Stereotactic biopsy on the 30th of November.

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ScarletandCooper
ScarletandCooper Member Posts: 12
edited December 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

Hello there. I'm an almost 50 year old mom of 2 in Maine. After 4 years of healthy mammograms, my scan from this year earned me a call back requesting further imaging. Like all of you, I suspect, I freaked out. No family history, healthy, no reason to think this would ever be an issue for me. Went in for another mammogram, got asked for an ultrasound. Did ultrasound, got the call back for a biopsy. Now I've just seen my percentages (according to the internet) jump from less than 9 percent chance of cancer up 30 percent.

To say I'm scared to death is an understatement. I have a 21 year old daughter with severe special needs and I'm her sole caregiver. I have to live forever, y'all. I was too scared and in shock at the time to ask for a birad score, I didn't even know what it was last week. There's no lump that I can feel (small boobs).

I'd love to hear from anyone else going thru this waiting hell so I can stop Googling and scaring myself stupid.

Comments

  • Polly413
    Polly413 Member Posts: 124
    edited November 2018

    ScarletandCooper - Don't know what you read but I believe the percentage of biopsy results that are cancer is 20% not 30%. Of course if you have cancer its 100% for you but your odds are better than you think-- as I understand it. I just had a biopsy last Wednesday of calcifications in a pattern (linear) that is highly suspicious for cancer but prior to the biopsy my surgeon gave me the 20% odds. The result today was benign. Waiting is the pits. Good luck with your results. Polly

  • Wigging2000
    Wigging2000 Member Posts: 295
    edited November 2018

    I went through a stereotactic last year and my results were benign. The waiting is terrible, terrible! Try not to get too worried about “the odds" right now. All that matters is your results. When is your procedure scheduled?


  • ScarletandCooper
    ScarletandCooper Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    Thank you, and I'm so glad yours was OK. Mine is next Friday the 30th.

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

    Hi ScarletandCooper! We know the waiting is so very difficult, but like others have mentioned, try not to get caught up in the "odds"! Try to relax as much as possible the next couple of weeks, and we hope all goes well with your procedure!

    The Mods

  • JoTheGreek
    JoTheGreek Member Posts: 54
    edited November 2018

    The appearance of my nodule in all screenings (mammo, u/s, MRI) was highly suspicious primarily because it was spiculated (almost synonymous of bc).  Thankfully the histology from the excision biopsy operation turned out benign.  Nevertheless, psychologically I went through hell from June 14th (mammo, u/s) till July 19th (histology results) to the extent that I consider the month of July 2018 the worst month in my life so far.  Waiting sucks but positive thinking must prevail.  Sending tons of benign wishes your way <3

  • ScarletandCooper
    ScarletandCooper Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    I forgot to mention, it's a birad 4. Which scares me even more.

  • Wigging2000
    Wigging2000 Member Posts: 295
    edited November 2018

    I had a birads 4 last year with my stereotactic. As I said before it was benign! Many birads 4 end up being benign. I know it is so very scary.

    Stay off google. Stay right here. It’s safe and supportive. Try not to think of things too far down the road...just focus right now on getting through your biopsy and getting those results. I will be hoping to see your good news soon after the 30th. My advice for the biopsy day is to make sure you know when and how you’ll be getting your results. Ive been through 3 of them now and knowing this (the when and how) really comforted me through the waiting.


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

    Not just “many” but MOST Birads 4 biopsies are benign. About 80% of them are benign

  • GreenHarbor
    GreenHarbor Member Posts: 265
    edited November 2018

    Listen to Wigging and stay off Google! And even be thoughtful about the threads you click on here. The waiting is the absolute worst. My only suggestion is try and distract yourself... start a craft project, read, bake a big batch of Christmas cookies, binge watch a new tv series. For what it's worth, I had a stereotactic needle biopsy, and it wasn't that bad. They do one more mammogram to find the area of concern again. You're still squished in the mammogram machine for the biopsy, but with a little less pressure. There was a pinch when she injected the Novocain, but then just pressure. Bring your favorite OTC pain reliever and some water with you, and take some in the car before you leave the doctor's office. And ask about how you will receive the results- my PCP called me, and the results were back in a few days. All of us here have felt the frustration and anxiety of waiting for test results of one kind of another - you will get through this! I'll be thinking of you!

  • ScarletandCooper
    ScarletandCooper Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    You guys have given me what feels like room to breathe again. I so needed to hear from you, Thank you!

  • Mystic18
    Mystic18 Member Posts: 27
    edited November 2018

    Hi Scarlet,

    I also have a BiRads 4 lesion being biopsied November 29. This is a little bean they've been following for the last 12 months and at my most recent exam, it had enlarged quite a bit and changed in kinetics on MRI. I think we ALL understand the hair pulling associated with waiting.

    Last year, I had calcifications biopsied which ended up being ADH. Most biopsies DO end up being benign and I keep telling myself that as I approach this next biopsy. I don't have golden words of wisdom for how to pass the time except for stay the heck away from Google if researching doesn't provide you comfort. I have times where knowledge is power. Then I have times where knowledge is terror - it all depends on your perception.

