The wait

Stacey, as you get more information as to exactly what kind of breast cancer you have (there are over 20+) and what kind of treatment plan you have, I encourage you to start look at the other forums. There is one called "Just Diagnosis" which is a good starting point.

You will find a variety of different forums that will reflect the information you will be given. The ladies there will help you deal with the overwhelming whirlwind you likely will experience. Lean on them. They are a wealth of support and information.

Hi StacyStrong!

So sorry that you're having to deal with this, but there is still a chance that it will prove to be benign (hope, hope, hope...).

The BiRADs 5 means that the person who assigned the score thinks that what they have seen and heard is "highly suggestive of malignancy." Radiologists can use the BiRADs scores they assign to assess how well they are assessing the imaging studies they see. Approximately 95% of the BiRADs 5 category studies they've assessed should result in a positive biopsy if they're doing their job well. (They can use the statistical results of biopsies on their various BiRAD 4 and 5 categories to assess how their category assignments compare to those of other radiologists. However even for radiologists who are doing a good job, there should still be some biopsies of category 5 imaging studies that have a benign result upon biopsy (at least 5%).

I understand "preparing for the worst," but please don't feel you have to claim a cancer until you have a pathology report that says it is cancer. Here's hoping this is just a bump in the road. But we're here if you need us!

LisaAlissa

Hi Stacey,

My surgeon told me that if the ultrasound does not show anything in the lymph nodes, there is an 85% chance that the disease has not spread to the nodes. I hope this statistic is of some comfort to you. Waiting for a diagnosis was the most difficult part of my journey so far. Ativan really helped me cope. Best wishes and I hope that you have good news..

Hi StaceyStrong,

I can understand how you feel as I got my biopsy result for a Bi Rad 4B microcalcification yesterday - it's benign - but the wait for the results felt long, too long.

The wait is always the hardest so don't be too tough on yourself. Do small little activities that will help take your mind off diagnosis even if it's just for a little while.Do whatever you feel like doing and don't feel like you need to keep a strong facade....your family and friends will understand.

Best wishes abd praying for good news for you