22 and frightened beyond words

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kanji1
kanji1 Member Posts: 9
edited June 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hey there. This is going to be long so please bare with me. So this past September I found a lump while showering. I scheduled an appointment as soon as I could with Planned Parenthood and long story short the NP seemed somewhat unconcerned because of the lumps mobility. She told me to wait 1 or 2 months and come back to check on it.


So I went back after 2 months and lo and behold, the lump was still there. She said since it's still there, she's going to refer me for an ultrasound. At this point my anxiety levels were slowly starting to boil over. But I went. And it wasn't terrible. I was freaking out, naturally, but the whole process was over in maybe 7 minutes (minus the wait time). The ultrasound tech mentioned immediately that it looked like a fibroadenoma on screen. That held me over until I got the results.


I get a call saying that the ultrasound did show that it was a benign fibroadenoma. Imagine my relief. They told me I should follow up in 6 months as per procedure. Great! About two weeks later, they call again saying their medical director reviewed my case and are wanting me to see a breast specialist, because a 6 month follow up routine for 2 years seemed aggressive and that I'd probably be better going ahead and getting the biopsy or getting it removed or something along those lines. They did confirm again the ultrasound showed a fibroadenoma. Well I freaked the heck out! I have a very bad anxiety problem and I could hear my heart beat in my ears. They sent me information on breast specialists in the area in the mail along with a copy of the ultrasound report,


"Findings: in the left breast, 9:30 position, correlating with the patient's palpable abnormality, there is a solid mass measuring 1.6 x 1.3 x 1.9. It has smooth borders, increased through transmission and is broader than it is tall. Some vascularity is associated with it


Impression: solid mass correlates with patient's palpable abnormality. Ultrasonographic characteristics are most consistent with a benign fibroadenoma. However, since it newly palpable, surgical consultation is recommended. If no biopsy is performed, serial 6 month follow-up for a total duration of 2 years is recommended to ensure stability."


I've booked an appt with a breast surgeon at a clinic and it's set for early January. I guess I'm going to get a biopsy. I'm so scared. I can't eat. I'm having trouble sleeping. My anxiety is through the roof and I really just can't help but feel hopeless. Can anybody offer some kind words? Any sort of reassurance? Thank you guys. I'm so happy I found this community of nice & understanding people.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited December 2017

    There is nothing whatsoever in your reports that indicates they believe this to be anything other than benign. They are just being prudent. The odds of there being anything seriously wrong with you are pretty close to zero. Sixty percent of women have fibrocystic breasts.


    Are you being treated for your anxiety? Anxiety is miserable to live with, very treatable, and in my thoughts a much bigger health issue for you than whatever minor issue is going on with your breast.
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  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited December 2017

    Hi,

    I have had the same thing at ages 24 and at age 29(fibroadenomas). I had them removed for my own relief of my anxiety. They are just taking all necessary steps and offering you options.(mine was also to have follow-up ultrasounds) Sounds also like this Dr. who reviewed the report thinks getting rid of it makes more sense than to keep going back for something they are pretty confident is benign. (not because he is fearful that it is something worrisome) See the breast surgeon. He/she will reassure you the best they can but there are never guarantees so that is why the offer additional options. After you ask all your questions and get your answers, you do what you feel is best for you. If you don't feel comfortable with this surgeon, see another.

    Odds are so in your favor, especially at that age. I know you will continue to worry, but try to keep yourself busy until then. Try not to Dr. Google too much either..make you even crazier with anxiety.

    Keep us informed on how it goes.

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited December 2017

    kanji1

    When you speak with the surgeon ask for an ultrasound guided core biopsy. This procedure will not leave a scar like an open biopsy. Most good breast centers offer this. Once a fibroadenoma is diagnosed histologically it can be monitored every so often, they don't really require removal unless it really bothers you or it starts to enlarge rapidly.

    If you definitely want it removed, find a full time breast surgeon to do it who has had some training in plastic surgery techniques. At your age there is no reason to have a scar for what is likely going to be a benign lump.

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  • Snickersmom
    Snickersmom Member Posts: 926
    edited December 2017

    Take a deep breath. You are young and you have that in your favor. Plus you don't really know anything conclusive yet. Take the advice of djmammo and ask for an ultrasound guided core biopsy. I have had 3 and can tell you honestly that they don't hurt at all.

    Stay off the internet and try not to worry.

    Keep us posted

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  • kanji1
    kanji1 Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2018

    Hello all and thank you for your reassuring messages. Although I know the chance of me having something serious is very small, I really can't sway my mind otherwise. I know I need to get a handle on my anxiety, as I do know that I have serious health anxiety and this whole ordeal had thrown me over the edge.


