Waiting on Biopsy results Nerve racking

Lissaidell

A little about my story. I have been doing diagnostic mammo/ultrasounds every July and MRI every Jan for the past 4 years due to painful cysts in my right breast. 2 years ago during my regular screenings they found micro calcification in my left breast that turned out pre cancer. They managed to get it all out with the biopsy they did. I've continued my checks every 6 months as normal and nothing has come back. I had a MRI done this past Jan 2017 and it was normal. All my tests show I have heterogeneously density. Well I had my Mammo/ultrasound done on my birthday go figure which was July 25th 2017. The mammo showed heterogeneously density and says they can't tell if there is masses. So moved onto my ultrasound where incidentally they found a mass or tumor as they called it. It just so happened to be next to a spot a had them check because it felt as though it was sunken in, like a hole. Anyways the lumo they found they called it a hypoechoic mass with internal vascularity, and lacking posterior features. I'm not sure on what any of this means. What i do know is the radiologist was pretty scared and wanted me back the next day for a biopsy which I told her no to because I needed to let it sink in a little. Not everyday you hear you have a tumor. I ended up going back in 3 days later for the biopsy. I will have my results in the next 2 days because they told me they put a rush on it. Oh ya its also a BI-RAD 4-Suspicious. Has anyone else had this and does it mean malignant or not? I have a strong family history with cancer. Did the BRACA test and cane back negetive f everything but one thing. They found a gene that they find in lynch syndrome so they have now added regular colonoscopys to my list. Any help would be great! One other thing I had my uterus/cervix out when I was 23 due to ore cancer growths. And this mass wasn't their 6 months ago when I did my last screening with the MRI or 1 year ago with the last mammo/ultrasound. Its located at the 11:00 in my left upper breast. Not sure where that is or the medical term for it. Thank you all

wrenn

I'd be nervous about seeing a "scared" radiologist. Hoping the next one you see will leave his personal emotions out of your testing.

I hope you get benign results.

Lissaidell

i guess I can't really say scared. I am use to the radiologist Coming in and saying everything looks good, come back from your 6 month. Not coming in saying we found a tumor need a biopsy in a day. You get so use to having them say there is nothing, looks good keep doing your follow ups. That when one comes in and says we found a tumor, needs biopsy right away, highly suspicious, were very sorry, that you can tell they are more scared than when its just normal.

wrenn

I can only tell when people are scared if they are screaming and shaking. LOL. Maybe he was just telling you what was going to happen and you were scared and assumed he would be too. They see all kinds of things so if he was scared he should not be there.

Hopefully you will get results quickly.

pepper43

My diagnostic mammo came back with a BiRads 4- I believe that equates to about a 70% chance it is malignant. When my radiologist came in, he didn't say the "c" word at all. Didn't seem scared. Just told me I'd need to see a breast surgeon. I think just the fact the radiologist came in scared the crap out of me. Take a deep breath and if you're getting really anxious, don't be afraid to ask the BS for anti-anxiety meds while you wait. IF (and it's still an if even with that BiRads score) you do have cancer, this part (the waiting to get diagnosed and a treatment plan) is really the absolute worst of it. Sending you a big virtual hug!

Lissaidell

Thank you! You ladies are probably right. It was probably more of me scared and I portrayed it as the radiologist being scared. All I know is that when she said "tumor" it was like my mind shut off from their. I'm pretty sure I'm having a lot of anxiety, tight chest. When they gave me the sedative (anxiety pill) for my biopsy once it hit me it was like I could breath again and my chest opened up. But of course it didn't last long. I have seen to many people in my family die of cancer. The same week I got diagnosed with ore breast cancer a couple years ago, my sister got diagnosed with squamous cell cancer. So its been pretty crazy

MelissaDallas

It is a 70-80% chance It is NOT malignant. Most Bi-Rads 4 biopsies are benign, as are most breast tumors.

MelissaDallas

What breast cancer were you diagnosed with before? I didn't get that in your first post

Lissaidell

I wasnt told the type. They put a chip in where they removed the micro calcifications and said I have to do MRI every year and mammo/ultrasound every year. So basically every 6 months I have to do a diagnostic screening. I know it was located at 8 o'clock in my left breast and that they were able to get them all out with the biopsy, and that they were precancerous cells.

