Found lump, had mammogram and US, waiting to go for biopsy.

Chancesmom · January 2018

I joined this site many years ago, while going through the process of a breast with discharge etc. It ended up being a papilloma and I had a lumpectomy to remove it. There's BC in my family, my sister had bilateral BC at the age I am today. I also had an aunt with BC.

I'm 57 years old, I had a complete hysterectomy at age 40 and haven't used any hormone replacement in 10 years. I don't smoke or drink.

So, 2 weeks ago, I find a lump in my right breast, at 11:00, upper outer quadrant, approx 2 cm, hard and fixed. I called my family doctor and she had me in for an examination the next day. 2 days later, I had a mammogram and US. Mass is clearly visible. My Doc called me Dec 27th saying Id be having a biopsy this coming week, followed up with an appointment with a surgeon. This is where I'm at, just waiting to hear when I have my biopsy. Since the original mammogram, this mass has been growing. It's like there's 2 peaks growing out of the top of it! My gut tells me that this thing is malignant. The fact that I'm extremely tired isn't helping. I pray they call me tomorrow.

So, I'm wondering if anyone else has had peaks growing from their mass? It feels really abnormal.

Thanks for reading.

Georgia1 · January 2018

Hi ChancesMom. I don't have a specific answer to your question, since I never felt a lump and my BC was discovered on a routine mammogram. Do you have your mammogram or US reports, and would you be willing to share the results? From my limited reading, the size is more important than shape in determining treatment options.

Wishing you the best.

Zekesmom18 · January 2018

Hi Georgia, thank you so much for your reply. ( I had a problem logging in so I changed my name to Zekesmom . Unfortunately I don't have any reports yet. With this happening over the holidays, it's been hard to get ahold of anyone for anything. I'm just waiting for all the Dr's offices to get back to work. My GP's office told that if I don't have an appointment for biopsy by Wednesday to call them. I'll ask for a copy of the mammogram and US reports tomorrow. I'd say this lump is almost an inch across now, so I'm very eager to get it removed! The last few days, I've been prepping for surgery, getting the house in order. I know they're going to have to remove it. Especially with it being so close to my arm pit.

Moderators · January 2018

Good luck, Zekesmom18!

Beatmon · January 2018

I hope they call you soon, if not keep after them. The holidays are officially over. You will find that our health is most important to us and only a blip on some office staff radar!

Not all offices are well run, but there are many that are. If they have not had our anxiety from all of this cancer crap, they just don’t understand.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing

Zekesmom18 · January 2018

Hi everyone, thank you again for reply’s. I got a call from the hospital this morning. I have a biopsy very early Thursday morning. I meet with the surgeon the following Wednesday.

While talking with the nurse, answering questions mostly, I asked about the mammogram and US reports. She said the nodule was 1.8 cm but wasn’t going to say much more then that. I asked about birads. It’s Birads 4B. I told her that this thing has grown a lot since mammo almost 2 weeks ago. It’s grown in length and height. It’s like 2 peaks growing up from it.

Other than one papilloma, I’ve never had a lump in my breast. They have been very normal. By the way this thing is growing, I’d be willing to bet it’s malignant. It’s hard and fixed. I’m 57 with family history of BC. I’m trying to prepare myself. I think I’ll be more shocked if it turns out to be b9. It’s going to be a long week! 😄

Beatmon · January 2018

I hope that it is not, but it does seem very worrisome from your description. Please let us know

Zekesmom18 · January 2018

I will beatmon.

I am strong and believe that I will tackle this beast be it malignant. (That said, I haven’t heard the words confirming it yet). 😬I know what I’ll be in for, should it be bad news. I was with my sister when she fought this beast about 12 years ago now. I have a lot of fight in me and a lot of support from my family. I’m very blessed. One week today and I’ll know what I’m dealing with. So for now, I’m getting ready because either way this thing needs to be removed from my breast.

It’s the weirdest thing,having these 2 pointy things coming up out of it. Makes me nauseous just thinking about it. 🤭🤢

I have to end this post with a smilie... 😃

Mhuizar42 · January 2018

I'm so happy to hear how positive you are that's the way it should be I'm going through something similar I have to call tomorrow to see if I can schedule a ultrasound biopsy since I have an HMO but I'm also going to tackle this beast if it turns out to be anything be bad but with lots of love I hope everything is well with you and me and everyone else going through what we are going through 😊

Zekesmom18 · January 2018

Thank you Mhuizar42 and sending prayers up that your mass is b9. I have my biopsy at 8:30 tomorrow morning. I’m not feeling very optimistic, especially after learning about spiculated masses. I have 2 that feel like pyramids on my mass!

