Biopsy today after 13 years NED help!

wallan

Hi Everyone;

I had a routne mammogram two days ago with an unexpected ultrasound and was told I have two very worrisome nodules in my other breast. Its been 13 years since my last diagnosis. The radiologist was convinced it was cancer.

My biopsy is today to confirm. I must say I was shocked the other day and now the reality is sinking in and I am quite upset. More than I was the first time (and that was pretty bad I thought). I am not wanting to face this biopsy. I don't know if I can go thru it all again.

I know I am not alone and I wonder how you all cope with this.

Moderators

Hi wallan,

We're so sorry you're going through this scare all over again and are sending our positive thoughts. Please give us an update when you receive your biopsy results. We are hoping for the best, and you know we'll be here for you no matter what the results!

Big, big hugs coming your way!

--The Mods

KBeee

I am sorry you are facing another biopsy. I hope you have someone that can accompany you. Hoping these are benign, but if not, having had breast cancer twice, the second time with 2 tumors, I can tell you that you can do it. It is harder emotionally the second time, so be good to yourself, let others help you, and do what you need to do to fight it. (((HUGS)))

wallan

So I went to the biopsy and after some more imaging, they said that there are more than two lesions and I need an MRI to see how extensive the cancer really is. They did biopsy the most "worrisome" looking lesion.

The radiologist insisted that the lesions are a recurrance and I need a special cancer team to treat a "complex" cancer.

He sent the images to my family doctor who called me at home (that was a first!) to say he saw the images and it looks bad.

Now I am really freaked out... and devastated. I still have to wait for the biopsy results and then the MRI too. I can't believe it.

Wallan

SSInUK

So so sorry. What a terrible shock.None of us will forget the panic of diagnosis, we're all with you. Not sure a family doctor is the person to listen to right now, 'looks bad' doesn't get you anywhere and is not meaningful oncology analysis. Breathe deep, stay in the moment, one foot in front of the other and collect the info. Don't know how anyone could be definitive about it being recurrence without more info. And remember you got to 13 years NED, that's huge and a good sign. Wait for the oncs - they generally know how to talk to patients in a way that shows you a path instead of a wall. Gentle hugs.

Annette47

So sorry this is happening to you, and I hope it’s not as bad as you fear. I do wonder though, you said this was in the “other” breast .... in that case why would they be so sure it is a recurrence, rather than a new primary (which would probably be a little less worrisome as it wouldn’t mean treatment failed the first time)? Makes no sense to me.

sheila888

wallan... after being Ned for little over 10 years I went to my routine mammogram .

Because it is a diagnostic mammogram they to tell you the results before you leave.

Technician came in to deliver the bad news that I had a very suspicious lump in my other breast.

I was biosied......had another lumped to my and S node biopsy.....one of the nodes had micro cells

I decided to have a bmx follow by chemo and femara.

Yes it was terrifying I'll be thinking of you....

Sheila

Ps. It was a new primary not a recurrence

wallan

Thank you all so much. I always feel better after I read your replies and experiences.

I will let you know how it goes as this unfolds. I am not sure why they think its a recurrance or why they think its "bad". Just that there is more than one lesion in my opposite breast I guess. I don't know.

It is true that it has been 13 years out. So I think its likely a new primary. But who knows? It is shocking. I had all the guns thrown at me the first time around including a hysterectomy and oophorectomy so I am flabberghasted I am facing it again. It is what it is.

As always you ladies help out so much with support and morale.

I will be back to share and hopefully help some one here too.

Wallan

wallan

Thanks Sheila...

Your experience sounds similar to mine - the routine mammo and all that.

I will keep you posted. How are you doing now?

Wallan

Emily2008

So sorry, Wallan! I know just how you feel. I was diagnosed this past October 31 with a new primary, same breast, AFTER double mastectomy, AFTER chemo, AFTER 6.5 years on Tamoxifen, AFTER hysterectomy and oophorectomy...8 years after the first diagnosis.

FYI, it sounds like yours is a new primary rather than a true recurrence since it's been so long (median amount of time for a recurrence is 4.7 years), and it's in a new breast.

Did you have a mastectomy the first time? Have you had genetic counseling?

It's all so awful to have to face again, I know. Just take it one day at a time, get second and third opinions (crucial with a case like yours), and be kind to yourself. You'll get through this!

sheila888

thanks for asking wallan.

I finished chemo February 1 2016.....

Doing good..every 3 months I go for follow up. My Oncologist does tumor marker test it was always in the range even when I was diagnosed second time.

First time around I got heavy duty chemo and radiation and took Femara for 5 years.

This time I was Her- so no herceptin.....

It's just very scary when you're least expected the beast comes back.

Now I'm on genet ic femara Letra zola and my B R C A was negative so ovaries are staying

Sheila

wallan

Hi Emily:

Thanks for replying. I am sorry you are going thru it again too. It sounds like a familiar story to mine.

