I have to wait 3 weeks for an ultrasound

MG3167

Hello.

I am 23 year old female. This is not my first time having a breast lump. I found one in my left breast 2 years ago. That one turned out to be a benign fibroadenoma. I was very happy to hear this news. I was basically a wreck when I found that lump.

Now here I am in 2021 with a new lump in my right breast. Is has the same characteristics of my first lump: Around the same size, very moveable, pretty much painless. Sometimes the area around my breast is a little tender. Probably from me playing with it. There is no change to the outside of my breast. Because it feels very similar to the first lump, I'm *assuming* it's the same thing. I did go to the doctor yesterday to have the breast examined. Sure enough, my doctor felt it. She said that she wasn't truly worried about this lump being cancer, but it's best to get an ultrasound. So now I have an appointment for an ultrasound in 3 weeks. While I'm definitely not as scared this time around, I'm still worried. Can much change with a breast lump in 3 weeks? Will waiting 3 weeks mean life or death? I realize I am probably being dramatic, but I'm scared that waiting 3 weeks is too long and my condition will worsen. Obviously I will watch my breast for any changes. Kind words and prayers please

HH987

hello MG, I think 3 weeks will be fine. When my doctor found several lumps in both of my breasts, I had to wait about 2 months for an ultrasound lol. He said I could check the lumps myself at home maybe couple times a month in case they changed. If there are any change just call your doc he might give you urgent referral. After 2 ultrasounds(1 check and a 6 months follow up)they thought my lumpmight be a breast tissue. Hope you good luck.

exbrnxgrl

MG317,

You are 23, you have seen a doctor who is not worried and you have an ultrasound scheduled. You've taken all the right steps toward finding out what the area of concern is. Given all of this, it is very unlikely that you have breast cancer (your age alone is an important factor in that).

In the vast majority of cases breast cancer is very slow growing, so the answer to all of your questions is no! Not much will change in 3 weeks and it is most certainly not a matter of life and death, so please banish that idea from your thoughts. No one has ever died due to breast cancer confined to the breast and the odds of you having metastatic breast cancer (which can be life and death) that is raging aggressively throughout your body is teeny, tiny. You have a much greater chance of dying in a car accident than having mbc, yet I’m sure you’re not worried about that.

I wouldn't say that you are being dramatic (ok, maybe a little) but your understanding of breast cancer seems to be limited (as would be expected at your age!). Breast cancer is not a raging disease that kills within weeks, particularly if it has not metastasized. Seriously, though life holds no guarantees the likelihood of you having bc is small. The likelihood of you having bc metastasis which is potentially life threatening in the next three weeks? Almost non-existent. Find ways to distract yourself. The concern is normal, but keep in in perspective. Take care.

---

MG3167

Hello!

I really appreciate your response. It put things into perspective for me. I’ll definitely work on distracting myself.

I think a big part of my anxiety is because I just moved to California from South Dakota. I left my family to be with my husband and start a new job as a music teacher at a new school! I have a lot of stressors in my life right now. But your comment made me breathe a sigh of relief. I appreciate you. Thank you.

exbrnxgrl

Good luck in your new home and with your new job. I have lived in CA for more than 30 years (Silicon Valley) and just retire in June after a long teaching career*. I never miss the cold and snow and can go up to Lake Tahoe if I want a “taste” of it. Take good care.

* I have been stage IV almost since dx so I spent my last 10 years teaching and living with mbc. Breast cancer is not a single disease without variation. It is convoluted and complicated but it is not an immediate death sentence

DinoBiscuits

Thinking of you as I’m currently waiting my three weeks for an ultrasound after a suspicious area was found on a breast MRI. It’s not a fun place to be and I’m sending you lots of positive energy and hope for fun and/or productive distractions while you’re waiting.

The good news is that three weeks likely won’t make or break anything in terms of cancer — the bad news is that waiting just sucks.

LivinLife

I agree with the others... even when I've had areas of concern via mammogram we've generally "watched" those in 6 months intervals until a biopsy was really deemed the next step - not uncommon at all.... 3 weeks should be just fine... Please let us know how that goes....