Found Lump

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buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 9, 2009 - 2:43pm

During my self-breast exam I found a lump and immediately made an appointment with my Dr. I'm only 28, but my family history is extensive and as always -- better be safe than sorry. I was expecting my doctor to feel around and just tell me that I had lumpy breasts, but that wasn't the case. After the exam, he came back in with his head cocked, a sympathetic smile and then said "we need to talk." He's concerned because of how dense and irregular the lump is and I now have an ultrasound scheduled for the 19th. He said that I'm also looking at a needle biopsy. My husband's military so I can't get it done without the ultrasound results, or else he would have recommended doing it the same day as the ultrasound. I, of course, am PANICKED. This waiting is driving me crazy! Also, what can I expect from the needle biopsy? If its a fine needle aspiration, will I need my husband there to drive me home or can I drive myself home? He's in school from 6:00 in the morning until 9:00 at night and we're not ready for him to postpone the rest of his training just yet until we know something more. If I should have someone there -- I can always call my mom. Just looking for some advice! Thank you ladies!

Dawne.Hope

Posts: 233
Joined: Sep 2009

October 9, 2009 - 3:46pm

So Sorry

Welcome Buddrfly11 -

So sorry about your news. You've come to the best place for information, support and encouragement, though.

I had some needle biopsy done but I'm not sure if it is the same as yours. They put me out. But yours may be different. For me the waiting was one of the hardest parts. It was almost two months between when I felt the lump to the day of my biopsy.

Hang in there! There's always someone on here to support, encourage and answer your questions.

Bless you!

outdoorgirl

Posts: 1477
Joined: Mar 2009

October 9, 2009 - 3:09pm

Hi Buddrfly,

My husband is military also-AF.I had a fine needle aspiration with my initial visit with my surgeon.My husband brought me and then stayed in the waiting room because we just thought it was a consultation.
It stung.What your doctor will be doing is taking cell samples out for pathology to see if they are "suspicious"or not. Still at this point it could be nothing.Mine was suspicious and they did a lumpectomy.
I don't drive so that wasn't a factor for me-you might be able to,or you might want to bring someone along with you anyways-for moral support.
Please keep us posted and let us know how you are. I hope that this is nothing and that you can put this behind you!

tgf

Posts: 666
Joined: Mar 2009

October 9, 2009 - 3:15pm

needle biopsy

I've had several needle biopsies and they really aren't that bad because they numb you before the actual biopsy. I was never put out for any of them. It probably would be a good idea if you did have someone drive you ... just in case you feel a bit woozy or something. Better safe than sorry.

good luck and we'll all be thinking of you on the 19th.

hugs.
teena

helen e

Posts: 135
Joined: Sep 2009

October 9, 2009 - 3:16pm

I'm sorry to hear you have a lump

My lump was found by a routine mammogram and they did an ultrasound right then. They scheduled me for an ultrasound guided needle biopsy in two days. I had my husband go with me. He didn't drive me home - just met me there. If I did it all over again I'd have him drive me. You are not sedated but they do numb you up. The only thing that really hurt was when they had to cut part of the lump off (3 times). I'm told the pain is different with each person but I'm a whimp (no lie!!) so it hurt a lot. Mine was found to be cancerous so I just had my lumpectomy last Friday and saw my surgeon today. Luckily I was only stage 1 so they caught it very early. I was also told that 80% of the women who have a lump in their breast are found to be begnin. I don't know your family history but that cheered me up a little. Hope everything works out ok for you. Let us know either way - we always love to hear good news, too.

MyTurnNow

Posts: 1219
Joined: Aug 2009

October 9, 2009 - 3:18pm

Welcome, Buddrfly!

I also had a needle biopsy and was NOT put out. The area was numbed and the biopsy was done. This was after a mammogram and ultrasound in the same day. I know it's hard but try not to worry. Hopefully, it's something benign. Take care.

