getting diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound this week

Stephanie49
Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
edited June 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi everyone,

A friend from high school who is 50 recently was diagnosed with bc from a sbe vs the regular mammograms she had. I hadn't done a sbe in ages. I also have lumpy breasts which makes it challenging. Well I found a small (like a small sweet pea) lump that seemed to be hard. It made me think of a pebble. I had my husband feel it as well and he also described that way. I consequently made a Dr. appointment. She agreed there was something there and I have a diagnostic mammogram and us scheduled for this upcoming Friday. So with too much time on my hands, I start thinking and worrying.

The Dr. didn't say very much during the appointment. It is in the lower inner quadrant of my right breast. It is very small (which she did remark on). She said it didn't appear to be matted and that there wasn't any puckering which she associates with malignancy. She wasn't my regular OBGYN and didn't say anything very reassuring. (I guess I was looking for "it's nothing but let's make sure"). However this may just be her style.

I realize there is a small chance it is bc. I do have some questions if anyone has had a similar experience that turned out to be a cyst. It isn't fluid filled from what I can determine and she didn't remark on this either. It has three sides and is oblong. Pebble like. It seems to disappear into my tissue.

A) Has anyone had a cyst with similar characteristics. Does the location have any bearing on it not being some type of cyst or other benign condition? (I am reaching I know).

B) Could there be more to the lump that is 'hidden' down in the tissue and that is why I cannot feel all of the sides?

C) If the mammogram and US come back clear would there be any need for a MRI due to the location?

I am 49, no family of bc, never smoked, paternal gf died of colon cancer at 40, exercise regularly, pretty healthy in general. I get annual mammograms and my last one was a year ago this May.

Thank you for any responses. I truly appreciate it!

Stephanie

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Comments

  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2018

    Steph

    How did you determine it isn’t fluid filled

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    djmammo,

    I don't know for a fact it isn't a cyst. It doesn't feel like there is any fluid in there..it is hard vs soft. Hopefully it is. I think I read cysts can be hard as well. I kind of thought the Dr. would've said if she thought it was leaning that way. I am probably jumping at shadows by second guessing everything that was said during my appointment. I realize I will get more answers this week. I was hoping to get some feedback along the lines of "yep, I had something similar and it was just a cyst." If I got a few of those responses I would probably worry less. I should have posted originally...I have saline implants and have some concerns something may have been missed in my mammos due to this. I've had the implants for four years.

    Thanks

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2018

    Steph

    There are soft cancers and cysts can be very hard if tense with fluid. The ultrasound should be able to sort that out. No reason to jump to conclusions at this point.

    If the implants are behind the muscle they are usually not in the way.

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    Thanks for the reply. My implants are behind the chest wall. You are correct about jumping to conclusions.

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  • teachermomfl
    teachermomfl Member Posts: 104
    edited April 2018

    I have many cysts in my breasts, and I've had a few aspirated. The smaller ones (for me at least) tend to be hard to the touch.

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    Thanks for the input teachermomfl

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    djmammo,

    I found a lump under my arm yesterday when showering. Should I assume this will be related? The lump is not on the surface rather in a little bit. I figure it is a swollen lymph node, but do not know for sure. I am also wondering if having your period affects the mammo or us? Mine started today and my appointment is tomorrow. Thank you so much for your input. I am worrying off and on (more on than off right now) and am looking forward to getting the testing done tomorrow.

    Ps..it doesn't appear my impending period this week affected the lump in my breast other than the tissue surrounding it is fuller (if that makes sense). Does that have any bearing? I don't always have breast tenderness each month although I did for a few days this week.

    Thanks again,

    Stephanie

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2018

    Stephanie49

    When you have your exams (mammo and US) tell them about the lump under your arm so that they make sure its included on the mammogram and examined by US before you leave.

    Lymph nodes are pretty deep in there, not up near the surface so it might be something else you are feeling.

    Keep us in the loop

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    djmammo

    Thanks for the reply. I will make sure to let them know and will post when I have my results. I was told it would be a could of days so sometime early next week I would guess.

