How hard do I push for a biopsy of a palpable axillary node?

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Mimi68
Mimi68 Member Posts: 112
edited March 2017 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hello all,

I have been off the boards for a long time as my life went on after my BMX for multifocal Grade 3 DCIS on the left with comedonecrosis. Nodes were negative. I have followed up yearly with a simple manual exam and no other imaging recommended. I felt a firm round lump high in my axillae last August that not even my husband could feel. I had it checked in October and my BS said casually, "nah it's scar tissue" . Just two days ago I went in for an U/S because of a nagging gut feeling and a weird tightening sensation in my left breast, They couldn't find it at first, but when I sat up they did locate it. They called it a "benign lymph node". This status of benign is purely on the imaging. They said a node can become enlarged for many reasons, yet it's been 7 months. I called back yesterday and requested a FNA biopsy. The nurse was supportive but warned me that the radiologist might refuse?? Given the aggressive nature of my DCIS, even though it was DCIS, my understanding is that this is the one that comes back, if it comes back. What would you do if he refuses? I am an RN, very reasonable, but just want to be sure. I just have a feeling that this could be something, it's unnerving. I have a lot of life to live, we all do. This is at a large city breast center. Anyone out there experience something similar?Thanks much in advance for your support..

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited March 2017

    Not my experience but I would not be deterred. Find a different facility if necessary. You deserve peace of mind.

    I'm also in health care so did not hesitate in changing to an academic medical center when two radiologists gave me incorrect as well as misleading information at the local community hospital. It is my opinion that many of them, trained to look at film and perhaps never talking to people, are not as clinically oriented as they could be when doing interventional procedures on real, live patients!

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  • Mimi68
    Mimi68 Member Posts: 112
    edited March 2017

    Thank you for your reply. I agree, I did not feel like they were evaluating me in terms of risk for reoccurrence at all. I am going to send you a PM, I see you are also in WI. Thanks again.

    Mimi

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited March 2017

    When I had my recurrence, I was told that they were 99% sure it's scar tissue and the only reason they weren't 100% is because they never say 100%. My gut said otherwise and I said I needed to be 100% sure, and they obliged and did a biopsy. They were 100% wrong. If you need another opinion, get one. You are worth it.

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  • Mimi68
    Mimi68 Member Posts: 112
    edited March 2017

    KBeee,

    Thank you for taking the time to respond. I am annoyed that I even have to come to a board to ask all you women, all of us in the same boat for an answer. They know my history! So, if you don't mind me asking, was your ultrasound negative or in inclusive? Did they hedge at all about doing a biopsy. I told the nurse ( who was very understanding and said she would advocate for me to the radiologist ) that I would be satisfied with a FNA bx but now after reading I think I won't rest until I get a negative pathology on an excision.

    Take care!


    Mim


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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited March 2017

    When I called my BS, he thought it was likely due to reconstruction, because I was so low risk, so he sent me to PS. PS told me he was sure it was due to reconstruction because it's right where he splits the pec muscle. When I said I needed to be sure, he said he understood, and scheduled a surgical excision 2 days later. In hindsight, I wish I had imaging. It was taken out in 3 pieces, so I do not even know its size. I was just thrilled he got me in do quickly! After it came back as cancer, they did an MRI. It came back clear, however when they did the reexcision they found a second small tumor that was not detected on MRI.

    Were you able to get a biopsy

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  • Mimi68
    Mimi68 Member Posts: 112
    edited March 2017

    Hi KBeee,

    Went to see new Breast surgeon yesterday. She seemed determined to support the findings of the first U/S that read as "enlarged benign lymph node, no evidence of malignancy".. until she felt it. I'm scheduled for another U/S tomorrow and a "possible bx" if radiologist warrants it. I'm happy to have a new set of eyes on this but worried they will say it is nothing so no bx. I want to be 100% sure, it just doesn't feel right.

    Mimi

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