Hope it is OK to post here

JASMAK
JASMAK Member Posts: 12
My name is Tina, I am 37 years old. I found lumps months ago. Finally made an appointment last Monday with GP. He said he felt them too. Said I would need a mammo in 2 weeks. 2 DAYS later, the hospital phones and says I am getting an ultrasound instead. Tech was a cow. Before she scanned me, she scolded me for being there, told me she could 'guarantee' normal breast tissue. Literally almost said, eff it, and left (felt dumb for wasting everyone's time) but then she scanned it. Well, part of it. Found 2 cysts and a 'hard mass tumour' which they wanted to biopsy, but didn't because I panicked and wouldn' let them (I know, I am an idiot). The radiologist said "i can't ignore it" and to see my doctor within 2 days, but of course, I can't get in right away, so I go this Friday to my GP. Here is the thing, I have a needle phobia...not a fear, but phobia that sends me into full-on panic attacks. I have had three babies, all sctions, and the worst part was the needles, so please go easy on me....but, I am looking for gentle advic on what to do here. I have heard that a biopsy can 'seed' the breast with cancer and right now it is 'encapsulated'. I am terrified, yes, in denial with age and breastfeeding (I am currently breastfeeding) on my side...but I have 3 small children...my youngest, 1 years old....so, feeling very scared, bewildered, and I don't have nyone to turn to who has 'been there'....two aunties, that have died. Please help, an sorry if I hav offende posting here, sinc I don't technically have BC....yet, anyways. xo
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Comments

  • JASMAK
    JASMAK Member Posts: 12
    Sorry for spelling mistakes,
    Sorry for spelling mistakes, on mobile so hard to type. x
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    Because you have 3 beautiful babies
    is why it is so important to find a way to deal with the needle phobia. Ask your doctor to prescribe something for the nerves. For a needle biopsy, they numbed the area with a topical cream, then gave me a shot to numb the area. It was quick and painless.

    Or you could ask to be put out and have it removed. Either way, ask for something for the nerves, but please do not put it off any longer. I found mine in September and didn't see the dr until January because of a lump the year b4 ended up being a cyst and was told that if there was another one watch it and see if it changes. It did change, it grew! Get a valium of something for the nerves and get it over with for your own peace of mind.

    Wish you the best, and yes you are able to come on and post here.
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    camul said:

    Because you have 3 beautiful babies
    is why it is so important to find a way to deal with the needle phobia. Ask your doctor to prescribe something for the nerves. For a needle biopsy, they numbed the area with a topical cream, then gave me a shot to numb the area. It was quick and painless.

    Or you could ask to be put out and have it removed. Either way, ask for something for the nerves, but please do not put it off any longer. I found mine in September and didn't see the dr until January because of a lump the year b4 ended up being a cyst and was told that if there was another one watch it and see if it changes. It did change, it grew! Get a valium of something for the nerves and get it over with for your own peace of mind.

    Wish you the best, and yes you are able to come on and post here.

    Please...
    Please get this checked out...as soon as possible!!! You owe it to yourself and your 3 babies.....I, too, had c-sections....trust me, if you could stand that, you can do a biopsy....we all understand "needles"....no one likes them but we do what we have to do...since you are breast feeding there can be all kinds of changes in the breast....when I was diagnosed my first concern was my daughter... She was 36 at the time and also breast feeding her third child...she was advised to wait six months so her breasts were back to "normal" to have her first mammogram, after she stopped breast feeding...she did and had her first mammo...all normal!

    I'm certainly not a physician, but you may want to consider, starting to wean the baby now....because I don't think you'll be able to nurse from after breast after the biopsy....your breast maybe sore and tender.... And I don't think they'd want you to nurse and take any medication for anxiety as it probably would pass in the breast milk...or perhaps you could pump enough to last...breast feeding could be the reason you had an ultrasound (the tech that did it sounds like they need to find another type work..sounds like a jerk!) because of the changes in your breasts due to breast feeding...

