28 and waiting for my ultrasound

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190dawg
190dawg Member Posts: 30

I'm 28 years old, and two days ago, my ob/gyn found a lump in my right breast during my annual exam. I'm not able to feel it (I have large breasts with dense/kinda lumpy tissue anyway), but I trust her that it's there. She said it was smooth and movable, and not to worry too much but... well, here I am. Going nuts.

My ultrasound is tomorrow afternoon. I was really surprised by all this, because I had a chest CT scan (with and without contrast) for something unrelated back in February that showed no abnormalities. I guess CTs don't see breast masses very well...

I'm trying not to drive myself insane, but of course it's all I can think about and I'm terrified. I wish this US appointment wasn't on a Friday afternoon, because that's just going to lead to more waiting. Ugh.

Comments

  • AprilMay
    AprilMay Member Posts: 44
    edited April 2018

    I am not much help as I'm also waiting for answers. Like you, I'll have added waiting time due to my biopsy being on Friday. My first experience with a lump sounds similar to your situation. It was a simple cyst. I hope we both get good news!

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2018

    I am sorry that you are having to worry about this. The chances of this being a benign condition (cyst, fibroadenoma) is extremely high. Please try not to worry. I have been in your shoes ,and it is completely nerve-wracking. I actually have another lump that I need to get checked out..this is my 3rd or 4th. Utilize anything that will distract you. Sending you good thoughts! Let me know!




  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2018

    Thank you both for your replies. I'm sorry you're going through the waiting too. I'll be thinking of you both, and appreciate the encouragment. I could use it right now.

  • burchRN
    burchRN Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2018

    Same situation here. US and CT both neg. But we can all feel it, but it's deep. I'm not sure what we'r going to do now. Surgeon is supposed to call me today.

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2018

    It looks like we are all in the same boat. Sometimes exercising, reading, Netflix, deep cleaning, cooking/baking, walking outside, and spending time with friends will help a bit. There is no doubt about it...waiting is very hard! Sometimes I will take a friend or relative with me if I can find one available. Hang in there ladies! Thinking of you!

  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2018

    Good luck to everyone. My ultrasound is in about 4.5 hours. I'm going to ask if the radiologist is there, and if he/she can give me a preliminary read so that I don't have to hold my breath all weekend wondering. They may not be able to, but it's worth a try. Wish me luck, I'm (obviously) nervous about the outcome.

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2018

    Keeping you in my thoughts today! That's a great idea. Typically, radiologists have a good idea of what they are looking at. They should be able to give you a clue. You got this!


  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2018

    Thank you so much, kmartin!

  • greetings1
    greetings1 Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2018

    190DAWG I hope your results are good news.

  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2018

    So, the radiologist actually performed the ultrasound herself so I didn't have to wait.

    We could not find the lump! I was never able to feel it, and the radiologist said she felt "something" but that it was likely just a lump of normal tissue. She seemed to think this was a good indication that there isn't anything to worry about.

    My OB did give me the option to consult with a breast surgeon or just follow up as usual in a year. I've taken the option to at least visit the breast surgeon and hear what they have to say. I figure getting their opinion on things can't hurt. I have to wait for them to call me to schedule.

    I do feel relieved, but still feel the need to pursue this for peace of mind. A year follow-up just seemed like a long time. I think if the breast surgeon says it's safe to monitor, I'll let it go.

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2018
    1. That sounds very positive! I am happy that they seem to not think it is anything. I think it is wise to follow up with a breast surgeon for verification (as you stated). I am glad that you chose that option. I think being proactive is so important when it comes to our health. We should get answers. Have a great weekend and definitely keep us updated! We are here for you.



  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2018

    Thank you, kmartin! I really appreciate your support. I do feel a little frustrated, I was hoping to get clearer answers after the ultrasound and now it feels like I still have cause to be concerned. There seems to be a lot of stories on this forum about people having malignant lumps that weren't visible with an ultrasound, so I'm not really sure how to feel. Hopefully I'll be able to get in to see the surgeon soon!

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2018

    I am sorry that you're frustrated. However, I feel like you have very positive things on your side (OB isn't concerned, most importantly radiologist isn't concerned, and your age) I truly understand that there is always a possibility, but these are definitely great things to have on your side and focus on. Don't let the worry eat you up..I've done that before with my lumps and biopsies. I realize that it is a lot easier said than done. Hopefully, you will be able to get an appointment ASAP with a breast surgeon. You got through everything today and overall it was positive. Just another step to go.. you can do it!








  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2018

    kmartin, thank you so much for your kind words and all of your support - it really means a lot right now.

    How is your testing going? Still in the waiting stages?

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2018

    Thanks for asking! I think I am just tired of lumps..lol. I don't want anymore lumps or biopsies.

