Test After Test...

LemonPink

Test After Test...

LemonPink

Any help would be appreciated....

I had a fibroadenoma for 12 years that seemed to go away when I started breastfeeding my now 9 month old. I found another mass in a nearby location in mid-May and had it checked out by my OB. She assured me that it was likely a cyst but because of my family history (2 paternal aunts with breast cancer before 50) I should have a mammogram and ultrasound. Those tests showed a roughly 1.6 cm mass described as "lobulated heterogeneous hypoechoic mass with a configuration that is parallel" that was likely benign but should be biopsied. Because of me still breastfeeding that did a FNA which came back as "rare group of benign ductal cells present. Note: This sample should be considered unsatisfactory for a solid lesion" The doctor who performed the test thought that the "absence of suspicious cytologic findings is relatively reassuring. This combined with the benign sonographic features and history suggest conservative management" I was referred to a surgical consultation for clinical management and that's when things got confusing.

The second opinion doctor wanted a follow-up ultrasound at one month to see if it had changed or gotten bigger. I had that last week and the radiologist told me that there weren't changes and to follow-up scan in 6 months. The next day my second opinion doctor called and said that one aspect had grown .5cm and to have an MRI with and without contrast to see if they could determine if it was a fibroadenoma. I had the MRI on Tuesday and was told by the nurse Wednesday morning that nothing was concerning and a 6 month follow-up was recommended. I get a call today from the second opinion doctor saying that she would now like to do a core biopsy (they had been avoiding this because of location and my still breastfeeding). Honestly, I think I yelled at her on the phone. How is it that she is the only one who isn't sure and everyone else is recommending 6 month follow-up? She said the MRI radiologist saw a general area of 3cm fiberous tissue where the marker for the mass was and didn't see anything concerning. Since the measurement was much different my second opinion doctor and original radiologist from the mammogram reviewed the images and said they found the mass in the fiberous tissue but didn't see all of the markers they were looking for for it to be a fibroadenoma (possible that not all of the edges are rounded). So when pressed, she said the BI-RADS Category is 4a and that they aren't necessarily worried that its cancer but are concerned that it could be pre-cancerous/changing. She even said that after the core-biopsy it is possible that the results could come back inconclusive with the scans and I would need it removed after all of this.

All of this to say I am so angry and frustrated. How do things keep going from okay to not okay?? Since I had the MRI with contrast and it didn't show cancer (I explicitly asked) and all they saw was the same mass, how worried should I be? I feel like this doctor is not going to be satisfied until it's out but is making me go through all of these steps. When should I get a second opinion? One of the nurses at the breast clinic did say that she is a "no stone unturned" type of doctor.

Moderators

LemonPink-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're so sorry for the worry that brings you here, but we're glad you've found us.

When you should or shouldn't get a second opinion is entirely up to you. Do you feel confident in the opinions of the other doctors, that this is nothing to worry about and take their advice to follow-up? Or would you feel better knowing for sure after a biopsy? It seems like at this point, you have nothing to worry about, and the rest of your doctors seem very comfortable taking a wait and see approach. And if that is ok with you, then we would suggest maybe seeking out the opinion of another doctor as a final say. If you want to be completely sure, then you're better off going with the biopsy. You're in the position of deciding how you want to proceed at this point.

Please let us know what you decide, we'll be thinking of you!

The Mods

LemonPink

Thanks so much for the response. I am looking at getting a second opinion and may go ahead with the biopsy. Either way, I am not comfortable with this doctor and her bedside manner. Even if another doctor agrees, I don't feel comfortable working with the current doctor. I think we forget that when dealing with medical issues that may go on for a while (I have a 25% chance of developing BC in my lifetime) it needs to feel like you're on the same team and that's not what this feels like. I feel like doctors can just throw out the concern about "cancer" and you have to do whatever they say but I realize now that it's not that way. Thank you for letting me feel like I have permission to do what I need to do. This is scary stuff but we all deal with it on our own terms.

LemonPink

I had my core biopsy today and should have my results tomorrow. I did get another opinion with a doctor I liked much better who thinks its a fibroadenoma but considering my family history, why not get a biopsy. I am so nervous and will be a mess tomorrow waiting for the call.

ElaineTherese

LemonPink,

Glad you got the biopsy, but hoping you get benign results tomorrow! Also, happy you have found a more sympathetic doctor, just in case.

LemonPink

Just heard from my doctor that it is benign. Either a fibroadenoma or lactating adenoma. We won't know until the final report is submitted. I'll likely have it removed once I am done breastfeeding. Thanks for all of the support.

ElaineTherese

Awesome news, LemonPink! Congrats on your B9 biopsy results, and hope that the lump's removal isn't too painful.