I'm SO confused!! Help!
Now, this past Mon I saw a dip(or dimple)in my left breast. This can't be happening! Got an appointment for Tues, onc sees what I tell him and when he feels around, he says it feels like you lost breast tissue (what??)and he can't explain why and he feels a nodule. (oh great!) We are sending you for a diagnostic mammo and any further test will be approved for when you go there.
Wed-I get the diag mammo and girl comes back in, everything is fine but we're going to have you come over here for an ultrasound. Ultrasound get done, girls says everything is fine. I crunched my eyebrows (husband's jaw is dropped to the floor now).....what?? Tech says 'you looked confused'....uhhh yeahhhh.....you are telling me that my breast dimples, the doc felt something and these 2 tests show nothing? she says yes, you need to follow up with your onc. So off we go. Relieved? Happy? Nervous? Sad? Was it a miracle? I don't know.
Got home, called onc RN and tell her the story. She says it's possible but doesn't sound right to her. The onc will probably want an MRI. She will check with him this afternoon and get back to me.
Has anyone ever been through something like this?? My breast is buckling (which never happened before) and doc feels nodule, but tests reveal nothing???? Look, I'm certainly not looking for cancer again but something just doesn't seem right here to me.
Has anyone had this experience before? Any thoughts? The ladies on this board always have such great words of wisdom, I'm hoping some of you can help me out with this!
Thanks!
Chris
Comments
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not me but a friend
She found a lump, doctor felt the lump, mammo showed nothing.
Go with your gut! You're doing the right thing in following up with your onc. Always better to be safe, even if the news isn't what you want to hear you know you've done everything and been proactive for early detection. You always have to "fight like a girl!"0 -
Hmmm....skipper54 said:not me but a friend
She found a lump, doctor felt the lump, mammo showed nothing.
Go with your gut! You're doing the right thing in following up with your onc. Always better to be safe, even if the news isn't what you want to hear you know you've done everything and been proactive for early detection. You always have to "fight like a girl!"
Chris, it does sound fishy to me too. Did you have a recent weight loss? With me, the first place I gain and lose weight was the chest. I say was... because this past Feb. I had a double mastectomy. My tumor was found by "chest dimpling" and "a slightly inverted nipple". Two test results with negative signs are encouraging... maybe it's just an "age" thing and sagging skin/tissue. Sounds like your MO is on top of it though and an MRI will be a good peace of mind.
Hang in there...
Hugs,
Lorrie0 -
sorry NO advice or
sorry NO advice or experience just sending good thoughts..
Denise0 -
Same Diagnosis
Yes. Had the same diagnosis with two mammos, two ultra sounds in a year. The radiologist said not to worry it was a blocked duct and so did my Doc. What I wanted to hear. I knew they were wrong so I insisted on a biopsy and it came back positive. What ever you decide I wish you the best.0 -
Perhaps...leabow said:Same Diagnosis
Yes. Had the same diagnosis with two mammos, two ultra sounds in a year. The radiologist said not to worry it was a blocked duct and so did my Doc. What I wanted to hear. I knew they were wrong so I insisted on a biopsy and it came back positive. What ever you decide I wish you the best.
You should demand a breast MRI....that would confirm the findings of the mammo and ultrasound...
Wishing you the best..
Hugs, Nancy0 -
Just sending good thoughtsMAJW said:Perhaps...
You should demand a breast MRI....that would confirm the findings of the mammo and ultrasound...
Wishing you the best..
Hugs, Nancy
Just sending good thoughts and hoping all works out okay.
Hugs,
Wanda0 -
Just got the call from the onc rn....Lighthouse_7 said:Just sending good thoughts
Just sending good thoughts and hoping all works out okay.
Hugs,
Wanda
Thanks for everyone's input here! I really appreciate it during my 'waiting' time. My head is spinning.
To answer some of the questions above....I have NOT lost weight (unfortunatley) and the dip/dimple/crease (whatever you want to call it) is on the upper side of left breast above nipple, an odd spot. And it's only evident when I lay down and raise arm over head. This is in my good breast. My previous cancer was on the right side where I had a lumpectomy. I am also BRCA positive but thought my chances of recurrence while taking Arimidex are minimized.
OK, so onc nurse calls and tells me that onc is 'fine with imaging'. Meaning he is ok with the mammo and ultrasound. And I don't need anything further. How could he say that if he felt something and saw my breast dip? The rn said HOWEVER.....the onc would order an MRI if I wanted one for my own piece of mind because of my history and that I'm BRCA positive. YOU BET! No brainer for me. So my appt is Monday 9/19 at 8PM. Of course, I asked her if she could get me in sooner....we'll see, but at laast I know I can go Mon.
