BS found area of concern; wants to 'watch & wait'

savannahs_mom

Just a brief history: I have always had very dense breasts. Whenever I had a mammogram I have been told its basically 'useless' because nothing can be seen. I had 2 fibroadenomas removed about 12 years ago from the right breast (always been my 'problem' breast).



Couple of months ago the right breast started really hurting and swelling; more than usual. I waited and waited but after 6 weeks my husband insisted I get it checked out. My GYN couldn't make much of all my 'lumps' so I had a diagnostic mammo. I did have US of one swollen area on this breast. Told the usual, 'lots of fibrocystic going on' but nothing bad. My GYN wanted me to see a BS.



My appt was this morning. Wouldn't you know my breast is back to normal, not hurting or anything. The first thing the BS did was give me a speech about how caffeine stays in your system for 6 months. (Funny my GYN said that caffeine really doesn't play a role) I'm not a big caffeine drinker though.



He pulls up my mammo on the computer. SNOW was all I could see. I asked with my density the way it was couldn't things be missed? He said 'absolutely' but he 'didn't see anything worrisome'. Hmmm.



Ok he does a thorough breast exam next. Notes all the cyst in my problem breast. When he examined my left breast (usually the good one lol)though he kept feeling an area at the very upper outer portion, almost right under my armpit. It was a little tender so I flinched (never really noticed it before). He said 'I don't know about this, might be cysts' and felt the area some more.



Well his determination was come back in 6 months for an US. Take vitamin E and ibuprofen, always wear a bra. (I do all of this). He wants me to keep an eye on this area and if anything changes to call and he will see me the same day.



Just asking you ladies for your opinion. I hate to think that is something is 'cooking' in my breast, and I know for the next 6 months I will be worried. There are not many BS in my area (my previous BS retired). I almost asked for an MRI but he seemed so dismissive.



Btw my mom had breast cancer in her '40s. He said my lifetime risk is 25%.



Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!

momof3boys

I would definitely request an MRI. I was told by my oncologist that young women with dense breasts should be getting MRI's not mammograms. She also said that my BC was there thru at least 2-3 annual mammograms. I'm not saying that you have a problem, but it would be good to have a baseline MRI

savannahs_mom

Thank you momof3boys . I think with my risk factors and dense breast issues it could not hurt to inquire if he will order an MRI. Sort of ironic that he feels something suspicious in my 'good' breast. I really hope it's just cysts. Wish he could have US that area today, just for my peace of mind. I hope you are doing well!

SarahsMom

Hi Savanna's mom! There is a thread in this high risk forum called "members of the 6 month club unite" - come on over. We all have weird stuff the docs want to watch.  I won't go through my whole history but you can read my profile, if you want!

I hate to disagree with your doctors but caffeine does play a role in breasts - specifically cysts. Caffeine can be found in much more than coffee - Slimfast cappucino flavored drink, tea, green tea, diet tea, Red Bull, diet pills, 5 hour energy, excedrin, chocoloate, Starbucks "decaf" (http://www.energyfiend.com/caffeine-content/starbucks-tall-decaf-coffee) etc. I have had breast issues for 6 years now and can tell when I've overdosed on the caffeine, they get extra lumpy and painful. Also, caffeine is not in your system for 6 months, more like one day. http://www.livestrong.com/article/272782-how-long-does-coffee-caffeine-stay-in-your-system/

Here are two risk calculators if you want to look at all of the factors considered when calculating BC risk. These are not perfect - many women who are high risk never develop BC, many who are low risk will. But this is a good guide for what may influence your risk.

http://www.halls.md/breast/risk.htm

I agree with the other ladies, an MRI is a must for dense breasts. If you pick up the radiologists report from your visit, you were likely rated BIRADS 3, which is "probably benign."

http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/p4349108442109

Now, this does not mean "maybe malignant", that would be a BIRADS 4 rating and a biopsy.

I am sorry you are here with us, but hope you find understanding, fellowship and information! Hugs to you!

savannahs_mom

Carpediem, thank you so much for your response and the great links! I really appreciate it and  I will definitely check out the 'watching and waiting' thread. I am tending to agree with the whole caffeine being bad for cysts; mine have certainly improved since I've limited my intake. It's just so strange to have two doctors contradicting each other on this!

I too have a 'busy' breast and I am always worried about it. Now with the BS finding an area in my 'good' breast I am a little concerned (fortunately, the area in question doesn't hurt). So, I am going to keep a close eye on.

I just don't think my BS will order an MRI. He could have ordered an US at least but he didn't. However, after everything I have researched and read I know that an MRI is the way to go. Maybe I will work up the courage to call and request one.

Thank you again! Hugs to you as well