Scared....

Trisha_G

I am 27yrs old and have recently found a lump in my left breast. My Great grandmother, grandmother, and Aunt have all had bc. Leaving me as the only female family member who has not.  I went for an ultrasound of the lump but it came back negative for anything at all. I know its there I can feel it, and so can my Dr.  I have made a follow up app. at a the university of Penn. for July 1st. If stress could kill I would be dead by then! I am so afraid! My Dr. is taking a very laid back wait and see type approach that is making me even more crazy! How did all of you get through this "waiting period" and what should expect from my first app. w/ the bs?

lmays

Don't think you can diagnose BC from an ultrasound.  Has the Dr. said nothing to you about biopsy?

The answer to your question is that alot of us get through the waiting period the same way you are: terrified.  But we put one foot in front of the other every day until we have answers and a game plan.

Big hugs to you.

judybee

It looks like you have a beautiful baby.  After I had two children I learned from my GYN that I had cystic breast disease ( basicly lumpy breasts, which means you are more aware of doing your BSE every month and avoiding caffeine products)  I know it is hard to say don't be scared, but let's just say, don't panic.The drs.may find that your lump is cystic. They may have to do a biopsy to make sure it is not BC. Been there. Done that. Doctors usually take a laid back position. Although it is not their body, the fact remains that someone has to be calm. Just don't push the panic button.  Try to remain calm for your child and family. Enjoy your child. Children pick up on stress. Think positive and stay busy and productive as you wait. 

leaf

I was scared to death.  We all want to be ready for whatever is ahead for us.  I wanted to know the worst case scenario.

I think many women feel distraction helps. I couldn't do things I enjoyed, but I could do things I hated.  But whatever helps you through this (preferably that is something healthy) is good. Some people like vigorous exercise, or retail therapy, religion, biofeedback,meditation, whatever.

At the bs appt, expect to be asked about your family history, and to get a clinical breast exam. They ordinarily cannot diagnose you with breast cancer without looking at a piece of tissue under the microscope (i.e. a biopsy).

Most young women with lumps end up having either benign cysts or a benign growth called a fibroadenoma.  Even if you proceed to a biopsy, about 80% of biopsies in the US are benign.  That's a big number.