Dense breasts

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LBG10
LBG10 Member Posts: 34
edited May 2018 in Just Diagnosed

day 2....still pretty tough to take

According to my mammogram, I have extremely dense breasts. My IDC was detected in ultrasound then confirmed on biopsy.

Still waiting to hear from my surgeon about my lumpectomy, the waiting is the worst.

My radiologist (I'm an Xray/us tech) suggested getting a breast MRI just to be certain Iam not dealing with anything else in either breast.

My path report stated Grade 1 , possibly a tubular carcinoma....from what I have read this is rare and most likely not to metastasis.....should I go ahead with the MRI while Iam waiting for things to get started?


Iam also experiencing radiating arm pain, which I guess could be from the biopsy...and moderate to severe upper back pain intermittently....

Iam terrified there is more somewhere else!!!

Advice Please!!!

Thank you

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited May 2018

    Hi there. So sorry you have to be here but welcome. IMO you should definitely have the MRI before any treatment decisions are made. Good luck and keep us posted.

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  • goglogo
    goglogo Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2018

    The worse thing to do is worry - although I know that will be extremely difficult. Waiting was extremely difficult for me too. My mind was all over the place but I tried to focus. It seems that every where I went and every magazine I picked up - someone was telling their story. These women were fortunate enough to have platforms to use to a speedy procedure and removal of their breast cancer. I felt so small in the world and sometimes even irrelevant compared to the others and all their stories. I just hoped I didn't get lost in the midst of it all and when it came down to it - I would have the best of care as well.

    My breast are extremely dense too. In fact, my routine mammogram was normal. I told my doc I felt something - he said 'no that is your skeletal wall'. Well, here I am cancer free one year later.

    The MRI will be done before surgery. My MRI even showed cyst that I had on my liver (more than one). That was shocking. I pray you will be okay and are just fine.



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  • buttonsmachine
    buttonsmachine Member Posts: 930
    edited May 2018

    Yes, go for the MRI before surgery. Dense breasts are tricky, but the MRI is great because it can also look at your chest wall and lymph nodes, in addition to the breast.

    I wouldn't worry too much about the pain right now, it's pretty common to have that after a biopsy. I know I had it! Best wishes to you.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2018

    Dense breasts hide bad things from regular mammograms. I'm proof of that since I had 5 yearly mammos all "clear", that weren't actually clear.

    The ultrasound confirmed the problem I found through a kind of fluke--a random self exam (nearly into my armpit, so good reminder to check there too!) and then down the rabbit hole I went. I eventually got a BMX because I didn't want anything else missed through any kind of scan in the future. I had + nodes, I think, from the 5 year false "clear" reads.

    Claire in AZ

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  • Valentina7268279
    Valentina7268279 Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2018

    I would also recommend to have MRI, I also have dense breast and only in ultrasound they found my tiny tumor also grade 1 and with predominantly tubular elements..i am so happy I also had the MRI because tubular is related to colateral breast cancer so It was a relief to know my left breast was ok after the MRI...i am 33 how old are you ?

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  • LBG10
    LBG10 Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2018

    hi Valentina7

    I just turned 40! Never thought I'd be dealing with something like this at this age! I'm sure you can relate!

    I have my surgery consult tomorrow, so anxious and nervous!

    How have you handled the tamoxifen?

    Thanks for your reply! Prayers to you

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  • Valentina7268279
    Valentina7268279 Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2018

    hi LBG10, yes I completely understand you. Imagine in my case at 33.. A big shock... But my tumor was only 3 mm big and grade 1.

    honestly i feel great on tamoxifen...but i also exercise regularly. I think this helps a lot.

    which treatment are you getting? Feel free to contact me any time

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  • LBG10
    LBG10 Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2018

    I don't know what hell awaits me yet!

    From my path report, my tumor is about 1cm.

    It looks like it could possibly be a tubular carcinoma, which is good I guess! ER/PR + And Her- I'm gonna guess, lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen?!?

    My biggest worry is living in constant fear the rest of my life!

    I also am an avid exerciser, so I hope that helps me as well!

    How did you fair w radiation, and which kind did you do?

    I never wanted to be a part of this community, but Iam SO thankful for it right now!

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  • Valentina7268279
    Valentina7268279 Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2018

    it gets better don't worry.. I don't think that much about it any more 😊..

    Radiation was fine! I didn't have any SE,, i was able to work and exercise during it.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2018

    For those of you who exercise avidly, consider reading the linked article. Regular physical exercise seems to reduce our recurrence rate.

    https://breast-cancer-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/bcr2351

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  • Valentina7268279
    Valentina7268279 Member Posts: 74
    edited May 2018

    thanks Clairenaz

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