Removal of Possible Phyllodes on Saturday (and I'm nervous!)

arc-en-ciel

I first noticed a lump on my left breast around one year ago when I was 15. When I went to get an ultrasound they ruled it as a fibroadenoma and proceeded to do a biopsy which came out positive as a fibroadenoma. Fast forward 6 months later, the lump grew at least 1cm more and is much more visible, and painful (especially during menstruation). Because of this, my doctor wants to remove it to eliminate the possibility of it being a phyllodes.I'm 16 years old by the way.

Anyway, I'm scheduled to get the surgery this Saturday and I'm really nervous about what is gonna happen and how/what I can prepare for it. I need to be in the hospital at 8a.m., to have the surgery done at 2p.m., and then I stay overnight so that they can keep an eye on me. Do any of you have tips for what to expect and what to bring with me?

Recap

Talk it over with your parent who knows you best.

Take a box of Kleenex and a roll of toilet paper-not saying you will need it, but hospital tissue is like sandpaper and the dispensers are also an issue. Also, a purse-sized package of baby wipes for any freshening up you might want to do, and a menstrual/urinary pad to absorb any drips or leaks (takes extra time to get out of a hospital bed into the bathroom to pee.)

Hospital beds are a good place to give yourself a manicure so your manicure kit might occupy your time. Think about what bra will be most comfortable for you to wear home and know that they will probably give you a small ice pack to tuck inside the bra cup. Just in case of any staining, don't wear your favorite outfit home. Chewing gum, your favorite bottled beverages, indulge and treat yourself! Best wishes.

mmcox

Hi I have a similar issue. i was diagnosed with a benign fibroadenoma when I was 17. This was back in December. Two months later I started to feel another mass. Now it is six months later and I have had an MRI, an ultrasound, and consulted a specialist. The specialist said both my ultrasound and MRI were Bi Rads 4. I guess that means possible malignancy or abnormality. the specialist said the reports were odd compared to my lumpectomy reports from December. My MRI said things like "heterogeneous" "peripheral enhancement" and "this is unusual" and other medical stuff I could not decipher and that it should be tested for atypical cells or blood flow. the specialist performed ANOTHER ultrasound and evaluated the results in front of my mother, aunt, and I. She said it was large given the amount of time it has taken to grow and in the same spot and strangely immovable. (Fibroadenomas are movable masses). She said there is a possibility that it could be a phyllodes tumor OR scar tissue from my surgery. However, she also said scar tissue would be unlikely because it wouldn't cause pain during my menstrual cycle. Just like you I have been experiencing discomfort during my cycle. I have a needle biopsy next Wednesday and follow up to discuss surgical plan and possible treatment depending on the results on June 1st.

as for your surgery, you should braid your hair up so that it does not get in the way. Bring headphones to listen to music to calm yourself down before surgery. Trust me it helps. Bring your own small blanket (hospital blankets suck in my opinion) and bring snacks for when you are hungry afterwards considering you are staying overnight. They will put a line in your vein with chemicals that will make you fall asleep. You wont remember or feel a thing. Post op is kinda painful but no more than the pain you are currently experiencing. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

arc-en-ciel

It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one that's dealing with something like this. I always hear about older women dealing with this, but not teenagers. I hope everything goes well with your case! Thanks for the tips