The mood swings are off the chart right now, but I’m managing to keep them mostly hidden and under control. My big yellow lab has been stuck to me the last few weeks. He loves his mom, but usually shares his time,especially when the kids are home from university. Right now, he’s Mama’s boy. So, when I need to cry, I bury my face into his fur and he cuddles me right back. I feel guilty though, I don’t even want the dog worrying about me!

My breast is very tender tonight, but the good news is, I’ll have answers soon. I don’t know how anyone could ever get through this without strong family support, for that I am blessed. ❤️

Sending white light and prayers all around.

Zekesmom18 · January 2018

I’d appreciate anyone’s opinions on my biopsy this morning.

I was prepped by a nurse, signed my paperwork etc. I asked the nurse the size of the tumor and she told me it was 2.4 cm. I was told on the last US it was 1.8. She told me that it may not have grown and it could be different angles and colour changes that would do that. She said the first one showed more black around the edges, but hers today had more bright white? She told me the Dr would come in and freeze me and take 2-3 biopsies. He came in and prepped me and proceeded to take out 6-7 samples. He then put a pin in, and sent me for another Ultra Sound.

Anyone have any opinions on this? Color affecting tumor size? Which colour is a better colour to have showing around your tumor? Why would he take twice as many samples? I know they pin a lot now, but I wasn’t told this before or told about yet another Ultra Sound? Is it just a case of a busy nurse, or maybe an exhausted patient not listening. lol. I meet with the surgeon next Wednesday.

I’d appreciate any and all feedback. Good or bad. 😄

Georgia1 · January 2018

Hi Zekesmom. Honestly, that sounds like a nurse speculating about things she's not an expert on. The size could easily change from mammogram to US since they are different technologies. And I can't imagine the black/white discussion was particularly helpful. In general the radiologist is trying to figure out size, shape, whether the margins are clear or indistinct, and whether the mass has blood flow. So I think you'd to best to wait for the official biopsy results.

The number of samples can vary from doctor to doctor since some are more skilled and/or confident than others and some just like to have more in order to validate results.

I will certainly be thinking good thoughts for you!

Zekesmom18 · January 2018

Well, looks like I’ve joined the club. I didn’t want to wait to hear the news from a stranger, so I called my GP. Ductal Carcinoma is what she’s told me. They haven’t tested me for estrogen etc yet. The fun begins with a visit to the surgeon on Wednesday morning. 😭 I feel like I’ve been sucker punched.

marie5890 · January 2018

Ok, Zekesmom.

At least that part of the waiting is over. But there still is so much you don't know yet. Stage, Grade, hormone receptors etc. type. So still stay away from Google. If you want to start learning some of the medical-eze I would go to the main page of BCO and look under the "Your diagnosis" link. There you will start to learn some of the terminology.

Other than the "Just Diagnosed" forum, I would wait on visiting the other forums, with the exception of the IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) section, until you get more info.

Keep breathing. You may consider talking to your GP about some anti-anxiety meds. Many women, even those who normally aren't into taking pills, found them to be a life saver in the beginning. It just helps you stay a bit calmer while all this new information is coming your way.

The first bit is a whirlwind. You will find things "settle down" more when you have a treatment plan in place.

One thing you should seriously consider since your sister has also had BC is genetic testing, too.

Georgia1 · January 2018

So sorry, Zekesmom. It is so horrid at first and it certainly seems so unfair. I had malignant melanoma in my 20s and thought I had paid my cancer dues. But no...breast cancer at 59.

Marie's advice was spot on. I'd only add that it's ok, and in my opinion even best, to take it one day at a time. Figure out if you want someone at the doctor's appointment with you to take notes. Then ask for copies of all of the reports on all of your tests. Then decide if you like the surgeon or if you want a second opinion. We're here for you and it does get better. One day this will all be in the rearview mirror.

Zekesmom18 · January 2018

thank you very much for your helpful suggestions Marie and Georgia... I’m still in a state of shock!

Found lump, had mammogram and US, waiting to go for biopsy.

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