It has been a LONG week so far...
Back in 2015, I noticed an indentation on my left breast a little to the left and a little above my nipple. It was like it appeared over night. I had never seen it before then. I told my OBGYN about it during my annual appointment. He did a breast exam and said he did not feel anything and because I had no family history of breast cancer and because I was only 37, he did not think it was anything to worry about. He asked if I had lost any weight and I told him just a few pounds. He said that must be the cause of the indentation but if I wanted, he could send me for a mammogram. I told him that I thought I would like that just to be safe. I went for the mammogram and nothing came back in the results. I felt so relieved and didn't give it anymore thought for a while, except thinking that the indentation was ugly. Then fast forward 4 years to my annual mammogram this year. I did not have one done anytime between 2015 and now. I had this done last Tuesday, May 7th. The indentation is still there. I think it looks bigger and I think I can feel something around the top part of the indentation. I cannot tell if I am just being paranoid or if it has gotten bigger and there is a lump??? I told all of this to the person that did my mammogram last week. She seemed really concerned after she finished and asked my a lot of follow up questions regarding my 1st mammogram in 2015. I asked her if she saw something and all she would say was that she didn't have my 1st mammogram to compare it to but the they would compare them and let me know. The very next day I got a call from them saying I need to be at Texas Breast Specialist (a different office than where I had the mammogram done) on May 17th at 1:00 pm for more imaging and more than likely a biopsy. They said I need to make sure to eat breakfast and lunch and stay extremely well hydrated that day. Now, I do not know what to think and the waiting is killing me! I know that no one here is a doctor and that there is really no way of knowing until I get further testing, but I was wondering if anyone else had had anything similar happen and what their outcome was. I just hate not really having anyone to talk to that has been though this or that has had some of the same symptoms.
Comments
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Well, most of us here have had additional imaging and a biopsy, whether it turned out to be cancer or benign.
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Hi jenni and welcome to Breastcancer.org,
We're so sorry you find yourself here and worrying. We're all here for you and you're surely get some great support soon.
We're sending positive thoughts your way -- please keep us posted with what you find out.
--The Mods
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I meant, has anyone had the same symptoms as mine and if so, what the outcome was. I didn't intend for my question to seem vague or stupid.
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I didn't think your question was either vague or stupid. Just letting you know you're not alone and we have all gotten through this, no matter what the results are.
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Thank you! I appreciate it
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can you post the results of the mammogram? What was your Birads score?
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They didn’t tell me anything regarding the results of my mammogram. I do not know what a Birads score is? I hope I will be able to find something out on Friday.
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Jenni, the waiting is often the hardest part. I know -- we all know -- how consuming it is, and this is a good place to air your worries, and to find out volumes of other information. But in truth, you'll get your best information on this issue Friday with your own medical team.
What you DO know for now (and it's good to focus on what you DO know, not on what you don't know) is that you've had a concern about that breast for some time, that your first mammo didn't show anything that called attention to itself, and that this one did. You also know that the medical team is being cautious and prudent, wanting to compare your first one with the recent one. You do know that they want you to be comfortable as possible for your day on Friday. And you do know that you'll get better information after that.
It's so hard to wait. If possible, take today and tomorrow just focusing on today and tomorrow. Friday will come soon enough. Wishing you the best!
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MountainMia-Thank you for your reply! You are correct. I need to stop overthinking it because I will not have any real answers until Friday and the overthinking is wasting the days between now and then
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I went to my appointment Friday and had a contrast mammogram and a sonogram. When they called me to make this appointment the lady told me that they would more than likely do a biopsy but they did not. The doctor said that there is definitely a mass and also a lymph node under my arm on the same side that was a concern. So, now I am scheduled for a core biopsy of both spots tomorrow afternoon. The good thing is that I absolutely LOVED the doctor and the tech that was helping her and that did the mammogram. They were both very nice, caring and compassionate. However, I never even thought about lymph nodes being a concern and that has me even more worried than I was before. It is really hard to going day to day not knowing what to expect and what the future holds. It just feels like a dark cloud is looming overhead but I keep reminding myself that I should not worry until I definitely know there is something to worry about because the truth is, no one ever really knows what the future holds. So I am trying really hard to just continue on with life like normal.
Has anyone else had a image guided core biopsy done before or issues with lymph nodes and if so, what was your experience like?
