So, here I am....

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aggiemegs
aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
edited September 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

Never thought I would be here, especially at 33, but so thankful to have found this community while I wait!

2 weeks ago, I had a very large, painful lump in my left breast. I went to my doctor, and she referred me for a mammogram and ultrasound. I had the mammogram and ultrasound done yesterday morning, although the lump I originally felt is no longer swollen or painful. The radiologist reviewed my results with me. I'd had breast ultrasounds in the past for multiple fibroadenomas, and those all still looked the same. The new lump however, was definitely new, and has very jagged edges, and is very suspicious looking, according to the radiologist. He actually even said that is typically indicative of malignancy. This guy was clearly not a fan of rainbows and unicorns...In addition to this spot, he also found a second new lump, also very jagged edges, and suspicious. And then, one of the lymph nodes under that arm is very enlarged.

The radiologist is very concerned and wants to get me in to biopsy all 3 places ASAP. I'm waiting for the call to schedule the biopsy, and while I wait, I'm going crazy with fear, panic, worry. I don't really know what to think or feel right now. I'm staying away from Dr. Google, because I have found nothing good about jagged edge lumps.

Has anyone had a similar experience and had it come back benign? Also, what can I expect with an ultrasound-guided biopsy of 2 spots and a lymph node???

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  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 337
    edited September 2015

    I can't answer your question or allay your fears (my palpable mass was smooth and rubbery but still malignant), hopefully someone can hop in soon with better advise than me....I just dislike anyone hanging out there feeling alone (I remember that feeling), so wanted to extend a virtual hand to hold...whichever way this goes, you can do this.

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    thank you so much for that hand! I've definitely never felt more alone in my whole life. And I just called my doctor's office to find out why they haven't sent the order over for the biopsy yet, and they said they haven't seen anything yet. This is maddening! I can't even get it scheduled til they do that

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  • Donna-Dew
    Donna-Dew Member Posts: 264
    edited September 2015

    We are all here for you aggiemegs! The waiting is the worst, not to speak of the frustration when the paperwork is not moving. You did the right thing, follow up. And keep following up to get that ball rolling. We are our only advocates so don't be shy. Through this process I had to learn quickly how to become pretty assertive. My core biopsies were ok, I was very nervous but the local took care of any pain. I also know the fear, anxiety, and worry that goes with the waiting. Once you do get the biopsies done and a treatment plan, I think you will find that you will be calmer. But don't get me wrong, at this point there is alot to process!! Don't get lost in the what-if's, if you get stuck in that spiral please post here so that we can try to talk you down. I also finally asked my doctor for an anti-anxiety med. I was afraid to take it at first lol! But it sure makes a difference when you are waiting. I was prescribed .5mg Ativan. I don't know exactly how it works but I didn't feel drugged. Just alot calmer, not so agitated and then I could get on with my day. Hope this helps a little? This is no fun but so glad you found us. It makes a world of difference to be with women who get this.

    Sending you ((hugs))

    Donna

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  • CAMommy
    CAMommy Member Posts: 437
    edited September 2015

    I'm so sorry you are here. My radiologist also was not into unicorns and rainbows and told me flat out expect it to be cancer. i think for me, as much as I didn't want to hear it, it helped me be prepared for when I did hear it after my biopsy. Of course anything is possible and they could be b9 but these radiologists have seen everything and I don't thing they use the cancer word lightly. Even when I had my biopsy I tried to convince the radiologist it was probably something else and b9 and she just gave me this sad pathetic look like she felt sorry for me. I can laught about it now, but I was crazy sick with worry at the time.

    That being said, wait until you have actual results before you start researching everything on Google. You'll just scare yourself and you may not need to be scared.

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    Thanks so much for the kind words and support! I finally got the appointment for my biopsies - 1:30 on Thursday, and she said it will take 2-2.5 hours since they are doing three places. I thought I'd feel better once I at least had the appointment, but now I just feel sick, like this makes this all more real! Thankful I just recently got a prescription for Klonopin, so I will definitely be putting that to good use.

    How bad is the biopsy and aspiration? Will I be ok to go back to work the following day? Not sure what to expect....

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  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 337
    edited September 2015


    Aggie, Glad you got your appointments, wise lady following up. I totally understand that sinking, sick feeling - hold on, it does get better.  I had bilateral ultrasound guided biopsies - They numbed the needle track but can't numb the biopsy sites so it can be quite uncomfortable when they do the biopsy if the mass is somewhat condensed/hard (mine was on the right, didn't feel the left). I had hardly any bruising and shoved icepacks in my bra and went about the rest of my day (in a daze) but had very little problems....I will say, I am lucky that I have a high pain threshold and heal very quickly - I like to think I am young 'only' 41 and that, that helps: ) As is usually the case, we are all different so you likely know how you heal and how you deal with pain. The Dr's office should be able to tell you if you can go back to work and when, but I would think you should be able to work the next day.

