It's So Hard To Think About Anything Else Right Now

grl06c

Hi everyone! I appreciate you taking the time to read my story. About a month ago I noticed a small rash on the side of my breast that would not go away (I still have it.) It doesn't itch or burn, and it has minimally spread. I thought putting hydroc. on it would help but it has done nothing. I was originally concerned about IBC but I really didn't have any other symptoms. During all of this IBC worrying, I realized that the lump that I found 6 months ago (and was told to come back in 6 months because they couldn't see it on either the mam. or US) was right under the rash. This month is the 6th month from my last check up so I got a 3D Mam and Ultrasound done. I was praying they would tell me it was nothing again, but this time it showed up on both the 3d mam and US. The report was rather vague, which I am trying to tell myself is a good thing. The report did rate the "suspicious" spot as a BiRad4 and discussed my family history of BC (my mom). It also described the spot as "solid dense tissue. Well-define borders with no vascular flow." My breasts in general are extremely dense. The report also noted a 0.7 cm lymph node but didn't say anything else about it. I am scheduled for my consultation with my surgeon to see what type of biopsy I need. I am just so scared right now. I am 30 years old, I just got married and finally finished my Ph.D., and now my life feels like it is on hold. I don't feel like myself right now and am living in fear. My mom died of cancer when I was 16 and I remember when she was going through all of this testing and waiting. Due to the dreaded google, I have convinced myself that my rash is the result of the cancer spreading to my skin. I am trying to live life normally until I have something to actually be worried about , but it is so hard! I am praying my appointment Monday goes well! My doctors have told nothing so far.

MelissaDallas

grl06c, I'm sorry you are so worried and distressed, and I understand yout mother's history makes you more worried. That said, continuing to start new threads instead of sticking to a single thread makes it confusing and hard to respond to you. It also makes it hard for you to continue to update your status on multiple threads.

IBC exacerbates rapidly, in days, if not hours and is very rare-about 5% of all cases of diagnosed breast cancers. The average age at onset is about 60. Most skin issues are just that-skin issues. If you had the same rash on your arm or leg would you think you had cancer?.

Birads 4 areas have about an 80% chance of being benign. If the lymph node was abnormal it would be clearly identified as so. "Well defined with no vascular flow" is also a low risk description.Dr. Google is a vry poor diagnostician. Quit googling

grl06c

thank you for your reply MelissaDallas. Your post was encouraging. I am forcing myself to stop googling and have gotten some Ativan for anxiety. I am also trying to be more positive.I know waiting can be brutal.

mustlovepoodles

grl06c, we have all been in your shoes. The waiting is awful. Don't be afraid to use the Ativan while you wait. Stay off Google and try to keep your hands busy: paint, plant flowers, scrub floors, do crafts. Anything that forces you to think about what you're doing. Busy hands will keep your mind from perseverating. Good luck to you.

grl06c

thank you Mustlovepoodles for the advice! I am currently studying for my licensure exam which takes my mind off of things for a little while. I am not the tidiest person but this week my house has been spotless lol I also have been binge watching Netflix which is always comforting for me :P I appreciate the encouragement!

mustlovepoodles

LOL, my family can always tell when I'm upset because I go at the house like a white tornado!

grl06c

I just had my consultation with the surgeon (who was informative and honest yet comforting ) and we agreed to schedule a lumpectomy. Unfortunately he was unable to see the slides of my ultrasound and mammogram because their computer could not read the program used to burn my disc from the radiologist. He did do a physical exam and said that due to my mom having IBC at 47, a biopsy is the way to go. He said that’s if it wasn’t for my fam hx he would assume it was fibroadenoma . That made me feel better . In general he seemed to want to play it safe and i am thankful for that. He said the rash didn’t look like cancer but agreed it was strange that it is right over the lumpand will also test a piece of it. Feeling nervous but also a little more positive.

Giselle20

Hello I just wanted to pop in.

Based on the description you give and the fact that most of your tests have come back indicating it might be something benign. I think you may have a fat necrosis which is totally benign. But then again I may be wrong and it can be a fibroadenoma or something else. I hope you find peace of mind soon, best wishes.

