I'd like to introduce myself.

HappyAnyway

Hello. My name is Michele. I'm 44 years old. I have been married for 21 years and am a proud stay at home mom of three beautiful girls.

I found a suspicious, hard lump around the 10th of February. I waited until after my period to see if it would get smaller. It didn't. It gradually began itching, burning and stinging with an occasional sharp pain. Now the itching and pain are nearly constant.

I saw my PCP on March 27 for my well visit. She promptly ordered a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, which I had on April 4th. I knew that she was concerned, as my yearly mammogram and ultrasound were due on May 4th. She did not want me to wait.

The radiologist spoke to me after my tests and said that I should have a core needle biopsy. (I have a birads score of 4.) I had that performed at the comprehensive breast center this morning. My experience with the biopsy was a breeze. I'm sore now, but not too bad. I should have the results tomorrow or Thursday.

The radiologist that performed the biopsy said that it looks malignant. She also said that she has been wrong before. She believes the mass to be bilobular and approximately 4cm. My lymph nodes look good.

They are trying to get me scheduled with an oncologist for Thursday. He should order an MRI and discuss a treatment plan.

I'm feeling surprisingly optimistic, whatever my pathology results are!

I am not active on social media and am generally a private person. I have been reading this site for a couple of weeks now and really like the support and information it provides. I want my journey documented to hopefully help others.

Blessings to all!

Moderators

Hi HappyAnyway,

We are so glad you have decided to introduce yourself here and reach out for support. We hate the reasons that bring you here, but we're really glad you've found us. We love that you can appreciate what our amazing Community provides.

We are sending positive thoughts your way that the biopsy results will come back benign -- there's obviously still hope as no one can predict a diagnosis with out biopsy results. So, stay strong and positive and keep us posted!

--The Mods

bettysgirl

You came to the right place and will find lots of info and support here. Wishing you the best as you wait for test results. Best wishes to you!

AliceBastable

HappyAnyway, welcome! I'm another one who pretty much took this whole experience in stride, no crying or feeling dramatic about it. I also kept doing fun stuff on the days between appointments, tests, scans, and surgeries. Now I remember the fun days much more than the medical ones! Good luck to you and keep the positive attitude.

HappyAnyway

Thanks to all of you for your kind words!

I'm ready to get this show on the road. I will certainly check in with my results.

Michele

momto3sons

It sounds like you have a very proactive team - that's half the battle! Sending you prayers!

Cowgirl13

I agree, it sounds like you have a great team. That makes all the difference in the world.

HappyAnyway

Yes, so far I have received excellent care. I believe that I will be in good hands. Thank you for taking interest in me. I really appreciate it.

I'm used to being the caregiver for my family. Sometimes it's nice to be taken care of. Of course, this is not the attention that I prefer to have, but I am grateful to have found a compassionate group of people to share with.

Fairydragonfly

Thank you for posting. Your positivity is inspiring and I am hoping some of it will infect me. ❤️

AliceBastable

Let your family spoil you for a while. It helps as long as they're not gloomy about it.

bcincolorado

It sounds like you have supportive family and good medical team. No matter your final diagnosis you will find people here who have the same diagnosis and can offer support or answer questions. Best wishes to you as you begin this journey.

Dani444

Sending good thoughts as you wait for your results. I agree with what was said above, sounds like you have a great team. Hoping this is one of those times the radiologist is wrong! We are here for you:)

HappyAnyway

Thank you everyone!

Just one step closer to getting this annoying, itchy thing resolved! I want it gone.

HappyAnyway

I'm part of the group! Literally just got off of the phone with my radiologist, who is awesome and I told her so!

All that I know so far is that I have infiltrating ductal carcinoma, grade 3. I see the surgeon tomorrow at 11:00. I have a MRI Monday at 2:15. I was informed that this should respond great with chemo and surgery and is not a death sentence.

You all are the first to know. I'm about to call my husband, then my sister.

I am strong and feeling strangely euphoric.

Thank you all!

Moving to the diagnosed board.

God bless!

Cowgirl13

HappyAnyway, so glad you checked in here. Welcome. I was in your place 10 years ago this May and I have to say, I had a wonderful team which made all the difference in the world. Good luck.

HappyAnyway

Thank you, Cowgirl13. I hope the surgeon will have the rest of the pathology results before my appointment tomorrow.

The likelihood of chemo is a bit distressing, but I will persevere. If I begin to lose my hair, I will shave it off and rock some serious eyeliner and a punk look! May as well have fun with it! Hope my head is pretty and nicely shaped. We'll see...