Military Wife Waiting For Results

bellajenn · April 2015

So my husband and I were in the middle of the overseas medical screening five months prior to the move. I decided that since I was 40, I should add in my baseline mammogram to the list of things to take care of just in case. I am so appreciative of that decision because within 24 hours of my first mammogram, I got a call to schedule me for a diagnostic. Two weeks later, the radiologist found a lesion in my right breast after u/s, but assured me it was benign. She scheduled me for a biopsy ten days later.

Because my primary care isn't at the Naval hospital, my doctor got the fax a week later and called me up worried that I hadn't been followed up with since the notes on my lesion were "highly suspicious, irregular margins" and other worrying terms with a BI-RADS 4. She didn't tell me if it was a, b, or c. My hubs, who's a doctor, told me that the radiologists tend to err on the bad side for testing and not to stress that much. I have had many sleepless nights since the first mammogram.

My biopsy was done this past Tuesday, and I was told to wait 7-10 days for the results. I got to watch the entire biopsy on the u/s screen, so I got a very extensive look at my mass. I do know that the doctor who performed the u/s core biopsy did a great job - no pain. But this waiting, as many of you know, is the hardest part. Added to that is whether or not we go overseas. Of course, I don't want to go as I would like to stay where I'm comfortable with my health care. But the Navy doesn't give a crap about my "comfort". It's just more pressure on the results. I get it - I've been a military spouse for 17 years. But this time, I wish that the personal played more into the outcome.

I should hear some time this week with a phone call. Between waiting, still having to do things for our possible impending move, and battling all the "what if" situations in my head - my brain is over-occupied!! I'm so glad to have found this place to post my fears and concerns since I don't have a whole lot of other outlets.

SpecialK · April 2015

There are a number of military spouses, and spouses of retired military, on this site - we get it on both fronts, the breast cancer one and the military one! Wishing you the best and hoping you have a benign result and can press on with your plans!

tjh · April 2015

I am the wife if a retired Army officer. Our main shock, besides diagnosis Is how little Tricare pays. They are paying roughly 10-15% of what the hospital and Dr's are billing.

Fakeboobs123 · April 2015

hey bellajenn I had a very similar sounding radiology report to you after a diagnostic ultrasound, BIRADS 4 no a b or c.... "Hypoechoic nodule, indiscriminate margins...suspicious abnormality" I think to warrant a biopsy it has to be labelled suspicious. I think some of the language used is to enure the process moves forward. Just keep thinking good thoughts, keep doing it, make yourself. The wait is excruciating I know. My biopsy was benign by the way, before the radiologist had no suggestion of what the nodule may be, didnt offer any reassurances, he doesn't speculate he just waits for biopsy they're very careful and that's excellent. My nodule was just regular Breast tissue. I found out on the third business day after biopsy, started calling them on the afternoon of the second business day, as I was told 2-4 business days. I'm sorry you have the stress of an overseas move and military involved. I don't know much about that I'm afraid. I do know that my mom and I had biopsies on our very first baseline mammograms, both were benign.

Beachbum1023 · April 2015

Bellajenn, I am so sorry that you have to deal with all of this. I hope everything goes well for you and your husband.

I also want to say Thank You to you and your husband for your service to those of us that enjoy the freedoms that our military personnel and their families provide to all of us. I feel that all of our military personnel cannot be thanked enough. I hope you find the others here that can support you and your family with your unique situation. Cheryl

bellajenn · April 2015

Thanks, everyone! I just had a fun day out with a friend for lunch and some shopping. Nothing like bunches of laughs and a little retail therapy to distract me! I am keeping my head up. The word "benign" has been used more than once, and it's what I'm expecting at this point. I know that the wait will be over some time this week. Till then, I'll keep myself busy to stop me from obsessing or getting worried. I will also stop worrying about next steps and where we're going until after we get the results. Nothing will be known for sure until then. I truly appreciate all of your support!

bellajenn · April 2015

UPDATE: The radiologist called yesterday. The samples were benign, but they've determined it's a 2cm Complex Sclerosing Lesion. This means they want to schedule me for surgery to excise it and test it again. So good news with more waiting. *sigh*

However, knowing what they think it is helps in my anxiety. There are high percentages that the findings will be benign, so that's good. I hate to put off for more time until we know things for sure, but such it is. Now I'm just waiting on word about our military overseas move and the surgery's effect on it. If they keep pushing us overseas, we won't get our orders until the very last second. They'd be putting all their "money" on the benign diagnosis. So more stress on that end unless they make other decisions (crossing my fingers - should hear something at the end of today).

Anyway, thanks for the support!!!

