13 Years Out - Suspicious MRI

Anonymous

Trying to stay calm while I wait to hear from my onc. 13 years on the other side of ER/PR- HER2+ BC with lumpectomy, chemo, radiation, and Herceptin in 2006-2007. Tested every 6 months since then with no issues identified. Last study (mammo) in Dec 2018 was benign. MRI from last week shows BIRADS 4 with "0.4-cm enhancing nodule demonstrating rapid wash-in and plateau characteristics. Biopsy recommended." Did what I always say I won't and checked in with Dr. Google. If reading correctly, there are 3 levels with this type of issue with "rapid wash-in and plateau characteristics" being in the middle indicating suspicion for malignancy versus the top category showing highly likely for malignancy (which I suppose is a bit of a positive). I know nothing will be determined until I undergo further testing...lucky me...but just wondering if anyone has any insight to offer beyond the conventional wisdom that says don't panic and don't buy trouble while waiting for definitive results. I know it could still go either way...but PTSD is kicking in from initial DX and all those feelings I had back then while waiting for test results...and remembering all too well how that worked out for me.

Moderators

Hi sundance,

We just wanted to pop in to offer our positive thoughts your way for benign results. We know it's hard to stay calm and think positively, but try to stay busy and keep your mind off things until you know more.

Keep us posted!

--The Mods

KBeee

Hoping all comes back benign!!!

Meow13

I also hope it comes back benign. I know the PTSD feelings I had an MRI scare 3 years ago turned out to be fat necrosis.

Anonymous

Thank you Mods, Kbeee, and Meow13. Appreciate your feedback, especially the comment about fat necrosis; it pointed me in a direction to research. Per Dr. Google, that condition is frequently misread by radiologists (usually those with less experience) as a potential malignancy. The radiologist who read my report is one who has never signed off on my studies in 13 years, so I'm hoping he's a greenhorn who is airing on the side of caution. Another (hopefully) positive sign is that the area where he's pinpointing the concern is exactly where my lumpectomy was 13 years ago and is also an area where fat necrosis is known to be prominent. One other possible thing to consider is that they almost stopped the test before they administered the contrast dye because the tech said there was "a problem with the machine," which he apparently rectified and then proceeded with the test. So I'm putting all my eggs in the basket that says this is all just a big mistake for now. I'm meeting with my oncologist this afternoon to review the study and determine what happens next. I assume I'll need to undergo additional testing to include a biopsy. Lucky me. After 13 years, I was honestly getting very complacent. Seems that's never the case with BC. Will post more when I have additional information as it may help others who run into this issue. Just hoping any future post(s) will include the word "benign."

Meow13

My oncologist swore to me it can't possible be fat necrosis after 5 years it WAS and mammogram and biopsy confirmed it. I know my oncologist is the best in Seattle but sometimes what is probable is not always the truth. I just saw some comments that really ticked me off on another thread. Basically your doctor is God and don't listen to the posters. I say BS, some of us like me a mathematician see what really drives this stuff it is all about statistics.

I spend so much time researching studies I have all the time in the world, now being retired. My oncologist now knows me after 8 years. There is great wealth from long time commenters on this site.

I hope you get good news. Yes, recurrence happens after 13 years but it is not a certainty.

Anonymous

Met with my oncologist and also underwent USD that confirmed the MRI findings indicating that there is something "suspicious." Scheduled for USD-guided core needle biopsy tomorrow, 7/2. Hoping for all I'm worth that the tissue extracted shows up as a benign process and I'm not headed down the treatment road again. When she was doing the USD, the physician did say that what she was seeing didn't "jump out" as appearing malignant...but she also said there's no way to really know without a biopsy. Thought I was off the hook at first because the tech couldn't find anything. But then the radiologist came in and ultimately located the enhancing area. Lucky me.

