Waiting for news, strong family history

cmbg

I also posted this in the Not Diagnosed section, but then found the High Risk section and figured it fits

Some quick highlights. I am 45 years old and have a strong family history. My mother was diagnosed Stage II at age 56. A few years later, sister was diagnosed Stage I at the age of 37, but it was an area that they had been monitoring for a couple of years, so she likely had it from the age of 34 or 35. Now, my mother, at age 74 called two days, ago to say she recently found a lump in her remaining breast. She had a mammogram come back a few weeks ago Birads 4. She was then sent for an ultrasound, also came back Birads 4. She had a punch biopsy done, 8 samples taken, and will know the results by March 6th at the latest (is what she was told).

I have had mammograms since the age of 34 because of this family history. This past two years I was called back for ultrasound, then MRI, both years. It was time for my mammo again, my appointment was right after work today. Went in for a bilateral mammo. The tech came in and said that the radiologist wanted a bilateral ultrasound. On ultrasound, left breast "nothing of concern"...however on the right, the radiologist saw a spot that he said he is 90% sure is a cyst. He did ask the tech more than once to put a doppler on it to check for blood flow to the area. He wants me scheduled for an aspiration/biopsy. If they can draw fluid, they will keep it at an aspiration only. If they can not get any fluid out, they will biopsy at that time. Supposed to pick up my reports and copies of the films sometime in the next two days. They should call tomorrow to schedule the aspiration/biopsy.

Now I wait.

mustlovepoodles

Aww, you're so young for all this. The waiting part is the worst, IMO.  At this point you don't have any answers, but you have a lot of fear. Understandable.  I think we've all been there.

It sounds like your mother was post-menopausal when she had her BC diagnosis, which is considered less likely to be aggressive (and the fact that she has been cancer free for 18 years is pretty great!)  Your sister's pre-menopausal BC is much more concerning.  Have you discussed having genetic testing?  It may or may not discover anything, but if it does you will be able to have more frequent surveillance and possibly preventative surgery.

Hopefully, your lump and your mother's lump will turn out negative. BIRADs 4 proves negative 80% of the time, so hang on to that.  Try not to dwell on the negative and stay off Dr Google--he is no friend.  If either of you turn up positive for BC, well, then you do. There will be plenty of time to be upset then--don't borrow sadness today.

cmbg

Thank you so much. I have lurked on here for some time due to family cancer. The people on this site are truly amazing. Great support system.

Picked up my reports from both the mammo and the ultrasound. Both read Birads 4: Suspicious. It says they will do core needle biopsy, though I was told at the appointment that it would be aspiration/biopsy. Strange coincidence that both my mom and myself are waiting for news...and both have Birads 4 results on mammo and US. I haven't told family. I will wait until Tuesday afternoon, after the biopsy, and stress to them that I am absolutely fine and not to worry (though I know what it is like to be on the receiving end of that kind of advice).

Hard to keep my mind off of it, evern staying very busy. It's probably nothing of concern.

vlnrph

Agree with poodles (our white miniature was my chemo buddy): waiting is the worst. You are wise to try keeping busy. It would be nice to plan something special for yourself this weekend!

Do consider genetic counseling, no matter what the outcome of these current biopsies. The presence of hereditary mutation/s could influence treatment decisions and might also be significant for fututre generations.

There is more out there than BRCA to be concerned about and, since no one has been tested yet, your sister may qualify for broader panel analysis given her pre-menopausal diagnosis. Let us know what you find out...