    Do try to realize the odds are in your favor. Most importantly, don't forget to breathe. Long, deep, cleansing breaths can go a long way in getting you through the day one minute at a time.

    Sending you comfort and peace from Pennsylvania...

  • Mystic18
    Mystic18 Member Posts: 27
    edited November 2018

    Hi Scarlet,

    I also have a BiRads 4 lesion being biopsied November 29. This is a little bean they've been following for the last 12 months and at my most recent exam, it had enlarged quite a bit and changed in kinetics on MRI. I think we ALL understand the hair pulling associated with waiting.

    Last year, I had calcifications biopsied which ended up being ADH. Most biopsies DO end up being benign and I keep telling myself that as I approach this next biopsy. I don't have golden words of wisdom for how to pass the time except for stay the heck away from Google if researching doesn't provide you comfort. I have times where knowledge is power. Then I have times where knowledge is terror - it all depends on your perception.

    Do try to realize the odds are in your favor. Most importantly, don't forget to breathe. Long, deep, cleansing breaths can go a long way in getting you through the day one minute at a time.

    Sending you comfort and peace from Pennsylvania...

  • ScarletandCooper
    ScarletandCooper Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    Thanks so much, I do try to remember that statistics are still on my side, but hooo boy..it's hard.

  • ScarletandCooper
    ScarletandCooper Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2018

    I'm so glad your results were benign!!

  • CaliKelly
    CaliKelly Member Posts: 474
    edited November 2018

    Its not that you have a 20% chance of having cancer, you have an 80% chance of not having cancer! I'd take that bet all day long! Wouldn't you bet on a team that had an 80% chance of winning? I would!! (My husband's a gambler😉, he'd love an 80% chance of winning)💖

  • Jtjjc5
    Jtjjc5 Member Posts: 21
    edited November 2018

    Hi,

    Yesterday, I had a stereotactic biopsy for microcalcifications. The biopsy wasn’t bad, just a bit of tenderness today. It will take about a week for the results, I’ve been told the odds as well, but it really isn’t helping with my worrying. I had a TVH 2.5 years ago and the recovery was hard, so the idea of another surgery is weighing in on me as well. Try to relax, as far as the biopsy itself, it really wasn’t bad at all

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

    Dear Jtjjc5,

    Welcome to the BCO community. We appreciate that you shared your story with others here who are also waiting and worrying. We are sending you positive thoughts and hoping for a benign result. Keep us posted. The Mods

  • Jtjjc5
    Jtjjc5 Member Posts: 21
    edited November 2018

    Yes, I will, thank you

  • ScarletandCooper
    ScarletandCooper Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2018

    So here's what happened today, guys. They couldn't locate the spot in order to do the stereotactic biopsy. 2 hours, 22 views, it only showed up on one. The radiologist was great, but she said she just didn't feel good about trying to find something she can't see. She's setting up an appointment for me with one of their breast surgeons to look at the multitude of images done today and over the last few weeks. Whatever this is doesn't show up at all on the old mammograms, and doesn't show up on ultrasound. Just on the 3D imager and then only from one angle, with my poor old boob twisted around like the lid on a pickle jar.

    She says the surgeon will help me decide if a needle-guided biopsy is the way to go, or if she wants to wait 6 months, do another set of images then and see if anything has changed. I wish this was some sort of answer for me, but I guess like a lot of us, it's hurry up and wait for a bit again. Love to you for the kind words and thoughts, they mean the world to me.

  • Jtjjc5
    Jtjjc5 Member Posts: 21
    edited December 2018

    Hi, an update on my biopsy, it did come back as DCIS, while it’s not the news I wanted to hear, it could have been worse. My sister had the same diagnosis (several years ago) and has been very reassuring.

  • Megadoo
    Megadoo Member Posts: 61
    edited December 2018

    So sorry to hear, but glad you are optimistic about it. Much luck and hugs to you. Stay strong!

  • ScarletandCooper
    ScarletandCooper Member Posts: 12
    edited December 2018

    That's not the results any of us hopes for, but knowing is power. Forward towards treatment! ❤️❤️

  • Jtjjc5
    Jtjjc5 Member Posts: 21
    edited December 2018

    I just came from the surgeons office. I was given a choice between watch and wait, or lumpectomy and 5 week’s of radiation. I chose the latter. I’m feeling good about the decision. The anxiety of watching and waiting would be too much.

  • Tchuts
    Tchuts Member Posts: 17
    edited December 2018

    Scarlettandcopper,

    I am in the waiting game with you as well. I just hit 40 this year and started my mammogram like a good woman wanting to be safe. My first mammogram gave me a Birads 3 follow up in 6 months and now I have been moved to 4. I just received the news Friday so I’m hoping to get a call today to book the stereotactic biopsy. I am physically sick to my stomach. I have 2 kids at home, 16 and 12 and just keep thinking to my self this isn’t suppose to happen until they are older, moved out, married. I know this is early detection if the news comes back not b9 but it still really really suck

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