    As far as the biopsy "seeding" the breast,it isn't true...it's an old wive's tale....regardless of how they do the biopsy, either numbing the area first, which I think all of us had, or under conscious sedation ( good stuff) it all will involve needles....so I won't kid you....but please, please get it scheduled soon...don't put it off due to your fear of needles...again, you owe it to yourself and 3 babies...it may very well turn out to be nothing...think what peace of mind that would give you!!!!

    I'm so glad you found us...but not the reason.....the women here are fantastic! Full of "first hand experiences." please keep us informed of your progress...because we care and understand your fears...

    Big hugs, Nancy
  • JASMAK
    JASMAK Member Posts: 12
    MAJW said:

    Please...
    Please get this checked out...as soon as possible!!! You owe it to yourself and your 3 babies.....I, too, had c-sections....trust me, if you could stand that, you can do a biopsy....we all understand "needles"....no one likes them but we do what we have to do...since you are breast feeding there can be all kinds of changes in the breast....when I was diagnosed my first concern was my daughter... She was 36 at the time and also breast feeding her third child...she was advised to wait six months so her breasts were back to "normal" to have her first mammogram, after she stopped breast feeding...she did and had her first mammo...all normal!

    I'm certainly not a physician, but you may want to consider, starting to wean the baby now....because I don't think you'll be able to nurse from after breast after the biopsy....your breast maybe sore and tender.... And I don't think they'd want you to nurse and take any medication for anxiety as it probably would pass in the breast milk...or perhaps you could pump enough to last...breast feeding could be the reason you had an ultrasound (the tech that did it sounds like they need to find another type work..sounds like a jerk!) because of the changes in your breasts due to breast feeding...

    As far as the biopsy "seeding" the breast,it isn't true...it's an old wive's tale....regardless of how they do the biopsy, either numbing the area first, which I think all of us had, or under conscious sedation ( good stuff) it all will involve needles....so I won't kid you....but please, please get it scheduled soon...don't put it off due to your fear of needles...again, you owe it to yourself and 3 babies...it may very well turn out to be nothing...think what peace of mind that would give you!!!!

    I'm so glad you found us...but not the reason.....the women here are fantastic! Full of "first hand experiences." please keep us informed of your progress...because we care and understand your fears...

    Big hugs, Nancy

    Thanks to both of you for
    Thanks to both of you for replying. I am at work now, so easier to type. Yes, the tech was a jerk...don't know what her problem was. Perhaps she felt like she was alleviating my fears, but she is going to make it so women don't want to come back. I see my GP tomorrow, and I think, even if the tumour is benign, I am going to ask for it out. It freaks me out having it in there! Plus, I want the rest of that breast, and the entire other breast checked. I am going to wean my baby too. I can't imagine them slicing and dicing my breast, and then having her go on there afterwards to suck. OUCH! She is 22 months and is definetly old enough to be weaned and I actually breastfed her longer that I had intended and longer than the other two kids, probably because she was the last and I have the working moms guilt. Anyways, yes, I am going to do that. I think I am going to ask for my doctor to just take it out. Then they can biopsy it to their hearts content. I know that it all involves needles, and I think you two are bang-on when you say that I need something to be sedated a little. It isn't even the pain of the needles I am worried about, but the actual needle itself. I can't even make sense of it all because it is really dumb. All I know is I freaked out when they said they were going to biopsy it and panicked really bad and ran out of there like a school aged child. But, it is done with. Anyways, I am going to the doctor's tomorrow, so I will let you know what he says. He also happens to be a surgeon, but not sure if he does that kind of thing...but, if so, maybe he will do it.
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    JASMAK said:

