All in my mind?

mistyblues

Hello everyone. I had a 3d mammogram screening on Friday and got the dreaded call back that afternoon. I am scheduled for more scans and US if needed on April 8 (such a long wait in my eyes). The radiologist noted focal asymmetry in my left breast lower inner quadrant. So I wait. I know the stats and I know the odds are in my favor, so I am trying to keep things in perspective. To anyone from the outside, I am completely calm.

But, I feel like I am losing my mind. Is it normal to become hyper aware of every little twinge in the affected breast? I had no breast complaints when I walked in there on Friday. Now, I am noticing all kinds of odd sensations that I apparently was disregarding before. Is this a normal response? Am I completely coming unglued?

Thanks for listening.

Ingerp

Keep in mind that breast cancer doesn’t hurt. Lots of other things can (cysts, inflammation, infection), but cancer does not.

vlnrph

Ingerp, that is not true! I just sent you a private message to stop spreading the misconception that BC does not hurt.

vlnrph

Yes, it is normal to have a focus on the area of concern!

If this was your first 3D, it may be a matter of needing extra views to establish a baseline. I think the tissue can compress in some strange ways so they have to look at it again.

That does seem like a long time to wait unless you are premenopausal but then the initial mammogram would have been timed to your cycle...

mistyblues

Thank you for the reply vlnrph. This is my second 3d mammogram. I had one last year. However, I lost 50lbs between last year's scan and this one. I failed to mention that to the technician. I am wondering if that can change the way my breasts appear on the screen. I don't think they are timing exams around cycles since I made my appointment and they did not ask about that at all. I am premenopausal (41).

Moderators

Hi Mistyblues! We certainly understand how you feel, and we don't think you sound unglued at all! It's concerning and scary, and hard to focus on anything else while you're waiting. We hope the scan goes well, please keep us posted!

The Mods

Natasha007

misty,

Congratulations on your weight loss. That is marvelous! I'm feel that your weight loss is a factor in them needing additional images.

I went though a similar experience in February. While I was waiting for my diagnostic mammogram and then biopsy, I started suddenly feeling things I had not previously felt, just randomly during the day at work. Mostly just dull pain or sometimes quick pains. I tried to do self exams everyday to see in anything new popped up and that made the problem worse. I felt like I was having pain that I really don't think I was having.

I seemed “normal" at work but honestly, my mind was on it constantly and it was a hugestruggle to not break down at times.

Mine turned out to be benign after biopsy of two spots. Since the benign results, I don't think about “it" all the time and have not felt any random things or random pains like I was.

The mind is a powerful thing. For me, the “pain" and “weird things" I felt were mostly in my head.

I hope all is well for you. The waiting is pure torture. Please update us as youhave news.

All the best

mistyblues

Hello everyone. I went in for the follow up 3d mammogram and then ultrasound today. It turned out to be a fluid-filled cyst, and I was released to come back for my regular annual screening next year. I didn't want to just drop away without letting everyone know of the outcome and to thank you for talking to me at my low point. I really did appreciate your presence.

M.

Elizabetty

I completely understand and I do think it's normal to be hyper aware of any twinges you might have. I am in the same boat....with newly observed asymmetry on the left breast. Repeat mammogram but this time compression which confirmed that diagnoses. Then had my first ultrasound just after which revealed 2 nodules and a 3 cysts in the right breast that was never picked up on on mammogram. I'm guessing this is due to dense breast tissue? Even though I am 51, I have been asked to return in 6 months for more screening. I would have thought my age would be reason to do a needle biopsy sooner than later?! I'm crossing my fingers for you!

Sandra19

Hello all

A chest CT due to bronchitis and persist painful spot on my chest incidentally found a mass on my left breast. I also informed my Dr repeatedly of tender and swollen right armpit. I'm 46 and never had a screening. My first mammo was diagnostic followed by US. Of breasts and right axillary. Axillary US state benign lymph node measuring 1.5 centimeters in Maximal diameter. Sonogram of the right axilla otherwise negative and Birads 3 given ... L. Complicated mass 9x6x4 containing small amounts of septation and debris. Follow up US in 6 months. R. 6mm cyst bi rads 2 benign (YAY) My Dr insisted my chest pain was due to anxiety and stress (due to my toxic work place issues) and told me cancer didn't cause pain I was describing. So here I am 6 months later, time for follow up. I changed Drs due to the stress she was causing me by insisting it was stress! Lol) a month or so ago I noticed that my left breast and nipple are now hanging much lower than my right and looks and feel fuller than before only on the bottom part of my boob. The difference is noticeable and only recently dropped. Pain has been persistent the last 9mo. I'm waiting for my Drs office to call back to set up appt. lm sure all of your situations are much more serious than mine and my prayers are with you all. Im freaking out a little and would appreciate to know if anyone has had Bi Rads 3 and a boob that dropped suddenly. Thank you all in advance!🙏