One more concern I have and it could be completely unrelated, but about 3-4 months ago, my tailbone started hurting. I had not had any injuries whatsoever, but I am an accountant and sit for about 10 hours a day, so I thought it was just me getting old and sitting all day was finally getting to me. I bought a chair cushion that is especially for tailbone pain but it has really not helped. The pain is at the very tip of my tailbone and now it has gotten to the point where some days it is just about unbearable. Now my overactive mind is concerned that if I do have breast cancer, it has spread to my bones, my tailbone specifically. Does that sound possible or is that just the dumbest thing anyone has ever heard? Should I mention that to my doctor or would mentioning it get me laughed out of the office. Sorry, maybe a really stupid question but I'm just kind of venting...
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I don't think that's a dumb thing to think because I think that about myself. Not to mention the fact that I've seen quite a few women go in for bone and joint pain and find out that they had breast cancer with bone mets. I'm sure it's hot majorly common but it is a relevant concern.
I just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for benignresults for you! Keep us posted!
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Thank you, Mandyhiero! I appreciate your response and your prayers!
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Jenni, I had the image-guided core needle biopsy and it wasn't a difficult procedure. My only challenge was that I have a badly encapsulated shoulder on my affected side so it was difficult getting my arm up high enough to provide access to the lymph nodes. Like the doctor reading my mammogram, the doctor doing my biopsy warned me that my mass was highly suspicious for cancer so the pathology report results didn't shock me.
The persistent tailbone pain should definitely be mentioned. It likely isn't cancer-related, but the symptom may guide further testing. I hope all goes well for you.
Lyn
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Lyn-Do you mind me asking, did they find cancer cells in you lymph nodes and/or did they have to remove them?
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Jenni- The waiting is definitely the hardest part. It sounds like you have a caring and diligent team at your breast center. They will make sure you are numb for the procedure, just speak up if you are feeling any pain. I had some discomfort at first but they quickly gave me more medication and it was fine. Ice packs and Tylenol throughout the day were helpful. I did not get a biopsy of any nodes pre-op so I cannot speak to that.
The BIRADS score Rrobin0200 was referring to is a standard rating system for breast imaging. Here is a link that explains it. You should be able to get a copy of your report if you wanted to. Also ask how they will deliver the results and maybe a projected timeline. I wish you the very best, and am sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Hoping for you to have benign results. Don't hesitate to ask away on here or just vent your fears if needed. We are here for you.
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Jenni - Sorry you have to go through this. Testing and waiting for results is hard. I have had several core biopsies both in my breast and a couple in a lymph node. Both of mine were positive for cancer but after chemo my lymph node was cancer free so that was a positive. You sound like you are in good hands and like your doctors - that is a good thing. They will guide you through this process. No question or concern is silly or to small to mention. If it bothers YOU or if YOU think it is concerning just ask the question. It is better to have an answer just to put your mind at rest. The core biopsy was not really painful and they numb you prior to the procedure so that helps. The bruising can be pretty significant and takes a while to fade , or at least mine did. One thing that I didn't expect was when they actually took the sample it sounded like a small staple gun. They should let you know when to expect that. Ice packs and Tylenol help afterwards. Praying for good results for you!
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First of all, please let me express my extreme appreciation for the last two messages. The details that you both gave for the procedure are so helpful to me! I am a bit of a control freak at times and not knowing what to expect drives me crazy sometimes and your details really calmed me in a way. I have been so scared the past couple of weeks not knowing what to expect and what was going to happen to me and this forum has been so great. I have not shared any of this with anyone other than my husband at this point because I do not want to worry anyone until I know for sure there is something to worry about. So, this forum has given me a place to "worry" without putting the stress on my friends and family and I appreciate it so much! I am praying for all of you and thanking God for each of you!!!
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Jenni, a sentinel node biopsy was performed in conjunction with my initial lumpectomy. (DCIS was found in the margins so I had to have more tissue removed in a second surgery.) Three lymph nodes were removed and, luckily, there were no cancer cells observed.
Don't feel the need to apologize for finding out as much as you can. I did tons of research and always showed up at my oncologist's office with a list of questions. I am amazed when I talk to someone who knows practically nothing about her breast cancer. That's so contrary to my inquisitive "knowledge is power" nature.
Lyn
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Lyn-Thank you for sharing your experience. I am very much a "expect and prepare for the worst, just in case" type of person, so all of this info is very helpful to me! I had my biopsy of the mass and the one lymph node yesterday and am scheduled for a consultation at the beginning of next week to discuss the results. I have been wanting to just know this whole time but now that I have a definite time that I will find out, I am terrified! I'm so scared that it will be positive and what that will mean for treatments, my job, my financial stability...everything! I keep trying to think positive or just not think about it at all but that is so hard! So far, this forum has been the only thing that has helped to calm me, so once again, I just want to say thank you all so much for talking to me! I appreciate it more than you know!
