Anxiously awaiting results

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Kjchico
Kjchico Member Posts: 35
edited April 2019 in Waiting for Test Results

Hi, I am 66 and had my biopsy two days ago. Received my final mammogram and ultrasound report when I was leaving the center. I'm just anxiously waiting for the results which were promised me for tomorrow afternoon. This is what the report said:

Left beast/axillia: 2:30 7 cm from the nipple there is a round hypoechoic mass with internal vascularity that appears to correlate with the mammographic asymmetry detailed. The mass measures 8 x 7 x 7.

Impression: Suspicious 8mm mass seen on ultrasound that likely correlates to the suspicious asymmetry within the far posterior left breast. Ultrasound guided biopsy recommended.

Bi-Rad Category 4C: High suspicion for malignancy. Tissue diagnosis is needed.

My mother had a small breast cancer at 80 and my older sister had breast cancer five years ago at the same age I am - 66.

I don’t know how this one will turn out. I keep telling myself benign because I am one of those with the mindset that nothing will happen to me.

What I wrote for the report above is confusing, not sure if it is favorable or not. At least the mass is small, I was completely unaware of it.

Help! 🤞😎




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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited April 2019

    We hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Best case, it is nothing. Worst case, is that it is only 8mm and easily removed. With 8mm, a lumpectomy is possible. It sounds like you may have a family history, so it is good that this was caught while small in size. As my doctor said, "get your ducks in a row." I laid out my surgery date and time, had the best surgeon, easy recovery, family support. Many women, more than 1 in 8, get breast cancer. They just don't talk about it. I was at a New Year's Eve dinner last year, and every women at my table (5), all unrelated, had went through breast cancer. They are fabulous now, but it was nice to know that I was not alone.

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  • Kjchico
    Kjchico Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2019

    Thank you, Michelle! I just wish I knew “yes” or “no”. This has really caught me by surprise. I thought I was just called back for further testing because of very dense breasts. I was dumbfounded to hear I have a mass. Last year I had a great report. I guess life is full of surprises.

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited April 2019

    I don't think there are many of us who see it coming. Hang in there until you have a confirmed diagnosis and, if necessary, a treatment plan. You'll get out the other side.

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited April 2019

    Kj, we are all shocked and devastated when told that we have cancer. I have dense breasts too, and usually have call backs. I was in such disbelief, that I told the radiologist she must have read another person's report. It can be a life changing diagnosis, but not in a bad way. I take nothing for granted and appreciate everything.

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  • Kjchico
    Kjchico Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2019

    Just got the call. I have very very early stage IDC. The mass is only 8mm. I knew given my age and my family history, plus the bi-rad score, I knew it was malignant. I thought just maybe she would give me good news, but I know this news is not dire. She told gave me a couple of breast surgeon names. I’ll work on making calls tomorrow. I’ll be okay!

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  • Hannah1962
    Hannah1962 Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2019

    You did great going for regular mammograms! I had a lumpectomy for a small mass similar in size to yours. Everything went easier than I expected. You may find that too. This board has been great for info and support. Take care.

    Hannah

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  • Kjchico
    Kjchico Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2019

    Thank you, Hannah. I admit, I did skip many years in getting screened; however I have been getting mammograms for the last several years. They were able to look at my mammograms going back to 2008. Question, did you have to get radiation? This is so new for me...I’ve always been the picture of health.

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited April 2019

    Kj, you should visit the Lumpectomy Lounge on here. There are some very knowledgeable individuals with great ideas. My tips would be to ask your surgeon if they can enter through the areola, therefore not leaving a scar. Second, ask the surgeon if they can make you a tight bandage with over the shoulder support. It will help keep swelling down and you will heal faster. My surgeon has just done her fellowship at the University of South California in onco plastic surgery. I do not have a scar. I did have radiation, and it went pretty well. I could not sleep for a month after, but Tamoxifen fixed that. You can find me in the hormonal section, on Uplifting and Lively Messages, where I comment pretty frequently. We have all been what you are about to go through.

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  • Kjchico
    Kjchico Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2019

    Thank you! I will look for you. 😀

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  • Elephant
    Elephant Member Posts: 88
    edited April 2019

    Hi Kj: I also had very early stage IDC with a small mass. Recovery from the lumpectomy was very quick and easy. This was followed by 4 weeks of radiation where I had no side effects except that I started getting a little pink after the end of the treatment. The important first step is to connect with a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and take each step at a time.

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  • Kjchico
    Kjchico Member Posts: 35
    edited April 2019

    Thank you! Very encouraging. I am optimistic that I will have a similar experience. I appreciate you sharing this information. 👍

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