Recurrence or scar tissue

Aelaine

I had DCIS 2.5 years ago, lumpectomy, clear margins, 5 day radiation. Now I feel a hard mass under my breast almost on my rib where surgeon had cut. Maybe scar tissue that is hardening or recurrence?? Does not feel like a lump more like hard tissue. Does scar tissue change years later and is it cancerous? Having MRI Wednesday but waiting is hard.

J9W

Hi Aelaine,  I too had DCIS and have some lumps that showed up after the fact. Turns out I have scar tissue (MRI done), which I didn't think would show up so long afterwards but it was about 1 year+ later that I noticed the lump. It's weird because I have a large scar on my arm from my elbow to my wrist and I never have felt scar tissue lumps there - but they showed up on and around my foob. Go figure.

lane4

Hi, Aelaine,

About 1 year and 8 months after I finished radiation, I noticed a hard lump and a deepening dimple above my scar line. According to the radiologist, it looked very much like a recurrence on the MRI and ultrasound. The biopsy showed fat necrosis. Scar tissue can be scary and sometimes a biopsy will be required. I know the waiting is really hard! Hoping your mass will turn out to be nothing more than scar tissue. Please let us know what you find out. ((Hugs))

Aelaine

I had an ultrasound today and radiologist said it was fat necrosis although I am suppose to have MRI tomorrow if insurance covers.  But I was never more happy to have FAT!! So scar tissue that hardens is all.. So hopefully the MRI will show the same.  As stressful as it is to go and worry and sit and pray in the docs office we all can choose to not go thru the stress of it all but then when we do go its too late... So glad I went... will post MRI findings here as well.  Thanks for your comments...

Shayne

Wondering how you ladies are?  I have my first mammo post LX on wednesday.....v nervous.

Janet456

Good luck for Wednesday Shayne. xx

Beesie

Shayne, good luck tomorrow.  I had a single MX but I'd also had lots of problem with my 'healthy' breast over the years.  So when I had my first mammogram on my remaining breast, 6 months after my UMX (and a benign biopsy of the 'good' breast), I remember starting to feel nervous weeks in advance.  It turned out to be fine.  

Because I get my mammos done at the same facility where I had my surgery, I always ask if it's okay for me to wait around until the radiologist has had a chance to review the image. They normally do that for diagnostic mammos, not regular screening mammos, but for former BC patients, they've always been willing to do it. Sometimes the radiologist is able to look at it immediately; other times she's been doing a biopsy so I've had to wait up to a couple of hours. But I always wait and I always come out knowing that everything is okay. I realize that she'll take another look later when the report is written up, but it really eases my mind to know that the preliminary check is fine. Your facility might automatically give you the results on the spot, but if not, you can try asking. I know other women on this board have done the same thing and usually they are accommodated. 

As for the nerves, hopefully you get through this one, and all the following ones, with no problem. Assuming that happens, you'll find that with each mammo, you'll be less and less nervous. Over my 7 years, I've now had a few 6 month call-backs, and even those don't worry me anymore. I've found that while initially my BC diagnosis made me more nervous to have my mammo, now I find that it gives me strength and lessens my concern. I hope that I'm never diagnosed again, but if I am, I've been through it before and I know what to expect.  For me, the known is less scary than the unknown. But it took about 3 years for me to get to that point. 

Good luck tomorrow!

Janet456

Great advice as usual Beesie.  I think you're so right - let's all hope we get loads of good ones under our belt

I'm already in nervous mode and mine is not for months - I think also that has alot to do with the fact that it was my very first one where it all went horribly wrong. xx

Shayne

Thanks guys!  I read on another thread about microcalcs from rads......so im a bit worried about that.  Worried about biopsies that i dont need.....  My lx breast does not feel the same...its lumpy and hard and doesnt even feel like mine.  I try to do self exams, but have no idea what im feeling.....  I never thought id be this nervous about it....but its been weeks since ive gotten a good nights sleep, and my anxiety attacks are back.  I have lost 2 friends in the past 2 weeks to stage 4 BC, both mothers with young children......so that has added to my anxiety.  One friend I watched suffering.  Not a way to go for even ones worst enemy.  A lot of sadness in my community right now.  Trying to keep up with my workouts, hikes....and whatever escapes I can find.  Phew.....thanks for listening!

Janet456

Thinking of you today Shayne.  Hope all went well xxx

Shayne

It was really painful......AND the most painful part is they told me results wont be in till the end of the week, and my doctor will call me........   And she was super snippy about the thyroid guard....what is the deal, she walks 3 steps out of her way to a drawer, then velcros it on me....??  dont get it.  She kept saying "You dont need it...."  Finally I said, " I dont care, I want it....Ive had cancer, humor me...."

Janet456

Here's to hoping that the results will be just fine and you can forget all about it all for another year.

Oh to just get that first one clear under our belts will be good eh. xx

MarcPierre

Did you get your reports Shayne? Please do share. I am going for my first mammogram and I really scared. Is it really painful?

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human tissue

Shayne

Everything was fine.... I think if you have a good tech, it shouldnt hurt. Go to a Breast Care Center if there is one in your town. I have to drive an hour and 1/2 to the one I went to during my treatment. But itll be worth it. I hear they have a new 3D mammogram now.....less rads, more accuracy. And I know the radiologist, so ill get my results right then.......

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

I'm going through this now. I have a new lump and an ultrasound scheduled for Monday afternoon. I'm scared out of my mind and I have my entire family completely freaked out.