Breast Implants BI-RADS4A + 4B

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Bmitchelltampa
Bmitchelltampa Member Posts: 9

Hi Ladies ~ I am a 42 y/o that had breast augmentation last year and replaced my saline implants w/silicone.  I have had mammos/ultrasounds since 2007 w/consistent BI-RADS2 in both breasts.  My plastic surgeon removed most of my breast tissue last year, however, after my annual mammo +u/s, I was sent for a breast MRI w/contrast.  I have two enhancing masses in my right breast w/BI-RAD scores of 4A + 4B.  I have had breast pain, horrible migraines, vomiting, weight loss, appetite loss, blood in urine.  My bloodwork indicated that my Prolactin levels were extremely high (104).  I have had nipple discharge in the past and last year before my surgery, there was 'crust' on my nipples that my Dr. commented on, but when my mammo +u/s came back normal, we proceeded w/surgery as I had to had scar tissue removal in other areas of my body from previous surgeries.  I am mtg w/my first breast specialist/surgeon today and have another appt. tmrw for a 2nd opinion.  I am also going for my annual uterine biopsy on Monday + pap.  Thankfully my blood test for CA-125 came back normal, so not sure why I have blood in my urine.  I'd really like to know if any of who were diagnosed w/BC had implants in.  My plastic surgeon said that he has only had 1 patient in his career diagnosed w/breast cancer after putting implants in.  I'm not very comforted, the waiting part is excruciating and I am in a lot of upper thoracic back pain.  It's just agonizing when you have to worry about every ache and pain during this process.  :(  

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  • Bmitchelltampa
    Bmitchelltampa Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2012

    I should add the reason I am posting in the High Risk category is that I was deemed High Risk.  The breast MRI report mentioned two suspicious abnormalities so I am consulting two breast surgeons to discuss my biopsy options.  

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited September 2012

    If you haven't already, you might consider meeting with a genetic counselor. It was surprisingly comprehensive and affordable. He said I was 50 percent risk. Please see my bio for the rest of the story. Take care! Jill

  • Bmitchelltampa
    Bmitchelltampa Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2012

    Good morning Jill, and thank you so much for your response!!! I have been checking every day to see if I've had a response.  So much has happened since my initial post.  I have spoken to a genetic counselor and I have my blood sent off for the BRCA test, I do not have the results yet, that was done 8/23.  Appt. w/Breast Surgeon #1 did not go well, I did not care for her approach, she made me feel very put off by all of the questions we asked.  She did write the 1st script for my MRI guided core needle biopsy.  It was denied by United Healthcare. She never appealed it.  I went to Breast Surgeon #2 the next day.  He attempted an U/S guided core needle biopsy but due to the placement of both masses (1p and 7p), they are impossible to get to via U/S guided.  Script #2 was written for MRI biopsy, it was denied again and the appeal process was started. I've since chosen Breast Surgeon #2, but have also seen my General Surgeon who helped in the appeal process.  I found out last Friday that it was approved via peer-to-peer review.  Was immediately sched. this Monday 9/10.  They were able to get to the 7p mass and put a titanium clip in, but they cold not get to the 1p mass so I am sched. for open biopsy next week, I meet w/my BS on 9/18.  I also have a brain tumor, most likely a prolactinoma/microadenoma in my pituitary gland, that is producing and extremely high level of prolactin.  It has been making me so sick.  I do not see the Endocrinologist until tmrw 9/13, and the Neurosurgeon until 9/19.  Also, having bladder biopsy on 9/21.  My CT Scan of abdomen showed no abnormality, however, I have gross hematuria.  Uterine biopsy/Pap all normal, had an endometrial polyp, had a D&C sched. but went to sono yesterday and apparently I passed it w/my cycle.  The had put me on medication to help facilitate that.  This is all so confusing and even trying to explain it/type it, doesn't make sense to me, but I appreciate your response so much.  Although I have an amazing support system, I feel so overwhelming alone during this process of waiting.  I'm diggin' deep to maintain a sense of normalcy for my family, but as it keeps dragging on, it seems to be getting the best of me. 

