Maybe I would with another person I was very close to. But I think I might be guarded about all my friends and family knowing. Despite their probably trying to be kind and supportive, people love to tell the horror stories which is not what anyone should be hearing at all.

I doubt I would tell anyone, other than my husband. I recently had to have a mammogram done over. I knew I had scar tissue from an old injury, but it was a little worrisome that it might amount to more than that.

No, because I don't want to deal with other people's emotions when mine are likely to be on edge. It's a very personal decision, no right or wrong answer, no guilt either way. All I'd say to anyone is: don't be pushed into sharing anything before you are ready to share.

Elizabeth is soooo right about people wanting to share horror stories, lol. It's happened a time or two here!

I have a couple of friends whom I would tell, just to let out some of the stress.

I don't understand half the stuff people share these days. TMI rampant on the internet. Me? Other than sharing info that may be helpful or educational to others with chronic conditions I don't see the point. Test results of any kind are between my doctor and myself with DH included on a need to know basis.

Nope. No need in making others worried when it could be nothing. Even if said mass came back problematic depending on the prognosis I might not even share results or my treatment with anyone else. I dont like being fussed over or there-thered.

When I went for a baseline mammogram this year, they called me back for an ultrasound,then referred me to a surgeon for a second opinion, which resulted in them thing me to come back in 6 months for another ultrasound. Apparently there is somewhere there that isn't normal. I told one of my sisters this,who told my mom, which lead to a group text from my large immediate family barraging me with questions, direct orders on what to do, and offers of prayers. And a reminder of my beloved aunt who died of breast cancer in her early 60s. It was so overwhelming. As for me, they would know if they asked, I am not particularly worried about it. The doctors i saw told me not to worry until they said so, so I won't. I go for the follow up ultrasound this month,and if it were not for the reminder I got a couple days ago,I would have completely forgotten it. I now know just keep it to myself and my SO unless it is dire.

Sure. I had to self-isolate while waiting for the results so I wasn't worried about possibly infecting anyone. I masked, kept a distance from anyone all the time, and went out little. I just had a persistent headache, and I wanted to make sure, even though I figured I was clear.

I have one very close friend who I know would respond in a way that would be helpful to me. I would be comfortable sharing with her, but not with others, certainly not with my family.

I had a questionable mammogram once, about 40 years ago. Turned out to be nothing. DH went to a doctor once because he kept complaining about his throat. The doctor felt around his neck, said he felt a mass tole DH he needed to see an ENT but before he went, he should take out as such insurance as possible! I'm surprised DH didn't crash his car on the way home. He did go to an ENT who couldn't find a thing wrong with him....that was about 50 years ago. It took DH many years before he felt comfortable with the second opinion. Every time his throat bothered him, maybe that first doctor was right.

Stay calm, one day at a time. Prayers it turns out to be nothing serious and know, I would not say anything until you have more information.

I'd wait for the results, why cause anyone else to worry when the outcome is unknown. I do have one close girlfriend of 35 years who I might mention it to if the occasions arose since she's been through this wait a few times.

Nope. Just my husband. Not even sure I would tell my kids because they would worry too much. And not my parents: they're in their late 80's and they don't need to know.

If my husband was still here I would only share with him until results were obtained. Since he is gone I would most likely tell my one sister who I am close to.

When I was sure about the diagnosis of my brain tumor, I did share with a few friends. As I started to tell others, I quickly realized that it was not helpful to me.

The rest learned after the fact. Some people need constant sympathy and that works for them. Not for me. I didn’t want constant reminding.

For me, DH and I decided that once a plan was in place we wouldn’t discuss it.

I continued on with my regular routine until the day of the surgery.

This is so personal. I didn’t get the horror stories but when my SIL told me about a success story, I didn’t want to hear that either. That person has nothing to do with me and my personal situation.

For some, it might be helpful to seek out others with the same diagnosis. This could be helpful for physician referrals.

Only you know yourself, your relatives and your social circle. Do what is comfortable for you.

