New here.. waiting for biopsy results

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  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    oh...i was told that it could tell if the cancer had spread......which is why they did my whole upper chest/armpit area...... Afterwards the Rad Doc said that it was contained, and had not spread to the lymphs or other areas of the breast.....as far as the MRI could see that is

  • janisID
    janisID Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2012

    I guess I was wanting really to know if anyone has had experience close to what I have had so far and if there was some cancer found.  Please don't be afraid to tell me because I really want to be prepared and informed.

     You have all helped so much by just taking part in this community and I am grateful.  If I do have some cancer I am thinking it will probably only be stage 0 at this point. :)

  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    Janis , post a separate thread in Waiting For Results and see if someone has been thru the same thing.....Youll get more hits that way, more people will see it.....

  • marie5890
    marie5890 Member Posts: 3,594
    edited May 2012

    Janis,

    I think I better understand your question.

    You are asking if, after having been told that atypical cells have been found and they are leaning towards benign, that when and excisional is done, if cancer is found.

    Yes that can happen. That is why you have been told you are falling in a spectrum with not definitive answer right now. It is possible. But know this, if they do find some, they have caught it very early.

  • janisID
    janisID Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2012

    Thanks Marie!  You do understand!  I just received by fax the Pathology report and I am going to have to look up some meanings as I don't know what alot of the words mean.

    It says Right breast mass at 4:00, N+4  I dont know what N+4 means

    Proliferative breast changes with usual type duct hyperplasia and intraductal papilloma with ver focal mild atypia.

    Comment:  Overall, the features are soncistent with proliferative breast changes and an intraductal papilloma.  Very focally, the intraductal proliferation demonstrates mild architectural atypia including cribriforming glands that have decreased numbers of myoepithelial cells.  Would recommend conservative re-excision of the lesion.

    OK off to google to see what this says. LOL  Any info would be helpful.  I am getting nervous about wire location and surgery tomorrow!

    Thanks for your support.

  • marie5890
    marie5890 Member Posts: 3,594
    edited May 2012

    Im guessing N+4 means , that at the 4:00 position the distance is 4cm from the nipple.

     You have a very focused (as oppose to dispersed, THIS is good!) area of mild atypia, meaning that the area of atypical cells is very pointed and even then the atypical (unusal cells) is mild (meaning they arent overboard in their being atypical, just a bit different from normal cells) (Also so VERY GOOD).

    They are recommended removal of the area, just to be on the conservative (cautious) side to make sure that all the area is removed. (also makes sure that there isnt anything more serious brewing)

    Based on my own understanding and what I have learned over time, both here and reading the internet, I would go and have the area removed. But I wouldnt panic.

    There is nothing that is screaming cancer. There is just an area that it would be prudent to remove, just in case it's in a very very very early pre-cancerous stage. (and I am serious in the areas that I have bolded).

    I would err on the side of being cautios 

    Does this make sense? 

  • janisID
    janisID Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2012

    Yes it makes sense and Thank you!

    The only wording that I have now looked up that is concerning to me is where the report says "decreasedumbers of myoepithelial cells in the area of solid/cribriforming tissue."

    I guess I'll find out!  You have been a great help.

  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    Sometimes those words on the path report sound much more scary then they actually are.  I hope someone is available to talk to you about what they mean, prior to surgery.  They should be.  

    Good luck to you - whatever it is, it was caught super early!!.  Have your questions ready for them when u next see them - and esp ask when the path report from the surgery will be available! 

  • janisID
    janisID Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2012

    You Ladies are so awesome!  I am so happy I finally posted!

  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    Janis - I dont know what I would do without these ladies!!  I found my doctors in the city near me from someone on this site, along with alot of compassion, information, and wise advice!!  

    The real gems are when you come across people who are 2 or 5 years out cancer free.  They give me the hope I need on those dark days to keep going.....we will get thru this.  Its not the death sentence it was 20 or 30 years ago.  Its a wake up call - and I plan on turning this around to make changes in my life, diet, relationships......all things I have neglected or thought "ill do that later".....not anymore.  

    This might just be a scare for you - i have a good feeling that its going to be a small blip, not cancer.  But it will make you more diligent in your health screenings in the future, and maybe a new lease on life.  It sure did for me.

    Let us know how it all goes! 

  • janisID
    janisID Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2012

    Surgery was last Thursday!  It was kind of a long rough day!  I wasn't expecting to be so teary but I guess I was a little more nervous than I thought.

    Everything went well according to the surgeon and I have my post op appointment this Thursday.  I don't think that I will get any results until then but I will probably call tomorrow just in case.

    The nurse says that he likes to discuss the pathology results with the patient at the post op appt.

    I was alot more uncomfortable than I thought I would be.  I was sure I'd be up and going the next day.  Instead I was very tired all weekend (maybe because of having the general anesthesia) but I am feeling oh so much better today.

