2nd opinion?

I got a second Oncology opinion but that was after I had the two biopsies for what was originally seen as a cluster of microcalcifications last year at age 62. I wouldn't mess around. While not cancer I have ADH which is precancer . This is the microcalcifications . This is standard protocol for worrisome clustered microcalcifications .

Bunny, I had a sonogram and the radiologist wanted a biopsy. I didn't want it and I asked if I could have an MRI. She said we need both she was almost certain that I had cancer. My biopsy was a needle biopsy and was not that bad. My tumors were close to the skin. After reading that 80 % of biopsies turn out benign I would want a second opinion too.

Welcome Bunnyhuggr! As you can already tell, you've come to a very supportive and helpful place full of knowledge and great advice. We're sorry for the worry that brings you here, but glad you found us!

In addition to learning from member's personal experiences, you may want to check out the main Breastcancer.org site about Getting a Second Opinion. Even when this section is basically designed for those diagnosed, it may help you understand how the whole process works (how it might help you, what it typically involves, etc). And if you ultimately decide that you don't need or want a second opinion, that's fine, too — you've made the decision that's right for you.

Hope this helps! Please keep us posted

The Mods

dr can use the previous information. I am going through it now. My surgeon diagnosed me with 6 new areas in 1 breast. Lobular carcinoma in situ and then 5 polyps both of which put me at high risk now. She suggested monitoring. I went to another surgeon and she is agressive going in for a MRI Monday. Now the 2nd opinion specializes in breast only so I tryst her especially since I found out my biopsy path report had the wrong year on it and my mammogram slides were mislabeled! I will be having these areas removed. I am concerned about disfigurement. So I am thinking about doing a nipple skin sparing mastectomy. I heard good things about the plastic surgeon she uses but I just read a complaint about the same surgeon hes from Columbus indiana so I am sooo confused on who does good breast reconstruction.

Bunnyhuggr, I too was in perfect health (and in my 60s). I can assure you my core-needle biopsy was not painful--not even the anesthetic needles hurt. Didn’t need ANY Tylenol afterward. Just iced on and off that day. Glad I had it done--better a little discomfort & inconvenience for peace of mind. There’s a difference between benign microcalcifications and a cluster of CIS. Maybe one little spot of CIS would warrant watchful waiting, but a cluster of it does carry the chance of eventual infiltration. And one of those calcifications could already be invasive. You NEED to know, and only a core needle biopsy can determine for sure. That second opinion will probably tell you the same thing. Make sure it’s at a specialty breast cancer center.

The only “misery” I had was the uncertainty before diagnosis--and if you opt to forgo the biopsy you will only prolong the uncertainty.

Hi Bunny, I don't want to scare you in any way, I am just going to share my experience. Like you I was only 54 with no family history of breast cancer, no lumps on manual exam, in good health and feeling great. Routine mammo showed a suspicious cluster of micro calcifications that was not seen on previous mammo. I was sent for stereotactic core biopsy like you were. I didn't question that order but I opted to have that biopsy done in the main hospital, not the satellite hospital where the mammos were taken. Biopsy showed DCIS and IDC. All the expectations were, I was very early stage. Final post-surgery results are below.

I don't think there is a point in getting a 2nd opinion before you get biopsy done.

Hi,

I can completely relate to what you are going through!!! I just posted my first thread. I am just sick with worry! I am almost 42, & just had my 1st mammo last Monday, yes I procrastinated on it. Called me next day for diagnostic then Friday Stereotactic Biopsy. All this in one week & now into week 2 with the stress & sickness awaiting results.

I also had microcalcifications. They were in a branching , linear configuration which is why suspicious. BIRADS4- suspicious.

Good luck to you on your Biopsy! I will be thinking of you!!!

hi Bunnyhuggr

How are you? Your biopsy is this Friday or you had done already? Well I have been diagnosed, Oncologist appt today then gene test done. Tomorrow is breast surgeon consult. Still need to see plastic surgeon. So I hoping for January for surgery with holidays & my daughter's birthday in Dec. Although Oncologist seemed like that was pushing it. Thank you for your prayers! You will be in mine as well!

Bunnyhuggr:

Yes, I have decided bilateral masectomy is best for me. Being small breasted a Lumpectomy isnt a good option. After take it out it will more likely be a masectomy. Gene results are 4-5 weeks. I am hoping you get a good biopsy result!!! I will be thinking of you!