Symptoms of fat necrosis include:

- feels like a firm lump

- usually painless but can be tender and sore

- can cause redness/ bruising in the area

- can cause nipple discharge

- can also cause a dimple or retraction of skin

grl06c

Hi Giselle! I appreciate the info! The rash is what is freaking me out the most, since it is in the same area as the lump. It has formed slowly and is gradually getting bigger, but barely. I know the worst thing I can do is look online, but I haven't seen anything that looks like it yet. Thanks for the encouragement!

KBeee

When is your biopsy? Hoping all is benign.

grl06c

KB- it is tomorrow morning! Thank you :

Egads007

Everyone here will be there with you today, hoping and praying for good stuff results! Keep us posted, hugs

KBeee

Wishing you a smooth procedure and benign results!

grl06c

thanks you ! I just got the wires put in . A little painful and sore but not too bad! The radiologist told me she thinks they are fibroadenoma but is glad I am getting biopsied given my fam hx.

Egads007

Glad to hear it’s done and that you’re not too bad off...once again, keep us posted!

grl06c

hi everyone just a quick update. I went in for my lumpectomy/ biopsy this morning. My husband and I drove 3 hours to get to a well known surgeon with a good reputation since the doctors in our area have really stunk and have provided zero feedback except for being "suspicious" about a lump... which turned into 2 areas of concern today. It was worth it because he had such great bedside manner. Both the radiologist who inserted the wires and my surgeon said that they look like fibroadenoma and when he was updating my family after my procedure he told them he didn't feel concerned and that they looked benign. I am hoping he would only say that if he truly meant it. I also developed a rash over the lumps about a month ago that hasnt gone away and he said he thinks that it is just a weird coincidence (good one, universe!), but biopsied that as well. Nothing like some good ol' Extra unneeded stress lol. I will know everything for sure Tuesday at the latest! Fingers crossed.

Egads007

That’s great news! I’m sure he was sincere to your family...hang in until Tuesday.. crossing fingers, toes and even my eyes for you! Hope you have a peaceful weekend

KBeee

Glad all went well. Hoping the results are benign

grl06c

so I am still waiting on biopsy results even though I was told it would be 1 to 2 days . Each time I have tried to call my surgeon’s nurse, she has been away from her desk. Today they told me she had gone home for the day around 11. I finally asked if another nurse could look into the results. Another surgeon’s nurse got on the phone and told me my results were in and that my surgeon would call me tomorrow. Of course im over analyzing everything like why couldn’t she tell me my results when she gives results for another dr. My fam friend who works at a doctors office told me that it’s protocol to not have another dr’s nurse give results , but the anxiety is flowing and it’s hard to be rational right now. I’ve gotten really pos feedback up until this point but im back into a state of terror :

Egads007

Hi Grl06c, where I’m at the nurse can’t give medical info out unless directed by the doctor, or unless she’s a nurse practitioner, so the nurse on the phone today is simply following protocol. I know it’s so awful being so close and having to wait another day. Try to keep busy tonight by doing something you love, cook, clean like a tornado...anything but sit stew about it. Try deep breathing and shouting at your fears to go away when they creep in. I know I’m not helping much but know that I,and everyone else here, have been there so many times and feel your pain. We arerooting for you and for good results! Keep us posted and take care.

KBeee

If they do not call you tomorrow, call the office and go pick up the report. It is your right to have a copy of it. I'd get it anyway. Hoping all is benign. Waiting sucks.

FaithsMama

I had two biopsies Tuesday and am still waiting. The waiting truly is the hardest part! I hope you have heard something today.

I called my drs office today and was told that he has the results, though he has not read them yet. I haven’t been able to sleep all week. I will be calling again first thing in the morning.

Please let us know when you get your results

grl06c

suite- I am hoping you get benign results! I am so sorry you are going through the waiting process as well.

I just got a call today and everything was benign! They removed two masses and a piece of skin that had a rash on it right above my lumps. I’m so relieved!! Thanks for the support everyone

Egads007

GrlO6c- awesome news! So happy for you...hope you plan a celebration this weekend