High Risk due to family history and BI RADS of 5 just received

Survivorofcancer31

I am 31 and just got a BIRADS category 5.  I have a very high risk because of the amount of breast cancer in the family.  I am just 4 years after beating bone cancer and am scared that this may be cancer also.  My mom had breast cancer 4 times before she died in 2000 from brain cancer.  I am a lot more emotional with this than I was when I had bone cancer.  I am a teacher and am off for the summer.  I am hoping to get this all taken care of before school starts back.

proudtospin

deep breath!  I assume you have a hospital and oncologist from your earlier cancer?  Sounds like you should start with them and if they feel you need a breast specialist, I am sure they should know someone.

today is a Sunday so maybe you should try something calming, take a hike!  You got through your earlier thing so you will conquer this one as well!  Lots of good information on this site and lots of folks who will answer questions or concerns 

MelissaDallas

Hi Survivor. I'm so sorry you are here, and I understand your fear.

While Birads 5s can come back benign, with your family history I understand you are expecting a diagnosis and the majority of these do come back as  cancer, so it is reasonable to prepare yourself. 

We are here for you. Have you been referred for genetic testing yet? That would seem reasonable given the circumstances. (((Hugs))).

Survivorofcancer31

I go to see a breast cancer doctor as a biopsy has been requested ASAP this Wednesday.  I know that with me family history it could very well be cancer.  When my mom had her 3rd bought with this they took her breast off.  She begged them to take both and they didnt.  6 months later she was back under the knife to have the other one taken.  I am strongly considering that if this is cancer to strongly request that they take both breast off. 

Survivorofcancer31

my appointment is tomorrow. The closer it gets the more my nerves are going crazy. Can't wait to get some answers

jarris77

I felt the same way you do about having both breasts removed if it is cancer. My mother and my sister had both been diagnosed before I was told that I had cancer. My surgeon started telling me that I could have a lumpectomy and was getting ready to schedule me with a radiologist and a plastic surgeon. I told him that I knew what I wanted...bilateral mastectomy and no reconstruction. He suggested that I go ahead and make appointments with the other Dr's in case I changed my mind. I told him I wasn't going to change my mind and I didn't want to waste time with the other appointments. He said ok and scheduled me for the surgery. That was last year. BTW, I did have genetic testing done and all came back negative. I have never regretted my decision. Hope you get good news and don't have to make the decision. Good luck. 

3girls

Survivor will be thinking good thoughts for you tomorrow let us know how it goes!  (Hugs)

Survivorofcancer31

thanks jarris. I do know I want them taken off if it comes back cancer and I am willing to stand my ground on this matter. Hoping it's not but just preparing in case

lekker

Hi survivor - sorry that you're here but I hope you receive great support.  Did you have osteosarcoma previously?  Did your treatment involve any radiation to the chest (which can increase your breast cancer risk)?  Have you spoken with a genetic counselor?  If you did have sarcoma and if you're now facing breast cancer, I would think they'd want to test you for Li Fraumeni (TP53 mutation) as well as several other known genetic syndromes.  I hope you end up being one of the BIRADS 5 that turns up benign!

Survivorofcancer31

lekker I did have osteosarcoma however I had aggressive chemo. I did not do radiation. My check ups include a ct scan to the chest. 

lekker

Any news?  No pressure - just wanted to check in.

Survivorofcancer31

Well I saw the breast doctor and because there are three areas of suspicion he is ordering an MRI before he does a biopsy.  So I guess we play the waiting game some more.  I am actually sitting here crying because I just want to know for sure what is going on.  I really just need some concrete answers.  I do not have short term disability to miss work and I am off for the summer.  Deep down because I have had cancer before, I just have a gut feeling this is going to come back as cancer. 

lekker

I can understand your frustration but try to think of it this way - by having an mri before biopsy, they have a better chance of knowing what they're looking at and therefore what to test.  Waiting is agony and I'm so sorry you don't have any answers yet.  You have a BIRADS 5 mass and a personal history of cancer - of course you're terrified.  Do you have a date for the mri?  Would you consider Xanax to get you through the interim?  You have the added pressure of needing to take care of this while you're currently off work, but can you try to focus on one step at a time?  I know, easy for me to say.  Please keep us posted.  I'm still rooting for you to come back and say it's all benign!

NeelCancer

Hey friend, It is true in case of cancer family history and age matters. but it is also true that it is not 100% true that if your family member had cancer that means you will also have for sure. So stay positive and maintain a healthy lifestyle and stronger immune system so that you can keep yourself away from severe diseases.

bluepearl

Brad 5 is concerning but isn't a complete diagnosis. It can still be other things but I think it best to wait on that and be prepared. Take one step at a time on this road and know that worry doesn't change anything, it only spoils the "now".....I know....not an easy task but it is a journey you must not take alone and you need to fully express your fears and devastation should it turn out to be cancer. You are a cancer survivor now and you will be again!!!! (((HUGS))))

Survivorofcancer31

I thank all for the support.  This is a tough time to me.  My mom died in 2000 so going through this is difficult for me.  Thank you all for your support

Survivorofcancer31

Well I just found out that the MRI cannot be done until JUly 8th and then the biopsy July 21st.  Needless to say this is very upsetting to me.  I have called the doctor to see about getting something for anxiety.  This is going to be a tough month. 

jarris77

Survivor, did they say why you have to wait so long?  I had my mammo on 5/07/13, biopsy on 5/10, diagnosis on 5/15 and surgery on 6/4. I would have had the surgery a week sooner but my BS was on vacation.  I know every place is different but that seems like a long time to have to wait when you're having trouble with anxiety already (I am a very anxious person too). Can you ask to be put on a list in case they have any cancellations? I know how you feel, most of us have been where you are right now. Hope you get something for your anxiety and then find out you had nothing to worry about!

