Worried and biopsy pain

Dear Pregnantandworried,

We are so sorry that you have been dealing with this change in your breast and the worry that it brings. It sounds like you have been very much on top of everything. It is hard not to worry when you are waiting for results of tests, etc. Everyone here will say that. Try to distract yourself as best you can while you wait. Please keep us posted on your results and how you do.

The Mods

Pregnantandworried - Glad that you finally have a diagnosis. Hopefully it's something that will be relatively easy to take care of. Please let us know how the ultrasound goes.

Did they say whether it was basal cell or squamous cell or Paget's? I would call the breast surgeon and let him/her know that it's cancer (and what type), let them know your next steps, and ask if he/she has any other recommendations for your care. Don't assume the doctors are following up with each other.

FWIW, I was diagnosed with Paget's by my dermatologist, and she referred me to a large hospital's breast cancer center, and they had me meet with a surgeon. My red spot was on the areola, and was previously diagnosed as eczema, but it was very itchy, would not go away, and doubled in size over the last year so I had it punch biopsied. I don't remember the pain being too bad (maybe just to the level of 'sore') - but I was able to take Tylenol.

Are you able to get a second opinion from another breast surgeon? I think you are right to follow up and be sure. Don't be afraid to bug people for something that is potentially serious.

Did your OB or the breast surgeon provide you any insight into what you could do if things got worse before your next appointment? Should you call the breast surgeon and have him/her paged? Anything else you should do? It might make you feel better if you have a plan, even if it never needs to be used.

The good thing about ultrasound is that the results should be available quickly.

It is hard not to worry, but try to take care of yourself as well as you can in the meantime. Relaxed breathing, distraction (tv shows, pets, word games, puzzles), and a good partner or friend to support you in staying strong can be helpful. You'll probably want to research every spare moment, but it can be sanity-saving to put a limit on it, at say, 8 or 9pm, and try to relax and get some sleep at night if you can.

Thinking of you and wishing the best for you.

It can be such a challenge navigating the healthcare system, knowing who to go to for what, what questions to ask, what tests to ask for, and whose expertise to trust.

One phrase I learned from another person with Paget's is: "make them prove it to you." If you have discharge, they should be able to test it. If you don't have to rely on their word, don't. Make them prove it's not something serious. Or just figure out what it is! (I was diagnosed with psoriasis, but when biopsied, it turned out to be eczema.)

And for anyone with a long-term issue, don't be afraid to go back and have it checked periodically.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Know you are not alone.

Thinking of you and hoping you get some answerstomorrow.