Surgical Excision, possible tamoxifen-What to expect

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3Gmommy
3Gmommy Member Posts: 12
edited May 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi Ladies-

Looking for advice, words of wisdom. I am meeting with the breast surgeon on 5/9. I had an MRI guided biopsy on 4/6 that was benign. I thought all was well but since that time I have been having bleeding from my nipple. This is apparently not a normal complication. I went back in a little over 20 days post procedure thinking I just had a hematoma or something and they found a totally different complex mass that is highly vascular. They looked back and did not see this on my previous MRI. It needs to be biopsied but they did not want to do in office because it is so vascular so I was referred to the breast surgeon. Aside from being more scared that I was the first time around, I was wondering what recovery might be like. I did have an excisional biopsy and lymph node removal years ago. I remember being sore for about a week or two? I am nurse on an inpatient unit and I am worried I would need time off but I am not sure how long. My breast care doctor also asked me to bring my husband to the appointment. This completely freaks me out. I was tearful this last time but it was more because this was just so unexpected and I am stressed in other areas of my life right now. We did also briefly talk about starting tamoxifen because I am high risk so I am not sure if she want to discuss that with him too (because that means no more little ones for us but we feel done anyways). I just don't know. So many thoughts!!! My other questions probably can't be answered until we know what we are dealing with.

I would appreciate any advice about the procedure and thoughts about tamoxifen. I am very on the fence about it but want to make an informed decision.

Thank you so much!

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited May 2018

    Hi there and I'm so sorry you are still going through this crummy testing phase. The good news is that it could still be a benign hematoma or pappiloma, so let's hold onto that. I think you're right that an excisional biopsy might be painful for a week or two; I will let others provide more detail there. But I do wonder why the doctor thinks you are so high risk to require Tamoxifen at this point? Side effects can vary significantly so that's hard to predict and each person's risk/benefit ratio is different. And perhaps they just want your husband to accompany you to drive you home?

    Wishing you good news soon.

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  • 3Gmommy
    3Gmommy Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2018

    Hi thanks so much for responding Georgia!

    I am not having my surgery on 5/9. I am just meeting with the breast care doctor again and the breast surgeon to discuss the plan. They will also repeat the US again. I should have clarified I am high risk because my sister had breast cancer. I am followed w/ mammos and MRIs every 6mos. I honestly don't really know why she mentioned tamoxifen other than to decrease hormone activity in my breasts. I was very overwhelmed at the appt so I am sure I wasn't processing everything! I am also still thinking this is just a hematoma or most likely a papilloma based on my symptoms. Thanks again!!! :)

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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited May 2018

    Hi 3Gmommy, overwhelming it certainly is! It’s often described as a rollercoaster as you know and probably felt by now. Keep hanging on to the positive outlook as the vast majority of findings are benign. My experience with tamoxifen over the last 4.5 years started out with some of the most common side effects....achy bone pain in my feet, some joint pain, hair thinned a bit, and it did affect my uterus (had to have D&C, polyps) all clear. Once I started a consistent exercise regime that included weight bearing exercises I’ve had almost a complete reversal of the side effects. That said I’ve seen members here with no side effects ranging to some that found tamoxifen intolerable because of terrible side effects. There is no telling how you’ll react to it. I do recommend that you have a in-depth conversation with the doctor about any supplements (vitamin d) you should take with it. Magnesium is one that can also help with SE. Baby’s aspirin is also important as tamoxifen can cause blood clots. Be sure you have this conversation...many members here have had to find out on their own as a lot of docs don’t give the info you need when prescribing.Don’t let me scare you, tamoxifen is a good preventative, and that is why I feel the benefit outweighs the risk.

    I’m hoping you get good results and wish you the best in your decisions...let us know how you do!

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  • 3Gmommy
    3Gmommy Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2018

    HI!

    Just a little update. My surgery is scheduled for 5/21. I of course left my appointment today and then thought of more questions so waiting for a call back from the office tomorrow just to clarify a few things. Thanks again for the support through each step of this process.

    :)

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  • 3Gmommy
    3Gmommy Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2018

    Update

    I had my biopsy on 5/21. This has been such a long process. I can't wait until the end of this week and hopefully for some closure to this all. I was in surgery for almost 2 hours but the surgeon told my husband all went well. I am hoping that this solves the issue with the bleeding I was having from my nipple and that this was just a residual hematoma. Just waiting on pathology now. In the midst of all of this one of my kiddos has been sick so honestly it has helped to take my mind off of things for the past week. Hoping keep my mind busy but to enjoy the rest of a couple more days off of work!


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  • kmartin3243
    kmartin3243 Member Posts: 108
    edited May 2018

    I hope that you get great results. We are thinking about you. Please keep us updated.


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