Ultrasound recall

Mother0520

Hello. I am new to the forum but not new to breast cancer worries. I almost feel silly posting-I see so many posts of others going though so much!

History:

Family history breast cancer.

55 year old post menopause.

Extremely dense breast tissue.

removal of 4 fibroadenomas over a period of 10 + years. I have a breast clip in my right breast 8 o’clock position. It has been there 10 years, I think. I’ve lost track of time! Previous biopsy there showed stromal fibrosis, if I recalll correctly. In any event, it was termed benign. I have yearly mammogram and ultrasound.

This year: Went for routine mammogram. Considered normal and stable.

Then I get a callback for ultrasound-all radiologist said was “area looked changed.” Recommendations were core needle biopsy or meeting with surgeon. So, I opted for CNB and am waiting to schedule.

I am trying to keep it together, but it’s hard. I want to be positive, but I’m scared. I made the mistake of going online and now I’m reading about phyllodes tumors which can arise from stromal tissue? I guess I’m just looking for thoughts or feedback.

Trying to think good thoughts for myself and all of us here!

Moderators

Welcome, Mother0520! We're so sorry you find yourself here with these worries, we know how hard it can be to wait. We're here for you, and we hope you're able to get scheduled soon and that your results give you peace of mind!

The Mods

LivinLife

Welcome Mother! I'm not familiar with your diagnoses other than seeing others post on this site about them.... Sounds like you may have an excision in your future to have this area removed even if not actually cancer. The biopsy will tell more of the story. Please let us know when you get the appointment scheduled. You will do well through the biopsy - just ice, ice, ice afterwards which will help a lot. I actually went back to work after my first biopsy.... don't remember about the second.... I was glad I was off work for the 3rd... You won't miss much of a beat after the biopsy itself (physically). Focus on your self-care during the wait to schedule and the wait for results.... Waiting is really hard! If you don't need excision then GREAT! If you do then you'll get through that and it won't hold your life up much at all - just some healing time.....

Mother0520

Livinlife & Moderators,

Hello and thanks. I have my core needle biopsy tomorrow morning. I have had this done before so I’m not worried about the actual process, just the result!

I did get a copy of the focused ultrasound report:

History: Irregular shaped hypoehoic area identified in the 8:00 position of the rt breast 3 cm from nipple exhibiting some posterior acoustical shadowing. Prior biopsy at this site in 2011 yielding Stromal fibrosis.

Findings: There is a 17 x 12 x 6 mm irregular shaped area of decreased echogenicity with posterior acoustical shadowing at site of prior biopsy 8:00 position rt breast 3 cm for nipple. This appears to represent change from time of biopsy performed in 2011 and there is no mammographic correlate.

impression: recommend repeat ultrasound guided core biopsy of this area.

Assessment: BIRAD 4-suspicious abnormality, biopsy should be considered.

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I am torn between just thinking this is just being cautious given my history—Family history breast cancer of maternal grandmother and four prior biopsies-all benign fibroadenomas. But I do understand that some of the wording and size (taller than wider) are not necessarily encouraging.And then, of course, my mind flies to the worst case scenario. I tend to be an anxious person under ideal circumstances, so I wish I could say I’m handling this well, but I’m not. It’s hard to keep my mind off it! Additionally, my sister was just diagnosed with a form of ovarian cancer this past week. I want to be there for her and now this happened. I have only shared this with my husband and a few friends. To have to tell my parents even about the biopsy would devastate them more than they already are regarding my sister. So, I guess I just wanted to vent a bit. I am trying to think good thoughts and when I read the many brave and inspiring posts on this website, I hope I can dig down deep for the strength I might need in the event of a diagnosis—like so many others have. Thanks for listening!