     I probably have no right to whine here as so many of you have had so much more surgery and already a diagnosis of cancer. 

    I have heard that even if there is no cancer in the lesion they removed that there is a chance I will have radiation as that is a new protocol for what they found during the core needle biopsy.

    Anyone have any advise if that is what I have to do?

     Thanks for listening and thanks for being here.

    Oh I forgot to tell you something I really smiled about on surgery day!  My BS sends all his patients a carnation arrangement with a note that says "I hope you have a speedy recovery".  Isn't that just so nice!!! :)

  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    YAY!  let us know how post op appt goes!  I too know that the gen anethesia will be hard on me - as I have had surgery before.  Just preparing for a weekend in bed with lots of dvds!

  • teach4kat
    teach4kat Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2012

    I have found that there is a lot of time that goes by, and the waiting drives me nuts, and makes me highly anxious.

    first, just getting an appointment with the regular family doctor to get a referral.  Then trying to get in to see a breast cancer dr.  Then, scheduling a mammogram, then more time goes by before the ultrasound gets done, then  more time waiting for the MRI to get scheduled. I get edgy and more anxious, because I feel that I am lost in the numbers, and others waiting too.  somehow I feel that I am not taken serious, and that I don't have a warranted concern, or that I am being pushed aside by those who demand more attention than I.  My complaint is the time factor to get an answer.  The earliest detection is the best, but look how long it takes to get any appointments, and tests done.  

    I seriously think that I am facing a second cancer on the same breast. The scar tissue is so much larger, and there are bumps on the scar or breast. 

  • teach4kat
    teach4kat Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2012

    I have found that there is a lot of time that goes by, and the waiting drives me nuts, and makes me highly anxious.

    first, just getting an appointment with the regular family doctor to get a referral.  Then trying to get in to see a breast cancer dr.  Then, scheduling a mammogram, then more time goes by before the ultrasound gets done, then  more time waiting for the MRI to get scheduled. I get edgy and more anxious, because I feel that I am lost in the numbers, and others waiting too.  somehow I feel that I am not taken serious, and that I don't have a warranted concern, or that I am being pushed aside by those who demand more attention than I.  My complaint is the time factor to get an answer.  The earliest detection is the best, but look how long it takes to get any appointments, and tests done.  

    I seriously think that I am facing a second cancer on the same breast. The scar tissue is so much larger, and there are bumps on the scar or breast. 

  • PixieNel
    PixieNel Member Posts: 90
    edited May 2012

    Hi guys, lurking at this thread.

    Waiting for my final path report after my operation done last 16 May. My next consultation will be 31 May. I am eager to know my treatment plan basing on the findings.

  • janisID
    janisID Member Posts: 8
    edited May 2012

    Good Morning Ladies!  I just got back from my post op appointment with the surgeon and THERE IS NO CANCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I feel so free.  I finally have no Dr appointments scheduled and only a mammogram in two months to get a new baseline.

    I am so grateful that you all were here during my scare and I will send many prayers and good thoughts for all of you who are waiting for results and for those of you who are facing some further treatment!  I almost feel guilty which is really wierd but I think it is because I have a tremendous understanding now and compassion for this process.

    Love and Happy thoughts to you all!!!!!!!

  • FilterLady
    FilterLady Member Posts: 407
    edited May 2012

    Janis.....wonderful news!  I'm so happy for you!

  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    JANIS !!!!!!!YAY!!!

    DO SOME CELEBRATING THIS WEEKEND!! IM THRILLED FOR YOU!!! 

  • Hoya03mom
    Hoya03mom Member Posts: 135
    edited May 2012

    Hi...sparkynfiesty....waiting can be so hard..just had two more lumpectomies yesterday. Initial one showed dcis which is stage 0 with clear margins but then subsequent MRI showed three more spots. MRI assisted biopsies showed problems with all 3 sites..thus the surgery yesterday. If they come back and don't have clear margins I will need more surgery possibly mastectomy which I dread. I have lost one sister to ovarian and have another on hospice with apendicidal cancer. Really hate this disease!! I hope your results come out the best possible waiting over holiday weekends can be hard. Hang in there!!

  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited May 2012

    yikes Hoya03mom!!  Please, keep us posted on how it goes....... Ill say a prayer for you that you wont have further surgery!!

  • Hoya03mom
    Hoya03mom Member Posts: 135
    edited May 2012

    Janis ID

    So very happy for you!!! So nice to know that you are cancer free!!

  • mytime44
    mytime44 Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2012

    I'm new here.  Went in for routine mammogram on Thursday.  They saw calcifications.  Did an ultrasound.  Saw 1/3 inch lump.  Did biopsy.  Doctor said it's "worrisome."  Now waiting, waiting, waiting... On and off crying jags.  Just want to scream. 