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You're very welcome. Of course you're terrified. Last week marks three years since I got my diagnosis, but I haven't forgotten how scary and overwhelming all thIs is. If you're comfortable with sharing, let us know what you find out.
Lyn
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I had my consultation this morning. The lymph node tested negative and they said that there is a 70% chance that is accurate but will know more after surgery. The mass did test positive for invasive ductal carcinoma. They said that the mass is slow growing. I have an appointment with the oncologist and surgeon next week. They will do genetic blood testing because I am so young and they are still waiting on hormone tests to come back, as well. I believe they said that the results of both of those will determine the type of surgery I will have. Surgery will determine treatment after, I believe. It was all kind of a blur.
It is nice to have some answers but I am really scared regarding all of the specifics to come. And the financial aspect of all of this is really scaring me too. I have health insurance but it will not cover everything. Do they send you away from surgery if you cannot pay the out of pocket amounts that insurance doesn't cover??? I NEVER really go to doctors, so I am really ignorant when it come to insurance and I do not want to send my family into financial ruin over this. I know that should not be a concern, but realistically, it is! It sounds promising right now that I will not need chemo but they said they cannot say for sure at this point. That terrifies me, too. I do not want to lose my breast, but I might and that terrifies me. All of it terrifies me. Griping about any of it makes me feel horrible. I feel like I received the best "bad" news that I could have and I know so many other people receive so much worse news. My doctor used the words "curable" and "treatable", so I should not be griping but if I'm being honest, I am still scared. I feel like I should feel grateful that the news was not worse and I am but at the same time, it feels awful!
Any experience with the financial aspect? Info on what to expect? Anything would help and be appreciated!
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Hey Jenni,
First, that's (relatively) great news! And it's still scary! That is totally normal, especially while you are still waiting on test results.
Second, you will be able to deal with the financial aspects of this. Hopefully your insurance covers more than you expect, but either way, there is a lot of financial aid available for women with breast cancer. This Susan J. Komen page is not a bad place to start. You can also talk to your medical center billing office and/or social worker. There is help for covering copays, groceries, rent, transportation, etc. You will not ruin your family. A lot of the financial aid will require paperwork, and watching rolling deadlines. If that kind of organization is not your forte, it is a great thing to ask a helpful friend or family to support you on.
The hospital/cancer center will do surgery first and bill you after. You will not be denied surgery over a copay.
Sending hugs and support! You can and will get through this, even if it's a horrendous hassle.
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My Breast Cancer Coach is affiliated with BreastCancer.org
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Jenni, most hospitals will allow you to make payments. My surgeon's office had a co-pay assistance program, but only for those with a very low income. (This is often a challenge when one falls in the lower middle income "bucket." The costs are brutal, but you make too much to qualify for most assistance programs.)
I did qualify for help with my chemo costs, which I greatly appreciated. My oncologist's office applied for that program on my behalf. The nurse navigator at my breast imaging center left work for health reasons shortly after I was diagnosed so was of limited assistance, but others have mentioned their navigator having information on financial assistance.
It's terribly unfair that one should have to deal with the financial burden of medical expenses and lost income on top of the challenges of cancer treatment. Don't be shy about seeking help.
Lyn
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I do not mind being billed and paying it out but if there is anything needed upfront, I will definitely have to seek help. Thank you for your experience with this. It is awful to have to worry about money during something like this, but that is the reality of it, unfortunately.
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Jenni, sorry you got the news that it's IDC. It will take time for it all to sink in. My one piece of advice would be to get a binder and start asking for copies of everything and keep a file of your reports. You should be able to get copies of all your mammograms, pathology results from the biopsies etc.
Hang in there. Once you have your hormone status, they can tell you the treatment options and you can make a plan. Having a plan will make everything more manageable - still scary, but manageable. What you said so far makes sense. They want to test if you're carrying any genetic anomalies (for me that was a saliva test, not blood) and they need to know the hormone markers. Depending on size of the tumor and the markers, you may have Oncotype testing done to help make chemo decisions. Some surgical options are lumpectomy + radiation or mastectom with or without rads. If your lymph nodes are clear, with a mastectomy you can skip radiation but with a lumpectomy you'd need rads. Take the time to read through the material on this site as this will help you formulate questions for your medical team and you will be better able to anticipate what they might suggest.best wishes
(Sorry I can't help with the money questions as i'm in Canada)
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