Mammo & Ultrasound Today, Biopsy tomorrow!!

glamorousu

My favorite Dr. ordered my mamm & US for today. I was at the center for 2.5 hours. I did see the images as they loaded on the screen. Not that I knew what I was looking at, but the tech was very kind and I could see by her expression that an ultrasound was next. I was right. The US took a half hour and was immediately followed by a meet with the radiologist. Of course he had to give the usual "I saw something very suspicious." I told him that I was prepared for anything he had to say. He did question if I had ever had any type trauma to my left breast. I told him no and I wondered why he asked this. I then described to him the symptoms I hd been having and he really became alerted more when I said, "I feel my symptoms are IBC." His reply was"That could be a possibility, and cancer comes in many forms." Okay, so he says that I need a biopsy asap and asked what my prefernces were regarding my Doctor. I gave him my answers and told him I wanted it asap as well. Now this is the weird part...I had not even reached my car in the parking lot and my doctors' office was already calling to schedule my biopsy today (!) and asked questions as to whether i preferred a breast specialist or one at the hospital diagnostic center. I let her know that I wanted the oncologist I saw a last year to do the biopsy, but I was not going to wait 2-3 weeks, that I would be happy with the first of the week if that was the soonest I could see her. She called back within 10 minutes and I have a scheduled biopsy tomorrow at 1:15. The radiologist did not say I had cancer, but if I do not, what is the rush here.The look on his face was not one of optimism. Not that I don't want answers and results, but I'm sort of taken aback with the rapidness.Makes me feel like things are worse Than I imagined or further along than I anticipated. If anyone can give me a better explanation of today, or opinion, I would be most grateful. P.S. My boob really hurts 

Caseysmom

Beckie:

If the radiologist has heard of IBC he then knows this is something not to fool around with. He most likely spoke to your surgeon after he was done talking with you.  When doctors talk to each other things move faster then with the office staff will.   The soon you get the bx and results the soon treatment can start.   After I received my dx of IBC things started moving very fast. 

Good Luck tomorrow will be sending many prayers your way.

Hugs

Laura

glamorousu

So, my pain threshold is NONEXISTENT!! This biopsy gonna knock me in the dirt?

Leah_S

In all likelihood, you'll be given something to numb the area. Ask about it right away so they know you want maximum pain relief. Afterwards you will probably be very sore. Most women find OTC pain meds (tylenol or ibuprofen) enough. Also, a lot of places give you a mini ice pack to put in your bra. Ask for this, also.

I was OK without anything - sore, but OK. Do what you have to do.

Best of luck. Hoping for B9 results for you.

Leah

cheers247

Hi Glamorousu, The day I had my original mamo and US were much like yours, they did my biopsy the same day, and the next day I was scheduled for scan, port placement and chemo to start.  In my US, the radiologist took the biopsy and said "I am 100% sure this is cancer" she was right...  I'm sure hoping this is not the case for you, but if it is, I'm glad they are moving fast.  Do keep us posted, I'll be thinking of you.  Much Love, Jessica

glamorousu

Thanks you to you all for you kindness, sincere concerns and advice. I will post tomorrow and let you know the skinny. ((Hugs))   B9...be mine hope