Thanks for all your kind words and support.
Chris0 -
Prayingmckevnic said:Just got the call from the onc rn....
Thanks for everyone's input here! I really appreciate it during my 'waiting' time. My head is spinning.
To answer some of the questions above....I have NOT lost weight (unfortunatley) and the dip/dimple/crease (whatever you want to call it) is on the upper side of left breast above nipple, an odd spot. And it's only evident when I lay down and raise arm over head. This is in my good breast. My previous cancer was on the right side where I had a lumpectomy. I am also BRCA positive but thought my chances of recurrence while taking Arimidex are minimized.
OK, so onc nurse calls and tells me that onc is 'fine with imaging'. Meaning he is ok with the mammo and ultrasound. And I don't need anything further. How could he say that if he felt something and saw my breast dip? The rn said HOWEVER.....the onc would order an MRI if I wanted one for my own piece of mind because of my history and that I'm BRCA positive. YOU BET! No brainer for me. So my appt is Monday 9/19 at 8PM. Of course, I asked her if she could get me in sooner....we'll see, but at laast I know I can go Mon.
Thanks for all your kind words and support.
Chris
Praying that you get great results on Monday and can have some peace.
Years ago (20+) my dr found a lump, sent me for a mammo and nothing showed up. The radiologist looked at me like a was a hysterical female and I got really angry, grabbed his hand and said "well it's a good thing my dr found it and not me and here it is", putting his hand right on the lump. My dr removed it (in his office - aw the good old days) and it was just a cyst. All this to say that it is possible.
Best of luck and let us know the results.
marge0 -
Dimplingmckevnic said:Just got the call from the onc rn....
Thanks for everyone's input here! I really appreciate it during my 'waiting' time. My head is spinning.
To answer some of the questions above....I have NOT lost weight (unfortunatley) and the dip/dimple/crease (whatever you want to call it) is on the upper side of left breast above nipple, an odd spot. And it's only evident when I lay down and raise arm over head. This is in my good breast. My previous cancer was on the right side where I had a lumpectomy. I am also BRCA positive but thought my chances of recurrence while taking Arimidex are minimized.
OK, so onc nurse calls and tells me that onc is 'fine with imaging'. Meaning he is ok with the mammo and ultrasound. And I don't need anything further. How could he say that if he felt something and saw my breast dip? The rn said HOWEVER.....the onc would order an MRI if I wanted one for my own piece of mind because of my history and that I'm BRCA positive. YOU BET! No brainer for me. So my appt is Monday 9/19 at 8PM. Of course, I asked her if she could get me in sooner....we'll see, but at laast I know I can go Mon.
Thanks for all your kind words and support.
Chris
Hi Chris - nothing really showed for me on yearly mamos and scans but it was there on both sides. MRI is the best test I believe worth getting if you can. I also had dimpling on the more advanced side, the other was all in early stages. You are doing the right thing for sure, but lets hope it ends up being nothing to worry about.
All the best XXX0 -
I have a friend, that has
I have a friend, that has never had cancer, who had a lump that they could not see with a mammo. They saw nothing with the ultra sound so they did a biopsy. It was negative for cancer. Since you have had cancer, I am sure the MRI will be a good idea, however, it still could just be the way your breast tissue is.
I know the waiting is the worst part, I hope it is all for nothing.....
Cindy0 -
MRI
Hey now that you mention the BCRA positive I would not hesitate. You could be doing some early detection here and if not, no harm done.0 -
You are wise to get the MRI.
You are wise to get the MRI. Some cancers don't show on the mammo or ultrasound. Mine didn't and the tumor was 6cm and 3cm. My nipple was inverted and the breast wasn't fluid so we knew something was wrong. This is why we still need to do self exams. Good luck!0 -
Lump, BRCA indication -- MRI is the next step ..Marcia527 said:You are wise to get the MRI.
You are wise to get the MRI. Some cancers don't show on the mammo or ultrasound. Mine didn't and the tumor was 6cm and 3cm. My nipple was inverted and the breast wasn't fluid so we knew something was wrong. This is why we still need to do self exams. Good luck!
just my humble opinion. It's your body, your decision.
Strength, Courage and Hope for clarification.