I did have a mastectomy last time. But not a double mastectomy. It was not mentioned or considered last time, and I honestly did not think about it at the time. I kind of wish I had in hindsight of course. I have not had genetic counselling but both of my sisters did. They both had the defective BCRA gene. I just found this out yesterday (about the genetic counselling results from my one sister). One of them then had a preventative double mastectomy.

I had my ovaries out last time - did I mention that?

I am braving up to face treatment again, but I honestly do not know how I will do it. I just can't seem to get up the gumption.

wallan

Hi Sheila888:

Sounds like you have been thru alot too. Hugs to you.

It is so scary when it appears again and you were not expecting it at all. I was thinking my chances of dealing with it again were small considering it has been 13 friggin years. How arrogant is that! I feel kind of blindsided I guess.

I'm glad you are doing good. That is hopeful.

I am trying to work up the muster to face more treatment. I am still kind of in shock and overwhelmed.

i am so glad these boards are here. Responses like yours and reading about others and how they got thru it gives me strength.

Emily2008

Sheila, it sounds like you're coming out of the worst of it, which is awesome! I hope you have many, many healthy years in front of you!

Wallan, the chances of you dealing with it again WERE small, which is why it's such a punch in the gut to get the new dx.

I have been told by my MO that cases like ours are more complex, and so they need to managed with even more care than the average breast cancer case (even though nobody's diagnosis is "average" of course, but you get what I mean). So decisions about treatments and follow ups are very heavily thought through. I would really recommend that you consult with another onc, even if just to affirm what your current doc is suggesting. Just keep that in the back of your mind over the next few weeks as decisions are made. And definitely get the BRCA test done. No brainer, imo!

We can do this! I put Rocky as my avatar because even though he looks bloodied and bruised, he gets back up and fights some more. Here's hoping we have the same victory!

wallan

Hey:

So I went and saw my family doctor yesterday to get a note to take time off work. I am an emotional mess and can't seem to get it together. My doctor told me it is cancer but we need confirmation of what type/receptors etc with the biopsy and then do an MRI to see if multifocal and how many tumors there are. So they can plan surgery. My doctor has referred me to a surgeon who specializes in breast surgery. I have not heard anything from her yet.

My MRI is scheduled for next Tuesday, Jan 31. Biopsy results will be in by Friday this week.

So, I am finding it difficult to wait and see what is up. My job is stressful and I cannot handle it and this BC stress. Getting time off work is the first step i think to leaving it behind. I feel like my whole life has been kind of shattered.

I told my boss and he was exceptionally supportive and I think quite upset by it though he never said this outloud. It is just weird to have your boss text you at night to tell you he will support you and ask what can he do to help. He's a good guy. I see he is affected by this news. I have good benefits and can go on short term and long term disability if I have to. This in itself is messing with my mind because it means I am also losing my productivity and my enjoyment from my job. On the other hand... I have benefits that will tie me over. I am very lucky.

I just know what I went thru last time and the time it took and the recovery. It was a year last time before I could go back to work. A whole year. So I know now. I now realize how traumatized I was from the whole ordeal last time. I guess this is all coming back.

The waiting is a killer.

I am amazed how you guys got thru it.

wallan

Meow13

wallen, beside surgeries can I ask what other treatment you had the first time. Did you have chemo or hormone therapy? Sounds like they don't have much info yet from the biopsy. I hope you get some better news by the end of the week. I remember that my BS wouldn't give me any idea until after the MRI. I actually got relief from the MRI just 2 tiny spots, everywhere else clear. Hoping for better news.

MinusTwo

Wallen - ask for something for the anxiety. There's no stigma in doing that & it sounds like it would really help you.

wallan

Hey thanks minus two. Maybe I should ask for something for anxiety.

I did ask my doctor about my reaction and difficulty and he said its normal.

Hi Meow13:

Last time I had mastectomy, lymph node dissection ( 18 of them out), AC-T chemo, radiation, tamoxifen, hysterectomy/oophorectomy and aromasin for 5 years.

You only had 2 tiny spots after MRI? Thats awesome. Ultrasound showed at least 3 lesions for me. Both radiologist and doctor insist it is breast cancer... I have researched to find out if this could be false positives and maybe the biopsy will be normal. They only biopsied one. And they both said it is the spot that is definitely cancer. So in one way, if the biopsy comes back negative, I will not be sure of next steps and will be pissed that they insisted its cancer. I think I will insist on a mastectomy anyways. On the other hand, it will be a relief. I was told MRI is to check extent of cancer in my breast and chest.

I an anxious and maybe I should get drugs for it. I think I will call the doctor tomorrow.

Wallan

Meow13

oh wallen, sorry you have to go through this. We are all hoping the best for you.

wallan

thanks Meow13. I know everyone here is wishing me well, as i do you too.

I love these boards because real life women with real experiences tell it like it is and know how hard it is to go thru waiting and tests and treatments.

i am just waiting and biting my nails and resigning my mind to the fact that its back. I just want forward motion at this point. Tell me how bad it is and lets get on with it kind of thinking.

And if its not back, I will be upset that they insisted it was and scaring me so much. This is pure hell to wait and worry and start working up the gumption for more treatment. but what to do from both sides. i know they are just doing their jobs.

sigh... enough stewing for one night.

