Is it fat necrosis??

Logang

I had a routine follow up with my medical oncologist on MY 9th. I had found a small lump up above my right reconstructed breast (it is kind of between my shoulder and collarbone) a few weeks ago, so I reported it to the NP. She examined it and called down to my surgical oncologist who saw me too. He sent me for ultrasound. They discussed biopsy, but the location would make it difficult. They think it might be fat necrosis and usually confirm this with mammogram, but this area is too high for mammogram. So, I have to have a breast MRI and it's scheduled for 5/25. I really hated the breast MRI! At least my surgeon said I could get ativan to take before! I understand how fat necrosis can happen with all of the trauma from surgeries and biopsies, but this area is a lot higher than the implant/breast area. Praying it's just fat necrosis!

buttonsmachine

Hopefully it's just fat necrosis, but I'm glad they're checking it out with an MRI. Will they maybe biopsy later depending on the MRI results?

I was one of those people whose "fat necrosis" turned out to be my cancer. That's why I advocate for more definitive testing in these situations, especially for younger, high oncotype people. It sounds like your doctors are taking it seriously, and that's great. Mine just dismissed it initially.

Still, try not to worry too much yet - chances are it's just fat necrosis, but better safe than sorry! Best wishes to you for the breast MRI too - hope the ativan helps. Please keep us posted.

Logang

Thanks so much for taking the time to post Buttons! I really love my surgeon! I go to The Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center at OSU/The James Cancer Hospital and have been satisfied with all of my doctors and surgeons!

Logang

I had the breast MRI last Friday afternoon. Talked to one of the surgical oncology nurse practitioners this afternoon. They can't tell what the lump is on MRI. The radiologist is recommending that we attempt ultrasound guided biopsy. That's scheduled on 6/6. When I had the initial ultrasound, they talked about this being in a difficult area to biopsy. If we can't biopsy with ultrasound they recommended excisional biopsy. Not the news I was hoping for...

buttonsmachine

Hi Logang, that's too bad MRI was not more informative, but least with a biopsy you'll know for sure. I hope you're hanging in there, and that your biopsy goes smoothly, and that you get good news!

KBeee

Sorry you have to wait so long for the biopsy, but glad you'll have definitive answers. Hoping it is benign. Keep us posted.

Logang

I decided to cancel my ultrasound guided biopsy next week. We leave for vacation 2 days later and I don't want to have restrictions. What fun would I have with no swimming when we are going to Myrtle Beach? The more I thought about things, why not just do the excisional biopsy instead of even trying to to do the us biopsy that they said would be difficult? Have to wait and see what my surgeon says, but whichever we do isn't happening until after my vacation! Cancer isn't taking this from me. I couldn't take vacations the last 2 years after having to use all my time for medical...I'm GOING this time and intend to ENJOY myself!!! 🍹🏖🌊⛱🏊

buttonsmachine

Good for you! Have fun on your vacation. I agree that sometimes we have to just LIVE life.

PS I had an excisional biopsy and mine was no big deal.

Logang

I had the core needle biopsy today. It was difficult for them to do, but they took 6 samples. It wasn't bad for me. Should have results by Friday.

KBeee

keep us posted. Hoping for benign results

Logang

Great news! Benign results! Some fragments of lymph node and no atypical cells found! Happy dance. 😁💃🥂🍾

Meow13

Great news

buttonsmachine

That's great news! Now for a big sigh of relief, and you can enjoy the weekend!

luvBngGma

hi, Logang!

I too ust had a core biopsy yesterday, after 6 years. Hoping for a result of fat necrosis, or any other benign result. Biopsy site is right at end of my lumpectomy scar, waiting is the hardest😳