Mass in abdominal wall

AshleyN86
AshleyN86 Member Posts: 6
edited August 2016 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I was diagnosed stage 1 IDC a month ago. I had a breast MRI after my initial biopsy. It showed 2 other suspicious areas, all in the same breast. No lymph nodes lit up. I also had a lymph node ultrasound. The radiologist said my lymph nodes looked perfect so she did not order a biopsy. My treatment plan was decided to be 6 rounds of TCH and then a mastectomy. I had my first round on 8/5. Because of my age, my MO ordered a bone scan and CT of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis to be sure that it had not spread. Everything came back clear except for a 1cm mass in my abdominal wall. My MO said she wasn't worried about it because in all her years as a doctor, she had never seen breast cancer spread to the abdominal wall but she did order an ultrasound to be sure. I had it yesterday. No further information was revealed so I have to have a biopsy onit next Tuesday. I'm freaking out. Even though there has been no evidence that it has spread to the lymph nodes, how accurate are the tests I've had? If it has spread to my abdomen would I be having some symptoms?

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Comments

  • Icietla
    Icietla Member Posts: 1,265
    edited August 2016

    Hi AsleyN86. We are very sorry about your having breast cancer, but we are glad you found us. BCO is the best place on the internet for information and understanding about breast cancer and the breast cancer experience/s.

    We know how awful the anxiety is that comes with diagnosis and waiting for testing procedures and more waiting for results -- it always seems a very long time. It will seem to pass more quickly if you can keep yourself absorbed in what you most like to do.

    None of the imaging tests are perfect -- each type has its own limitations. As far as I know, Lab work on biopsy specimens is the only conclusive testing to know exactly the nature of tissue that is of concern. Your Doctor is doing the right thing, to check you out further.

    Besides by growth, most types cancers are believed to spread through the lymphatic system and/or the bloodstream. At least some of your lymph nodes will be taken for Lab work when you have your mastectomy surgery.

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  • AshleyN86
    AshleyN86 Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2016

    Thank you for responding! Yes, they have told me that they will remove a lymph node (or more if necessary) when I have surgery, but this won't be until I have 5 more rounds of chemo. Right now I'm just stressing over what is the likelihood that this one spot in my abdominal wall is breast cancer. All this time I thought I was stage 1, but it could be stage 4.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited August 2016

    It sounds like your doctors are being cautious and aggressive, which is good. I am sorry you are dealing with this added stress. Hoping it comes back benign. Imaging is not perfect. Lots of "Incidentalomas" show up, nad when they do, they need to be sure that they are nothing. Keep us posted.

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  • AshleyN86
    AshleyN86 Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2016

    I have not gotten my biopsy results yet, however, the mass is every close to my c-section scar. The radiologist said there is a good chance that it is scar tissue. Fingers crossed!

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  • Tomboy
    Tomboy Member Posts: 3,945
    edited August 2016

    Fingers crossed!

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