Referred to surgeon after ultrasound

jean2100

Hi there,

I’m posting because I’m really worried about my mom at the moment & could use some feedback from people here! I should note that my cousin died of metastatic breast cancer earlier this year only 7 months after diagnosis. She underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy before learning that the cancer had metastasized. Her oncologist at a major breast cancer treatment center said that it was the fastest growing BC he had ever encountered - the whole thing was really devastating for everyone involved to say the least.

Now I am concerned about my mom who is in her mid 60s & postmenopausal. Six months ago she found a lump and went to her pcp who confirmed it & then sent her for a mammogram (and maybe also an ultrasound - unsure about this) The radiologist thought it was a cyst & recommended that she follow up in 6 months.

Six months later she thinks the lump has grown. She is sent for another mammogram which showed changes from her prior mammogram so she is then sent for an ultrasound. The ultrasound confirms that the area of concern had grown & also confirmed that she does not have a cyst but something more solid. I don’t know more than this as I’m hearing this second hand from my mother.

She was then referred to a specialized surgeon for follow-up & we’re awaiting that appointment.

My mother is unconcerned because apparently the lump is “only an inch wide” & “feels like it is more attached to the skin than the rest of the breast.” She seemed surprised when I asked if her doctor had sent her to the surgeon for a biopsy - she didn’t know. I refrained from asking more questions because I don’t see any need to worry her at this point.

Is it likely that she was sent to the surgeon so the area could be biopsied? Is there any other reason to send her to a surgeon? Am I right in being concerned that she is post-menopausal with a growing solid mass in her breast?

I know my cousin’s death has really multiplied my fears. I’d really appreciate an honest assessment of things here. I’d rather know now if some of the things I’ve mentioned sound concerning. It takes me awhile to process things & I’d like to prepare myself for possibly walking through a hard diagnosis with her. It is hard worrying if I am just being silly and overreacting.

Does anyone have any thoughts on all o this here? Thank you!

vlnrph

First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your cousin. Not many realize the impact of metastatic disease unless they see it up close. For your mom, keep in mind that cancer which remains localized in the breast is not terminal - it's only when mutant cells set up shop in another location that this beast becomes deadly.

The most common age group for BC diagnosis is women in their 60s so you are certainly not being silly.

Frequently, a radiologist will perform the biopsy prior to referral to a surgeon but perhaps the protocol at clinics in your area is to bring a specialist into the process earlier. If it were a cyst, sometimes a needle aspiration can be done in the office. Will you be able to accompany her to the appointment? We often suggest that someone else be present to help listen and take notes. You sound like a very caring daughter and I hope everything turns out OK.

jean2100

Thank you for your response!

I’m unfortunately not able to go with her to the appointment as I live a long plane ride (or two) away. I wish I could be there. She tends to get flustered around medical things (understandably so) & I know it can be hard to keep track of details in those moments. Thank you for reminding me that localized cancer has a good prognosis. I just want her to be healthy & enjoy her well-deserved retirement.

I think metastatic breast cancer is kind of lost amongst all the stories we commonly hear about breast cancer. I know people were really shocked that my cousin’s cancer had spread & I spent a lot of time behind the scenes trying to explain to family members that it wasn’t due to anything she did “wrong” regarding treatment. That her cancer was just really aggressive & had also changed hormone receptor status. I ope there will be more visibility for metastatic breast cancer in the years to come.

Salamandra

Hi jean2100,

I had a friend I really wanted to be there with me but who couldn't be there in person. My doctors have been fine with me calling her in on FaceTime/Skype etc. I wonder if that could work as a way for you to join your mom?

Hopefully your mom is right, and this is either benign or early stage cancer. But it's completely understandable that you're spooked by what happened to your cousin. Hoping for the best for her!

Mymomsgirl

Jean most likely she has been referred to the surgeon for a biopsy. She will probably meet with them and then schedule the biopsy. I find in the breast centers they will often have the resources to do them on the spot. Does she have another family member or close friend to go with her, it is always good to have another set of ears, the face time idea is a good one too. My assumption it that your cousin was premenopausal and that is a totally different situation than your mom. Do you know if your cousin had genetic testing done? If so it might be good to see the results.

Good luck, it is tough to watch your mom deal with something like this, I had to do the same 25 years ago.