Scared and need support badly

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_ilauuy
_ilauuy Member Posts: 7
edited January 2019 in Waiting for Test Results

I've been so hesitant to post here but I need the support so badly. Last week I went in for an ultrasound for left breast pain that began a month ago. Started with let down sensations which I recognize well as a nursing mom. (I am currently nursing on my right side only, my toddler as she got older stopped taking the left breast and now only takes my right) the let down sensation eventually stopped after a few days and what was left was a constant ache in my left breast. After the ultrasound doctor spoke to me and said she wasn't too concerned but wanted to proceed with a biopsy due to dilated ducts and seeing vascular material within the ducts. She kept telling me not to worry that she's sure that it'll be nothing, "I'm sure it's old milk or gunk" yet here I am with an achy breast that won't stop, I am only 29 and a single mother of two children. My biopsy isn't until next week and I'm already falling apart. I was also just called in by my nurse practitioner and told I had a positive (ANA) result for possible autoimmune disease. For months I had been feeling poorly with pains and aches so I wasn’t too surprised. Being right however has been too much for me, my head is spinning...I will not see a rheumatologist until February. I have no idea what i am dealing with.

I can't sleep and my eating is poorly, I have anxiety so this situation is doing a number on me. Help....

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Comments

  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited December 2018

    80% of biopsies are benign. It would be unlikely you have cancer.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited December 2018

    I am sorry you are having these symptoms, and I understand why you feel so anxious. The waiting between testing and results/ answers is really tough. You might consider talking to your doctors about something for the anxiety while waiting for answers. Do know that the numbers are on your side as far as the breast symptoms. It is true that 80% of biopsies are benign but I realize that the worry will be there until you have answers. I wish you the best as you wait

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2018

    ilauuy,

    Please take a breath.

    Whatever it is, you will deal with it one step at a time.

    As Danni said, it is unlikely to be breast cancer. The aches and pains could be so many things...of course a problem with your auto immune system among those things. However this is manageable and you can get good treatment and care should it be an a.i. disease. No point wasting your energy in 'what ifs' right?

    Of course you have every reason to feel anxious right now but you have written out your worst fears and here we can wait with you and offer support as you go through tests and await results.

    You have come to the right place. Let us help lift some of your anxieties.

    Breathe. Be kind to yourself.

    Whatever routines you have in place to manage your stress...do them!

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited December 2018

    ilauuy we are all standing with you. And so sorry you have to go through this worry. You are doing all the right steps to ensure you take care of yourself even though they are difficult. The previous posters are correct, odds are strongly in your favor that you are dealing with a benign condition. That being said we all understand here the worry and anxiety over getting a biopsy. Please continue to let us know how you are doing. My very best to you and sending prayers.

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited December 2018

    ilauuy....so sorry you are going through this. Try to remember the odds are on your side. Between your age and your breastfeeding status, the chances that you have breast cancer are slim. Of course we understand that you won't feel better until you get your biopsy results. Keep busy and spend time with your loved ones in the meantime. Good luck and keep us posted.

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  • GreenHarbor
    GreenHarbor Member Posts: 265
    edited December 2018

    Waiting is the absolute worst. As others have said, the odd are on your side. While I was one of the 20% whose biopsy showed cancer, I did feel better once I knew what I was dealing with.Do try and take good care of yourself, even if it seems impossible. Trying to eat well and get a good night’s sleep will help, and so will a little exercise. If your anxiety symptoms feel unmanageable, maybe a short term medication could help, at least until you’re through the diagnostic process? We are all here, standing with you. Check back anytime you want and let us know how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking. Sending a big hug to you from New England!

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  • _ilauuy
    _ilauuy Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2018

    Thank you, your responses have helped me so much. I cannot thank you enough I know until this is all over I will not feel like myself but I am trying my best to keep busy. It is difficult, my mind wants to prepare for the worse given the constant ache in my breast. I wish I didn’t think this way, it’s highly distressing. I’ve had a string of bad luck in the last years and it’s hard to accept that good news is possible for me.

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited December 2018

    _ilauuy,

    I know what you mean about the bad luck. It sounds like regardless of what happens with this biopsy, it makes sense for you to prioritize some mental and emotional health support for yourself. Depending on your location and situation, that might look a lot of different ways. It can sometimes feel like taking the resources to look after ourselves is a luxury we should forego, but taking care of yourself is actually taking care of your children and those around you also. Therapy and medication can be very helpful for getting through hard times, and of course things like exercise, meditation, nutrition, support groups, and increasing the amount of time in your life for building and strengthening friendships, makes a difference for many people also. Anxiety is a nasty companion.

    If it helps at all, I would tell you that as recently as 5-10 years ago, many doctors probably wouldn't have sent you for a biopsy at all because your risk is that low, and they would have figured that the increased anxiety and worry for you wouldn't be worth it.

    That trend is changing because women are saying, no, we can handle the anxiety, we need our health taken care of. The risk may be low, but for the women who fall on the wrong side of the statistics, it is vital to know as soon as possible.

    You *can* handle the anxiety, and you are taking care of your health - including seeking support here. Well done!

    Hoping for the best for you and keep us posted!

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  • borogirl
    borogirl Member Posts: 86
    edited December 2018

    Just a layman's thought - I would assume you body continues to process milk on both sides, even though you are only nursing on right side. That would mean, like your dr. said, the left side isn't releasing the milk the body is producing, backing it up, and causing the pain. Hope it's that simple, and that this wonderful forum and source of info and caring helps.