Vicki Sam0 -
You are the one who has to be satisfied
My second cancer didn't show up on the mammo because it was the same density as the surrounding tissue. Fortunately it was near the surface and it was easy to feel. It did show up on ultrasound, however, so I didn't have your issue. But I think you should go back to the doctor and insist. 1) you have a history of breast cancer; 2) there has been a visible change in your breast; 3) everyone can feel the lump. Something is there, and you shouldn't have to worry about what it is. I agree with another poster that a biopsy is a good idea. That will settle it.0 -
I don't know which is worse!mollieb said:You are the one who has to be satisfied
My second cancer didn't show up on the mammo because it was the same density as the surrounding tissue. Fortunately it was near the surface and it was easy to feel. It did show up on ultrasound, however, so I didn't have your issue. But I think you should go back to the doctor and insist. 1) you have a history of breast cancer; 2) there has been a visible change in your breast; 3) everyone can feel the lump. Something is there, and you shouldn't have to worry about what it is. I agree with another poster that a biopsy is a good idea. That will settle it.
My oncologist nurse or the stupid insurance company! My MRI that was scheduled for tonight at 8 had to be cancelled because the insurance company hasn't pre-certified it yet (still reviewing whether it is necessary). I'll spare you all the details (that just added to my stress level today) but suffice it to say I am furious with both. Onc nurse left me a message then went home for the day-said ins co is still reviewing and they have until tomorrow nite to give answer, I called ins co and they say they are waiting 'for additional clinical information' from my oncologist,onc nurse! I really need to remain calm when I call onc nurse tomorrow.
So while I wait for the battle to resolve, neither of them seem to care what stress they are putting on me! Sooooo frustrating.
Chris0 -
That is so frustrating!mckevnic said:I don't know which is worse!
My oncologist nurse or the stupid insurance company! My MRI that was scheduled for tonight at 8 had to be cancelled because the insurance company hasn't pre-certified it yet (still reviewing whether it is necessary). I'll spare you all the details (that just added to my stress level today) but suffice it to say I am furious with both. Onc nurse left me a message then went home for the day-said ins co is still reviewing and they have until tomorrow nite to give answer, I called ins co and they say they are waiting 'for additional clinical information' from my oncologist,onc nurse! I really need to remain calm when I call onc nurse tomorrow.
So while I wait for the battle to resolve, neither of them seem to care what stress they are putting on me! Sooooo frustrating.
Chris
When I was first getting diagnosed I showed up for my MRI only to be told I could not have it since the insurance had not pre approved it. The front office lady was also so rude...ended up taking back my films and had it done at another location...the last thing we need is more stress.
Do persist with the MRI though...we all hope it is nothing but MRI in my case did show a tumor not visible on mammo; unfortunately turned out to be cancerous. It's always better to double check if anything seems wrong.
Hope you can get the insurance issue resolved soon - it still amazes me how they have the nerve to question tests that a doctor has ordered...I mean really where did they get their medical degrees?
Laura0 -
Finally!!dbhadra said:That is so frustrating!
When I was first getting diagnosed I showed up for my MRI only to be told I could not have it since the insurance had not pre approved it. The front office lady was also so rude...ended up taking back my films and had it done at another location...the last thing we need is more stress.
Do persist with the MRI though...we all hope it is nothing but MRI in my case did show a tumor not visible on mammo; unfortunately turned out to be cancerous. It's always better to double check if anything seems wrong.
Hope you can get the insurance issue resolved soon - it still amazes me how they have the nerve to question tests that a doctor has ordered...I mean really where did they get their medical degrees?
Laura
Insurance company approved the MRI! My appt is Monday,the 26th at 7pm. I hope they don't find anything but I am sooo nervous. I guess because I know what's in store if it's "c" again. Thanks for all your comments and support! it really helps at a time like this.
Chris0 -
Wishing you the best of luckmckevnic said:Finally!!
Insurance company approved the MRI! My appt is Monday,the 26th at 7pm. I hope they don't find anything but I am sooo nervous. I guess because I know what's in store if it's "c" again. Thanks for all your comments and support! it really helps at a time like this.
Chris
Wishing you the best of luck tomorrow Chris!
Praying,
Susie0 -
Best wishes for a goodmckevnic said:Finally!!
Insurance company approved the MRI! My appt is Monday,the 26th at 7pm. I hope they don't find anything but I am sooo nervous. I guess because I know what's in store if it's "c" again. Thanks for all your comments and support! it really helps at a time like this.
Chris
Best wishes for a good outcome on your MRI, Chris. xoxoxo Lynn0
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