the wait is so intense . . . .

anxious_to_the_max · June 2017

I am 35, have 3 small children. noticed bleeding from my nipple in the shower, went to the doctor the next day. she ordered mammogram (useless? came back as BIRADS - D, which I believe means very dense breast), ultrasound which showed a lump (8mm, new to me, and easily palpable). Report said "could represent fibroadenoma". Mammogram showed layered microcalcification throughout the same breast ("of no concern").

Bleeding is one breast only (same side as lump and microcalcification) and spontaneous (find spots in my bra/crop top). From one duct only.

I have a referral to a specialist clinic for review, but can't even imagine how one breast has zero changes, the other has bleeding duct, a lump and microcalcifications, and somehow this will all be no big deal?

Freaking out. And have told no one except my husband. I can't find any literature which speaks to all three of my symptoms. . . .

Thanks for reading. Feels helpful even just to write about it. Not sure how to process this information in a productive way

cive · June 2017

Given your age, the report, and your description fibroadenoma, it is very unlikely that there is a big problem. They do remove fibroadenomas so that could be why you were referred to a surgeon. You have more than a 70% chance this is a minor problem.

MTwoman · June 2017

I agree with cive, however waiting can be just awful. I have a thread here:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/83/topics/855477?page=1#idx_22

that goes through things you can do to cope with the anxiety while you wait. Good luck for b9 results!

anxious_to_the_max · June 2017

Thanks. Surgeon today, she did a swab (I think?) of the discharge, and said I will need surgery regardless of outcome. I also had a biopsy - holy crap I was not prepared for the pain. Results monday. . . . . . they think maybe papilloma or something, but cant rule out cancer yet.

Stress. But will hang in there

MTwoman · June 2017

anxious, it is encouraging that the surgeon believes you have a papilloma, even though that would mean surgical excision. Keeping positive thoughts for you!

anxious_to_the_max · June 2017

yeah I think so, I think she said something about needing to test the duct tissue for malignancy apparently: I can't remember most of what she has said

Have a good weekend

anxious_to_the_max · June 2017

saw the surgeon again today, far out so expensive all these tests and visits and now surgery. The biopsy was benign as were the aspirated fluids and the discharge from my nipple. Unfortunately the biopsy has really annoyed that duct as I am bleeding fresh blood all the time now and need to wear a breast pad.

Surgery next week for duct removal, surgeon said 90% chance papilloma, 10% chance DCIS. Won't know until it is tested I think, so two more weeks waiting.

I don't like the odds, I would prefer 100% chance of benign. Yike

MTwoman · June 2017

anxious, while it isn't 100%, 90% is still pretty good odds. They haven't gotten any cells from any sampling that are suspect, so that's a really good sign. Pathology is the definitive answer though, so 2 more weeks indeed. Try to do your best to get good rest and reduce your anxiety through exercise, relaxation and distraction. That will help your healing. Glad you're getting the situation resolved!

anxious_to_the_max · July 2017

so DCIS diagnosis today. Bummer

I'll head over to one of those boards to check it out

reflect · July 2017

I'm sorry anxious. I hope the DCIS threads will provide you with good info and help to relieve your anxiety. Hang in.

anxious_to_the_max · July 2017

thank you. I'm pretty annoyed with the universe right now and need to decide what to do. I'm thinking aggressive treatment, I'm 37 with 3 kids.

MTwoman · July 2017

anxious, the treatment options for DCIS are (typically) lx+rads vs mx and then anti-hormonals for ER/PR+. There is a lot of really good info on the DCIS forum, including a pretty comprehensive "dcis" guide by Beesie. Sorry you've joined our club!

anxious_to_the_max · July 2017

I know, I'm not thrilled to be a member! Lots of nice people around here though. Not all bad.

I'm in denial at the moment, lucky my husband keeps saying read the path report - it's all there. It's not a mistake :-(

Big thumbs down. Thank goodness I have private health insurance

anxious_to_the_max · July 2017

where is the DCIS guide please?

Thanking you

anxious_to_the_max · July 2017

also is there somewhere where I can get some feedback on path results? It's all jargon. Argh!!!!!!!!

MTwoman · July 2017

Beesie's threas on DCIS is here:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68/topics/790992?page=8#idx_232

and here is one on how to read your pathology report:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/147/topics/831074?page=

Also, about the jargon, there is a handy tab called "help with abbreviations" in the left hand column (right under the "jump to a forum" text box.

Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to help! ((Hugs))

the wait is so intense . . . .

Comments

Categories