Wishing the best outcome for you.

No, definitely. Only hubs. All the reasons have been listed above.

Here's my issue. The word mass. I got one of those calls. Had to wait longer than my nerves could tolerate before they could get me in. If I tell you that the mass they were looking at was maybe the size of a pencil eraser, it might be exagerated.

To the medical professional, anything that doesn't belong where it is is referred to as a mass. The general public hears mass and goes green.

Take a breath and only talk to your husband, because when this is over and there's nothing to worry about, you'll want to forget the whole thing but you'll have extra people in you sphere wanting to continue the conversation.

Gosh, I wouldn't even tell DH. He doesn't handle bad/sad/uncomfortable news at all well. I would tell him once a plan was in place and all was known.

You bet I’d share! Isn’t that what family and friends are for—to help you through the tough spots as well as the easy ones?

My sister and I are very close and know we can depend on each other for calm productive support. If there is someone like that available, especially a woman, I believe the support she can offer is invaluable. Of course knowing you have the love and support of your husband is comforting, but most can’t offer the same kind of support another woman can because they are not a woman.

ETA: Good Answer Sammy!

What kind of mass? (Not that it changes the answers, but this could be anything.)

IF you're talking about mammogram results, remember that today's diagnostics can pick up a nit and draw a face on it!

I would wait for lab results, before sharing. Then I would ask for prayers. My family members are very close, and we share everything. it's comforting to me, to know I have the their emotional support. Hubby's family is very secretive.

I would tell my DH my DD and maybe 1 or 2 very close friends because I know they have been through something similar. For all the reason stated already there is no need to tell anyone else and invite all the comments and speculation and borrow worry.

I’m sorry to hear you are going through this stressful time. If you feel it would help relieve some of your worry and stress and you have a supportive family member or friend then I would definitely share. Sometimes it helps to share the burden a bit. Take care

Thanks for all the responses. I think for now I will keep between us. It is not in my breast and could be a huge range of things. I tend to over worry. Right now I am freaking out and anxious. A coworker who I am close to has noticed and I thought I might confide but they know I have had a solid few years of stress over a family member with serious health issues so they think it is that. I am not sleeping well, nor feeling well, so I stress about not feeling well and why, I probably am not feeling well because of stress and nothing to do with weird ass mass! I appreciate the kind words and advice.

No, until you have concrete answers I would say nothing. Nobody else needs to worry. Of course, I would tell my DH.

Keeping you in my thoughts Ann (((hugs)))

No, I wouldn't. And I didn't when I had a scare a couple of years ago. Yes, there was a mass, but it was a nothingburger and didn't require any intervention.

Ann, not knowing is the worst feeling. I hope you find out soon so that you can set a plan in place.

On my thigh. And is going to have to be removed regardless I am told.

Anne, I'm so sorry. I agree the not knowing is the worst part of a test. I think I'd almost even prefer bad news just as long as its news. Give me a chance to plan a course of action and I'm on solid ground again, but that in between with the wondering is so very difficult. I wish you peace and some rest tonight, and a great outcome with whatever may be going on. Take deep breaths. If you aren't ready to believe all will be OK, then be confident you can deal with whatever you learn - because you can!

Thank you, I am freaking out! Have already given my husband a free “told you so” that I pray he gets to use!

I do hope it turns out to be nothing serious Anne.

Sending good thoughts your way. Hugs.

How soon can you have the surgery/biopsy? How large an area is involved...if you want to share? I'm not familiar with growths on thighs; have had several biopsies on both breasts; all 'neverminds' following mucho stress beforehand.

DH is currently walking around looking like a unicorn -- protruding bandage on his forehead from yet *another* visit to the skin doc. (He's the whitest person you ever saw and was outdoors in the sun most of his youth.) He'll have a moh's procedure in a few weeks, once the biopsy comes back as basal cell cancer *again*.

I hope this will be HISTORY for you soon.

I did speak to my pastor and a life long friend who is a pastor for prayers. Now it is just a waiting game.