Endless Biopsies - Advice Please

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Teddy88
Teddy88 Member Posts: 102
edited August 2021 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hello All:

Small tubular cancer diagnosed in Jan 2014 followed by lumpectomy and whole breast radiation.

Over the years, the original spot has shown suspicious activity (like an FBI fugitive) and has been biopsied at least 6 times, and determined to be fat necrosis.

In Feb 2021 - I had an MRI guided biopsy with more fat necrosis diagnosed.

On my follow-up today, I had an MRI, mammo and sonogram. Radiologist recommends US biopsy. Suspects necrosis but who knows? Having a biopsy every six months seems like alot.

Sorry to sound like a total whiner - but when is enough….enough? Should my doctor be trying to help me figure out why the necrosis keeps happening (could it actually be from all the biopsies?) Should we be discussing a mastectomy?

I feel like my head is on the guillotine every six months and the mental part of this is wearing on me. Lost my job during COVID and am reinventing myself so I have no real stability there either. I need a few uneventful, happy and boring years 😇😇

Thanks for any advice and for letting me whine.

Love, Belle xxoo


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  • gailmary
    gailmary Member Posts: 332
    edited August 2021

    Belle, whine away! This is the place to do it. My sister-in-law had the same problem except calcifications. After just four biopsies she said enough I want a mastectomy and she's glad she had it. I think I would do the same thing. good luck

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  • Teddy88
    Teddy88 Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2021

    Thanks so much, Gailmary! I love permission to whine 😇😇 So glad your sis in law is doing well.

    Thanks again!

    Love, Belle xx

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  • Teddy88
    Teddy88 Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2021

    Thank you so much, JO-5! You really, really understand the situation. The surgeon recommends an excisional biopsy for now. If it proves to be a problem, will take next steps. If you don’t mind - will keep you posted and thanks again for your kindness!

    Love, Belle x

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited August 2021

    I opted for a BMX when my DCIS was found in my left breast. I already had several call backs and two stereotactic biopsies on my right breast. The MRI found an additional area on my left breast prior to surgery. We didn't biopsy it bc I already decided on BMX. When the final pathology came in my BS's P.A. said had I not gone for mastectomy on the left breast I would've had a future of call backs and biopsies. I would've been whining too if I was dealing with that. I'm soooo glad I got not only a mastectomy though a BMX. I'm not sure at what point you really say enough, take it though it sounds like you're close....

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  • kksmom3
    kksmom3 Member Posts: 183
    edited August 2021

    You are not whining. I would as well, that is A LOT to contend with. I have had at least 4 biopsies, all benign stuff, on my L breast before dx with cancer on my R. If was going to have cancer, I would have bet a million dollars it would have been lefty! If I continue to need biopsies, I might say take the damn things as well!

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  • ctmbsikia
    ctmbsikia Member Posts: 1,095
    edited August 2021

    I'm pretty sure I couldn't endure 9 or 10 biopsy's. Goodness. I have had one already come back as fat necrosis. Just noticed a change on that side but trying not to worry about it too much since I have imaging to schedule before Oct so...................good luck to all of you. That's a lot of biopsy's.

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  • Ilikedogs
    Ilikedogs Member Posts: 55
    edited August 2021

    Hi! So interesting to read about your sister. I have dense breast tissue and calcifications. Going for a biopsy on Monday and a nervous wreck. Was talking to a friend of mine who said that she has calcifications too and they keep calling her back for biopsies or 6-months mammograms. I was thinking that if this turns out to be nothing, I don’t think I can put myself through this anxiety every year or every 6 months. I think the stress alone is going to give me cancer.

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  • Bonanza
    Bonanza Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2021

    Belle,

    I'd be inclined to ask your BS about the cost versus benefit of 6 monthly checkups. What are they doing for you, apart from causing you additional anxiety? Of course, the more often they look they more they will think they have found. Surely annual mammograms are more than sufficient given what you've been through. Your doctor may think they are helping you but really I agree, enough is enough.

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