    I keep poking and prodding at the lump and I know that's probably irritated it, but I can't help it. I Google a lot. And of course I've come across those rare stories of 22, 23 year olds having breast cancer. I do sort of feel like a jacka** because there are women on this board who have much more concerning ultrasound findings. Hopefully everything will be okay and I promise I'll keep you guys posted.

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited January 2018

    Hi there Kanji. You are being a bit too hard on yourself dear; all of your feelings are perfectly normal. But I agree with others that staying away from "Dr. Google" is a good new year's resolution to make. While you're waiting do try to be optimistic, take a walk, cook something healthy, or do something fun and relaxing. We'll be thinking good thoughts for you.

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  • kanji1
    kanji1 Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2018

    Well I guess I'll update this considering I promised I would and I guess because I need some support.


    So as my original thread said, I went to the breast surgeon. She reassured me greatly, first off by giving me a breast exam via hand (palpitating the lump and commenting, "oh yeah, do you see how moveable that is?") She then followed by giving me an ultrasound in the room, right next to the bed, and showing me on screen why she believes this lump is a fibroadenoma. I won't get into specifics (no shadowing, circumscribed, etc) but she got a little more in depth than my original ultrasound report. She said I *could* get biopsy right now if I wanted to for my own peace of mind but she said she'd have no issue with following this up in 6 months, she sees these all the time etc.. she said if it grows, she'll go ahead and biopsy it but told me not to worry myself in the meantime.


    Well I'm not as crazy as I was in my original post but I do feel the anxiety slowly bubbling up to the surface. It still feels the same, size wise, give or take. Perhaps a bit bigger but I can't trust myself with the anxiety. Still moveable. I guess I'm just afraid it's grown and she's going to see something really concerning with the next ultrasound. 🤷♀️ I don't know, I just felt like venting because at my age.. I feel like I have nobody to talk to about this. I know there are plenty of other women with fibros but it's hardly ever spoken of. I just feel kinda alone and I hate feeling like I'm the only one in my group of friends whose going through this. Thank you guys for reading if you did. <3

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  • vampeyes
    vampeyes Member Posts: 1,227
    edited June 2018

    Kanji, my suggestion is this time when they do the ultrasound go for the biopsy, for nothing more than piece of mind. The waiting and stressing is the absolute worst and if you can squash that at the next appointment go for it.

    {HUGS} and good thoughts/vibes coming your way for a positive, (as in good)test result.

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  • nonomimi5
    nonomimi5 Member Posts: 434
    edited June 2018

    Kanji1,

    I am sorry you are going through this. If you can not keep your mind off it, get an ultrasound guided core biopsy. The procedure takes only a few minutes and it does not hurt. You will feel better when you know what it is. Thank you for updating us. We are here for you.

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  • Okkate75
    Okkate75 Member Posts: 151
    edited June 2018

    I'm so sorry you are dealing with so much anxiety! Everything you've been told and shown indicates this is benign. I hope that can ease your mind a little, and that you can get support for the anxiety. As someone who deals with that, too, I know how damaging it can be.

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  • mustlovegermanshepherds
    mustlovegermanshepherds Member Posts: 11
    edited June 2018

    kanji 1,

    I know how you feel. I'm 22 years old as well and had some breast changes that have sent me into emotional breakdowns and spirals. Im sure I have health anxiety as well. i just recently discovered that I have fibrocystic breasts that have been concluded from multiple physical examinations and US. I am currently pushing for an MRI/biopsy to just give myself 100% peace of mind that this is B9. I know it's so hard to stay away from google, and I have read the exact same articles that you have mentioned about 22/23year olds being diagnosed without breast cancer and it sends my mind and heart racing with worst case scenarios, But they had different situations than we did. We just gotta breathe! Haha feel free to message me if you have anything you need to vent about. You are not alone girly!

    (((Hugs)))

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  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited June 2018

    Kanji,

    Yup back when I was diagnosed with them I had the option to follow them in 6mths. I opted to remove purely because I am such and anxiety ridden person that I did not think I could make it every 6mths...(they were diagnoses as fibroadenomas and turned out to be exactly that if that helps) Lot's of us out there. If you wait 6mths and see it's not changed you will feel much better then. Just keep on eye on it and note any changes. If you opt for a biopsy, you will have that piece of mind sooner.

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  • kanji1
    kanji1 Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2018

    well ladies, tomorrow morning is the big day. I go in for my 6 month follow-up. I had to reschedule because of financial reasons, but i wont be missing this one. I work nights so I'll be getting off of work and pretty much immediately be heading there. I'm going to try to stay as strong as all of you throughout this and I know that this board is here for me if I need to vent, which I can't say how thankful I am for that. I'll keep you guys posted. <3


    PS, it goes without saying that I'm super thankful for the kind messages I've received from everybody since making this post. I occasionally come back to this thread when my mind starts filling with doubts and dark thoughts.

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