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  • MDRR
    MDRR Member Posts: 133
    edited December 2018

    borogirl -- there are so many things that this could be so try not to let yourself go to breast cancer until you are much further down that path. This is a great forum to come to for sharing your feelings and getting information and support, so glad you found it and hoping for the best outcome. No matter what, as salamandra said, you will be able to handle whatever comes your way with the support of this community!

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  • _ilauuy
    _ilauuy Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2018

    This forum is such a blessing. I recently began new medication, an SSRI to potentially treat my anxiety and depression. I'm actively trying to treat my mental health for my little ones sake ..they need me. It's only been 3 weeks and feel no difference, but I will see my psych. PA soon though.

    In the meantime the reassurance I have received here has been amazing. I am so grateful. I've had many losses recently, both to death and relationship wise as well as paternal grandmother with BC; which she beat! The doctor heard my history and the multiple material filled ducts involved so I'm assuming that is why she's calling for a biopsy.

    You all make logical points that sometimes my mind doesn't see due to my anxiety. I constantly remind myself that technically I am still nursing even if just on one side and that CAN potentially create problems. I seem to always jump to the worse conclusion. It's been a rough for years in my personal life so I've grown used to always expecting the worse. I really do hope this turns out to be benign, as I now I have to focus on perhaps dealing with an autoimmune disease.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2018


    for sure ilauuy


    You have had a rough time by the sounds of it.


    I'm happy to hear you are on treatment for your anxiety. All will be known soon enough.


    Hang in there,

    Gentle hugs to you.

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  • MDRR
    MDRR Member Posts: 133
    edited December 2018

    sorry I meant my previous post for iuulay -- glad you are getting some help from the forum and moving forward.

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  • _ilauuy
    _ilauuy Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2019

    Had my biopsy today, a core ultrasound guided one. I was able to understand a little more in depth why I was having the biopsy done in the first place. A single lesion was seen behind the areola, the duct is inflamed and the material stuck within it is thick enough that they can't determine what it is. (I now understand why I had a sore boob & tingly sensations ) The procedure went pretty smooth, lidocaine kicked in nicely and I felt comfortable, especially because my questions were answered. The lidocaine injection felt like any other needle, slight burn but not as bad as I expected. I'm more sore now hours after but handling it well with Tylenol. Now to officially wait! Praying for benign results, I'll make sure to post then...I have faith it'll all be clear.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2019

    thanks for the update iluuay. No doubt a really stressful time for you.

    it does sound like it might be good news. sorry for all that pain you have been through!

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited January 2019

    I hope you get good news.

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited January 2019

    Wishing you benign results. So glad you have the biopsy completed.

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  • _ilauuy
    _ilauuy Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2019

    Breast radiology clinic called not too long ago and found no signs of Cancer. I have not read the report though and the patient coordinator that called didn’t explain things too much. She said she read something along the lines of duct ectasia and inflamed breast tissue, I’m waiting on the report to read it myself, she didn’t really understand the medical terminology. The condition is rather painful so i’d like to fully understand it and know what I can do to manage it. Perhaps this is connected to my possible autoimmune disease? I have a history of random inflammed tissue, my esophagus being one of them in 15’. I am full of questions but at least no cancer! I have to see them in 6 months for a follow up visit. Will update with what the official report says.

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  • ScaredinVegas
    ScaredinVegas Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2019

    That's good news on the results. This whole process is terrifying I'm still scared to death. I went in for a routine mammogram and it is inconclusive on the breast that I am experiencing pain in. I'm terrified they ordered another mammogram and ultrasound but my insurance hasn't approved the tests yet. I read all the statistics but I'm afraid because of this pain. No one is telling me if this pain should make it more concerning or not. I don't know what the pain could be from.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2019

    That is great news Ilauuy!

    It is most likely caused from blocked milk ducts don't you think? Hopefully you will get the right treatment for it very soon. Also wishing you answers on the auto immune query.

    Yes, do keep us posted.

    Vegas, hang in there! It is hard to say for sure, but often pain points to a different issue than B. C. Let us know if you get the insurance ok and post away while you wait fo results. Sending you a gentle hug.

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited January 2019

    Great news ilauuy!! Sorry to hear you have the inflammation but sooo glad it isn't the C. Scaredinvegas hope you get your additional testing approved. Hang in there and keep pushing for answers.

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  • Muffkin78
    Muffkin78 Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2019

    That's great news! I went to a drug discovery conference for work a few years ago, and the guest speaker was somehow affiliated with breast cancer research. I thought I remembered her saying that breastfeeding actually induces changes in the breast tissue that can be protective against breast cancer, but I haven't actually found that on any websites that I've been reading, so I'm not sure if I misunderstood or not. Regardless, that's really wonderful news for you!!!

    Edited:

    Just did a quick PubMed search, and it looks like there's some evidence it can be protective? Although maybe it depends on what your risk factors are...

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30354228

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28196329

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28818244

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2019

    interesting... I read something about that awhile back. I had no history of bc in immediate faMily, cleared for braca1 test, breastfed, yet have had cancer in both breasts including idc and ilc. Hmmm...wonder what the risk factors are?

    Fascinating to see what unfolds in next 10 years or so. My auntie and her daughter had BC yet they say thT doesnt count for my risk factor. (Yet!)😀

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  • _ilauuy
    _ilauuy Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2019

    The final report says “duct dilatation and inflammatory changes" the results are benign and concordant with imaging findings. I asked my Primary to start me on low prednisone dose because I just could not handle the inflammation any longer. I think I've made progress although I feel sore occasionally but that was expected after the biopsy. I'll see them for a follow up in 6 months. Thank you all for the warm responses they meant so much to me

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2019

    wonderful news ilauuy.

    Predisnone for a bit sounds like good plan.


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