New to site and concerned.

KellyGreenMe

I have been trying to remain calm the best I know how but as I’m closing in on my biopsy date, I’m starting to become more and more uneasy.

I am 36 years old and went to the dr because my breast felt different. They found a “mass”, 1cm about 1cm from nipple. Mass is partially microlobulated, hypoechoic and no calcifications or vascularity.

I wish there were better ways to understand the differences between Birads a-c. Why would a physician classify a over b and visa versa? Is there a criteria checklist?

Egads007

Kelly, hope this helps you.

I hope everything goes well for you! Hugs

Moderators

Hi KellyGreenMe, and welcome to the BCO Community.

You may find this page helpful to understanding the BI-RADS 1-6 system. Please keep us posted on how your biopsy goes. The anticipation and waiting can be really difficult! Try to keep busy, and know we are all here!

KellyGreenMe

thanks so much for the responses! I understand that 4 a is low suspicion, but I want to understand the parameters for how they are sub categorized. It’s my type A personality getting the better of me. 😝

Egads007

Take a peek at the last paragraph (Conclusion)

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Deniz_Oezel4/publication/313335694_Evaluating_the_most_valuable_parameters_to_determine_BIRADS_score_and_the_real_contribution_of_strain_wave_elastography_for_biopsy_indication/links/5895f176a6fdcc32dbd98bfd/Evaluating-the-most-valuable-parameters-to-determine-BIRADS-score-and-the-real-contribution-of-strain-wave-elastography-for-biopsy-indication

Egads007

Arrrg, don’t think that link worked, try this

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238755846_Different_BIRADS_Categories_in_Screening_and_Diagnostic/fulltext/027bc6f60cf2e0762ec31ae2/238755846_Different_BIRADS_Categories_in_Screening_and_Diagnostic.pdf

KellyGreenMe

thank you Egads! That first link was perfect. I was able to locate a chart in the download that explained how the subcategories are divided based on malignancy features

KellyGreenMe

trying to stay as positive as possible, but how do you ladies do it? I feel like in on a rollercoaster where 1 second I’m 100% positive it’s benign and the next, I’m thinking it’s malignant. What the actual fu*k is wrong with me?!

I received a call from the cancer center regarding my biopsy for next Monday and since then, I’m having a hard time shaking off the anxiety.

Egads007

Kelly, we all ride the roller coaster, all to varying degrees. I was just there in February after a call back on my yearly mammogram. Oh I know it all too well. Like you, it seemed impossible to keep my mind from going to the dark side. Most survivors will tell you that the waiting is the WORST part of it. My diagnosis, treatment and surgery wasn't anything compared to waiting. As a matter of fact living with the thought of a reoccurrence is easier for me. I see what you are going through as a normal thing. Torturous but normal.

First you should realize that you just got the call, in a few days it won't be as hard as it is at this moment. Second is the fact that you can take back a wee bit of control by staying as busy as possible. Do what it takes to keep busy, cleaning, gardening, exercising, socializing. A glass or three of wine if you partake (not every day lol). Netflix and ice cream is good too, do a marathon watch. Busy gives a wee bit of comfort. Reach out to family, friends and the good folks on these boards when it's overwhelming. We are here for you, and we do really care. Keep those stats in mind...cling to it like a dryer sheet, it'll keep you sane!

Sending positive vibes your way! Keep in touch!

Edited to say: back away from google if you can...google is a close bedfellow with anxiety

KellyGreenMe

lol. There’s definitely wine...we actually went out Saturday night and had a wonderful dinner and drinks. Tried a watermelon martini, not a big martini drinker but that was delicious!

Thanks so much for the continued support. The waiting is just awful and coming here with the ability to talk to those who have gone through it is comforting