Wife going in for Biopsy, I could really use some help

Options
pelapi
pelapi Member Posts: 8
edited July 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

My wife went in for a mammogram and sonogram because of a large lump in her breast. She has very dense breasts and has a history of fibroadenoma. They have asked her to come in for a biopsy of it because it is a pretty large lump and it looks "attached" to a lymph node. If that is the case, is there any way this is NOT cancer? I thought as soon as you say "lymph nodes" in any way related to a tumor, it's pretty much cancer. Obviously I hope I'm wrong there.

Any help from this community would be greatly appreciated.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2018

    Dear pelapi,

    We are sorry that you and your wife are going through the worry and uncertainty of breast changes and proposed biopsy. It is truly impossible for us or our members to say what might be going on. There is always a chance that this is not cancer. You will not know for certain until biopsy and pathology are done. We wish her and you the best and know that we are here for you both as you move through this experience. Many here will say that the uncertainty of not knowing and waiting for tests and results is the worst part of this. Once you have some answers either way you will have more clarity and be better able to cope. Stay connected here and keep us posted. The mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LouisaEllingham
    LouisaEllingham Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2018

    Hi pelapi!

    It is frightening when you are at this stage, but at least you will know once your wife has the biopsy. At this time, the doctors themselves cannot tell you one way or another. Before my biopsy, my doctor told me there was a chance it was not cancer. In my case it was, and actually it was a relief to have the information. You can move forward from there. Worrying is not helpful.

    Please encourage your wife to have the biopsy as soon as possible--it is a really minor procedure, nothing to be upset about.

    I wish the best for both of you, now and in the future.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pelapi
    pelapi Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2018

    Thank you both for your replies. I apologize if it looked like I was looking for definitive answers; I know those can't be provided until the biopsy. I suppose I was (am) looking looking for some case-scenario where someone had similar symptoms, and it wasn't cancer. But I thank you both for taking the time to give the kind words. :)

    She will indeed get the biopsy as soon as possible. They are hoping to get her in as soon as the next few days, or as late as next week.

    Thank you again.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited July 2018

    do you have a copy of the report and the BI-RADS score on it? That can give you a hint of the balance of probabilities of malignant v benign.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pelapi
    pelapi Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2018

    moth,

    It looks like she got all of the images themselves, but I don't see an actual radiologist report anywhere. Oh well, probably for the best anyway :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pelapi
    pelapi Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2018

    Hello all,

    It is cancer. We don't know the stage yet. It's a 3 cm lump in her right breast. They also did a biopsy on the nearby lymph node so we will find out if it has any of the cancer cells in it today. We will be going to a nearby cancer center next week. To say we are reeling is an understatement.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited July 2018

    so sorry to hear that. Wishing both of you the best. You’re not aline

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited July 2018

    That is sucky news indeed. The biopsy won't have staging but it should give you the type (invasive ductal would be the most common) ER PR and HER2 results. Just fyi though, a single 3cm tumor with no lymph node spread is a Stage 2A (that's still considered early stage cancer). Fingers crossed for clean lymph nodes.

    Hang in there - you're in the worst place right now, when you're first diagnosed but don't have a treatment plan. Once you see your surgeon and oncologist and get a plan together, it will all become more bearable.

    best wishes

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pelapi
    pelapi Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2018

    Moth, It is indeed Invasive Ducal Carcinoma. The lymph node that they said the mass was "attached" to is not swollen at all (0.48 cm), so that gives me some hope at least.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Fridaymyhorse
    Fridaymyhorse Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2018

    praying for peace for both of you

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories