31 years old... waiting for a biopsy tomorrow, scared

tshire

Hi. I'm 31 years old. About 3-4 weeks ago I was doing a BSE and I found... not really a lump exactly, more of a ropey, rubbery sort of thing, maybe 1 inch long, right across the top of my right areola. It was easiest to feel standing up, harder to feel laying down. My breasts were swollen and tender at that time (they usually are about 2 weeks before my period) so I waited a week before going to see my GP.

It definitely seemed smaller (I think?) when I went to see the GP, but she said she could feel it (she called it a ridge) and she also found another one in my left breast that I hadn't (I still can't really find it myself). She said it was probably "fibrocystic changes" but to be on the safe side scheduled me for an ultrasound and mammogram a week later after my period.

Thursday 6/4 I had the ultrasound first. They looked at my right breast and lymph nodes only. The tech took the results to the radiologist, then came back and said he needed a mammogram. I had the mammogram then waited about 15 minutes for the radiologist to come out and talk to me. Of course I was bawling the whole time.

The radiologist was short and direct- he said he wanted to schedule a biopsy. I asked if he thought it was cancer; he said 90% of cases like mine were "fibrosis"- he said "fibrocystic changes" were fibro- and cystic- and not necessarily both. He said it was definitely a solid mass, but he was surprised I could feel it because it was so small. He said that 10% chance means he can't just sent me away, that we need to know. Then he shook my hand and left.

I was in such a daze I didn't really ask any good questions. He didn't say anything about BI-RADS, or characteristics on the imaging, or show me the imaging, or mention my lymph nodes he looked at, or anything. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.

My biopsy is scheduled for tomorrow 6/9. I am scared out of my mind. I just got engaged and set our wedding date for March. I keep having these horrible thoughts that I caused this by being too happy.That I'm being punished somehow. That I'll never get to have our wedding.

My GP gave me Ativan to sleep, but I'm so terrified and I keep poking at prodding at the ropey thing and now it hurts. I can feel the characteristics- if i push down on it it sort of moves out of the way of my finger, but I can't push it off into another direction, it blends into the surrounding tissue at the sides. I don't know if this is what they mean by "moveable." It's firm, but I don't know if it's "firm" enough to imply cancerous.

I feel so desperate and afraid. Would he say the 90% if he didn't mean it? Would he have talked to me if he found "bad things" on the imaging? Please help.

plumster1

tshire, I totally understand your fear and anxiety. I had my biopsy Friday and will receive my results tuesday. it is a very scary process and very hard to wait. My understanding is they will biopsy anything greater than a 2% chance and the radiologist told me sometimes even the ones less than 2% -at least at the hospital i went to. The biopsy itself was not painful or stressful. I actually asked my radiologist lots of questions during the biopsy time to get more information which I figured would either help me get through the wait better or kind of mentally prepare myself. I asked him what characteristics favored a benign mass or what were the concerning characteristics. In general for me, the positive characteristics were a lot more than the small negative. That being said I'm still very nervous. I find they will tell you very little information if they can. So I would like to think the 90% statement should be comforting to you. I would focus on it and keep yourself really busy the next few days. I feel a ton better when I'm not thinking about it. I hope everything goes well!

Moderators

Dear tshire, Welcome to the BCO community. We are so sorry that you are dealing with such worry, especially during this time when you should be celebrating your upcoming wedding. You have come to the right place for support, understanding and information. We are sending you warm wishes for benign results and a easy experience with your biopsy tomorrow. Please keep us posted. The Mods

inks

I hope it's nothing and your biopsy is benign. My radiologist also just told that I had solid mass and did not mention the lymph nodes or the rest of my tumors. But I got the biopsy on the same day. Most breast biopsies are benign so try to take it easy until you get your results. Worrying will not change the outcome of things but it will make you miserable. Hugs!

fluffycats

tshire, good luck tomorrow! Sending positive thoughts your way! (((hugs)))

tshire

I had the biopsy today. Hurt like hell. It was another radiologist who performed it. She was a lot more despairing than the first radiologist who wrote my report. She said it's "taller rather than wide" in a teardrop shape and showed me the report. It says:

"Ultrasound identifies the presence of a 1cm poorly marginated hypoechoic mass. Indeterminate morphology."

"Diagnostic mammogram demonstrates heterogeneously dense tissue. No conspicuous masses or microcalcifications seen."

BI-RADS- 4 Suspicious abnormality

She said these findings make her very suspicious. I asked her if she ever sees ultrasound images like mine that turn out to be benign and she said "occasionally." That's definitely not the 90% figure the first radiologist told me. She did say they saw nothing suspicious in my lymph nodes or mammogram. If I'd had only a screening mammo they would have missed it entirely.

Poorly marginated, taller than wide, indeterminate morphology all sound bad. I'm so scared. They said I'll know Thursday or Friday...

Thanks for all the support during this trying time.

inks

Sorry the biopsy was painful but I bet you are happy that it's over. It's great that the lymph nodes were OK. Soon you will know more. The waiting will drive most people nuts, try to find something to distract you.

zzlady

hi tshire,

I just turned 30 and was dx on may 1st with IDC. I know how you feel. I hope it comes back negative. I also felt my lump, it was 7cm. The discussion boards helped me alot along the way. Keep us informed

Jess

tshire

To my great dismay and shock I am joining the club. I have a grade 1 IDC. It was 1cm on ultrasound. I don't know any more than that now. My doctor just referred me to a breast surgeon I'll meet Monday or Tuesday. I have no idea what comes next. My lymph nodes looked clear on ultrasound. Please pray that it is stage 1 with me.

inks

Fingers crossed it's 1cm! Good luck for the appointment with surgeon.