BS appt so nervous

55sunshine

I am currently waiting in the parking lot of myBS because I'm two hours early for my appt. (lol). I was able to get in to see a highly recommended BS on very short notice. I picked up all of my slides, reports, mammo cd etc yesterday. I read the pathology report and there is more info that I wasn't aware of. It says:

1. Prominent lobular carcinoma in situ with pagetoid extension into ducts.

2. Proliferative fibrocystic change (columnar cell change).

3. Micro calcifications are predominantly seen in arrears of columnar cell change, but focally in areas of LCIS.

This is considered a benign result, but the presence of LCIS requires surgical excisional biopsy.

Thinking too much about the " what ifs" right now. I am really trying to stay positive and praying for healing.

Sending prayers and hugs to everyone.

Warrior_Woman

Hi Sunshine - Everyone here knows the angst of waiting to find out what is going on. I too have sat in many parking lots. I did get an LCIS diagnosis in both breasts in addition to benign calcifications, DCIS and invasive. As it seems you know, nothing you've yet learned has determined as cancer diagnosis. You will likely learn more in the weeks to follow and it's good to know that the support you'll receive here on BCO is an emotional lifesaver.

55sunshine

Hi Warrior,

Love the name. Thank you. I have found the emotional support, exceptional here

marketingmama

Best of luck to you Warrior! I totally understand how you're feeling. My diagnosis was last December. You'll find that decision making around LCIS is not simple and for most of us it's a deeply personal decision. I just had a PBMX because I knew I wouldn't be able to handle the anxiety and worry of monitoring and I was reluctant to take tamoxifen. But other very smart women on this Board are doing really well and living with LCIS just fine. You will have plenty of time to process information and think through what's best for you (took me 6 months and two consults with well regarded docs). In the meantime, this Board has so much really amazing information on it with study data and more. I'm sure others who are much smarter than me in that regard will be around soon enough.

Hang in there! You're not alone.

55sunshine

I met with my BS yesterday and he was wonderful. He put me at ease and fully explained everything that could happen and what my next steps are. First, he's having my slides read again to make sure that he agrees with the diagnosis. I will have an MRI in about month. I have to wait for the swelling to go down from the core biopsy. He also said that the bump usually takes 4-6weeks to go away. I didn't realize it would be that long, so now I know. He is going to call me on Tuesday with the path results. He completely outlined, even drew an outline on paper, and went through an explanation of each step. He was very comforting and reassuring. I'm so grateful that I was able to get into see him. I left with the feeling that I'm in good care and will get thru this. I know that there will be good hours and bad. I'm still anxious about Tuesday, but praying for good results. I was finally able to go back to the gym, boy did I miss it.

I actually slept very soundly last night something I haven't done in long time.

I know this will be a long road, but I will approach this as I have every other challenge in my life on my knees knowing that God will get me thru it and fighting with everything I have.

I have really started to re-evaluate my life and where I've been and where I'm going. Several things have come to mind and things I'm working through.

So enough of my rambling, just needed to put my thoughts down.

Sending prayers and hugs(()).

55sunshine

Hi marketing mama,

I read your original diagnosis. I too went on Friday 6/5 to Bryn Mawr breast surgeon for a second opinion. Inside glad I did. I felt very comfortable with the BS. He spent an hour with me. The staff was wonderful. I'm waiting for my slides to be reviewed by the pathologist, but an comfortable knowing that I made the right decision in going there. I will get my results on Tuesday and I just don't feel as anxious as I did before my appt. I know the anxiety will come and go by the minutes.

I will have a lot of decisions to make soon and I now truly understand how much anxiety this brings to everyone facing this diagnosis.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers.

marketingmama

55sunshine, you saw Dr. Frazier?!?! Amazing! He was my second opinion and it's funny because as I was reading your note above it all sounded so familiar. He is amazing! Also spent an hour with me, reviewed my mammo and MRI with me, drew pics and had my slides re-read. I love him and his team and you'll absolutely feel like you're always in good hands. I went to Penn first and that's how my MRI was ordered. The doc I saw there (after a 3 hour wait) was nice enough but made it seem like all I had was a mosquito bite. Never followed up about seeing an MO, never discussed my taking tamoxifen. Anyway, Penn is great but my experience was not.

I'll be back in Frazier's office for my surgical follow up next week. I tend to think he's more conservative than some surgeons but I prefer his approach. If I can give you any additional info, feel free to PM me.

Take care

55sunshine

Yes, I saw Dr Frazier! And it was exactly as you described.

Thank you and hope everything goes well for you!

SassyMutt

I was diagnosed with LCIS last fall so I can completely relate to the anxiety and confusion! However, once I got through the first couple months of testing, lumpectomy, etc....and had my first 6-month MRI and was told all looks fine right now, I felt better. I have opted to go with the high risk screenings 2x per year and a 5 year course of Tamoxifen.

I was nervous about taking Tamoxifen, but I have tolerated it very well -- no side effects that I have noticed. I heard many concerns about side effects, but I thankfully have been sailing through, as have a few other women I've talked to. I wanted to try it, knowing if it was too problematic I could always stop and go a different course. I'm glad I gave it a go as it has been fine.

Now, I always leave the door open that if things start popping up in future screenings I may want off the high-screening train, but for now, it feels like the right path for me.

This message board continues to be a huge help to me -- lots of great input, and a great group of women. I rarely post, but I'm always reading.

All my best....

55sunshine

Thanks for info. Good to hear that you're not having any side effects.

Dr called and said they agree with original dx. So now I'm waiting for an MRI. That won't be for a couple of weeks. I have to wait until my next period. In the meantime, I'm concentrating on what I can control. I've changed my diet, no dairy, no processed foods, organic veggies and fruit, no processed sugar or sweetness, no alcohol..lots of exercise, trying to enjoy the little things in life. Really trying to laugh more and not stress over the little things.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers.