Inconclusive 3D mammogram and Ultrasound

Rondeezee

Hello All,

I ama 50 y/o old female with a past history of breast cancer in the left breast 21 years ago. I was diagnosed at 29 years of age. I had a lumpectomy and radiation treatments. To date, I have had negative mammograms thus far. This week I went for my annual mammogram and received the dreaded call back. I was told that there was increased distortion near the scarring from lumpectomy, near my axilla. I was told that my mammogram was done on a new 3D machine that showed better pictures. I was asked to return for an ultrasound and the results are inconclusive as they saw the same distorted area on the mammogram and they saw a new lesion at the 6:00 area of the breast that did not show up on prior mammograms. I was told that I needed to have a breast MRI. I asked him if I was a candidate to come back in six months and he said no I don't feel comfortable. Not sure what that means, but I am afraid that the monster has returned. I don't understand why he didn't order an immediate biopsy , given my history. I am too afraid to access my recent mammogram and ultrasound reports in fear of whatthey will say regarding BIRADS. I am completely paralyzed and can't think of anything else. Trying to remain positive, but it is hard when you've been touched by cancer once. Any advice?

Georgia1

Hi there Rhonda and I'm so sorry for this scare. I was diagnosed with breast cancer after a serious bout with skin cancer, so can sympathize with the fear. Personally I think the MRI is prudent since odds of a recurrence are low. So if you want advice, mine is to schedule the test and hope for the best in the meantime. Do let us know how it goes.

Rondeezee

Thank you for your advice Georgia. I am trying to remain calm but it is tough. It wait is painful

Moderators

Hi RhondaJ-

We're so sorry you're experiencing this worry for a second time! We agree with Georgia about scheduling the test, but we certainly understand your fear and hesitation. Please keep us posted on when you have the MRI, you're in our thoughts!

The Mods

Teddy88

Hi Rhonda:

I am sorry that you are faced with worry once again. I wanted to share that I did two stereo core biopsies and one US-guided biopsy in August because micro calcs and a mass showed up in a previously treated (lumpectomy + rads) breast. The radiologist proactively called my ob-gyn to say that she felt cancer had probably returned.

Turns out it was fat necrosis and scar tissue changes from original surgery and rads - creating a mighty stir in the same breast - several years later.

You have had surgery and rads and are being checked with more advanced machines each year. Wondering if you might have a similar, benign issue coming to pass like scar tissue changes or fat necrosis? I appreciate your point about getting a biopsy but it seems that they want as much info as possible via MRI?

Ps - I asked if we could wait and check in 6 months and the radiologist was very afraid to wait at all, too. My birads was listed at 4.

I hope you will have a good result and that you will keep us posted.

xx

Belle

Rondeezee

Hi Belle,

I am certainly praying that my left breast issue is b9. I guess that I’m a bit taken back by the recent discovery because I’ve been cancer free for 21 years. I thought that cancer was completely behind me as I understood the rate of recurrence in a breast lumpectomy w/radiation was very low. Needless to say, I am an emotional wreck and trying to remain positive. It is helpful to hear from others who have had similar experiences that turned out ok. I will be sure to come back to share what I hope to be good news

Rondeezee

So, just learned that my insurance company denied my breast mri twice. My PCP told me to appeal and has now referred me to a breast surgeon who I will see on March 1. I don’t know why an insurance company would deny a breast MRI with my prior history and they received my recent mammogram and ultrasound reports. I’m with Cigna. Could it be that they don’t think I need it based upon my reports? Also, would it be expected that if the radiologist saw something very suspicious, he would have requested an immediate biopsy? Trying to remain hopeful but I just don’t know how all of this works. I’ve read a number of posts on this site and it appears as though, in the cases where lesions were highly suspicious, those women received immediate biopsies and MRI. I am praying that I don’t have a recurrence. It has been 21 years since my first diagnosis and I put “C” behind me. I am hopeful that what they saw on ultrasound is a side effect of an irradiated post menopausal breast. Please keep me in prayer