How many biopsy's have you had after initial treatment? Help!

ctmbsikia

I had MRI Friday and my BS just called. I hate when that happens!!! Especially too since the report is not posted in my portal yet so I can't read it! Sometime earlier this year I believe I developed a seroma in my left breast as a result of exercising. Six months ago it showed up on MRI and I got a BIRADS3 come back in another 6 mos. BS said it was unremarkable at the time (1.0cm). Today she said it's 1.1cm. Are you kidding me?

I have a lot going on in my life right now. I mean my daughter is with her Dad today starting 3rd cycle of chemo, and I'm getting follow up phone calls!! God please make it stop!

Anyway, she said not to worry too much and really I'm not. I know the only way to know for sure what this is, is to take a sample. I am scheduled for a mammogram tomorrow so she did say they will likely take me back for an ultra sound too, so maybe they'll be able to see it.

Lastly, just curious if others out there have had stuff like this come up and it turned out OK, not a recurrence? Thank you

AliceBastable

That's a tiny size growth, so it could even be due to a very slight positioning difference between the two mammograms. I remember all different sizes showing up on the various pre-op tests.

ctmbsikia

First thing I'd like to see is if by chance the same radiologist read my June MRI and this one. I don't get .1cm difference warranting a phone call and wanting a biopsy either!? We read of different measurements on here all day long!

I get a mammo tomorrow and this will be first one of that test since this thing showed up. December 2018 is the only mammogram that I passed with flying colors. If I also get an US I hope I will be able to see it as she recommended doing the US guided biopsy. At least I will have some sort of diagnostic test results tomorrow and go from there. I forgot to ask my score but thinking I'm still at a birads3 and BS is being overly cautious as I am just in year 2.

To be continued. There's just no way my kids should have to deal with 2 parents having cancer at the same time. This BETTER be nothing.

blah333

1.0 to 1.1 isn't a big deal. I've had nodes change size more than that, the body fluctuates. It could've been 1.4 at some time and you never knew. With ultrasound I see them measure nodes by drawing a line with a mouse from one end to another. That .1 could just be a difference in the way it was measured. I would really not freak out over .1 --- but stay vigilant and on the ball!


To answer your question - I had my surgery, one year later need to biopsy a node, one year after that (now) I will probably need another biopsy on a lump. Was shocking to have to be back worrying about recurrence for DCIS just one year after mastectomy. I guess I will just be getting biopsies the rest of my life

ctmbsikia

Thank you blah.

I had a mammogram and an ultra sound on Tuesday and nothing. Normal benign findings. Birads 2. MRI was Birads 4. I was relieved of course but still perplexed if the measurements are correct. It was a different radiologist on this MRI report than the one back in June. My feeling is this doesn't require a biopsy, but if it's still there or larger on the next one, then yeah. Will see if BS calls me again after seeing the mammo and US reports. My appt. with her isn't until March-that's how busy she is! Think she also has a vacation coming up in Feb. as well.

ctmbsikia

Going for a biopsy on the 21st. UGH!!!!!!!

KBeee

Hoping it is benign. Keep us posted.

ctmbsikia

Today is my appt. for the biopsy. It's gonna leave a mark. I hope to get through this as quickly and painlessly as possible. I'd be lying to say I'm not nervous, and I'm gonna be pissed that I had to do this when it turns out to be nothing serious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sigh, sits back down and tries to relax.

KBeee

Hoping it went well and that it comes back benign. Having answers is always better than the unknown.

blah333

LOL. I was mad that my biopsy would leave a little mark. But then I had to cut off my breasts and have my whole life be degraded. It's not that big of a mark. And I think mine healed/is not even visible anymore.

ctmbsikia

My results are benign!!! Always better to have an absolute answer, yes, However--- while using MRI as a diagnostic tool for dense breasted and high risk women there is still a good amount of false positives and unwanted biopsies. I believe I read an article here on this subject.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful by any means. The Dr. and techs I had yesterday were great, I am a very compliant patient which is why I didn't argue the point that I really didn't need a biopsy. I get it, history, high risk, it is better to know 100%.

The geek in me though, wants to know why these dead or fat necrosis cells enhance on MRI and how we can get better at telling the difference.

I have some swelling, not too bad, just sore and I suppose the bruises will be forthcoming. Thankfully my follow up with BS is a month away so I will be all healed up for a breast exam.

#whewieandouchie

MinusTwo

Congrats on the good news ctm. I agree with your questions.

KBeee

Great news!

ctmbsikia

Yes. Thank you both. My BS put the pathology report in my portal this morning with a "she's thrilled" note.

I did just post in Dr. dj's thread a few questions. I hope this damn thing resolves and heals nicely and it stops enhancing on imaging.