    Thanks to both of you for
    Thanks to both of you for replying. I am at work now, so easier to type. Yes, the tech was a jerk...don't know what her problem was. Perhaps she felt like she was alleviating my fears, but she is going to make it so women don't want to come back. I see my GP tomorrow, and I think, even if the tumour is benign, I am going to ask for it out. It freaks me out having it in there! Plus, I want the rest of that breast, and the entire other breast checked. I am going to wean my baby too. I can't imagine them slicing and dicing my breast, and then having her go on there afterwards to suck. OUCH! She is 22 months and is definetly old enough to be weaned and I actually breastfed her longer that I had intended and longer than the other two kids, probably because she was the last and I have the working moms guilt. Anyways, yes, I am going to do that. I think I am going to ask for my doctor to just take it out. Then they can biopsy it to their hearts content. I know that it all involves needles, and I think you two are bang-on when you say that I need something to be sedated a little. It isn't even the pain of the needles I am worried about, but the actual needle itself. I can't even make sense of it all because it is really dumb. All I know is I freaked out when they said they were going to biopsy it and panicked really bad and ran out of there like a school aged child. But, it is done with. Anyways, I am going to the doctor's tomorrow, so I will let you know what he says. He also happens to be a surgeon, but not sure if he does that kind of thing...but, if so, maybe he will do it.

    Don't feel like you have to apologize for your feelings
    I think most of us "freaked out" when this journey started. I'm so glad you've seemed to come to the realization that you need to get this resolved--for yourself and for your dear children. Sedation will help you in dealing with your needle phobia. The important thing is to find out what's going on and deal with it head on. I'm truly hoping and praying this is benign and you can move on quickly. But, if it's not--we'll all be here to help you--all the way.

    Sending you my most positive energy for tomorrow.

    Take good care and let us know.

    Hugs, Renee
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    You can do this!!!! :)
    Hi! I was dx at 32 last year. And doing well now (thank God). Like you I have a phobia of needles which is why I'm responding to your post. And to also tell you, this too shall pass. I was shaking on the table the day of my sonogram. The day of my biopsy they had to cover me with blankets and talk to me because they were about not to do the biopsy because I didn't stop shaking and sweating cold. Honestly? It was not bad at all! I thought I was going to faint. But when the guy inserted the needle (to numb the breast), it was a very quick pinch. Then the rest of it went very smoothly. I was so impressed! These things aren't too bad. They will numb it so you don't feel it. And most importantly, it will go quick!

    This entire experience is very overwhelming, but like others said you might not even have anything wrong with you! I strongly think you should proceed with the checkups. It is vital for you to take care of this, if it is cancer. We will be here to guide you through everything, IF it comes down to this. And if it is, you will do great! We will be here holding your hands. And I promise you that even with the worst case scenario, it isn’t as BAD as you think it is. So go in there with positive thoughts (and prayers from all of us) and KICK some A$$!! I mean, if you went through having children, this should be a piece of muffin!

    Wishing you only great results. Please keep us posted. We care.

    p.s. Take an atival pill the morning of, and the night before of the biopsy. It will make you feel much better and it will calm your down. :)
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    i asked for LOOPY meds...I
    i asked for LOOPY meds...I dint' think they were working as laying face down on the table...but in hind sight they worked for sure...

    Denise

    loopy=relax or chill meds..
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    You've received good advice
    You've received good advice here...just wanted to say welcome. Even though none of us like the reason we're here, you've found a great group of people. Please come back and let us know how everything goes.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • JASMAK
    JASMAK Member Posts: 12

    You've received good advice
    You've received good advice here...just wanted to say welcome. Even though none of us like the reason we're here, you've found a great group of people. Please come back and let us know how everything goes.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    Thanks everyone! I will let
    Thanks everyone! I will let you know how tomorrow goes which is just the visit with the GP. Things are a bit crazy right now, as I am supposed to be getting a hysterectomy August 1st too!!! Which is for an entirely different thing (anemic from heavy periods) so not even sure if they will do the surgery now...which, fair enough. My life feels upside down, but I am SO happy that there is such a great, supportive and friendly group of women. I will back tomorrow.... x x
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    JASMAK said:

    Thanks everyone! I will let
    Thanks everyone! I will let you know how tomorrow goes which is just the visit with the GP. Things are a bit crazy right now, as I am supposed to be getting a hysterectomy August 1st too!!! Which is for an entirely different thing (anemic from heavy periods) so not even sure if they will do the surgery now...which, fair enough. My life feels upside down, but I am SO happy that there is such a great, supportive and friendly group of women. I will back tomorrow.... x x

    Encapsulated
    Dear Jasmak,

    If your tumor is encapsulated, they could remove it. It is a good kind do have (meaning it has remained in one place).