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 9, 2009 - 3:59pm

THANK YOU

Wow, you are all AMAZING! Thank you so much for your immediate support. I've noticed that the common theme in so many of these posts is how hard it is to wait!!!!! I've prayed for so long for God to teach me patience . . . careful what you pray for, right? ;-) I will definitely let you know what the outcome is. Again, thank you SO much. I feel like the ones closest to me, although with genuine love as their motivation, keep telling me "it will be fine" and all I hear is "you're silly for worrying." It is such a reassurance to hear that it's normal to be concerned, even if the chances are great that it is just "nothing."

On another note, I've been so fatigued for the past two months (just found the lump last week) and now my body is aching. Is this my mind playing tricks on me or has anyone had similar situations? Lots of love to all of you!

Dawne.Hope

Posts: 233
Joined: Sep 2009

October 9, 2009 - 4:32pm

For those who have never had

For those who have never had to wait, find a lump, it is so frustrating to me to hear them say, "It will be fine" and such. GRRRRRRRRRR. How do they know? It is completely normal to be concerned! And you're not silly for worrying.

I don't know about your fatigue but I can tell you that every ache and pain does catch my attention now. My biggest struggle is trying not to live in fear. That's a topic for another thread! :) But I will say I don't want to spend the rest of my years caught up in worry and fear and not LIVE.

Keep us posted!

Grace and peace to you buddrfly!
dh

Tux

Posts: 273
Joined: Aug 2009

October 9, 2009 - 5:14pm

If you can get your mom to

If you can get your mom to go with you to needle biopsy, it would be good. My husband drove me & it really helped a lot to have someone along. Please let us know how everything goes.
Hugs & prayers sent your way...

tasha_111

Posts: 1941
Joined: Oct 2008

October 9, 2009 - 5:32pm

Hi there

I had a needle biopsy (ultrasound led) and the didn't numb me or knock me out. But, i hardly felt a thing (and I am a total coward) It was just like a little click, no pain, no discomfort at all. I hope it goes as well for you and that you will have a GREAT result! Hugs jxxxxxxxx

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 9, 2009 - 5:53pm

I'm a wimp too!

It makes me feel good that you said it wasn't bad because I, too, am a HUGE WIMP when it comes to this kind of stuff!

lovelylola

Posts: 279
Joined: Aug 2009

October 10, 2009 - 2:26pm

Yes waiting is tough!

I found my lump visually. Had the mammo, ultrasound, scheduled to meet with the surgeon who then wanted the needle biopsy. By then I was 3 weeks out from when I found it and all I wanted was to know. Like you, I had a family history and at age 59 had been dodging it for a long time. My kids told me that I had been really tired, going to bed earlier than usual (in bed when they would call) I believe that for the last several months prior to my diagnosis the fatigue was there. But remember, we are each unique in our diagnosis, stages, and development of this beast. Mine was cancer, caught early and being treated.
The biopsy itself wasn't too bad. They took 4 samples (that wasn't told me by the doctor who ordered it but was to go around the edges and get good samples. The radiologist explained that if they get 4 good samples then whatever the diagnosis coming from pathology would be accurate almost 100%. Which is good especially if it comes back NEGATIVE! for cancer cells.
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this wait. And by the way, it's OK to be worried! it's a normal reaction of waiting to find out about an abnormal situation.
Take care - Lola

lizziejane

Posts: 40
Joined: Nov 2009

November 5, 2009 - 3:07pm

I HAD MAMMOGRAM THE END OF

I HAD MAMMOGRAM THE END OF MAY, FOUND LUMP BY SELF EXAM THE THIRD WEEK IN JULY, WENT BACK AND HAD 5 MAMMOGRAMS AND IT DIDNOT SHOW UP, THEN A ULTRASOUND AND AS SOON AS TECHNICIAN PUT THE LITTLE MOUSIE MACHINE THING ON ME, SHE SAID "OH, I CAN FEEL IT" THE RADIOLOGIST SAID I NEEDED FURTHER EVALUATION---SO WENT TO CANCER CENTER AND HAD CORE BIOSPHYS DONE ALONG WITH ULTRA SOUND, MY BREAST CANCER SURGEON HAD ALREADY TOLD ME IT WAS CANCER, BECAUSE MY NIPPLE WAS INVERTED, ANYWAY, I WASN'T PUT OUT FOR THE CORE BIOPSY, BUT, I WAS SO GLAD MY HUBAND WAS THERE FOR THE SUPPORT..