Survivorofcancer31

I have to wait because I guess you have to wait so long after your period cycle. Yes my doctor is calling in something for my anxiety. I'm usually a strong person but this has hit me hard

jarris77

I'm sorry you have to wait, I know it's torture. I do remember my SIL had to wait for her MRI because of her cycle. I guess since I was already in menopause when I was diagnosed, I didn't think about that. Hope the time goes by quickly for you. With the anxiety medication, you should at least be able to rest and get some sleep in the mean time. I have had to rely on these meds during stressful times in my life. I don't think it means we are weak. I have always suffered with anxiety but there are a lot of strong women on here that needed some "help" dealing with their breast cancer.

Survivorofcancer31

I just have a question. After talking to my primary doctor he said it would be a good idea to plan in the event the reports come back cancer. I had no plans made with my leg because I was sure it would be non cancerous. My question is did any of you work while doing radiation treatment?  I am hoping to be able to work if I have to have treatment but because I am a teacher I am not sure

I was not allowed to work when I did chemo because it was so aggressive that it killed my immune system. So hoping no chemo.  Just making plans ( doing lesson plans and student files and setting up classroom). Still praying for a good report but feelng better having a plan in place

Thank you for your support. I appreciate it

Tomboy

hope & hope & hope that there is no chemo for you,survivorofcancer31. but as far as radiation goes, if it IS cancer,  many women did work trough rads, and some of the even more amazing ones, even through chemo! some women's natural immunity can remain high through chemo, and for others, there is neupogen or neulasta, that can fortify you immune response. i am so sorry that you are even having to worry about this at 31. was it osteosarcoma? and that all ended up ok? i am glad you found your way here, though, early, and not the day before chemo, like me!

Survivorofcancer31

yes kath it was osteosarcoma when I was 26. Chemo was really rough but I did make it through. Chemo was in patient and was in hospital for 5 to 7 days each treatment   I teach prek in the school system. I have a wonderful supervisor who knows what is going on. When I had bone cancer I had short term disability of course this was a different place I work. I do not have short term disability so I can take a couple weeks off but I really love what I do and would really miss not being there. My boss is awesome and said whatever I needed to do she would totally support me.  Since my mom had bc four times with the first time being 26 and a birads 5 my doctor said it is a good idea to plan just in case. Thanks

slv58

Survivor, just want to send positives thoughts/hugs your way. You are obviously a strong woman and you will triumph! 

I drive a school bus so am in constant contact with 70 kids but was able to work through high dose chemo. I did give myself a neulasta shot the day after each chemo and would take 3 days off each 3 week cycle. I found it relatively easy but did tire easily. I needed to work to keep some normalcy in my life. I also had 33 radiation treatments but this fell while I was off for the summer-but I felt I could have worked. I had a 2.5 hour drive one way to my tx hospital, so I was driving 5 hours a day-no problem. I know everyone is different and how they respond to tx is different but I wanted to let you know that working through rads is quite possible.  I would contact your dr. And let him know that timing of possible tx is important and concerns your employment. I had done this as I was starting with a new company in sept. and wanted to be completed before then. My team was very understanding and accommodated me several times to push my tx quicker. 

Survivorofcancer31

I think another reason I could not work was because the cancer last time was in my leg and I worked with three year olds so I wouldn't have been able to keep up with them. 

Thanks for the positive words. Where I am now I do have summers off but when I go back to work I also have a wonderful helper that can carry a lot of the load while I am in recovery mode 

While I have not yet been diagnosed, and I know what May or may not happen, I have been able to cope with a tiny bit of the anxiety preparing just in case

Survivorofcancer31

went to see my primary doctor today for my blood work checkup. He is very angry with my strong family history and the reports that he said "don't look in your favor" that they are waiting so long to get some answers. MRI next week. Getting closer for some answers

Anonymous

praying you get a good MRI report

anne

WolfsLady

Praying for a good MRI report.  

Survivorofcancer31

I contacted the cancer center where I had treatment for bone cancer and told them what was going on, the reports so far and my family history.  They are so concerned that I am having to wait until end of month before we might know any answers. One of the breast cancer doctors over there picked up my case and they want to do an MRI there and see the doctor tomorrow. Kind of relieved because I know that I might get some better answers tomorrow

Survivorofcancer31

well I will see doctor at cancer center Wednesday. I have to go collect reports from where I had the scans done tomorrow

Soccermom4force

glad someone is taking your situation seriously! I've read your posts and was concerned for you and for the delay in getting additional testing. 

   I'm fairly certain the cancer center where you were previously treated will fast track you and hope that they will offer some additional genetic testing as your family and personal history certainly appear they may play a role.

Hoping for the best of all outcomes for you!

Marcia