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SchmoopieBear
SchmoopieBear Member Posts: 17
edited February 2021 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I am 44 and in early menopause. I started perimenopause around age 36 or 37 and lab values demonstrate very low estrogen and this aligns with my lack of a period for a year or more now. I got my period early (age 11) and my Mom died of melanoma so I have been told I have an elevated risk of BC.

I decided to make an appointment with a breast specialist because I had blood come out of my nipple after my last breast self exam. I had a breast biopsy in Fall of 2019 that was deemed a fibroadenoma but I have other findings that were monitored every six months for 2 years and now deemed “part of my file”and are likely fibroadenomas.

My concern is that the last mammography report in November 2019 suggested I consult a breast surgeon if I continue having any findings. I realize there is a fine line between being an advocate and also spending too much time worrying or turning over rocks for no reason. Has anyone sought a breast specialist for more 1:1 care and guidance rather than going through GYN for a script to see radiology to then need another script for an ultrasound and back and forth and back and forth

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  • LeesaD
    LeesaD Member Posts: 383
    edited February 2021
    Yes I did. Prior to my diagnosis, for many years I saw a radiologist for breast care who was a breast specialist and that’s all his office did. Reason being I had very dense breasts and many lumps that were always nothing until one wasn’t. It was just easier to go to him directly (as you said instead of gyn) as I saw him every year or six months if warranted for mammos, ultra sounds and biopsies. I was watched very carefully and still ended up with breast cancer. My thoughts you can never be watched enough.
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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited February 2021

    One thing to consider is if your insurance will pay for a specialist if you don't have specific symptoms or a referral from your GYN or PCP. Some specialists only accept referral patients, too.

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited February 2021

    I did. I saw a breast surgeon annually after an excisional biopsy at age 30. I had my imaging, then a quick follow up consult with her. It was simpler for me, and my insurance never questioned it. Hope that can be the same for you.

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