    I'm a single mom of 2 daughters - 20 and 18.  I'm so worried about what this will do to them.  Not telling them until I get the results and know definitively what I'm dealing with.  Trying to stay busy, but can't focus.  Normally, I would be working in my garden, which I love to do.  Can't get interested in it at all this weekend.  I'm just worried sick!

  • FilterLady
    FilterLady Member Posts: 407
    edited June 2012

    Hi mytime:

    I did the same thing, worry, worry, worry and couldn't focus on anything.  I tried to stay busy but really nothing could hold my interest for long.

    Waiting has been the hardest part of this journey.  First waiting to get excisional biopsy, waiting for results of biopsy, waiting to get lumpectomy and sentiel lymph node biopsy, waiting for those results, waiting to see medical oncologist to get care plan in place, waiting to see radiation oncologist to get info on radiation treatments, waiting for treatments to start.

    Finally I'm waiting for first mammo since diagnosis (9/12/12).  I gotta say the waiting has gotten easier since I'm used to waiting, lol

    The on and off crying is completely normal too.  I chose to tell my sons (32 & 35) everything as I knew it as well as the rest of my family and friends.  

    I'm praying that you get results quickly and that everything is okay.

  • Fergy
    Fergy Member Posts: 114
    edited June 2012

    mytime44, 3 years ago I had a similar situation except instead of "worrisome" the radiologist said that I only had a 5% chance of B9 results from biopsy.  Mine was B9.  Lots of people have microcalcifications and they don't do biopsies unless they are worrisome or suspicious.  However 80% of them come back benign.

    Hopefully you will get a B9 diagnosis.  It is hard to not go to dark places but at this point there is no diagnosis, just careful investigation.  You are fortunate that you were able to have all 3 tests in one day.  Sometimes it takes weeks to get the mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy done.

    One thing is for sure, if your results are not B9 there is a great group of women on this website with experience to help guide you through treatment.  Good Luck.  When will you get your biopsy results?

  • mytime44
    mytime44 Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2012

    Thanks FilterLady and Fergie.  Yes, I was very fortunate to have all of the procedures done back to back in the same morning.  I hope to get the bx results late this afternoon.  I found this site yesterday morning and so far, it is where I go when my emotional state is unbearable.  It is so helpful to know that others are going through the same thing.

  • mytime44
    mytime44 Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2012

    Got the bx results yesterday -- DCIS.  Relatively speaking, that was good news.  Seeing a breast surgeon at 8am this morning.  Maybe looking at lumpectomy and radiation.  Maybe simple mastectomy.  Could have been so much worse.  I'm so grateful!

    I just have to say, the Johns Hopkins Avon Breast Cente rin Baltimore is fabulous!!  When they found something on my mammogram, I was able to get ultrasound and bx immediately afterward...same morning.  Two volunteers were there to support me after the mammogram and during the bx.  Within 24 hrs of getting my bx results, I'm seeing a surgeon. 

  • Shayne
    Shayne Member Posts: 1,500
    edited June 2012

    That was my experience at the Breast Center at John C Lincoln in Phoenix.  Nice to get the results so quickly.  Congrats on the good dx.  Youll have some decisions to make.  

  • droozydr
    droozydr Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2013

    Hi ladies, I'm so glad I found this. I felt a lump for at least 2 years now and finally went for ultrasound last Friday after noticing it getting harder. The results found 3 lumps (the other 2 I did not notice because the left one was so much more apparent) and the doctor ordered a biopsy for one, calling it a 'suspicious lesion'. I'm 29, doctor says it's less than 1% chance for someone my age without family history to get this - moreover it has been there for years. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but I can't help the negativity.



    I'm working abroad, living alone away from family and friends. The only person who knows is my partner who lives an 8 hour flight away. The anxiety is killing me, more over facing it alone. My partner is convinced this is nothing and we're just ruling out the possibility.



    I'm not telling my family cause my mom will worry sick (i've got other health problems before and I don't wanna put my mom through this). None of my friends know cause I don't wanna be too drama bout it. When I got too stress bout it my partner asked me not to take it out on him. i've closed up to him since. I'm pretty much trying to handle this by myself and stay positive. I feel like my life is on hold till I get my results. Mind is going everywhere thinking 3 steps ahead of what I should do if results are positive.



  • mariskad
    mariskad Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2016

    john c lincoln breast center, dr alperin radiology is awesome. this is the place to be for breast, I had my core needle biopsy on a 7mm irregular shaped mass, yesterday..friday..I will have to wait until monday between 1:30 and 3 pm for the result..benign or cancer. some hours I am sick with anxiety, sobbing, the3n I straighten up. it is cruel they do not give valium for this wait

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