I guess I am one of the worried ones

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Ann2018
Ann2018 Member Posts: 7
edited September 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

hello everyone,

This is a great site and a great community.

Like all I am super worried and have my 1st core ultrasound on Tuesday afternoon.

I think I’ve read almost everting on the site and I understand that it shouldn’t hurt, but still scared. I think I am more scared about getting results than having the biopsy, but i’ll cross that bridge a few days after biopsy.

Thank you

Ann

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

    Ann, sorry you are here and worried, but welcome!

    Many, many people are scared of the unknown, it's normal, but try to relax and get some rest while you wait for the appointment. And please, keep us posted on how it goes on Tuesday. We're thinking of you. Good luck with the results!

    The Mods

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  • dms5
    dms5 Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2018

    A little history: I have had a lumpectomy in 2001(left breast) which was benign and a breast reduction in 2004. I have heterogeneously dense breasts as well fibrocystic. However, I found an unusual lump in my left breast in May 2018 (that I can feel more prominent when standing up) and went to go see my Breast Specialist. She said she did not feel anything but ordered a diagnostic Mammo and US to investigate further. However, neither showed the lump I am feeling. It seems since then it has gotten slightly (but not too much) bigger. I have a scheduled appt with a different breast specialist on Wednesday. Why would it not show up on tests such as an US and 3D mammo but I obviously feel it? To me, It feels pretty deep as far down as the breast wall. It baffles me.. I am a little worried about things this time for some reason, but hopefully for no reason :-(

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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited September 2018

    dms5:

    My cancer was palpable and showed up on my first mammogram but was missed or not recognized by the radiologist. I had also had US on the same day. I don't know if it was invisible on the US or if they failed to image it or recognize it but I was told my lump was normal breast tissue when it was cancerous, and this delayed my diagnosis and treatment by nearly 2 years. If you think it's new or weird or different and and you can feel it, have an MRI and biopsy if possible.

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  • Ann2018
    Ann2018 Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2018

    hello,

    I had biopsy just an hour ago. Like most of you said the worst part is the shot and I asked the doctor to give me as much as legally allowed. The doctor was extremely nice & caring, answered all my stupid questions. I started to cry at one point not because it hurt but because she was so super positiveand I felt sorry for myself. The procedure itself took maybe 10 minutes at best, just the signing & explaining, and at the end the mammo combined was about an hour.

    Thank you to all for the tip with zip front sports bra.

    I took the day off work tomorrow, just to rest and take it easy.

    So now the waiting begins: 3-5 days. Wow, they do take their time.

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  • BluGene
    BluGene Member Posts: 44
    edited September 2018

    Hi Ann,

    I hope you are feeling better this evening. Can I ask what type of biopsy you had? I’m going for a stereotactic soon, and I’m worried about it hurting since my last mammo brought tears to my eyes. I believe I am also getting a lumpectomy in the same breast (I have a consult for that next week).

    I think a day off is a good idea! I’m in the waiting zone and I find that this is taking more of a physical toll than I thought it would - and I’m a glass is half full kind of person!


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  • Ann2018
    Ann2018 Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2018

    hey blu,

    I had core ultrasound guided. I have to say that the shot hurt bc the doctor kept going around and up the breast. But again, this lasted mb a minute. I’ve read that some had these great nurses that kept talking to them & holding their hand. I had nothing like that. Nurses were very professional but not compassionate. But the doctor was awesome. I am going to call my appointment scheduler & thank her bc she changed my appointment from 27th to today and I am grateful. After about 5 hours it started to hurt so I took 2 Tylenols. The side still hurts but it’s bearable. I am sleeping in my zip front bra not to have them plop around. Other than that I am in a waiting & hoping for the best mode.

    Good luck with the stereotactic, just ask for a lot of numbing. You can do this, sometimes we surprise ourselves at how strong we are. Please let me know how it went & please think positive.

    Ann

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  • BluGene
    BluGene Member Posts: 44
    edited September 2018

    that’s great advice! I’m glad the initial part/pain was over quickly. Is a core needle biopsy similar to the one I’m having? (Do you know?). I was planning on going back to work afterwards, but I’m starting to rethink it.

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  • Ann2018
    Ann2018 Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2018

    I think what you are having is when your breasts are pushed thru the openings. I was told that patients lovingly call it «the oil change». I think it should be very similar, just the image taking is different. But please read the info on this site, the girls are a wealth of information.

    The night was a bit restless as I couldn’t find position to fall asleep except being prepped very high up almost in sitting position. Once I went for the ice pack. I took off the bandage in the morning and looked at the side of my breast. It’s not bruised yet, I think it will come later, but the initial site is sore to the touch and I can’t stretch my arm. Hopefully tomorrow i’ll feel better and go to work, but my boss was very understanding even tho I never told him what kind of procedure I am having; he told me to let him know if I need to take another day off too.

    What I strongly recommend is taking the day off the next day after the biopsy if you can, especially if it’s not an office type job. But again, everyone is different. I do however have a high pain tolerance


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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited September 2018

    I could have gone to work immediately after my stereotactic biopsy.I stopped and bought groceries on the way home. My surgeon only recommended taking a single day off after a surgical biopsy.If you are limited on how much time you can take off you might save it in case you need additional testing. Most women have very minor discomfort after a core or stereotactic biopsy.

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited September 2018

    I think it is very important to speak up about pain before the biopsy. My core needle biopsy in 2014 really hurt a lot and my breast was black and blue so I was not looking forward to repeat BUT I recently had a stereotactic biopsy and told the doctor about this beforehand. It was completely painless and over quickly. She told me to let her know if I could feel ANY pain. The only thing was a little prick from the numbing shots, not even as bad as the numbing shot at the dentist. I had some sticky tape over the area for 5 days but no bruising at all. I actually went shopping then caught a train home afterwards.

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  • BluGene
    BluGene Member Posts: 44
    edited September 2018

    Those are excellent tips, and really comforting to know. I’m glad they are numbing the area because the boob squishing for the mammo part of it is what was worrying me the most, haha! My last mammo was SO painful, I had tears welling up in my eyes.

    Thanks so much ladies, I appreciate it!

    Ann - I hope you get a better night’s rest. It is so great you have an understanding boss. I work in an office, and have a great group of people too. It makes all of this so much easier.

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  • Ann2018
    Ann2018 Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2018

    blu, like lyzzysmom said do not be afraid to speak up if it starts to hurt, they can give you another shot and another and.... until you are comfortable. This part is not what worries us the most,it’s the results.

    Take care and please let us know how it went and results.

    I am hoping to get a call from the doctor by Friday. I guess if he says he needs to see me that usually means bad news.


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  • Ann2018
    Ann2018 Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2018

    hello,

    Got a call from my appointment scheduler that my results are it and it is B9!!!

    But I need to repeat mammo in 6 months.

    BluGene, keep me posted how you doing.


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  • BluGene
    BluGene Member Posts: 44
    edited September 2018

    woohoo congrats! I’m glad you have a 6 month follow up. That should help ease any concerns.

    I’ll definitely keep you posted!

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  • Ann2018
    Ann2018 Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2018

    what is strange, that I got a call from the radiology place where I had my biopsy done early a.m., but nothing fromnot my doctor. How long do you think until he calls me? Doesn’t he realize when the doctor of radiology tells you that you have abnormality and you need a biopsy, right the way a person thinks the worst and when the results come in your doctor needs to call right the way so the patient doesn’t have to wonder & cry all the time like I did. I am never going to see that doctor again.really disappointed that doctors that pledge the Hippocratic Oath during medical school still have no compassion. Shame.

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