Biopsy friday 5/18

Hollywood, your scenario sounds very much like mine. The radiologist that did my ultrasound told me I had cancer right then. I searched around to see how often they are right or even make this prediction. Most everything I read confirmed that a good radiologist has a pretty good idea of what they are seeing but my radiologist did say there is always a chance she is wrong. Hopefully she will be wrong about you.

Staylynn, the day I made my appt with the surgeon, they told me they would see me the next week. They called a couple of hours later and said they could fit me in the next day (yesterday). I wouldn't let that freak you out. I think they try to fit us in as soon as possible for peace of mind that we are on a path to recovery and not in a holding pattern anymore.

I was trying to schedule with multiple surgeons and get different opinions, but that wound up not working out. I like who I met with yesterday and she was recommended to me by several different people. Here is what I know from the consult, the smaller of my 2 lumps is more aggressive, but neither is overly aggressive. They both have hormone positive receptors so I will start on hormone therapy once all this is done. Because I have rather small breasts and 2 lumps, I am facing a full mastectomy. I have really dense breast tissue and it's hard to get a really good look at. I am having an MRI next week to get a better look at the other breast to make sure it is ok and other areas as well. After the MRI, I will meet with a reconstructive surgeon. He and my oncology surgeon will work together during the mastectomy. There are 2 different procedures they can recommend for the reconstruction, but I need to find out about the MRI before I really start thinking which I am a better candidate for.

I have a son going into eight grade and a daughter that will be a senior in HS next year. I am waiting until their exams are over to tell them. With this being the summer before my daughter's senior year, we had plans to visit colleges and a big family vacation planned. I was really worried none of this would happen. My surgeon said I can take June and do all these things and schedule surgery just as soon as I get back from vacation. This is my ray of light. I really wanted this time with the family and now we can do it. My husband just started a new job last week (new insurance problems in the middle of all of this) and it's hard for him to not be at my appointments. My aunt is able to be with me though and she has had many breast surgeries in the past for various complications. I worry about how the rest of my family will deal with this. My mother is really having a hard time with it. She's never had cancer, doesn't drive, gets very anxious about everything, and can't come to any of my appointments. I have to watch what I say to her.

I'm joking with my husband about finally having bigger breast because of the reconstruction, but it really freaks me out that I am loosing an entire breast. I haven't quite worked up the never to research the recovery for a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

Cindmd, I feel for you having to tell your adult daughters, especially the one about to give birth. I think when your kids are older and understand more, they may worry more.

I am praying for all of you!

Staylynn

We are all thinking about you, and hope that this process will go as smoothly as possible. Please keep us updated. I hope that you have a good appointment with your surgeon.

And the panic attacks will continue. Could not do biopsy because I was taking xeralto for a clot after a procedure. Dr and ultrasound tech did ultrasound, almost 100% sure it is cancer 6cm mass and can only see 1 lymph node involved. Tuesday biopsy at 8. Referred t o an additional dr who prescribe the drugs. Will have another US and ct and mri next week hopefully get final say on st stage al

Staylynn sounds like our week will be very similar. I had an aunt post on my Facebook page how sorry she was to hear about my breast cancer. I immediately deleted it. Who does that? Even though I have told my family I wasn't ready for a public announcement! My kids are aware of whats going on, they have handled it okay. Good luck next week I am thinking of you!

So I'm playing the waiting game, too, but not quite as bad as you all. I found a lump in my left breast 2 weeks ago (3 weeks after my annual exam where the doc did not notice anything). I called the OB, another doctor in the practice saw me right away and sent me for a mammogram (my first ever) and an ultrasound. The lump was 1.4 cm in my left breast and they also found two smooth, smaller ones in my right breast. The radiologist was only worried about the larger one because it was irregularly shaped. I went back on Friday to have a biopsy, and I should have the results Tuesday or Weds due to the holiday.

I'm surprised to hear that some say it's cancer after the mammogram/ultrasound. Is it normal for them to divulge that type of info before the biopsy? Maybe my doc was just more conservative? I'm also wondering what type of info they will give me if what I have is cancer. Should I brush up on my acronyms? I'm not sure what any of it means. They're supposed to call me, and I'm sure it will be while I'm at work...and my husband is out of town this week. Fun times.

By the way, I just turned 40. My paternal grandmother lost her battle with breast cancer, my father lost his battle with glioblastoma and my grandfather lost his with lung cancer (could've prevented that one). My mother, grandmother and cousin have all had benign tumors removed from their breasts. Not sure what that does to my odds.

Lif8ntez1970, so sorry this is how you are spending your long weekend. I had a radiologist tell me he was sure it was cancer too. A different radiologist gave it Birads 5 (90% cancer). Can you get the Birads # from your medical records? You'll know by Tues anyway. Mine was not cancer, just cells that are high risk for cancer. Wishing you the best of luck and peace until you find out.

Wishing the other posters on this thread a favorable outcome, whether it is the pathology report or successful treatment. Not a fun way to start the summer. I am sorry.

Had biopsy yesterday, was just going to be node but then she decided to do the tumor also. 5 samples. More nerve wracking than painful, aliittle sore today. I get the results from the doctor today. She said to call her after 4pm today. I have an MRI Friday and an appointment with another doctor who will prescribe the meds. Nervous but think just know will be a relief

Staylynn, I would be upset about that as well. 2 years?? Why would they never mention it before. What is the Oncotype test? I'm so sorry you are going through all of the difficulties. As if the diagnosis alone isn't stressful enough....

Lif8ntez197, How are you doing?

Praying for all of you to have good news. I feel for you. I was in your shoes 3 months ago, and I am a different person today. We get though it and everything will be fine. Take a deep breath.

Mimi

Yes. Everything takes a while and you start over worrying about the results. After the surgery, they send it out to be biopsied and also to Oncotype DX to see the recurrence rate. If it is low (mine was 17 and low) you skip chemo and do radiation. If it is high, you need to do chemo. It is a long process.

Hi Staylynn,

That is weird you didn't have enough sample for the Oncotype. Either way, I believe they are taking an aggressive approach because you are Grade 3 and so young. Have confidence in the process and I will be praying for you. Good luck