    Perhaps they could do both, saving you time and money in two procedures. There is no age limit on breast cancer you can be 18 or 92 years old, male or female. Many women who were nursing have had breast cancer.

    However, every tumor is not malignant, yours could be a good one b9 (benign).

    Wishing you the best,

    Doris
  • debsweb18
    debsweb18 Member Posts: 191 Member
    SIROD said:

    Encapsulated
    Dear Jasmak,

    If your tumor is encapsulated, they could remove it. It is a good kind do have (meaning it has remained in one place).

    Perhaps they could do both, saving you time and money in two procedures. There is no age limit on breast cancer you can be 18 or 92 years old, male or female. Many women who were nursing have had breast cancer.

    However, every tumor is not malignant, yours could be a good one b9 (benign).

    Wishing you the best,

    Doris

    Jaskmak,
    I agree with

    Jaskmak,
    I agree with everyone about not waiting and having the biopsy. But if it's benign I would think hard about having it removed unless your doc advises it. When I was 24, biopsies were done by removing the lump. They told me it was a tumor, benign, but it wouldn't go away. It ended up being 12 cysts, not a tumor. As a result I had scar tissue which grew after my first son was born. I was never able to tell whether the lump I always felt was scar tissue or something new. My cancerous tumor was right under the scar tissue. It ended up being twice the size that the biopsy/ultrasound showed. I also think the scar tissue hid my tumor for a couple of mammos. Good luck and hoping yours is benign!

    Doris,
    Please explain about being encapsulated. You said that was good. I had a tiny (3MM) on one lymph node that was encapsulated. They told me that meant it was on the outside of the lymph node instead of the inside like they usually are. My 1st onc doc made it sound like that wasn't good. Any info would be helpful. Maybe I need to ask my new onc doc about it.

    Thanks!
  • JASMAK
    JASMAK Member Posts: 12
    debsweb18 said:

    Jaskmak,
    I agree with

    Jaskmak,
    I agree with everyone about not waiting and having the biopsy. But if it's benign I would think hard about having it removed unless your doc advises it. When I was 24, biopsies were done by removing the lump. They told me it was a tumor, benign, but it wouldn't go away. It ended up being 12 cysts, not a tumor. As a result I had scar tissue which grew after my first son was born. I was never able to tell whether the lump I always felt was scar tissue or something new. My cancerous tumor was right under the scar tissue. It ended up being twice the size that the biopsy/ultrasound showed. I also think the scar tissue hid my tumor for a couple of mammos. Good luck and hoping yours is benign!

    Doris,
    Please explain about being encapsulated. You said that was good. I had a tiny (3MM) on one lymph node that was encapsulated. They told me that meant it was on the outside of the lymph node instead of the inside like they usually are. My 1st onc doc made it sound like that wasn't good. Any info would be helpful. Maybe I need to ask my new onc doc about it.

    Thanks!

    Sooooo upset
    I know I should just relax, but I am so upset right now. I was supposed to see my GP two days after my ultrasound. But, it took over a week to get the appointment. Last Thursday was the u/s, but the appointment was today (Friday). It has been a loooong week with the what if's and everything, and went to work rather emotional this morning with my list of questions to ask at my long-awaited doctor's appointment. Then, I get a phone call that my appointment is cancelled. It was rescheduled for Tuesday afternoon. My doctor is sick. I was just SO upset, I started crying at work...which NO ONE knows anything at my work, nor do I want them to. I just couldn't hold it back. I know it's not my doctor's fault...he is human. But, it shouldn't have been that long to start with. I am going to take the hard mass tumours out, no matter what. I am in Canada, so health care is not an issue, or costs. If my doctor is OK with it, I want it out. But...now I have to wait to discuss all these things. *sigh*
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    JASMAK said:

    Thanks everyone! I will let
    Thanks everyone! I will let you know how tomorrow goes which is just the visit with the GP. Things are a bit crazy right now, as I am supposed to be getting a hysterectomy August 1st too!!! Which is for an entirely different thing (anemic from heavy periods) so not even sure if they will do the surgery now...which, fair enough. My life feels upside down, but I am SO happy that there is such a great, supportive and friendly group of women. I will back tomorrow.... x x

    Saying welcome and wishing
    Saying welcome and wishing you good luck!