I will keep every one posted. Thanks so much for reading and answering and caring.

Wallan

KBeee

(((hugs))) Kep us posted. Hoping you have a plan in place soon. Perhaps your work would let you go part time if you're feeling good. You get the distraction of work and the rest you need. Thinking of you

sheila888

wallan it's anxiety producing.

After my mammogram and US they told me it was cancer this was before the biopsy.

Actually first opted to another lumpec but started to feel uncomfortable after the lumped to my so I decided to have a double mastectomy......I had a breast Mr I and I got a full body pet scan

One day at a time it's easy to say but you can do it.....

Waiting sucks. Once you have a full diagnosis and you know where you stand you'll be releived.

I only have the best wishes for you.

Hugs

wallan

Hey ladies:

Thanks so much. your encouragement means alot.

It is anxiety producing. That is what my family doctor said the other day. What I am feeling is normal.

Kbee.e.. My boss did offer me to work as much as I want when I want... whatever I want. I am overwhelmed with my feelings right now and when I do work, (which is interacting with clients in person, presentations etc) I feel stressed usually, so I can't seem to face it that stress and this stress. Its too much. I think after I know what I am fully facing, I may calm down. I did feel alot better just going to the family doctor for a doctors note for work. I felt like I was doing something. So, we shall see. I have decided I will start a hobby that is not stressful and I enjoy. This will at least distract me.

And Sheila888: they told you it was cancer before the biopsy results too? I think a mastectomy is a good move. I am going to insist on a mastectomy. Even if by some weird change, the biopsy comes back benign. I am nervous now and i want all these lumps out of me anyways.

MinusTwo

Wallen - I have some Xanex that I only use with MRIs or PET/CTs now. It works like a charm to calm me down. I hope you are able to sleep. I had Sonata, a really mild sleep aid, when I was waiting to see about my recurrence. It didn't make me groggy in the morning so I could still work. Disclaimer, I have never taken any drugs in my life so for me to accept these was a major hurdle. Please keep us updated.

wallan

Thanks minustwo... I am asking for those I think.

I do sleep okay. I am exhausted actually. Its more in the day when I obsess about it that I feel anxious. And I feel like my life has been shattered. So I feel upset too. This exhausts me actually. The upsetness.

I just know, as you are fully aware, what treatment is like and what I am facing. The first time around I had not been thru it so how was I to know? This time, I don't want to go thru it. I know I have to, but it produces anxiety too. My mind goes to lets hurry up and get it over with. Kind of like the anticipation of ripping a big bandage off a really hairy leg or back.. LOL. but much worse.

sigh... you ladies inspire me because you have been thru it twice and are carrying on...

wallan

MinusTwo

Wallen - there have been a lot of changes in 13 years so your treatment might not be so bad. Also, I don't know your age but no one says you HAVE to do everything that the docs throw out. Things are changing so rapidly you might be able to do some research and opt for something less invasive. Hang in there.

PoppyJQ

After 13 years, no fair I'm really sorry youre back here again. The second time around was really different for me also. I logically knew it could come back but after doing all of the treatments and getting by for 4 years it seemed maybe I was out of the woods. The first time was very much oh no what do I do, treatment, treatment, treatment. The second time those thoughts came of geez this might be something that keeps coming at me...

Hoping for the best possible news for you Wallan. Minus two is right, things change so quickly. Your treatments might be much different (better) thank last time.

wallan

So ladies:

The pathology report is in and it definitely is confirmed - infiltrating ductal carcinoma 9 mm x 7 mm x 7mm - no receptor status or grade or anything yet, believe it or not.

I have an MRI scheduled Tuesday Jan 31..

No word still from the surgeon but I asked my family doctor when she is calling (they are friends

Its nice to hear I may not need the brutality of the last treatment again. I will have a mastectomy though.

I am resigned and had a good cry today but feel calmer because now IT IS confirmed. Things will move along now.

I am thinking in my head if I should return to the cancer treatment centre I was at previously or not. They did research there and all that and know my history, but their bedside manner is atrocious. You literally take a number when you get there like at a deli. Doctor did not know my first name. And she kept telling me the chemo would likely not work. It was terrible.

Yet, still, they know my history and I am in Canada and there are not too many big cancer centres around me.

Its a decision I need to make.

wallan

Optimist52

wallan, sorry to read this but at least you know now and can move forward with treatment. I think I would run a mile from the treatment centre you refer to. Your records will all be easily transferable to another centre. It's certainly different going through this again after a long time. When I was first diagnosed in 2003, there was no Oncotype testing and I don't think AI drugs were being used. I'm sure there are many other improvements now in testing, treatment and drugs available. Hoping for best results from MRI.

MinusTwo

wallen - sorry about the diagnosis. Since you weren't particularly happy with your previous treatment center, I would encourage you to get a second opinion so you can meet some other docs. Optimist is right - it's easy to transfer records.

Meow13

wallen, it actually sounds small. Maybe do the mastectomy think about reconstruction. Hopefully you won't need radiation or chemo.

Good luck.