glamorousu

Well, today was an absolute waste of my time and stressfulfor my husband as well. We got to the Breast specialists office and were speedily put in a room. I was surprised when the nurse said,"she will evaluate your films and be in shortly and go over them with you if you want." I told her I definaely did want to have her go over the films. We waited til 2:30! We were put in a room at 1:20!! I am livid. She finally comes in and  asks a few non relevant questions and then askes me to get on the table. She examines my breast(s) and then says to me that she saw nothing on the mammogram and the US results were nothing. NOTHING??!!!!!! WTH!! I elaborated on the meet with the radiologist and told her I was paraniod about having cancer. She sarcastically said that radiologists are just paranoid in general. So blase, and not interested in my situation at all. She was in a hurry and could care less if we knew.She then goes into the infection scenario, bla, bla, bla, and says to come back in a week, and she would schedule another US to see if the lump is still there. If so, she would then schedule a biopsy in 4 weeks or so . Now my ears are smoking. I just calmly agreed and then I asked her about my IBC concerns. She then became very pert and said that pain is not a symptom of breast cancer and it did not occur in 95% of cases. She was adamant about my having an infection and wanted to stress that if after my antibiotics, if I still feel a lump, it is just pus that the body will not absorb. I am now thinking, B**ch, your a** is about to absorb my friggin shoe. I just gathered my self, my DH and we left. I will not return to her. She was in a hurry, had 5 more patients to see and its Friday. Please, she had NO intention of doing a biopsy this late in the afternoon. Who was she kidding.I will be contacting my insurance to let them know that this was not what I was scheduled for and I will seek a second opinion. I will pick up my films Monday and have my obgyn schedule a biopsy at the hospital and get this dam show over with.I will also demand a copy of the rdiology report from yesterday. I want them to understand that I do not want this cancer or any other...I just want to now I do not have it. Am I speaking a foriegn languge her??? OMG!!

My husband and I KNEW she had not even looked at the mammo or US films because she had no idea which breast, where the lump was or what size it was.I am surely disappointed, confused, irritated and sick and tired of being a number in the system.My sister, who had both breasts removed a year ago told me that the doctors at johns Hopkins could have cared less about her, and they were way too concerned with authorizing her procedure instead of the procedure itself. This is so scary to me because their healthcare system for cancer treatment is listed a #3 in the U.S. I guess I need to get out of the Hallmark shoppe and realize there was only one Patch Adams and unfortunately I will never ceross paths with him or one like him.So, Monday the buck stops or else.Look for my face on the evening news. Crap!!

Caseysmom

Beckie:

I'm so sorry that you had this god awful experience no one should be treated the way she treated you.  Just a suggestion I would write to the President of the Hospital and let them know about your experience.   You can also let them know that one bad experience can cost them new patients.

Hugs

Laura

cheers247

Beckie, how frustrating (total understatement!!) I am glad that you are not taking what she says as she expects you to.  My breast was slightly pink, NO OTHER SYMPTOMS! when I went in, I have no family history.  IBC often has no lump (what is this doc thinking??)  I did have a mass that showed up on mamo & US, but it could not be felt, even when we were looking at on the US.  You are soooo right not to give up until you get a definitive answer.  Good for you!!  Keep us posted, I'll be thinking of you! Much Love, Jessica

glamorousu

Thanks girls, I'll hang in there.

glamorousu

I am very discouraged and trying to get my actions planned for the first of the week. I believe I will try one more local breast center and if things go awry there, I will definately be traveling. I am having a good bit of pain in and around my left armpit and it has migrated toward my elbow. This is disturbing as well, now I am questioning the lymphatics of it all.  The lump is still there, and some aching in my breast as well. I am still on the finish line with the antibiotics and hoping thst in 2 days from now all this will disappear.I have to commend all of you for your strength and endurance and PATIENCE, which I know can run thin.I did look at some US images today at different radiology sites and was trying to find one to compare my image with, but I gave up thinking my mind was playing tricks on me. I have taken pictures of my breast in case of a IBC Dx and will definately forward them to someone for use to other women needing help, especially in the early times of the waiting game.

glamorousu

Gg,

The radiologist said nothing about the shape, but I did see it on the US as the tech was measuring etc, and it looked jagged and peaked, no definate shape, sort of like a bursting effect. I don't know what to think. Just very confused and worried. I hope you're right and its not IBC. I really don't want a biopsy if its unnecessary, so I have already thought of having an MRI if I can get the order. I have read alot about biopsies that were not a necessity.

glamorousu

Picked up my US report...BIRADS 4 : SUSPICIOUS

ill defined hypoechoic region with poorly  defined margins woorisome for malignancy. Working on getting biopsy.