mlmjt1

Posts: 540
Joined: Jul 2009

October 9, 2009 - 5:53pm

Hi buddrfly

I had a mammogram both breasts with about 15 films on the right as usual because of fibrocystic disease. AFter 15 films they came back and took me to ultrasound. 10 minutes into that the technician went to see the radiologist and he came in and said he could biopsy it within the hour. Needless to say, I stayed. I did call my husband to come up but I drove myself back to work and home. I was numbed up pretty good and was told that if anything hurt he would give me more lidocaine so it is do able.

I was lucky because I didnt have to wait at all...everything was done on the a thursday, I found out results on monday and met with the surgeon on wed. I had bilateral mastectomy on the following wed. My head was spinning but I was glad to just get it out and not have to think about it.

Post here often if you need to vent. You are TRULY at the worst stage right now because everything is unknown and up in the air. You have every reason to worry but venting to those who have not been there is kind of pointless...no matter how much they love you, then dont GET IT. We are all here for you go dont be afraid to ask anything...someone here will know what to say.

Hugs to you
LInda T

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 9, 2009 - 6:14pm

Thank you all!

Once again, I cannot thank you enough! I actually just got off the phone with my provider. She was just calling to see how I was doing and was very reassuring. That definitely helps as well!

roseann4

Posts: 282
Joined: Sep 2009

October 10, 2009 - 5:54am

I went alone...

Hi Buddrfly11,

I went alone in Feb/09 and I wish I hadn't. I actually had the flu so I wore a mask rather than change my appt. I had already waited 10 days from my mammo because the surgeon was too busy to fit me in earlier. It seemed like an eternity! Not painful at all. I could drive no problem but I realized that I should not be going through this alone. My husband travels and asked if I wanted him to stay home. Of course, I said I was "fine". I wasn't.

Now I ask for help and support whenever I need it. That's just one of the lessons I've learned since my diagnosis of BC. Support feels really good!

Let me know how you do. Honestly, the waiting is the most difficult part of this journey. This site has helped me all along the way. Thanks everyone!

Roseann

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 10, 2009 - 6:50am

Loving the advice!

I'm so grateful for everyone's advice. I asked my mom to go with me so I wouldn't have to do it alone. I'm the type of person, like you said Roseann, that "everything's fine." My husband and I talked about it for awhile and his comment also hit home "why would you deny us the opportunity to love you and support you?"

roseann4

Posts: 282
Joined: Sep 2009

October 10, 2009 - 9:14am

Good for you!

I'm glad you will have someone with you. I'm in a support group run by Dr. Bernie Seigel (retired cancer surgeon and patient advocate) who wrote many, many books on dealing, surviving and thriving with cancer. He would say, "Now Buddrfly11, that's survival behavior!" Please let us know how it goes.

Roseann

JmG86

Posts: 53
Joined: Sep 2009

October 10, 2009 - 11:55am

I am so sorry about your

I am so sorry about your finding of the lump. I know you are scared, and you probably won't be able to get rid of that feeling until you get your results. I see you just said your Mom is taking you, and I think that's a good idea. Regardless of whether it hurts or not (I had a core needle biopsy) it will be emotionally draining, and you will be glad to have her there to lean on! I love your husbands comment about not denying them the opportunity to support you...it brought tears to my eyes, what a wonderful comment. Just know we are all here rooting for you...Good Luck!

cheyennedawn

Posts: 70
Joined: Sep 2009

October 10, 2009 - 12:37pm

Welcome to the site, but I

Welcome to the site, but I am sorry that you had to find it this way. I know how stressed you are by this whole process. The waiting will sometimes drive you crazy. As for the needle biopsy, I had one done this July, it may be easier to have someone with you. My doctor made sure I was completely numb, so I didn't feel a thing until that night. But, I had to have a biopsy done about 2 1/2 years ago on the same breast, and it was awful. I just depends on the doctor, but please insist on being numbed first, it will make a big difference. Either way, you will probably need someone to drive you home, if possible. I know what you are going through, we all do, just hang in there. You will find the strength you need to get through this. Come here and post, if you want to, or just read, you will get a lot of good advice and meet some terrific ladies.