MelissaDallas

Okay, atypia isn't cancer. I was confused by that

Lissaidell

Im not sure what your referring to. I didn't say anything about atypia? The Microcalcifications that were found that were precancer were assymetric though. Not sure where you read atypia though

MelissaDallas

Because the calcifications themselves are just an indicator someting is going on in the are af breast tissue. It is the breast tissue in the area of calcifications that would have been "pre-cancer." The only thing I'm aware of that is referred to as "precancerous" is atypia. Atypical ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, etc

Msjackiefan

I am a stage 1 survivor of just 4 years and I can agree with the poster that said the time when you are waiting to find out is the WORST. Knowing finally gives you the option to plan-and there are usually several choices. Not knowing puts you in the hellhole of your imagination. We all go there....Its a bit of a nesting doll in the first phase, as you find out different things. Hopefully, yours is just a scare. Just take one step at a time, seriously; take the information in slowly; breathe; rest; talk it out as much as you need. Know that you have been diligent and it's unlikely it's something that cannot be dealth with successfully.

wrenn

The waiting was absolutely not the worst time for me. So many other things were worse. The actual diagnosis, the surgery, the complications, the chemo, the peripheral neuropathy. I am envious of those who find the waiting for results to be the worst time in all of this.

Lissaidell

@MelissaDallas, i was sconfused. I get what your saying now. Lol. They didn't say anything about it being atypia with that biopsy. All he said was it came back precancerous a and they managed to get it all out but we need to keep a close eye on it and wait for it to come back. I haven't had any other problems from that area. This new biopsy is at 11 o'clock where as the old one was at 8 o'clock.

@Msjackiefan, thank you for your words. It seems no matter how much I try to prepare myself I can't prepare enough. It just shocks me how I take every preventative measure and stay on top of it all and yet 6 months ago my MRI was clean and now all of a sudden there is a mass. They called it a hypoechoic mass at 11 o'clock 5cm from nipple with internal vascularity, and lacking posterior features. I don't know what all that means. And the internet isnt really telling me either. The radiologist said something about it having its own blood flow. Can somebody help me to understand it? We have cancer really bad on both sides of my family. I've had numerous aunts, cousins, GMA's pass quickly from it. My mom had metastatic carcenoma. So its real scary for me to go from nothing to all of a sudden a mass a little of 1cm big!!

Lissaidell

Wrenn i can agree with you. Waiting is a small part of it. Once the diagnoses comes that's when things get harder because you know what it is but now there r things u have to do to get it out. I'm sorry you went through all of it. Its definitely not easy for you or your family

Msjackiefan

My understanding of hypoechoic means it doesn't send back the information very clearly, ie, it is low on echoing back in the scan. It is not defining the nature of the mass, just how well it comes back on the ultra-sound. So needs more examination, is what it sounds like. Having it's own blood supply...well, I don't know if that can also mean benign or not. Sounds like you still need more answers. I would advise you to write the answers down/ bring someone with you/ or ask them if you can record the convo on cell phone. I promise you won't remember everything, as it is a one of those experiences where our defenses are up. This is not easy, but you are doing fine, trust me! You have great instincts. Only your doctors can give you definitive answers, but we here can certainly help you know what to ask and where to look for info!

Msjackiefan

I'm truly sorry Wrenn for all you went thru. I do realize many people have gone thru worse than what I did. For me, not knowing is the worst thing in the world. I do hope life is treating you better now! God bless.

wrenn

Msjackiefan, I am fine and have been for some time. I am just amazed at how many people find the waiting to be the worst part of this cancer thing. It is puzzling to me given how much people endure. I can't imagine those dealing with reconstruction or recurrence let alone the initial diagnosis itself.

I feel like I am one of the lucky ones considering and I still found the waiting to not come close to being the worst part. I am glad for the ones who do find that the worst part since it is the easiest part to control.

Lissaidell

@Msjackiefan, you have been so wonderful! I never thought I would sign up for one of these groups. I'm the type that holds everything in me and shows others than I am strong and doing great. But for some reason I am having a hard time keeping it all in this time. I can't even tell u how many time I have broken down in hysterical crying. I didn't even know I could do that. I just have this HORRIBLE feeling this time. I've literally knocked on deaths door so many time before with pregnancies, and surgery's where I was always that 1 in a million person to get what I had. But this time feels way different and I can't keep my feelings in. As soon as I saw it on the ultrasound it was like my body shut down and I didn't know what to say or what to ask. My husband said I was so pale when I came out to tell him the news. I just haven't really been the same since. Almost like my mind and body are on auto pilot. I know there is a chance of it being b9 but I just have a feeling I can't shake. Apparently the indentation that I was feeling at the 12 o'clock position (right next to the tumor) they think is a distortion. Yep once again don't know what that means. Lol. Oh to be a doctor and know their wordings. Lol

wrenn

Lisaidell, The position on a clock is meaningless as far as determining the significance of what they found. The positioning is used clinically to show the clinician the spot they are dealing with. Many people worry about what time on a clock their scans are showing and they should not.

Hoping for benign results for you.

Lissaidell

Wrenn I had no idea. Lol. I figured the positioning meant something. Lol. I'm trying to avoid the whole researching thing cause I know what it can do for a persons mind. And I don't need mine getting any deeper. Lol. I pray that the waiting is the worst part for me and anyone going through this. Although I know if something is found than the waiting will become the easier part of it all. I am so happy that we have groups like this where we can encourage and talk with others who have been through this also.