    As an FYI, I am not sure how long they will take on your results but it might be a long weekend, if I were you I would line up lots of family, friends and things to do, occupy the mind - my biopsy was before a holiday weekend, it was pretty awful. My hubby and littles kept me busy though and that is the best advice I can give to get through that bit,stay busy, busy, busy. The waiting sucks as you feel like you are in limbo...please, please stay off google, I did not and was a raging mess by the time I got to my appointment with the surgeon......

    I don't pray but know you are in my thoughts, and with so many of us on here, you are most definitely not alone nor do you have to be at any point in the process however long or short it may be. I hope that brings you the smallest of comforts - I have added this thread to my fav's so will keep looking for updates:)

    Laura x

     

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  • MelanieBC
    MelanieBC Member Posts: 74
    edited September 2015

    Wow. I thought radiologists weren't allowed to say anything about what they see? At least this is the way it is in Canada from my understanding.

    I am sorry that this is happening to you. Big virtual hugs!

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    Laura - Thank you so much! Very helpful info! I gave birth twice with no drugs (by choice) and didn't think it was all that bad, so I think I probably have a relatively high pain tolerance. Needles freak me out though, ugh! And I have zero plans this weekend. So, I'm going to come up with some stuff to go do with the hubs and kiddos, to help keep me busy!

    Melanie - The ultrasound technician isn't allowed to say anything, but the radiologist is the doctor that comes in afterward to discuss the results. And not sure if you are familiar with MD Anderson (Houston-based Cancer hospital), but those are the doctors this hospital has on staff in the breast center, so they are pretty trustworthy.

    Hubby is giving me beverages tonight, and I have a lot on my plate for tomorrow, so Thursday will be here before I know it

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    Sigh. Just got the call from the breast center letting me know how much I owe for my biopsy tomorrow. I thought I had decent insurance! But $1025 is my portion. So frustrating! Hope my boys didn't want Christmas gifts this year...

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  • clarrn
    clarrn Member Posts: 557
    edited September 2015

    Melanie - I am in Canada and my radiologist said he was sure it was malignant after looking at my mammogram and ultrasound. I don't know if he was supposed to, but he did.

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  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 337
    edited September 2015

    Aggie, don't sweat the financials yet (easier said than done, I know)....get what you need done - there are systems in place to help with payments. It may be too early but do you have a Nurse Navigator yet? I met mine when I got my biopsy. If you do, ask about help with that stuff. Wow! That is a lot though!

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  • loriekg
    loriekg Member Posts: 263
    edited September 2015

    Aggiemegs--when I had my ultrasound guided biopsy, there was no pain at all. They numbed me up and I didn't feel a thing. Just heard the loud tapping, then afterwards had an ice pad in my bra. I may have been a little sore the next day, but not so bad. (Are you an Aggie?? I'm an Aggie Mom!) ;)

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  • Sassa
    Sassa Member Posts: 1,588
    edited September 2015

    Aggiemegs, don't be afraid to ask your doctor for some chemical help, i.e., sleeping pills or tranquilizers, to help you through this period between now and getting the results of the biopsy.

    Believe it or not, you will feel better once you know for sure what you are dealing with.

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    englishmummy - I do have a nurse navigator. Didn't think about asking her. I asked the lady that called to tell me the cost and she said I have to pay a minimum of $513 (half) before the procedure, so I'm just going to put it on a credit card. Just when I get them all paid off, go figure!

    Lorie - I am an Aggie, yes ma'am! Class of 2004 Whoop! Thanks for the advice. I already let my boss know I plan to work from home Friday.

    Sassa - Great tip! I actually just got some anti-anxiety meds a few weeks ago to help with sleep issues, and I took one Monday night and slept like a rock. Last night, I took another, but tossed and turned and had awful dreams all night. Not sure what else to ask for....the Klonopin usually does pretty well for me. Maybe last night was a fluke?

    This will be the longest holiday weekend ever. I'm going to try to convince my husband that we should paint the living room to keep my mind occupied. I just have to come up with something

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  • Girl53
    Girl53 Member Posts: 225
    edited September 2015

    Aggie: I am new here, read this thread and just wanted to say good luck tomorrow. I have excisional biopsy tomorrow. May we both come through okay. Thinking of you with big hugs....Paint that living room and get the beverages from your hubby!!

