Hoping for a Silver Lining...

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DanceSmartly
DanceSmartly Member Posts: 69
edited November 2017 in Waiting for Test Results

Like most here, my life has taken a sudden left turn.

I am 42. No history of breast cancer in my family (closest relative with breast cancer was a paternal great-aunt). No physical indication of something wrong with my breasts (other than the usual hormonal soreness associated with my cycle).

Went in for a routine mammogram last Wednesday (started screening early at age 40 because of those hormonal issues mentioned above; last mammogram in October 2016 was normal). Had a followup mammogram on my left breast immediately (the local radiologist looks at all screening mammograms before the patient leaves the health centre). Then had a followup ultrasound on my left breast two hours later. Then had a core biopsy on my left breast today. May have biopsy results as soon as tomorrow, certainly by the end of the week.

My BIRADS rating is 5; I understand this means that there is a 95% plus chance that the tumour found in my left breast is malignant. I'm prepared for my doctor to tell me that I'll need surgery and likely radiation and possibly chemotherapy.

I'm hoping someone here can help me interpret some of the other language on my mammogram and ultrasound results (looking for that silver lining!):

Mammography: In the left breast, a focal asymmetric density is seen in the outer aspect of the breast. With coned compression magnification view the density persists. There are no suspicious microcalcifications."

Ultrasound: At 3:00 radian a ill-defined solid lesion is seen measuring 1.4 x 1.0 x 0.5 cm in size suspicious of malignancy. There are no pathologically enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla. Few tiny cysts also noted in the breast.

Density: 50% up to 75%

Result (BIRADS): 5

I've read a bit about breast density and understand that from the above results my breasts would be considered dense and hence present a higher risk for cancer.

The asymmetry and ill-definition are both bad things and likely what earned me the BIRADS 5 rating.

I understand that the lack of enlarged lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit) is a good sign; the radiologist confirmed this today when I asked and stated that he did not feel it was necessary to biopsy my axilla lymph nodes.

Trying to determine whether the lack of microcalcifications is a positive or negative sign? Also confused about the cysts; it's unclear to me whether there are a few present (and this is a bad sign?) or not as many present as should be (and this is a bad sign?).

I know I'm probably worrying about the barn door after the horse is long gone, but looking for something encouraging to share with my very worried husband in the above results. We have a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son and we want to see them grow up with both parents!

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

Dance

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited October 2017

    Dance, so sorry that you're here and understandably worried for your breast health. You didn't put in quite enough of the report information to be really helpful to you, but if you put in the language in the "impression" section, that would help us help you understand the report better. Clearly, you've already had the biopsy (the recommendation) and have a BIRADS 5 (indicating positive predictive value based on characteristics). Once you have your biopsy results, you'll want to get a copy of the pathology report to get as many details as possible. Those details will start to inform what options you have and which forums you might want to go through to come up with good questions for your next meeting with your doctor. Please do let us know how we can help. Sending you warm thoughts and gentle ((hugs))

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  • DanceSmartly
    DanceSmartly Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2017

    Hi MTwoman:

    Thanks for responding!

    There doesn't appear to be an "Impressions" section on the diagnostic imaging report that I received from my doctor? I've written out everything that was included the report re: the troublesome left breast. Perhaps the BIRADS result of 5 and Follow-Up recommendation of Biopsy was deemed sufficient to tell the story?

    Will certainly share the results of my biopsy and would very much appreciate help with the right questions to ask!

    Thanks again!

    Dance

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited October 2017

    As you already know, BIRADs5 is about 95%+ predictive for malignancy. My tumor was also a BIRADs5 and of course, I was terrified when I heard that. But in a way, it helped me come to terms with the diagnosis when it came. My doctor called me two days after my biopsy with the bad news, but I was surprisingly calm about it-- I'm sure I was still in shock. The days between getting the bad news and seeing a breast surgeon were the longest, because I didn't know what might happen next.  My anxiety was pretty high. 

    My advice is to sit tight for now and try not to think too far ahead. Right now you have no real answers and no plan, so it's natural to be afraid. I would suggest that you not share any of this with your kids just yet. For now, concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.  Do things that keep your hands busy--baking, sewing, crafts, knitting, cleaning, gardening, playing with the kids, etc. Busy hands distract the mind. Activities that put your brain on autopilot tend to not distract the mind as much (like reading, watching TV, or walking). Some people find that meditation and yoga help, but they didn't work at all for me. However, you could have eaten off my floors there for a while, LOL. 

