My wife was diagnosed with breat cancer by the radiologist...

Something doesn't add up ... the radiologist is the one who usually assigns the bi-rads number, and if there was no doubt in her mind, it shouldn't be a bi-rads 4, which as the surgeon informed you only carries with it a 20% risk. If there really was evidence of lymph node spread, I would think it would have rated a bi-rads 5.

The only way to be sure of course, is through the biopsy results, so there isn't much point in speculating until you know for sure, one way or the other. Best of luck to you, and I will be hoping for benign results.

I don't know why the surgeon & radiologist are engaging in this debate since none of it matters anyway. The only thing that matters is getting some actual cells under the microscope and taking a look which is the biopsy of course. Were I you, I wouldn't spend much energy on this debate. It's just a sideshow.

Imaging is the basis for educated guesses about whether biopsies need to be done, but an actual biopsy is the final word. I know nothing about how throat cancer is dx'ed, but cancer is a very broad term and each type of cancer is dx'ed and treated differently. Even within breast cancer, there are many variations. With that comes different tests and treatments. Wishing your wife the best.

Yes, hubby, you are at the beginning of an up and down journey where you hurry up and wait, get good news, get bad news, get no news (but it looks like news). It's hard to know what to react to and what not to react to. What we're trying to tell you is that the opinions of your surgeon/radiologist are interesting but not nearly as interesting as the biopsy results.

Imaging is like the blindfolded man feeling the elephant and guessing that he's feeling. The biopsy and ultimately surgery, is like the blind man taking off his blindfold and looking at the cells to see what they really are.

I hope you get results quickly and that it's good news. Hang in there.

Has a biopsy been done? No matter what 'it' looks like - it takes a biopsy(s) to get a DX or confirm the suspected either way.

Then until after she has the path. report, there is not a DX of BC or the type (DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC) IF BC is present. Different types are different with different prognosis. Path. reports can be available the next day or in longer time depending on how the Dr sends it in for processing. My biopsies were done just before 3 on a Thurs and I had the report at 8 the next morning. There are so many variables.

Dearconcernedhubbyalan,it isstrange for the Radiologist to make such a strong statement as scans are only indicators and the real definitive diagnosis is not possible until the biopsy results are completed. Some biopsy results take longer than others for many reasons (staffing, testing types, scheduling etc_), and yes, you are possibly at the start of a process of tests and decisions, but if it comes back benign, you can celebrate.

Sorry you needed to come here but glad you did as there is a wealth of knowledge and experience here. If you need other hubbies to talk to, There is a section For Caregivers, Family, Friends and Supporters that may be of interest.

Your wife is lucky to have a concerned and involved husband. But try to be calm until the biopsy results come back.

We hope it is Benign.

The Mods

Concerned - I am so sorry for the diagnosis, but we are all living proof that we can all get through this.  Now is the time to hold fast to each other, block out all the negative.  Once you have your pathology back from surgery, you will know exactly what you are dealing with.  Then when you have a treatment plan in place, you will feel a bit better.

We are here for you both!

I'm sorry ((hugs))

I saw your post earlier and held off on commenting...but when I had my original mammo and U/S the radiologist told me right then and there it was BC. He said that we'd have to do a biopsy to be totally sure, but that in his experience it looked like BC. I was floored, dh was pissed though lol. He was ready to come to the hospital and rip the radiologist a new one for scaring me.

Turns out he WAS right and when I heard the results from the biopsy it wasn't a shock. Dh held on to hope that it wasn't cancer while waiting for biopsy results, but I knew in my gut that it was.

Anyway, ya'll will get thru this and just take it a step at a time. Do you have a good support system at home? Family, church, friends? We are hear for you both ((hugs))

Hi concerned husband: So sorry that the radiologist was right. I know the shock you are going through today. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 almost 7 years ago - and here I am, doing well today. You two will gather much more information, decide on a treatment plan, and make it through. During treatment (surgery/chemo/Herceptin/reconstruction) I worked, traveled, and saw my oldest daughter get married. Then I participated in a clinical trial for a year. It will not be easy, but hopefully "doable" for her, and your support will be invaluable. Best wishes for both of you.