Can anyone share what was found on their ultrasounds, mammo, or MRI?

53nancy

I had a mammogram 18 months after my last one, which showed there were microcalcifications that had not been present before. A second mammo was done, then a needle biopsy (which was stated to be BIRADS 4), then an excisional biopsy. There was no palpable lump. The second biopsy showed the area of microcalcifications to be larger than originally thought. I was told three to six weeks for pathology report, so am trying to be proactive in researching anything I can find in this situation. Can anyone answer some questions for me? Is it possible the microcalcifications were present before but not seen because of breast density? I have seen comments that, even though the area was considered contained, mammogram was suggested? Is it possible for SOME of the microcalcifications to be cancerous, while others are not? I am keeping myself busy and trying not to worry, but it is getting me down. I appreciate the courage with which everyone is facing their situation, and wish all of you the best in your journey.

Msjackiefan

It sounds like you are in a bit of shock, Lissaidel. I know the feeling. A bit disconnected but also a sense of dread is how I felt. I had a scare many years ago, in my 30s, that turned out to be a pretty good sized benign tumor. I know what is is toI'd b lay there and wonder. I also felt oddly alone, as if I suddenly spun out of my normal life and everyone else was "over there". This was with the benign tumor. I have also had a benign cyst on the other clean side. You never know. Had I found my post-menopausal, stage 1 earlier, it may have been a stage zero, but they told me, they'd have never seen it, because it was small. Just hang on, is all you need to do, while you wait. However you need to do that is totally acceptable. And be vocal about it..let people know what you need and what you don't need. Let us know how it goes, and God give you good news.

Lissaidell

Msjackiefan thank you so much!! I will definitely keep everyone posted as soon as I find out. Praying for the best but expecting the worst. Lol

53nancy

Lissaidell, thank you for sharing your story and I wish you all the best for recovery. I had a mammogram 18 months after my last one, which showed there were microcalcifications that had not been present before. A second mammo was done ten days later and three weeks after that a needle biopsy (which was stated to be BIRADS 4, with no sub-classifaction). There was no palpable lump. An excisional biopsy seven weeks after the needle biopsy was done showed the area of microcalcifications to be larger than originally thought. It was a painful procedure, and I was told I would have to wait three to six weeks for a pathology report, so am trying to be proactive in researching anything I can find to help me understand this situation. Neither radiologist spoke to me about what they found, and I will have to wait to see the surgeon. Can anyone answer some questions for me? Is it possible that microcalcifications were present before but not seen because of breast density? I have seen comments that, even though patients were told the area was considered contained, a mastectomy was suggested. Is it possible for SOME of the microcalcifications to be cancerous, while others are not? Are there options other than mammogram for breast scannning, as I have read so much about mammograms actually being the cause of calcifications spreading? I am keeping myself busy and trying not to worry, but it is getting me down. I appreciate the courage with which everyone is facing their situation, and wish all of you the best in your journey.

Lissaidell

53Nancy, I have been having actively getting MRI's every Jan and diagnostic mammo/ultrasounds every July for the past several years. Since about 2012 to be exact. In 2014 they found micro calcifications on my regular mammo I did another in Jan of 2015 where they had multiplied so I finally agreed to a aspiration biopsy where they were able to remove them all during the biopsy and placed a clip. I still continue to get regular screens. They haven't showed but up but now their is a tumor as the radiologist called it just above where the micro calcifications were. I have heterogenous density breasts and they were still able to see mine, but it can make them harder to see small masses on a mammo is what I was told. Where the ultrasound showed my tumor the mammogram showed extreme density in that same area. Not sure if this helps to answer your question. Remember that micro calcification can also be B9. Good luck!

Lissaidell

53Nancy have you asked them about doing a Ultrasound or MRI? They have to use all of them with me

MakeupLover

Lissaidell, I hope everything comes back benign for you!

I know how crazy it can be to wait on results, I'm actually waiting for my PET scan and genetic testing to come back. I was recently diagnosed and know how worrisome all this can be.

Hopefully they don't find anything with you, I'll keep you in my thoughts. Good luck!

Lissaidell

Makeuplover.. Thank you! I am praying for B9 but my body is telling me its not. I've seen way to many ofy relatives die from cancer including my mom and dad. It still just amazes me how fast this tumor showed up considering my last scan was in Jan!! I do have a question if anyone can help me out. My biopsy was done on Fri and I am still hurting pretty good, and it's still swelling even with using ice ans Tylenol. And I just felt where my tumor is ans it feels like its getting bigger. Its definitely more noticeable and feels bigger. Is this common with a biopsy? I don't remember the mass swelling with the last biopsy

MakeupLover

Lissa,

When I had my biopsy I remember soon after it felt huge. The doc said it's swelling and normal. I also felt pain (soreness) on and off but it goes away. You should be fine! Just make sure you don't develop a fever as it can be a sign of infection.

*hugs*