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  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 337
    edited September 2015

    Good luck to you both - Aggie & Girl, we'll be in your pocket tomorrow wishing for good news. Hugs..

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    very little sleep last night again, thinking about everything. It's going to be a long wait! Followed by a longer wait, so I'm trying to prepare for that. I'm definitely ready to get off of this roller coaster ride

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  • Worried31female
    Worried31female Member Posts: 25
    edited September 2015

    Im new here and read your post and wanted to wish you goodluck!

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    Thank you! Nerves are definitely working today. 3 more hours of work to get through. Good thing I have plenty of work to keep me busy today!!!

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    sitting in the waiting room waiting to be called back. I asked for a copy of my reports, and found out that my BIRADS is 4c.

    One mass is described as 1.9cm x 1.3cm x 1.6cm with in distinct margin, hypoechoic with a hyperechoic rim. Color flow imaging shows there is increased vascularity. (Moderate suspicion for malignancy)

    Second mass is 1.8cm x 1cm x 1.4cm with in distinct margin (moderate suspicion for malignancy)

    Lymph node has eccentrically thickened cortex. (Intermediate suspicion for malignancy)

    None of this sounds very promising to me! But at least I have a bit more info now...

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  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 337
    edited September 2015

    Any further update? Hugs.

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  • Girl53
    Girl53 Member Posts: 225
    edited September 2015

    Aggiemegs: Hang in there. This is stressful, but we are with you, "in your pocket," as Englishmum says. Will watch for more info and think of you over long weekend.

    Just got home after my excisional biopsy, which went smoothly. They tell me it could be one or even two weeks to get results (apparently, I have to get appointment with BS to discuss them). You know the worst thing about the experience wasn't the wire localization...it was the "disposable panties" they gave me as a figleaf after I had to take everything off. Girl53 plus a thong....not a good thing LOL! Thinking of you all with hugs and gratitude.

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    girl - LOL! Thanks for the laugh!

    Just finished up with mine, and I flat out asked the doctor what the chances are that this is something that's no big deal, and she said "not good." She wanted to let me prepare myself to hear that it's cancer. I'm pretty numb right now. This is beyond surreal.

    Hopefully I'll here something Wed/Thurs next week. Sorry you have to wait two whole weeks, yikes!

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  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 337
    edited September 2015


    Girl - who doesn't love disposable panties??? How very glamourous, nothing like a good 'kick' when you are down....I did smile though, sorry. Hope it is sooner than 2 weeks, that's a bloody long time.

    Aggie -  It is surreal. You are way too young to deal with this shit - 'scuse my french. I hope they get something on your results back sooner, at least then you know.

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  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited September 2015

    Aggiemegs, so sorry you are here. My radiologist told me flat out it was cancer, so there was no surprise when the biopsy report confirmed her dx. 

    I can't believe how much this is costing you, even with insurance!  As if this isn't difficult enough.

    If this is cancer, the biopsy will.give you.more info about the type and that will determine your treatment plan. Once a plan is in place and the difficult decisions are made, things start to fall into place. Somehow you get through it. Good luck to you. Keep us posted.

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  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 337
    edited September 2015

    Wise words, Debiann.

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  • Ddw79
    Ddw79 Member Posts: 533
    edited September 2015

    Just want to say that I know where all of you ladies are at . Be strong . Xoxoxs

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  • aggiemegs
    aggiemegs Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2015

    This should keep me busy!

    Also, holy moly, my biopsy on the bigger mass was PAINFUL! Felt like she pinched the crap out of me 3 times in a row! the others were fine, thankfully. But I am super duper sore already. Hoping it's better tomorrow. I am definitely glad I'm working from home tomorrow

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  • Stenokim
    Stenokim Member Posts: 172
    edited September 2015

    aggie, hang in there. My radiologist pretty much told me mine was cancer and she was right, but I didn't find this website until later and wished I had it sooner. I was practically planning my funeral. As others have said, once you start getting the specifics and a game plan going, it gets better. We are all praying for b9, but if it's cancer, you'll get through it and come out even stronger. Have some cocktails this weekend and just know we will be thinking of you. Ki

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  • Englishmummy
    Englishmummy Member Posts: 337
    edited September 2015

    Aggie, just want to stop in and see how you're doing? I hope you found lots of distractions over the weekend. Been thinking of you and hoping you're ok? Laura x

    Girl, hope you're hanging in there too?

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