multiple diagnosis

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Angelg
Angelg Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I had a steriotactic biopsy for clusters of calcification. I then had an excisional biopsy that showed usual ductal hyperplasia, radial scar, sclerosing adenosis, flat epithelial atypia, focal atypical ductal hyperplasia, previous biopsy site changes, and microcalcicications. I have done a lot of reading and each on their own does not seem too bad. I worry that there were so many things in my diagnosis. I am 50 and starting menopause and by what I understand that even increases my chances if getting cancer. It also makes me wonder about my other breast. This all started with me having to go every 6 months for mammograms to watch calcification spots. They said they were nothing to worry about unless they form a tight cluster. My left breast eventually did. I feel like I am just waiting for them to find something in the right one. I also have breast cancer on my dad's side of the family, my aunt and cousin. They told me I do not have cancer, but I feel like not cancer YET. They want me to continue with my 6 month mammograms and go to the cancer center also every 6 months for screening. I do not know what kind of screening. It does not seem very proactive to me. I do not want to have to worry about cancer every 6 months for the rest of my life. Sometimes I think k the best thing g to do is take the breast and be done with it. Is anyone else out there feeling this way?

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited May 2013

    Hi Angel.



    I did at the very beginning, but I don't now. I have LCIS, ALH, and sclerosing adenosis. I also had ovarian cancer two years ago, though the rare type I had apparently doesn't up my BC risk much.



    I have since had my first follow-up MRI & mammogram since my biopsy and both were fine.



    In reality, most women with my conditions do NOT develop breast cancer. Many of us have increased surveillance for many years and no further problems. If I started to have to have frequent biopsies I might change my mind, but if you read the mastectomy & reconstruction threads there are so many complications that an extra check-up a year looks pretty good.



    I think that most women diagnosed with your conditions move on and are no longer here to answer your questions. You will get answers here from women who are active on the boards and have had PBMX, but that is not necessarily an average cross-section of the population as a whole. Give it some time and you very well may become less anxious.

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  • BLinthedesert
    BLinthedesert Member Posts: 678
    edited May 2013

    Hi Angel, 

    Your path report sounds like you have a lot of changes that are risky, but not inevitable for, breast cancer.   I realize that the mammogram/biopsy cycle seems overwhelming.  Everyone has to make their own decisions about their risk tolerance, and what they are willing to go through to lower their risk.  For me, MX is/was a last resort - and I decided to take a chance on lumpectomy and radiation.   I get "felt up often" by my radiation oncologist and surgeon, a little incovenient, but not awful.  I really don't mind mammograms, so I don't mind having them a little more often (it is reassuring to me, rather than nervewracking).  I don't really like the MRIs (I am getting them every 6 months because of suspicious activity in my "good" breast) - but again, I feel ok about screening to keep me healthy.  But this is me - I don't like surgery, I did not want the recovery that goes along with MX and reconstruction, I did not want the risk of lymphedema that goes along with lymph node dissection.  The recovery (and risks) are different for PBMX - so maybe the surgery would be more tolerable.  And, we are all different about what we can, and want, to tolerate, whether it be surgery or screening.  I often cringe when I read stories about women who go in and have to have biopsies all the time ... that would get old pretty fast. 

    Long reply for a short response: we all do what we need to for our peace of mind.  I would, if I were you, make sure you are aware of the potential downsides to PBMX too, this website has some very good threads about what others are going through that have made this, very difficult, decision.

    Good luck to you!

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