glamorousu

Going to the Just to see you smile    really need it

glamorousu

Going to the Just to see you smile    really need it

cheers247

Beckie, Keep us posted, I'm thinking of you!! XOXO

leisaparis

When I was dx it went very quickly, I also had very sharp pains in my breast and sometimes still do. Like someone came up beside me and jabbed a knife in my boob straight through the nipple. Hurt like h@??. Then was gone as quick as it came. I think there are a lot more cases of IBC then we all know of because they just rename them to something else. First I was told I had IBC, now they are calling it IDC/inflamitory. A biopsy is the way to go. If I hadn't of had mine I still would not be doing anything for bc because it did not show up on anything else but the biopsy. Wishing you luck and be presistant.

glamorousu

Hey Girls,

Biopsy is scheduled for Tuesday. I have had alot of pain the last couple days and it was constant yesterday afternoon through the night. I can't wait until this is settled.I feel so selfish worrying about this all the time. I am inside a box right now. Thanks for your replies and support.

glamorousu

Okay, the biopsy at 10 this a.m., went okay i guess as I have never had one. I have minimal pain and felt nothing but the initial numbing injection. The nurse was wonderful and I did have an IV and she gave me a "little something" to help me relax.My doctor ordered a core biopsy and the rediologist took 3-4 samples.He was very skilled and very quick.  48-72 hours for results....lady in waiting again. Took a hydrocodone and going to sleep. Happy dreams I hope.

cheers247

Beckie, I too am hoping for good results!! XOXO Jessica

glamorousu

Gg & Cheers,

The hours are dragging....I did not go anywhere today because of swelling and tenderness. I haven't taken anything for pain.  I have a bad feeling and its like a cloud over my head. I have probably read way too much, but, here is one thing I found that really put the lid on the can:

(This is from a radiology CME Course)

Characteristics Of Malignant Lesions  Sandra Hagen-Ansert, B.A., RDMS, RDCS
Chair, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Baptist College of Health Sciences
Memphis, Tennessee

Hypoechoic Lesions with Ill-Defined Borders. Lesions with ill-defined margins are more likely to be malignant. If the anterior margin of the lesion is somewhat triangular, malignancy should be suspected. (Kopans)

Lesions that Produce Posterior Acoustic Shadowing. Acoustical shadowing is not always indicative of malignancy. Cooper's ligaments may shadow because of refraction from the steep angle of incidence. Fibrosis or a previous surgical scar tissue may produce an acoustic shadow. These fibrotic areas are particularly seen in the upper outer quadrant. Fibrocystic breast tissue with pericystic fibrosis may also cause shadowing.

Ultrasound Appearance Of Malignant Disease Of The Breast

• hypoechoic

• irregularly marginated (especially anterior margin)

• heterogeneous internal echoes

• acoustic shadowing

Well, I have the hypoechoic, ill defined margins and the heterogeneous action going on in my US report. I am expecting the dx, but what kind???

The questions about finances, moral and just 10,000 things a second racing through my mind, not to mention the decisions about treatment and care, etc...wholly sh*^, what a friggin nightmare. Thank you all for your hopes & hugs and I am still crossing the fingers!! XOXO

jenni4

Jessica,

Sorry to intrude here, but we saw your post and wonder how you were diagnosed at such a young age.

Thanks,

Jennifer, RN and Lynn, RN

( I was just diagnosed Aug '09, had 3 surgeries, now pending rads..... Jennifer)

cheers247

Hi Jennifer & Lynn, I too am an RN...

I noticed that my breast was slightly pink, and went to my GYN the next day, he ordered a mammo, and there was the non palpable tumor.  I have no family history and am BRCA-.  It can happen to anyone.

Beckie ~ I'm thinking about you!!  It appears you are educating yourself, that great, but try not to get too stressed!  Be sure to get a copy of your report so you'll know what to research.  I'm hoping there well be nothing to research!!! XOXO Jessica

glamorousu

Jessica,

So am I. Hopefully pathology has my report to my doctor today.. But I have a feeling I will be waiting until the weekend is over. I am trying to inform myself and either way its stressfull. My swelling and redness from the biopsy has subsided and only a beautifully colored bruise now accented with a small entry point.Fingers crossed...thanks for the advice..I really do admire you and all  the women on this forum and have a great  reverece for their strength and spirit

Cheers