It all happened so fast....

vampeyes

Late August I was sitting at the island and felt something weird in my LB, my hand moved immediately to rub the spot. I figured it was just another spasm from lifting weights or house cleaning, but this time I felt a lump. Nervous, but not overly concerned I made an appointment with the doctor. He did not feel the lump, just thought my LB was "meatier" (yup his word) than the RB, thankfully he referred me for a mammogram and ultrasound. It took just over 2 weeks to have the mammogram and ultrasound done. During this time I was concerned, but seeing as the doctor didn't feel the lump, even though I still could, felt that it must be "all in my head".

The mammogram for me was not painful, both breasts were done for comparison as this was my first of I am sure many to come.

The ultrasound tech felt the lump as well as got pictures of it. At the time I didn't know, but it is a "small" 1 cm lump. I was sent back to the waiting room for the radiologist the look at the images. Another mammogram was requested of the lump and back again to the waiting room. In the end it was decided to biopsy.

Now enter freak out mode. It was only a 5 day wait to have the biopsy, but of course this is the longest 5 days of your life. I spent time on Google wanting to know how other women with confirmed cases of breast cancer found out. I googled statistics, wondered if living in my area was a higher risk do to our chemical valley. The night before my biopsy I found this site and was thankful to learn of many other women's experiences and helpful tips!

Core biopsy: Definitely wear a sports bra, my needle site is right beside the underwire and even today I am wearing a sports bra to avoid aggravating the site. I had the most wonderful nurse and radiologist, everything was explained to me and the radiologist had a light-hearted side that helped you feel more comfortable and at ease. For me there was no pain, not even the freezing, which I expected to be the worst part of it. I was told 4, 7 and 10 days for the results - lol. The radiologist said to call the doctors office in a week, as the earliest I could see my doctor was not for 2 weeks due to him being on vacation.

I have to say now that the biopsy is over with I feel ok, not as stressed, no more googling; really what more can I learn? I am currently feeling positive that this will come back non-cancerous and I will laugh at all my anxiety and stress that I did for nothing!

CasM

I hope for the best with your path results.

MTwoman

Good luck for b9 results!

vampeyes

Thanks ladies! Staying positive and doing some retail therapy! 😜

An update for those of you waiting to do biopsy, I am having an achy feeling where needle was inserted. To be expected and not bad enough for Tylenol yet.

MTwoman

vampeyes, have you tried ice? that can also be helpful.

vampeyes

I will do that as soon as I get home, thanks for the ice reminder!

vampeyes

Soooo positive thinking did nothing for me. Found out last night IDC, off to see surgeon next week. My doctor feels we caught it early and likely Grade 1 and Stage 1, but obviously we won't know nothing till after the next pathology report. Waiting sucks.

NotVeryBrave

Yeah - positive thinking is overrated. I'm sorry about your diagnosis. Good thing you did pursue it.

You will probably feel better once you meet with the surgeon and go over the results and plan of care. You may want to see an oncologist early to get their opinion as well.

Best of luck as you move forward.

vampeyes

Thank you NotVeryBrave. Should I ask my doctor about seeing an oncologist or maybe the surgeon? So many questions and not sure where to find the answers.

MTwoman

Oh I am so sorry vampeyes! Certainly ask your bs for their recommendation, but if you don't want to wait, call your doctor's office and ask them or if there is any NCCN center near you, see if you can get an appointment there for next week as well (https://www.nccn.org/members/network.aspx is the link to find an nccn center). I agree with notverybrave, once your pathology is in and you can meet with your bs (and mo, ro, ps etc) to start to make a plan, many women really start to feel less overwhelmed. Sending you warm wishes and gentle ((hugs))

NotVeryBrave

My BS referred me to the MO that I see. They are both in the same group. I never sought a second opinion from oncology because it seemed pretty straightforward, but I did end up seeing another BS and ultimately going with that one. Sometimes it's just a matter of how things "feel" with one vs another.