KBeee

I hate that you have to go through this, but am glad they are taking it seriously and wanting definitive answers. Hoping for benign results!

vlnrph

At least you don't have to wait too long for the biopsy! It might be nice if results were available prior to the holiday. Then maybe there would be a 'b9' reason to celebrate along with the 4th of July...

jessie123

I really hope that it is not cancer, but even if it is cancer the experience may not be as difficult second time around. When we were first diagnosed we knew nothing and the stress of learning about our cancer and making all the hard decisions was horrible. I've read that second cancers can be different -- may be E/P positive this time. You won't have to go through radiation since you've already had that breast treatment and there is a good possibility you won't need chemo again. You may have surgery and go home to take the little pill for who knows how many years. Also, no more imaging every 6 months. I'm talking to myself also since I've had a lumpectomy --- I just keep telling myself this story and it really is true for you too. Good luck!

ndroby

Hoping that your biopsy goes well and the results are my favorite Bingo square, B9! Saying prayers for you!

Anonymous

Quick update for anyone following my initial post. No answers today. Radiologist wasn't able to perform USD-guided core needle biopsy this morning because she couldn't locate on USD the enhancing area that showed on MRI. USD only shows what appears to be normal breast tissue (sounds good to me!). With my cancer history, though, and the questionable MRI that definitely shows "something," she recommended further investigation and referred me to a breast surgeon. My understanding is the surgeon will review my films for consideration of a surgical biopsy. The position of the enhancement just behind the nipple is apparently not conducive to MRI-guided needle biopsy or stereotactic biopsy. The radiologist said they would likely perform another MRI just before the surgical biopsy to help the surgeon pinpoint the area (my hope, of course, is that nothing shows on the second MRI). Until a plan is confirmed with the surgeon, I think I'm gonna go with the belief that whatever was there we "prayed away." Silly, I know. But I need something to get me through what now appears to be several weeks before I have any real answers.

KBeee

Hoping it is indeed normal breast tissue. Sorry it is taking so long to get definitive answers, but glad they are being cautious.

Anonymous

In case anyone has experienced something similar to my situation, I wanted to be sure to come back and post an update. After almost six weeks of stress and confusion, I finally received an answer today...and it's the best possible answer...no lesion/no cancer...I'm out of the woods!

If you followed my earlier postings, an MRI showed a suspicious lesion at my routine 1-year onc visit 13 years out from my original dx. An USD several days later seemed to confirm the lesion and an USD-guided biopsy was scheduled. The lesion couldn't be confirmed on the second USD on the day of the scheduled biopsy and I was referred to a surgeon for an excisional biopsy. In the meantime, a radiology consult confirmed the MRI findings but disagreed that those findings were corroborated on the first USD in addition to being absent on the second USD. Based on that, the surgeon decided that a second MRI was more appropriate than a surgical biopsy at that point. That second MRI was done this past Tuesday and a very kind and caring surgeon called me from her vacation today (and a Saturday at that!) and told me that the radiology department posted the findings this morning indicating that the current MRI showed no lesion at all. It was felt that the original MRI had likely picked up a benign inflammation of some type that resolved on its own. It's been a rough six weeks waiting for appointments...then waiting for tests...and then waiting for test results. We all know the drill.

But I'm not gonna complain...the end result is in my favor...I feel like I can finally exhale. These past few weeks have taught me that I've let myself get complacent in the past few years. I made a lot of promises to myself at the time of my original dx and I realize that I haven't lived up to those promises. I gradually went back to my old way of life. This was an eye-opening experience for me and reminded me the importance of not taking my health for granted. My priorities have all been out of whack. I feel like it's a new day...and I have a new lease on life. I have been blessed and I'm thankful for the reminder of what's important in life.

For those reading this who might be in a questionable period regarding their health, I hope and pray your results also work out in your favor.

JKL2017

Wonderful news, Sundance. I’m doing what my family calls the Happy Abby Dance for you right now! I hope you have something fun planned to celebrate your good news. Enjoy your weekend and congratulations!!!

Meow13

good news.

KBeee

Great news!