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 19, 2009 - 12:40pm

On to the next step

Hi ladies! Had my ultrasound today and wish I had more exciting news to report. It's definitely not a cyst and they are recommending that I do either a needle biopsy or a surgical biopsy and just remove the lump while they're at it. What do you guys recommend? My knee jerk reaction is to say "heck with it, go in there and get it."

lanie940

Posts: 458
Joined: Jul 2009

October 19, 2009 - 1:14pm

Sounds like a plan to me. My

Sounds like a plan to me. My oncology surgeon felt two lumps under my left arm/axilla when I went for my initial consultation for my breast cancer IDC in July, he said he wanted them biopsied, well, when the biopsy path repoert came back they STILL weren't sure what they were, so he wanted them OUT. Well, I got them out along with my hernia surgery, a general surgeon he recomended did the surgery. He called me yesterday on a Sunday afternoon, no less and told me they were neurofibromas. well, it stands to reason, I have Neurofibromatosis. so, at least they weren't cancer.

Yes, I'd get them out. My discomfort from my lumpectomy was minimal, nothing like this hernia!

TraciInLA

Posts: 450
Joined: Jul 2009

October 19, 2009 - 5:03pm

Have you consulted with a surgeon?

Hi, buddrfly -

Is the recommendation coming from the radiologist or a surgeon? If you haven't met with a surgeon yet, I highly recommend you do befoe making your decision.

The only problem with dong a surgical biopsy (also called an excisional biopsy) right off the bat is that, if it does come back positive, you'll likely have to go back again for a 2nd surgery to biopsy the lymph nodes (called a sentinel node biopsy).

I had a core needle biopsy to determine whether it was cancer (which it was), then was in surgery only 1 time, for the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy at the same time.

I can see the pros and cons of both ways (and there are women on this board who had them done in separate surgeries) -- I just really recommend that you speak with a surgeon about both options.

Traci

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 19, 2009 - 5:20pm

Hi Traci! I should be

Hi Traci! I should be speaking with the surgeon this week. I'm just at that stage where my mind is going a million places and a hundred miles a minute and curious to see what experiences everyone else has had.

TraciInLA

Posts: 450
Joined: Jul 2009

October 19, 2009 - 6:50pm

Only a hundred miles a minute?

...I think mine was going at least a thousand miles a minute before my biopsies! :-)

My goodness, of course your mind is everywhere right now -- I looked back at my post to you, and I hope I wasn't getting into too much for you at this stage. The last thing I would ever want to do is make things *more* overwhelming for you.

I'm a big proponent of meeting with all the relevant medical professionals sooner rather than later, so I'm very glad to hear you'll be getting a surgeon's opinion -- even if you end up never needing a surgeon!

Please keep us posted on what you decide and how things go for you -- and know that I'm keeping good thoughts for you.

Traci

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 19, 2009 - 8:03pm

Thanks Traci!

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 19, 2009 - 8:03pm

Thanks Traci! And no, you

Thanks Traci! And no, you definitely were not overwhelming!!! I am so thankful for everyone's input! It's so good to hear all sides and all aspects and all experiences!