Fakeboobs123 · April 2015

great news!! Give yourself a pass to relax this weekend! You've certainly earned it!! Why the excision? I'm still waiting for the pathology report in the Mail of my benign results, I was just told it was 'normal Breast tissue' and that the radiologist concurred. Just wondering if they gave you a rationale for the excision?

bellajenn · April 2015

My understanding is that the radial scar (called a complex sclerosing legion because it's >1cm at its 2cm size) could potentially be hiding malignant cells in the areas that weren't biopsied or even nearby (LCIS and/or DCIS, which I know present as pre-cancerous and would require some plan of treatment). So the best way to make sure is to excise the entire lesion with some margins out, re-examine again, and wait for the results.

I went to the Breast Center at the Naval hospital today, and managed to talk directly to the lady who does the scheduling. My pre-surgery appointment is now set for May 12th, and the surgery itself will be scheduled after that some time at the end of May/beginning of June. I'm taking a HUGE deep breath of relief right now, even though I have more to go. My understanding in terms of our overseas move is that they're going to delay our entire move for the procedure and results. So instead of moving in July, we'd be going in August/September (all assuming that I get the b9 clearance!).

Fakeboobs123 · April 2015

oh I'm so glad they're delaying your move. Surgery sounds like it's happening pretty quick too and it's awesome they are covering all bases with you. I hope you are moving somewhere nice!!

bellajenn · April 2015

It's so funny you said it's moving quickly towards my surgery. My dates are not being perceived as going "quickly". But I'm truly happy with the contact I made at the Breast Center. So I'm not going to try and push anyone.

In terms of where we're going, I've heard good things about Okinawa, Japan. This will be our 2nd overseas tour. Just hard to deal with the move AND the breast issues at the same time.

Fakeboobs123 · April 2015

that's cool, that's where my nephew was born in Japan, his daddy is in the marines. Always wanted to go to Japan. I am in NYC but from the UK originally so you know we have the free health care back home .. the 'NHS' over there..so to me anything under 3 months is quick! However I know being the panic button that I am, if I was told something needed to come out I'd be like get it out tomorrow!

bellajenn · April 2015

I'm lucky. My husband works in the same hospital where all of my tests & treatments have been taking place. But he's just supporting me instead of pushing himself into my care. For that, I'm grateful. He'll be going to my pre-operational appointment with me.

Fakeboobs123 · April 2015

that's awesome your husband is in healthcare, a great support for you. Keep us posted on how surgery goes

bellajenn · May 2015

I'm back to being depressed and worried with all the wait time I'm forced to accept. Even talking with my DH, who works in a different department at the same military hospital, he assured me that the time frame we're working with is very typical. I have yet another 10 days to wait for just my pre-surgery appointment, and then they'll schedule the actual surgery after that appointment. It could be well into June before I have the surgical excision. I understand that the wait does mean that the outcome for the lesion will most likely be benign. I guess I'm just losing a bit of heart these days. It also doesn't help that I did find out that my breasts are considered "busy", and that I have two other areas already that will need to be watched carefully. Even my DH admitted that there's a high percentage chance I'll have to go through this process again in my future. Kinda sucked all the positive energy out of me.

mel147 · May 2015

Bellajenn - so sorry you are feeling down about the wait time. It is completely understandable...the waiting seems to be the hardest part. Maybe you can try to focus on something fun to do for yourself to take your mind off the wait. It's great that your move was delayed so you don't have that hanging over your head right now. I love your Wonder Woman avatar! I remember watching that show, back in the day. She was oh, SOOOO COOL, wasn't she?? I haven't watched any re-runs of that show, but I did attempt to watch a few old Magnum PI episodes once. Hang in there!!

NATSGSG · May 2015

If you have some time, please read what I have written at this two links that may help understand more:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/147/topic/831074?page=1#idx_1

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/147/topic/831038?page=1#idx_2

All the best.

bellajenn · May 2015

Update: Met with BS. Am now prepared for the surgery. Got incredibly lucky with a surgical cancelation that will allow me to have my surgery in 2 weeks instead of 2 months!! So now Wednesday, May 27th is my surgery date!

Weird question: Does anyone who is plus size have a recommendation for a good front-closure/zip sports bra? Lane Bryant has one listed, but it's pretty pricey. Looking to get one that will work for post-surgery recovery! (Seriously, am so happy that this part of waiting will be over sooner rather than later!)

