in my life, I would definitely agree. I posted excerpts below; the whole article can be found here.
I especially appreciated the way the article ended; if you were one of the “indignant ones” yesterday, you will agree.
Waiting days for the results of a breast biopsy appears to affect stress hormone levels just as much as finding out you have cancer does, a new study shows.
Harvard researchers tracked 126 women who were undergoing breast biopsy, monitoring their levels of the stress hormone cortisol while they waited.
One of the most surprising findings, researchers said, was how long many women had to wait before receiving their results. While the average wait time was 2.5 days, many women had to wait five days or longer. By the fifth day, 37 women learned their biopsy was benign, 16 learned they had cancer and 73 still did not have a result. Most of the women who did not have a diagnosis had not received any information or explanation for the delay.
Women who were still uncertain about their diagnosis had abnormal cortisol levels that were “essentially indistinguishable’’ from the cortisol profiles of the women who were told they had cancer. And women without a diagnosis had significantly worse cortisol profiles compared to women who had received benign test results.
“If you talk to any woman who has had a biopsy who has had to wait for results, she will tell you it’s a horrible roller coaster,’’ said Dr. Elvira V. Lang, associate professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School, “Even when patients hear they have a cancer, they can start doing something. But if you hang in there for five days and you still don’t know what direction it goes, it’s just very stressful.’’
Dr. Lang said the research should spur hospitals to focus not only on speeding up test results, but on improving communication and possibly offering psychological services to women who are waiting for a diagnosis.
“We have to work much faster to get results to women,’’ Dr. Lang said. “You want to keep stressors as profound as this as short as possible.’’
I’ll close with a photo of Sarah getting ready to walk out the door for her first college class of the day, not knowing what news she might hear when she walks back in the door.
The lovely, beloved face of brave.
Steve – Beautifully said.
So true. Have been in this situation twice and the waiting is by far the hardest part. Positive for cancer both times, but the WAITING….. Soo, can’t believe it is taking so long. I don’t think I have ever seen a braver family. No 18 year old should have to do this. Sarah is an incredible girl in every way PRAYING.
And the study only measured 5 days… wonder what they’d find in patients (and their mothers!) who have had to wait two weeks!
Oh Becky: I have tears of frustration for you. 🙁 I find these studies amazing in that I know in Canada anyway, our government pays for them and then virtually ignores them. Why pay for something that you are not going to use? I think that the money could be used better by hiring more lab staff to get results to patients quicker and quit paying for the studies. Still praying for you in Canada.
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH my thoughts on waiting. Prayers continue!!!
Hugs from a beautiful sunny Iowa
Marjie
I know she is super nervous and stressed! Waiting along with you three!
Becky,
Still praying like everyone else. After Summer described your jumping after the phone rings, I found myself doing the same thing. The power of suggestion I guess. Then I wondered if all of Sarah’s friends and blog followers are doing the same thing. Imagine how many people all over the world are “dancing for Sarah” when their phones ring.. What a tribute to such a wonderful and loved girl!
Know that you are not alone. So many people care about you and your family and are praying for you.
Praying, praying, praying…and now to the point of when I go to my blogger dashboard, I hold my breath, looking for a post from you. Did I mention, praying, praying, praying….
I have not commented but I want you to know that I have been praying for all of you in this stressful time! I get stressed waiting for mammogram results, that I can not imagine the stress you are going through. I check your site many times a day wondering if you have heard any news, I can’t imagine your stress level! Sarah does radiate peace and beauty. I too would be on the phone this afternoon, and not hang up until an answer is given!! I’ll keep on praying!
So sorry for what you have been through and still no word. Sometimes I think we are just a number. Hopeful that you will get good news soon. At least with God we aren’t a number!!!
Man O Man O Man. This too much. She is doing awesome! Mom, badger that biopsy office this afternoon. Any news is better than this, at this point.
I keep clicking out of the comments thinking I have nothing new to add but keep being drawn back in to say something. I just don’t know what that something is. I feel like I am just repeating myself. I don’t know how to express to Sarah what an amazing young woman she is. I wish she didn’t have to be so brave. I wish she could go to college this morning without a care in the world other than what assignment she has to do, what she will learn that day, what she will eat for lunch, etc. Sarah’s bravery is only explainable by our Heavenly Father and Sarah’s desire to trust in Him. Her choices to remain faithful and to continue to live her life despite the burden she is carrying is incredibly inspiring. Continued prayers for you all. May His love and peace carry you through this waiting.
This is really NOT acceptable, I would be on the phone telling them in probably not a nice voice how they would like to be left waiting for 2+ weeks. I realize the degree of accuracy in the test results, but hello they have to realize the stress they are putting you and your family through. No matter what Sarah…you got this girl!! 😉
These pictures…the eyes show wisdom beyond her years and calm trust as she waits. All I could do was drop my head in prayer and give thanks to the Lord for this…and then pummel Him with prayer on her behalf.
remembering that Sarah went to the word to help her make a decision on college, I think from the expression on her face – peace and calm – she’s given this situation totally over to God cause she knows he’s got her back. It’s a true show of her love & trust for her Lord to be able to do that. You are more patient than I – I would be on the phone with whoever is supposed to be getting the results and insisting (ok I thought demanding) on answers other than running behind – especially when it concerns my child- I don’t care what age they are
Ugh! I just hate all this waiting! It’s stressful for the Smithellaneous family (not to mention the actual Smith family)! I’m so sorry but I really do think Sarah might be the bravest, most peaceful person I “know”. Still praying and waiting with you.
She has God’s peace in her for sure. I have been away from the office and computer for a few days and was thinking so often (and praying) for Sarah. I was sure I would come back and find some results and the wait, at least, would be over. We can wait (easy for me to say!). It will be good.
My hero.
Love that in the midst of this waiting, she radiates peace.
Every morning I wake up and think surely Sarah will get the news today, and she doesn’t. I can’t imagine the limbo she must find herself in. Sarah is the bravest person I know! I would probably be frozen in my bed by now. Praying today is the day her results are in.
I really think it is awful that they are making you wait so long with nothing, not even a shred of information at all. I’m sorry but that is just cruel. I would be calling and making some noise by now. I know Sarah’s is a complicated case but it really shouldn’t take this long. Still holding you up in prayer and hoping for an answer soon. Much love and prayers.