Feeling worried (and dramatic, I'll admit)

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AnxietyProne
AnxietyProne Member Posts: 3
edited April 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hello,

I hope this is the best place to post. I'm not a drama queen in other areas of my life but there is something about my breast health that sets me off like nothing else.

I'm 41 years old, no family history of breast cancer but I I have a few risk factors (although I'm not sure how big these risk factors are. It iget confusing reading things online). When I take the online assessment tools (I've taken, two both well regarded, I can't remember the names. One asks about breast density) I actually have a lower than or average risk of developing in the next 5 or 10 years.

a. I have extremely dense breasts (not sure if this is age related or not).

b. I have fibrocystic breasts

c. I've never had children or been pregnant

d. I drink occasionally (a couple of glasses of wine on the weekends, I drank much more when I was in my 20s but never a "problem" drinker)

On the plus side I eat healthy, I'm a healthy weight and I exercise fairly regularly. I'm very healthy in all other areas, no medications, optimal blood labs, etc.

The thing is, I feel like my breasts are a ticking time bomb and it is taking over my life in a very unhealthy way. I've just had my 4th mammogram and ultrasound. Always before they have shown cysts but this time there is a oval shaped mass in my left breast that appears benign. The radiologist said he doesn't feel there is anything to worry about and it is fibrocystic changes (he is a very experienced radiologist whose speciality is breast imaging). He recommends follow up ultrasound in six months but said I can have a biopsy now if that would make me feel better.

I really don't know what to do. And I don't know how to come to a place of peace with this. I know there are women out there that constantly have things coming and going with their breasts and don't let it take over their life or really even worry about it too much.

I've also read a lot online about mammograms, screening, etc. It seems a lot of researchers feel mammograms are useless at my age and breast density. And also, if I were to be diagnosed with cancer now, it is likely to be an aggressive type that treatment wouldn't really help too much.

Does anyone have any thoughts or advice about this? I need to find a way to come to grips with it. I've even been wondering if I should have a mastectomy just so I don't have this near constant anxiety.

Thank you in advance for reading and for any insight. I've been perusing the forum and can tell there are so many knowledgable and supportive people here.


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  • mommakat
    mommakat Member Posts: 147
    edited April 2018

    I had things show up last year and it drove me crazy too, so I hear you!

    If it were me and I was given the option of the biopsy, I’d say do it. Id always rather know. And if this lump is making you worry now, chances are it will make you crazy for 6 months! Get the biopsy, and hopefully it’s b9 and you can move on withlife!

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  • AnxietyProne
    AnxietyProne Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2018

    Thank you Mommacat! I appreciate your feedbackI think you're right. I've made an appointment to go see the radiologist next week to look at the imaging together (I didn't actually see him for the mammo or US since it was a screening appointment yesterday, but I spoke with him this morning. He definitely said I shouldn't be worried when we spoke which made me feel a bit better).

    I will talk to him next week and then likely go ahead with the needle biopsy. I know my anxiety will be through the roof in six months if I wait that long.



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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited April 2018

    ditto what mommakat said. Also, don't fret about the age thing. You're 40+ and have a good chance of not having an aggressive cancer if indeed that's what this is. Good luck and keep us posted!

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited April 2018

    You are wise to be concerned. I do not think you are being dramatic. My advice would be to proceed with the biopsy. I have family experience with this. My sister had dense breast tissue and was having regular mammograms. On her 3D mammogram 3 years ago, the very credentialed, experienced radiologist noticed a slight change, thought it was benign, but only insisted that he biopsy because myself and our mom were newly diagnosed. Nothing showed on the ultrasound. Thank God he did. My sister was already Stage 3C and it has been one rough, long ride, but she is doing well.

    Dense breast tissue is not talked about enough in my book. I've heard from so many women diagnosed late or too late because of it. I'm not saying these things to concern you, but when you are not peaceful about a decision, I believe you have to continue until you find the answer that brings you that peace.

    Breast MRIs and a newer technology called MBI (Molecular Breast Imaging) are helpful with dense breast tissue, but if it were me, I would get it biopsied. There is also a great website called www.areyoudense.org

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  • AnxietyProne
    AnxietyProne Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2018

    Thank you for responding Denise. Your post totally scared me! :-) I have pretty extreme health anxiety (the type that makes it difficult for me to function in day to day life when I'm really worried about something) so I'm easily scared. lol

    I will have the needle biopsy. In the meantime, I'm trying to reassure myself by thinking he is likely right and it is benign.

    And, I need to figure out how to deal with the health anxiety. I saw a counselor last year but it didn't seem to help much (I'm fine once I get the all clear but I'm a complete wreak when anything about my health is in question). And, unfortunately I go through this every year with my breasts. :-( I sort of feel like it is ruining my life tbh.

    ETA - I meant my post as light hearted, I know that doesn't always translate very well though. I really do appreciate your response and I will be having the biopsy (even though I'm going to be absolutely petrified).

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited April 2018

    AnxietyProne - I am sure your breast health is creating much of your anxiety. My intent was not to scare you, but to get you past worrying about it. With great anxiety, if you don't get the answer that you need it only creates more anxiety as you well know.

    Yes, do seek help with the anxiety. It is awful stuff.

    All my best wishes.

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  • Minetta57
    Minetta57 Member Posts: 14
    edited April 2018

    Hi, I think you should have the biopsy so you know for sure. You’re doing the right thing. Yes, be diligent. I have been getting mammograms every year for the past 15 years and just two weeks ago, radiologist found a spiculated mass 25 mm which she felt was highly suspicious and likely ——-😢. Hate that word. I had the biopsy 4/9/18, and still don’t have the results! You want to talk about anxiety! I called, nothing yet. When I was called back, they did spot compression views and ultrasound. The tech really compressed the breasts. I think compression should be talked about more often and ultrasound too. Good luck. You’ll be fine.

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