padee6339

Posts: 521
Joined: Jun 2009

October 23, 2009 - 1:46pm

Hi Buddrfly -

Welcome! I had a needle biopsy the first time. I hate to say it, but while it was being done it hurt a little. The machine would make this funny noise and I'd wait for the burning feeling which only lasted a second or two. Then it would be fine until I'd hear that funny noise and boing - again. I had a friend drive me because I wasn't sure. I was fine afterwards, nothing but a little bandage and it was over. The second time I found a lump, the surgeon went in and took it out. The first was cancer, the second wasn't. So all i have on the one side is a little scar line. The right one had the lumpectomy, so she's a little warped. I will keep praying for you that it is nothing, but if it is - we are all here to be your cyber sisters and help you on your journey.
Hugs - Pat

ppurdin

Posts: 654
Joined: Jul 2009

October 19, 2009 - 5:17pm

Support

Hi,first of all I am sorry to hear that you found a lump.I pray it is ok and no cancer.I had the biopsy the same day as surgery.I would have someone with me for support.And it is ok to be scared,we all were and still am.You have came to the right web sight .These ladys are our friends.we will help with any questions,their is always someone who has been through it or going through the same things.keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.when is your appointment?Take care and god bless you.(Pat).

kathyrcady

Posts: 25
Joined: Sep 2009

October 19, 2009 - 8:37pm

biopsy

Dear buddrfly11, Im sorry you are going through this stressfull time. I recently had a needle biopsy and just wanted to tell you , I drove myself home afterwords. My radiologist had me apply ice on the sight for 20 min. every 2 hours 4 times. I dont like to tell people how it feels because everyone is different regarding pain. I will tell you, I only felt a little sting when they injected the lidocaine, and after that the worse part is hanging your arm over your head to keep it out of the way.It took about 5 min. for the biopsy, after they locate the area of concern with ultrasound. It took me 4 days to get the results back. Good luck to you, Kathy

DianeBC

Posts: 1151
Joined: Jun 2009

October 20, 2009 - 2:37pm

Welcome

Hi and Welcome! I pray that your lump will benign. I know this is very stressful for you, but, you have been given some good info from so many here. Post and let us know how you do.

Hugs, Diane ♥

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 21, 2009 - 12:11pm

Still no news from my doctor

Still no news from my doctor after my ultrasound on Monday. I feel like screaming at the top of my lungs "don't you know how scared I am?!?!?!?!?!?" Of course I know that would definitely not help the situation at all ;-) I keep praying for patience, but am realizing this is how it's taught.

Dawne.Hope

Posts: 233
Joined: Sep 2009

October 21, 2009 - 12:22pm

Call Him!

Buddrlfly,

Call his office! They should know by now ... they actually should have known something when they did the procedure. I don't think they have any idea what we go through while we're waiting. You have every right to know NOW!

Call his office!!

And keep us posted! :)

big hug,
dh

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 21, 2009 - 3:51pm

We actually know as much as

We actually know as much as we can from the ultrasound. Now I'm waiting for the report to make the loooooooooooong journey down the hall from radiology to my primary care physician so they can refer me to surgery. I did call and leave a message with the nurse. I am so thankful and blessed to have free healthcare through the military but find myself from time to time rolling my eyes and saying "humph, the stinkin' military."

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 21, 2009 - 4:21pm

Venting time

So I've been sitting by the phone like a 16 year old girl who's waiting to hear from the boy she likes. I went out about five minutes ago to check the mail and there's a letter . . . yes a good old letter delivered by the United States Postal Service telling me that my mammography displayed an abnormality and giving me the phone number of the oncologist nurse to call to set up an appointment. I feel like yelling "no shi!$ sherlock, an abnormality, really?!?!? Already knew this one . . . couldn't have given me the number when you were telling me this in your office?" So of course the office is closed and the waiting game continues . . .
Although I forgot to mention this humorous experience from my ultrasound/mammogram on Monday. I walked into the office and there was a huge banner (in honor of breast cancer awareness month) that read "Welcome to Mammoland" That tickled my funny bone the rest of the day. When I asked the tech about it she just rolled her eyes ;-)

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 22, 2009 - 5:23pm

I just got off my phone with

I just got off my phone with my doctor and I finally got someone to read the findings of my ultrasound/mammogram to me. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago and she has been AMAZING! It looks like from the ultrasound that we are looking at cancer. Of course, the chances that it could still be benign are relatively high, but still not looking that good. She's recommending an excisional biopsy and also lymph node biopsy. So . . . that's where we're at.