    Yes! I am definitely playing the waiting game with you..my appointment with the OB isn't until May 11. I should finally get my referral to the breast center for the ultrasound at that point. I wish that I could go directly to the breast center as I have been numerous times. I might be able to get a cancellation, but they seem to be very busy. We will make it! Ugh!


  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2018

    Ugh, that is a long wait. If you aren't already, I honestly recommend calling them once a day to check for cancellations. I've had this work better than just simply being on a cancellation list. I don't have much experience (yet...) with lumps, but I do have experience with long waits for lots of other medical specialities! lol

    Fingers crossed you can get in sooner! Hopefully with a history of benign lumps, this will just be another one of those.

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2018

    Yes! I will definitely bug them. You are exactly right. Thanks for the encouragement:)

  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited April 2018

    I've got my appointment for a consultation with a breast surgeon this Wednesday. I feel lucky to have gotten in quickly (two days from now).

    I basically just want to get his opinion on if I should have a needle biopsy or if he thinks this is truly just normal tissue and can be left alone. I'd rather not have a biopsy, but I'll definitely do it if he thinks he can do it without ultrasound guidance (since what ever this is isn't showing on the ultrasound...).

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited April 2018

    That is great! I'm glad that you got an appointment for Wednesday. I hope that you don't need a biopsy, but they are very quick. There is a little discomfort, but it's really very minor. I feel like the waiting is much more difficult. I hope that you can put this behind you in a few days. Good luck on Wednesday :)

  • AprilMay
    AprilMay Member Posts: 44
    edited May 2018

    I think it's great that you're being proactive! Things sound optimistic thus far. If you do opt for a biopsy, just know that it is for most women pretty painless. My anxiety is what got me during mine - not fear of the procedure but fear of why it was necessary. I barely felt the first numbing stick and didn't even know he had begun taking samples until I heard the vacuum device come on. A few mild, sharp twinges around the lump and that was it. The nurse compressing it after was uncomfortable but not really painful - I'm tiny and it felt like she was sitting on me.

    I hope all goes well and that your mind is at ease very soon!

  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2018

    AprilMay - I'm glad you got good news from your biopsy! I definitely relate to what you're saying about the "fear of why it was necessary". I'm honestly still pretty nervous right now, and interested to hear what the breast surgeon has to say. If he says we can probably just monitor it, I think I'll be comfortable with that given that he'd be the 3rd doctor to say so. But if he wants to do an FNA or something, I'm willing to let him. Did you have a FNA or a core biopsy?

    I do hope he won't opt to excise it right away, though. I'm supposed to be going to Hawaii this month (19th-30th) and would like to be able to swim/to travel without worrying about a healing incision! But you do what you need to do, I guess.

  • AprilMay
    AprilMay Member Posts: 44
    edited May 2018

    Thank you, dawg! (I feel like I’m way back in school, calling someone dawg, lol)

    I had a vacuum assisted core needle biopsy. I think the radiologist wanted a good size sample. He said the biopsy would likely remove most, if not all, of the area of concern. I can’t tell yet since I’m still somewhat swollen and a bit tender, and haven’t really tried to feel it. The bruise is a lovely shade of yellow now, like when you’d rub dandelions on your skin as a kid

    Hawaii sounds fabulous! I hope you still get to do everything you want while you’re there.

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited May 2018

    Thinking about you 190dawg..I hope everything goes well today....I finally got my appointment bumped up to the 8th (not much better than the 11th but it's something) It's always such a process! Ugh!

  • 190dawg
    190dawg Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2018

    kmartin - I'm glad you got it moved up! It definitely is an improvement, any reduction in wait time is a good thing.

    The breast surgeon I saw was very confident that the "lump" is in fact normal breast tissue. In fact, he said he doesn't necessarily feel like it's a discreet lump and that he is extremely confident this is nothing to worry about. He'd excise it if I want it out, but that's my decision, and that he's 99% sure he'd just be removing normal tissue.

    We're set up for a follow-up ultrasound in 6 months, though I'm to call if I get any other symptoms or notice changes that concern me. I did ask if a needle or core biopsy would be worth it, but he really didn't think it necessary unless I felt strongly I should have one. He's the 3rd person to tell me this is probably okay, so I'm willing to let it go for now and enter watchful waiting (or as I like to call it, "vigilant neglect").

    I'll be thinking of you in the next week kmartin, I hope your subsequent appointments (if you need any) don't involve this much of a wait!

  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited May 2018

    Thanks! I appreciate it. That sounds like a great plan! I'm so happy for you! Please have lots of fun in Hawaii!!

  • TaraM
    TaraM Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2018

    I understand your stress, I have just had a mammogram and ultrasound and am now awaiting an MRI, as the doctor said there were "areas of concern" and he needed more imaging. The waiting is definitely the worst part. Although unclear answers run a close second. Glad you are going to meet the breast surgeon and get some peace of mind. Wish you luck

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