  • Bmitchelltampa
    Bmitchelltampa Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2012

    Just reading that over again and laughed at myself for putting 1p and 7p as the placement.  I meant 1 o'clock and 7 o'clock...hahahaha...but it's appropriate, as lately, I don't know when I'm coming or going...1a, 1p, 7a, 7p, it's become a blur. :/

  • Bmitchelltampa
    Bmitchelltampa Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2012

    And I just have to add that your profile picture is so comforting...we have a Beagle/Border Collie mix named Sadie...the pic looks just like her.  She is attached at my hip as of late, really do wonder if dogs can sense when you're sick.  I believe there are no coincidences in life so the fact that you responded in particular is amazing! Thank you! :)

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited September 2012

    Wow - you really do have a lot going on medically. When I got the news. I did not handle it well at all emotionally and had a breakdown for several months . I guess the fact that I stayed with my mother when she was so sick, and I was only 4 yrs old cause me to crash 47 years later.Anyway our church has a Stephen Ministry program. My SM happened to be the cancer social worker for OU medical. It is a free, one on one, confidential program. I'll bet there are some SM programs in your area.



    It infuriates me about the MRI denials. I asked the billing lady what I would have to pay if ins didn't cover. She said they'd write it down to $1250.



    About the only advice I have is take it one step at time, don't borrow trouble. I had two ductal excisions, and that was not too bad. You must be your own best advocate. If something does not feel right re: health care provider, trust your instincts. I was adamant about getting the PBM. The bs was dismayed but agreed to do it anyway.



    We are crazy foster dog people. We have three beagles and one beagle imposter. Our only problem is that we end up adopting every dog we foster. No doubt doggies can sense what is going on. The dogs have personally witnessed more of my meltdowns than any other member of the family!



    Contact me anytime. Praying for the all clear for you! Jill

  • Bmitchelltampa
    Bmitchelltampa Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2012

    Jill, your response couldn't have come at a better time.  Just got a phone call from my General Surgeon's nurse and she said the biopsy/pathology for the 7 o'clock came back benign.  However, there is a question as to whether or not the MRI guided core needle biopsy actually got the into the mass.  It is very deep so they had to put a titanium clip in me just to be able to locate it.  They stuck the needle in at least 6x's that I remember as I was pretty out of it, I had taken Xanax before the procedure.  A nurse was kind enough to rub my back 6x's while the radiologist stuck the needle in each time.  I am so overwhelmed right now.  I am questioning whether or not they actually hit the mass itself or just the surrounding tissue.  They couldn't get to the other one at 1 o'clock so that has to come out excisionally/open biopsy.  I am going to demand that my BS take the one at 7 o'clock out as well.  Is this reasonable of me?????? The 7'oclock is an irregular, spiculated, hypoechoic mass w/a BIRAD 4A, the 1 o'clock is 4B.  I feel worse than I did before the procedure and have such an uneasy feeling...I just want them out of my breast so I will never have to worry about them again.  Last year 2 masses in the ducts of my left breast were removed w/a BIRAD 2, and now allof the issues I'm having are in the right breast.  I am patiently waiting for the BRCA and if it's positive, I will opt for a mastectomy.  

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited September 2012

    Be sure to ask for copies of all your path reports because they may reveal more than just " it was benign". What is your family history like? Did the genetic counselor tell you what he thought your risk was? I think it is completely reasonable to have them take out the one at 7:00. They're in there anyway.



    Just approach this deal with cautious optimism.



    The path report will reveal any ADH or ALH which is important to know.



    Keep me posted!

  • Bmitchelltampa
    Bmitchelltampa Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2012

    Hi Jill, I just rec'd the call from the hospital PA and she read the radiology report to me and will be faxing it to my husband's ofc this afternoon.  She said the mass at 7o'clock is called a 'Radial Scar' and it is presenting itself as atypical, and obviously abnormal.  She said it has to come out to be sent off to pathology.  They consider most of these 'benign', however, there could be a small chance it is cancer.  It was the one w/the BIRAD 4a.  I'm even more confused/concerned than I was before.  All I do know is that I want them both out of my breast as soon as possible.  Ugh.

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited September 2012

    So far so good. Atypical cells are not cancer. I'm so glad you're being so proactive. After my second large excision I figured they could take my breast off a piece at a time, or I could decide to do it all at once. I flippantly told my husband I was just changing out the stuffing. While that was true, the recon was very hard for me. But even with the dx my chance of having to deal with is stuff again is about 5 percent, compared to the previous 50 percent.



    My bs insisted on the MRI pre biopsy cause he said he didn't want to be doing something in the right if there was something else to address on the left side.



    Sorry for all the turmoil. Hang in there.

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