Beachbum1023 · May 2015

bellajenn, check with the BS, they put me in a surgical bra after my mastectomy. And they also wrote scripts for bras. Check your insurance I get 4 per year. I just started wearing sports bras since I finished rads 7 weeks ago. I had swelling so I was told to only wear one when I had too. Good for me! Good Luck! Cheryl

bellajenn · May 2015

The Navy hospital doesn't provide surgical bras. I was told to bring a front-closing sports bra with me, and that I'd be wearing one for 24 hrs for a week after the surgery. Tried on a zip-front sports bra from Lane Bryant, which was ultimately not comfortable - not to mention extremely high-priced.

Good news! Found a zip-front sports bra (for a plus-size girl like me) on Amazon that is reasonably priced and comfortable. I got the Valmont Zip-Front Sports Bra #1611A. Reviews say they don't last that long, but they don't have to. Because of the review, I may be more careful when washing them. I tried it out, and while I wouldn't use it for a real sports bra (in terms of keeping them from bouncing up and down while being physically active), I think it will work out great for recovery from surgery!

SpecialK · May 2015

bellajenn - yay for an earlier surgery date - hope all goes smoothly for you!

Nancy2581 · May 2015

glad you got an earlier surgery date. Hooray!!! I also ordered zip up bras from Amazon. They worked great!!!!

Nancy

Fakeboobs123 · May 2015

Bellajenn when I hadmy Breast uplift in the UK it was done by a surgeon who soecialized in Breast reconstruction, he worked for the NHS so did many many reconstructions, cosmetic was his sideline, when I brought the bra he put on me after surgery he was so impressed with it he wanted to know exactly where I got it from so he could start recommending it for his reconstruction patients, it was from a British store called Marks and Spencer a sports bra no underwire, worked great. So I think any sports bra from Amazon or whatever will be good, just make sure it's the correct size, maybe measure yourself ..I am sorry you're still here waiting I remember talking to you like over a month ago, hang in there!! Will be thinking of Ya and will check in to see how you're doing

bellajenn · May 2015

Thanks, Fakeboobs12! This may sound silly, but I went and got a really nice bra today (not the most expensive, but a decent one) and a new pair of undies to wear for surgery day. If I could have found some with Wonder Woman right on them, I would have! But I thought if the surgeon had to put the bra on me, it should fit exactly right, not kind of right.

Thanks for the good thoughts! Less than a week for the surgery, and less than two weeks for the results! The waiting is almost over for this leg of things!!

Fakeboobs123 · May 2015

oh nice hopefully the surgeon will be as impressed with your bra as mine was haha! Good glad youreon home run so to speak Youve been a trooper keep up the great work :

bellajenn · May 2015

My surgery is coming up this Wednesday. I'm looking for any advice from those who have gone through an excisional biopsy procedure. I know it's not a Lx, since it's not diagnosed as cancer as of yet or at all. But I'm assuming the recovery will be similar. I've got good sports bras, I'm loaded up with Tylenol & ibuprofen (for after). I'm hoping the hospital will give me some ice packs like I got after the CNB. Any other suggestions?

MelissaDallas · May 2015

I think you will be surprised at how little discomfort you have & for such a short period of time. The gel cold packs are good. I took one or two pain pills & thenthe Aleve for a day or so. Really, it was no big deal. I'd take the surgical over the stereotactic any day.

bellajenn · May 2015

Thanks Melissa for the reassurance. I know that the BS is taking out approximately 2-2.5 inches in diameter. That doesn't seem that small to me. I think I'll pick up some gel cold packs just in case - plus, they can be reused. I want to stay ahead of the pain. I've got Alleve ready for post-surgery as well, so sounds like I'm good to go!

MelissaDallas · May 2015

They took a chunk about the size of a golfball out of me. I was annoyed more by sharp little painsa few weeks later on the opposite side from where they cut. It's from nerve regeneration & also they told me from tissue fibers being torn by the retractor they use during surgery.

Anonymous · May 2015

after my lumpectomy, I was wrapped snugly in a chest binder which i had to keep on for 2 days, then was allowed to remove to take a shower with the steri strips still on. (don't pull them off, you have to let them fall off by themselves; takes about 7-10 days). I didn't require any special bra. I just kept a little gauze pad over the incision for a few weeks, just for comfort, so the edge of the bra didn't irritate the incision. I used cold packs on and off the first couple of days. Only took one lortab at the hospital, (mainly cuz the nurse kept asking me to, I didn't really need it, very little pain at all); then switched over to tylenol immediately at home. I just took it easy for a few days, and was back to normal activities in less than a week. Praying you get good benign results .

bellajenn · May 2015

Surgery went well yesterday. Recovery has been good since i've managed to stay ahead of the pain. Clear margins as expected. Now just waiting for the results. Should get a call from the BS in a week.

Military Wife Waiting For Results

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