MRI Results - Referred to Surgeon

hrnsmith12

Hi, new to the forums but have read a lot here over the last month. Reading the forums has helped and given me a lot of peace in dealing with the waiting. I received test results from my breast MRI today that I wasn’t necessarily prepared for. I decided that posting myself might help bring me some peace during this waiting game. Below is the timeline of the last month and a half and my tests.

3/24/21 - First mammogram, indicated the following: Focal asymmetry with the obscured masses and architectural distortion in the outer right breast at the approximate 9:00 position, middle depth. Spot compression views and ultrasound characterization is recommended. BIRADS 0

4/19/21 - Diagnostic Mammogram and ultrasound performed, indicated the following: Ill-defined area of hypoechogenicity of the right breast at the 9 o'clock position 9 cm from the nipple for which ultrasound-guided needle core biopsy and postbiopsy mammogram is recommended for further evaluation. This area may correspond to the highly suspicious architectural distortion seen with mammography. Bilateral breast MRI with and without contrast is recommended given the highly suspicious findings on mammography of the right breast. This should be performed after the ultrasound-guided needle core biopsy. BIRADS 5

4/28/21 - Ultrasound-guided needle core biopsy performed. Results were negative/benign but in discord with BIRADS 5 rating. Notified that I should proceed with breast MRI.

5/19/21 - Breast MRI completed indicated the following: Right upper outer quadrant irregular 4.5 cm enhancing mass with type 3 kinetics and associated distortion. Previously biopsied with benign results, however, this is possibly discordant. Suspicious for possible malignancy. Surgical consultation for excision is recommended. BIRADS 4 (no letter specified)

I suppose, I let my guard down when the biopsy came back negative and when I got my MRI results this afternoon all the fear came rushing back. Trying to stay positive but my mind isn’t cooperating.

Moderators

Dear hrnsmith12,

Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that these changes in your breast health have brought you here. We are glad that you reached out for some support. While you are waiting for some others to chime in with their experiences you may want to check out this link to resources that attempt to explain some common imaging questions and concerns. We are here to help you to navigate your way around the boards. Check in with us if you do not get any responses today and we will brainstorm some other areas to post your questions.

The MOds

edj3

hrnsmith12 I understand your fear, but won't it be good to know and to have whatever that is out of your body?

Stick with us, ask your questions, vent, etc. We are here for you.

Sunshine99

hrnsmith 12, you're in a scary place right now. Thank you for sharing with us and do let us know when you've met with the surgeon. I think you'll find you get a lot of support here.

Wishing you the best,

Carol

hrnsmith12

@edj3 & @Sunshine99 -Thank you for your kind words and responses. Yes, I am 100% on board with seeing a surgeon and having the mass excised. I mostly go between telling myself to keep a positive mindset to thinking worst possible case and researching all the terms in my reports that I don't understand. I think what has added to the frustration is my treating physician (GYN) hasn't spoke with me once during the process of testing. She just reads the reports, has a nurse call me that they are sending the referral and that is it. I haven't spoken with any of the radiologists or my doctor. So I haven't been able to really get any additional help in understanding everything. Maybe this is normal...hard to tell since I haven't gone through this before. Any insight you guys have if this is normal or not would help me better understand if my frustration is warranted.

LivinLife

That is sad you haven't been able to talk with anyone other than your doc's nurse. I know docs, PA's, CRNP's and the like are swamped typically let alone during COVID. I wish your doc would have taken the time anyways.... your doc had to know this would be emotional for you....

MsMonster

I had a pretty similar experience. I didn’t get a lot of concrete information until I went for a 2nd opinion. Even then, my surgeon and pathologist had one opinion and radiology had another.

I’m healing from my segmental mastectomy now and hoping my final pathology is what my surgeon believes it should be.