    Hugs, Debby
  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
    DebbyM said:

    Saying welcome and wishing
    Saying welcome and wishing you good luck!


    Hugs, Debby

    Welcome
    Welcome to the best group of gals (and a few guys) ever! I also have a giant fear of needles - although I have somewhat overcome it now. I have to say I was pretty freaked out about the biopsy and the thought of a needle, but it didn't hurt at all! They numbed it all up and I didn't feel a thing. I wasn't even sore afterwards.

    Shame on your tech - she should not be in that field at all!

    Sending prayers it turns out to be benign. Keep us posted!

    Hugs, Debi
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    debsweb18 said:

    Jaskmak,
    I agree with

    Jaskmak,
    I agree with everyone about not waiting and having the biopsy. But if it's benign I would think hard about having it removed unless your doc advises it. When I was 24, biopsies were done by removing the lump. They told me it was a tumor, benign, but it wouldn't go away. It ended up being 12 cysts, not a tumor. As a result I had scar tissue which grew after my first son was born. I was never able to tell whether the lump I always felt was scar tissue or something new. My cancerous tumor was right under the scar tissue. It ended up being twice the size that the biopsy/ultrasound showed. I also think the scar tissue hid my tumor for a couple of mammos. Good luck and hoping yours is benign!

    Doris,
    Please explain about being encapsulated. You said that was good. I had a tiny (3MM) on one lymph node that was encapsulated. They told me that meant it was on the outside of the lymph node instead of the inside like they usually are. My 1st onc doc made it sound like that wasn't good. Any info would be helpful. Maybe I need to ask my new onc doc about it.

    Thanks!

    To Deb
    Dear Deb,

    My aunt had a tumor that was encapsulated. That is what I remembered that her's was good.

    According to BC.org it means Contained in a specific, localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue.

    My aunt had the tumor removed with good margins, had radiation and because it was ER+ went on Tamoxifen for 5 years and never had a recurrence. Her tumor was malignant but was not in any way invasive meaning that it had not spread anywhere. I remembered the term.

    In your case it is in a lymph node and the best source of information is always your oncologist.

    Wishing the best in this journey and do let me know. There is no end to educating ourselves with this disease.

    Doris
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    JASMAK said:

    Sooooo upset
    I know I should just relax, but I am so upset right now. I was supposed to see my GP two days after my ultrasound. But, it took over a week to get the appointment. Last Thursday was the u/s, but the appointment was today (Friday). It has been a loooong week with the what if's and everything, and went to work rather emotional this morning with my list of questions to ask at my long-awaited doctor's appointment. Then, I get a phone call that my appointment is cancelled. It was rescheduled for Tuesday afternoon. My doctor is sick. I was just SO upset, I started crying at work...which NO ONE knows anything at my work, nor do I want them to. I just couldn't hold it back. I know it's not my doctor's fault...he is human. But, it shouldn't have been that long to start with. I am going to take the hard mass tumours out, no matter what. I am in Canada, so health care is not an issue, or costs. If my doctor is OK with it, I want it out. But...now I have to wait to discuss all these things. *sigh*

    So Very Sorry, Jasmak!
    Dear Jasmak,

    I am so very sorry about your appointment. I believed that I would have cried also. Don't worry about your co-workers, there are a million reasons why a person cries. Perhaps you can call your doctor's office Monday morning and ask if they could squeeze you in at the end of the day.

    I do wish you well and do let us know.

    Doris
  • JASMAK
    JASMAK Member Posts: 12
    SIROD said:

    So Very Sorry, Jasmak!
    Dear Jasmak,

    I am so very sorry about your appointment. I believed that I would have cried also. Don't worry about your co-workers, there are a million reasons why a person cries. Perhaps you can call your doctor's office Monday morning and ask if they could squeeze you in at the end of the day.