    Best of luck to you. Fingers crossed that you get your results before the weekend. 

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  • DanceSmartly
    DanceSmartly Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2017

    Thank-you for the well wishes, mustlovepoodles (though our family inclines to Bernese Mountain Dogs ;-)

    Thanks also for the advice re: our kids. My husband and I are in agreement that we will delay sharing the news with our kids until there is a firm plan in place. Our son will likely accept the news with equanimity, but my daughter is very close to me and will likely find it quite traumatizing.

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited November 2017

    She will probably take her cues from you--if you are matter of fact, if you assure her that you're going to do everything you can to be okay, she will probably accept that as the gospel truth.  Of course, she may be teary and concerned--she is 12, after all.   But she'll be look to you to show the way, so show her that you are strong and calm, even if you don't particularly feel those things. Fake it til you make it, as they say. (Or do what I did and take the dog on long walks during which I sat on the curb and cried my eyes out three times a day.)

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  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited November 2017

    It's all tough until you know for sure...then until there is a plan in place. Try to keep your mind off of it until you know for sure. The Radiologist told me she was positive mine would be positive, but reading on these boards many have posted a negative result after a Birads 5. Sure hope yours is negative

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  • DanceSmartly
    DanceSmartly Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2017

    mustlovepoodles: Good idea re: taking our Berner for long walks when I need to stress relieve! I go to the gym three time a week and have already learned in just the last week that that time will be very therapeutic for me.

    Beatmon: Thank-you for the well wishes. I have found so much useful information on this site, and am so glad there is an online community like this that understands what we are going through. I admire each and every one of you who have been through this and continue to work through this for continuing to pay it forward!

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited November 2017

    So sorry you have to be here but welcome. You got great advice above. I just want to add that IMO you should have a MRI before you make any decisions. The7y are the best screening tool for dense breasts. Good luck and please keep us posted.

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited November 2017

    Off topic moment: my heart belongs to Bernese Mountain Dogs. What a wonderful breed! My youngest child, 22, is severely mentally handicapped, unable to talk, dress, or take care of himself. When he was about 3-4yrs old, his physical therapist brought in several nice therapy dogs, one of which was Ranger, a BMD. For the first several weeks, all Christian could do was scream bloody murder in Rangers presence. But Ranger was solid as a rock. He just lay there.

    After about 4 weeks, Christian moved closer. Ranger obliged by not moving and not looking at him. And then one day Christian scooted over to Ranger and lay down full length against Rangers tummy. Ranger tenderly placed his arm over Christian in a sweet doggy embrace and they lay together for about 20 minutes. From that day on, Christian no longer was afraid of animals. Ranger learned to present his butt to Christian (faces are too challenging) and Christian learned to pet him nicely. The therapist often conducted PT with Christian nestled against Rangers back. Eventually, Christian learned to walk, with the help of that great big dog.

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  • pupmom
    pupmom Member Posts: 5,068
    edited November 2017

    MLP, what a beautiful story! I think BMD are among the sweetest and most gorgeous of all dogs! We have always had small dogs, but if we went big, they would be first on my list!

    DanceSmartly, I cannot add anything to what others have said. Hurry up and wait is unfortunately the nature of this cancer game. Nothing is certain until it's certain, and even then there is wiggle room, lol. Hoping you get b9 results!

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  • DanceSmartly
    DanceSmartly Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2017

    mustlovepoodles, LOVE your beautiful BMD story! Thanks for sharing.

    I have often found one or the other of our children lying on the family room rug (sometimes sleeping) in a canine embrace. Our BMD thinks he is a lapdog; he will often climb up into my husband's lap when he is sitting in "the" recliner (the one chair where this is permitted). Though he is very small for his breed (only 75 lbs), that is still a lot of dog to hold! I was the one who wanted to get a BMD back in the day, but my husband is absolutely addicted to this breed now despite losing two of them at young ages. Humans aren't the only ones that suffer through cancer!

    pupmom, thank-you for the welcome and best wishes!

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  • DanceSmartly
    DanceSmartly Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2017

    dtad, thanks for the welcome. Re: the MRI recommendation, is that in aid of finding other potential problems beyond the identified tumour before choosing a surgery option?

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  • DanceSmartly
    DanceSmartly Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2017

    Just to follow-up: official diagnosis from core needle biopsy is in (see signature). Will move to diagnosed forum.

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