    S

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    Hi djmammo,

    I went in this morning for both US and Mammogram. Nothing to report on those as of yet. They will let my Dr. office know results and then they will contact me. I am focusing (too much) on the US. I mentioned to the tech that I had found a lump deeper in my right armpit. Her first response was they only had an order for the specific area with the lump. She said she would complete the US and speak with the Radiologist regarding this concern. One completed she took the results to the Rad and was gone 10-15 min. She returned stating the Dr.wanted her to look at the armpit area too. Soooo, now I am thinking he saw something concerning and wanted to look at my armpit as well. I am thinking this because I was getting a serious vibe there wouldn't be any additional imaging w/o just cause. PS..I watched a little bit of the armpit imaging and there def was a lump there and she was taking measurements. Any input you can offer is appreciated. It will be a long weekend of trying not to worry. Same as most everyone on this sight I guess.

    Thanks

    Stephanie

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2018

    Stephanie49

    Normal lymph nodes are measured routinely, perhaps thats all that was.

    Since you mentioned the lump under your arm and they didn't have an order for the US of your axilla, either the tech or the rad had to call your doc's office to get a verbal order. Don't immediately think the doc saw something and thats why they did the images under your arm, remember you mentioned it to them first. In most places/states I have worked if there is something really wrong the rad comes and talks with the patient before they leave.

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    Thanks for the reply. I did ask if they found something negative if they would let me know right away. She said unless it was urgent, in most cases no. It’s a smaller town so maybe they do it differently. I also asked if he thought there was a malignancy and she commented he hadn’t seen the whole report. I assume the mammo to what she referenced. I will wait and see. Thanks again

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    djmammo

    I just spoke with the nurse at my doctors office and they said nothing was found on either the mammogram or ultrasound. So they did not see the lump at all. They did offer a referral for a second opinion if I wanted it. They said they always offer that. I don’t have a copy of the report the nurse said it just said normal breast tissue. Should I be concerned they did not see the lump at all? I was very nervous during both tests and my breast was swollen from starting my period I am wondering a little bit if it would be possible they didn’t see anything because I didn’t pinpoint the exact location. I was having trouble between being so nervous and the tissue being swollen in getting an exact location which I did mention. I would like to put it to rest and move on. In your opinion would you recommend a Second opinion? She did mention they saw the swollen lymph node and it appeared benign. Thanks for your input. S

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    In regards to the second opinion, they would refer me to a breast surgeon. I really wish the test results would have said mass noted nothing to be worried about. It would be so much easier. Thanks again for any input.

    Stephanie

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2018

    Stephanie49

    If this lump is new, you should really find out what it is. If you ultimately want it biopsied you will have to see a surgeon sooner or later since it is not seen on US (which is used for targeting these kinds of things).

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    I originally did not see my own OB and followed up w/her today. She also said I should follow up w/a surgeon as things are sometimes missed on mammo and US. So now I am trying to decide to see a general surgeon locally or one at a nearby location (University of Iowa Hospital and Clinic). Is it better to see a surgeon that specializes in breasts or does it matter? I also noticed when looking at the U of I website they displayed their diagnostic imaging center of excellence designation. There aren't any places where I live with this certification. Is that a big deal? Thanks for your input!

    Stephanie

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2018

    Stephanie49

    In my opinion it matters particularly if a cosmetic result is important. Many of the more recently fellowship trained breast surgeons have training in plastic surgery. Scars are smaller and the shape of the breast is better maintained.

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  • Stephanie49
    Stephanie49 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    djmammo,

    Thanks again for your insight and comments. I requested a referral to U of Ia Hospitals. I am lucky we have this as an option within driving distance for us. I was really hoping to get this put to bed once and for all but I will be happy to have a definitive answer from a collective that just works on breasts vs a variety of issues.

    Stephanie

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  • Daring_Bravely
    Daring_Bravely Member Posts: 28
    edited June 2018

    Hi Stephanie,

    Have you had your second opinion yet?

    Car

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