    I do wish you well and do let us know.

    Doris

    Good Idea...I thik I will.
    Good Idea...I think I will. Question...I hope no one is offended me asking....anyone told it is probably a fibroadenoma and told later, it wasn't? My sister works at the hospital and she isn't supposed to do this, but I asked her to read my radiology report and it said something about possible fibroadeoma (sp?) that should be biopsied. I googled it...it is benign, but usually found in women younger than 30...I am 37.
  • JASMAK
    JASMAK Member Posts: 12
    debi.18 said:

    Welcome
    Welcome to the best group of gals (and a few guys) ever! I also have a giant fear of needles - although I have somewhat overcome it now. I have to say I was pretty freaked out about the biopsy and the thought of a needle, but it didn't hurt at all! They numbed it all up and I didn't feel a thing. I wasn't even sore afterwards.

    Shame on your tech - she should not be in that field at all!

    Sending prayers it turns out to be benign. Keep us posted!

    Hugs, Debi

    Good Idea...I think I will.
    Good Idea...I think I will. Question...I hope no one is offended me asking....anyone told it is probably a fibroadenoma and told later, it wasn't? My sister works at the hospital and she isn't supposed to do this, but I asked her to read my radiology report and it said something about possible fibroadeoma (sp?) that should be biopsied. I googled it...it is benign, but usually found in women younger than 30...I am 37.


    Sorry for the double post...don't know what I am doing!
  • debsweb18
    debsweb18 Member Posts: 191 Member
    SIROD said:

    To Deb
    Dear Deb,

    My aunt had a tumor that was encapsulated. That is what I remembered that her's was good.

    According to BC.org it means Contained in a specific, localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue.

    My aunt had the tumor removed with good margins, had radiation and because it was ER+ went on Tamoxifen for 5 years and never had a recurrence. Her tumor was malignant but was not in any way invasive meaning that it had not spread anywhere. I remembered the term.

    In your case it is in a lymph node and the best source of information is always your oncologist.

    Wishing the best in this journey and do let me know. There is no end to educating ourselves with this disease.

    Doris

    Thanks Doris!
    I think I have

    Thanks Doris!
    I think I have more questions than ever now after my 1st year through this journey!
    Deb
  • JASMAK
    JASMAK Member Posts: 12
    JASMAK said:

    Good Idea...I think I will.
    Good Idea...I think I will. Question...I hope no one is offended me asking....anyone told it is probably a fibroadenoma and told later, it wasn't? My sister works at the hospital and she isn't supposed to do this, but I asked her to read my radiology report and it said something about possible fibroadeoma (sp?) that should be biopsied. I googled it...it is benign, but usually found in women younger than 30...I am 37.


    Sorry for the double post...don't know what I am doing!

    Hi there...me again. I
    Hi there...me again. I spoke to my doctor, who was going to phone, but saw I was coming in. He said he was "shocked by the results" (which I guess means that they found 'something') but wants me to remain positive as I have my age on my side. I am going for mammos of both breasts, which is actually what he originally ordered, but the hospital switched it to an u/s...and my doctor is annoyed by that and is calling them to complain....espesially since the radiologist recommended a mammo...which is what my doctor wanted! So, that was Tuesday....don't know when the mammo will be. He is going to wait with the biopsy for after the mammo and said we will use a surgeon of our choice....not the radiologist. I am getting a hysterectomy on August 1st because I have 14 day periods and anemia, so my doctor is going to work everything around that because it is important too, and he said IF I do have BC then this delay won't make a difference to my life (he says). So...no answers really. I keep looking on here and following some people's stories....and it is comforting to know that IF this is BC I will have a place to go...but sad to hear all the things that everyone has or is going through. A friend of mine died of BC April 14, and I didn't know all she went through, because she was very private....I knew some, but as I read all your stories, my heart aches for her and the struggle she must have had. She had it for 18 years. I hope she had wonderful people in her life like you all. I will update when I know more. Never had a mammo before...so that will be new. Thinking of you all. xoxo