fauxma

Posts: 1697
Joined: Dec 2008

October 22, 2009 - 8:10pm

Well, that part of the wait

Well, that part of the wait is over. Wish it had been better news. But the biopsy and lymph node biopsy will tell the tale and then you will know more. If it is a cancer, you will know the stage, grade, ER PR and Her. And you can go from there. Try (and I know this is way easier said than done) not to worry too much. I always go into these things with the attitude that I won't borrow trouble. We are all here for you every step of the way. Chances are that whatever you will do someone has done before and can help ease the way.
Prayers that this turns out to be in that benign percentage.
Stef

Dawne.Hope

Posts: 233
Joined: Sep 2009

October 22, 2009 - 8:15pm

Not the news you wanted to hear

but it isn't a done deal yet. I'm agreeing with Steph that it turns out to be in the benign percentage. Know that you're in the worst part right now ... the waiting. Have they scheduled the procedure yet? Keep us posted!

always

Posts: 257
Joined: Oct 2009

October 22, 2009 - 10:07pm

welcome

Hi Buddrfly11

Like everyone I am sorry you find yourself needing this site. I wanted to say hi and let you know you have found an incredible support group here. The women on this site are amazing. The waits in every step of this process are rough. Keep positive thoughts and don't forget to just breath every now and then. I will be keeping you in my prayers and sending lots of patience vibes your way.

always (aka Becky)

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 23, 2009 - 1:33pm

I was telling my husband how

I was telling my husband how amazing everyone has been and how supportive and we decided it's like the best sorority in the world with the most amazing women as members -- but no one wants to join. Thank you all for your encouragement, love, prayers and support. My consultation with the surgeon is on Tuesday so I am ever so thankful for how quickly they were able to get me in (and as I so "beautifully" demonstrated earlier, patience is definitely not one of my virtues!). As of right now, they rated the lesion as Bi-rad level IV. Definitely clinging to the possibility that it is benign!

TraciInLA

Posts: 450
Joined: Jul 2009

October 23, 2009 - 3:56pm

Keep us posted, buddrfly

I'm very glad that you'll be seeing the surgeon so quickly -- in this journey, it always makes me feel better when I'm moving forward, even if with little baby steps and tripping over things along the way! :-)

Please keep us posted, and ask any questions you have -- many of us here have recently had excisional biopsies, lumpectomies and/or sentinel node biopsies, and are glad to share our experiences.

Traci

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

October 29, 2009 - 9:50am

Moving along nicely

Well, I had my consult with the surgeon on Tuesday. He suggested doing a needle biopsy w/ultrasound and regardless of the results, removing the mass. I am completely on board with him. My needle biopsy is Monday the 2nd. I spoke with the oncology/breast health nurse yesterday and she scheduled an appointment for me to go over the pathology results on the 10th (Veterans' Day and two training days which Base Medical will be closed for are putting everything about three days behind). She also told me that unless it is immediately life threatening, which they are suspecting by the size that it is not, I will not hear from them either way (in regards to the results) until my appointment on the tenth. She said they found that it relieved a lot of patients' anxiety not to be waiting around the phone with the thoughts of "well they haven't called yet, that must be good news . . . but what if they're waiting to see me face to face and that's why they haven't called 'cause it's bad news . . . etc." So all in all I am very happy with this tactic. On November 10th I will know!!!!! It's nice to have a firm date and it's only a little less than two weeks away!

buddrfly11

Posts: 17
Joined: Oct 2009

November 1, 2009 - 10:01pm

Needle Biopsy tomorrow

Hate getting my flu shot so I think I'm definitely going to ask for a sedative tomorrow ;-)

mimivac

Posts: 1843
Joined: Dec 2008

November 5, 2009 - 5:21pm

Hi Buddrfly

Oh my, I don't know how I missed this thread. You've been through a rollar coaster ride these past few weeks, haven't you? How did the needle biopsy go? I wanted to let you know of another site you could also post on that caters to women under 40: www.youngsurvival.org
I'm on there regularly. Good luck and let us know. We're pulling for you.

Mimi

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Found Lump