Has Anyone Else Needed 3 Biopsies to Figure it Out?

My Original Girls were like bags of rocks. Extremely large, dense, and fibrocystic. My Radiologist was amazing. Early biopsies showed DCIS and IDC. In total, though, I went through 8 different diagnostic tests to ease HER mind (and mine)  that she had identified all the cancer in my breasts. I was very glad she did.

I went/am going through the same thing.  They picked up an 'architectural distortion' on my screening mammogram.  It was rated birads 4C, which is pretty scary.  My initial core biopsy was benign but the radiologist and pathologist agreed that another core biopsy should be done with a larger gauge needle as they weren't convinced that they got the area.  The second core was more extensive - it took an hour and a half but the radiologist said she was convinced she had gotten the right spot.  In that sample they found a small area of ADH and radial scar, so now I need an excisional biopsy - I'm currently waiting for the surgery date.  I know it's a huge pain to have all these procedures but I'm thankful that they're doing their jobs so well - this may have saved me from more extensive disease down the road.  They aren't particularly worried - it doesn't appear to be a red alert situation - they said it should come out, though.  Good luck with your situation!

Jenn, I had a core biopsy in December and it came back benign so the surgeon and I made a date in January to take out the lump anyway. It was done in a side room, not an operating room so just local freezing. Turns out that the lump was malignant!! They went back and checked the core biopsy and Ooops, it was malignant too!!! Stupid considering I was already a breast cancer patient, they should have looked MUCH harder and not assumed anything. My surgeon was HORRIFIED to say the least as now I'm stage IV.

So pursuing it is a good thing, and the best lump is a lump in a jar. I had left one job and started another and found out I was stage IV two days after starting my new job. I had just bought a car, as well, once I found out it was "benign". Sigh......now I have a car payment (my other car was paid off) and a new job!

The only cool thing in this whole debacle is that I got to see the lump. Looked like a tiny human heart with crap hanging off it like arteries. I had thought during the original ultrasound that I saw vascular activity to the lump on the monitor when she turned on the colours so I was surprised when it came back benign and told my DH that I'd really dodged a bullet!

7 years ago with my initial diagnosis I had a bloody discharge from my nipple. Turns out it had nothing at all to do with my breast cancer. I think it was just the universe making the doctors look closer...

Good luck, sweetie!

I would think either London or Hamilton would have a similar program...no?

Steph, you're in Kitchener, though, wouldn't London or Hamilton be closer than Toronto? I used to live right in downtown Toronto and walked everywhere, so when I have to drive anywhere there I HATE it!!!!!

jenn33214,

I feel your pain the radiologist told me today that I most definitely have cancer and that it "blew up" over a very short period (I am closely monitored due to family history). I am waiting for the lumpectomy and biopsy results and am shaking with fear. I took an atavan this morning, but the pill I took this evening doesn't seem to work as well. any other suggestions re: anti anxiety meds or techniques?

Hamilton has high risk screening clinic out of St Joeseph's, on Charlton Ave. That's where I go.