Pap thyca in a lymph node in the breast?

ThycaAnne

I am 18 months out from TT/RAI. I had + nodes that were removed in TT. Last January, (at my 6 months testing) they found a + node that they called a mutation. They were hoping to get it with my tracer dose of RAI at the one year mark. It didn't respond, so I have a consultation with a surgeon along with my next batch of testing in 2 weeks. There are also about 6 more nodules that look "abnormal".

After having my yearly mammogram last month; I got a letter saying there was an "abnormality". (BTW, I hate these words: nodule, suspicious & abnormality!!) After discussing with my Endo at MDAnderson; I went to their undiagnosed breast cancer center for a repeat mammogram, ultrasound & core biopsy. I won't know the results until Tuesday; but they suspect it is thyroid cancer & not breast cancer.

Has anyone out there ever had this happen to them? If so, how was it treated?

Thanks,

Anne
Houston

sunnyaz

Hi Anne
It's so weird that you posted this subject now. I just had a diagnostic mammogram with ultrasound coming up to see what is going on with one of my breasts. I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid cancer in October 2009 had a Thyroidectomy then two neck dissections in 2010 with two RAI treatments. Recently my doctor found a lump during my regular breast exam and I went for the diagnostic mammogram. Something looked "suspicious" and they think it could be a lymph node, but they won't tell me definitively yet. Still waiting for the comparison study from another Radiologist after an entire week of wondering.

I don't know what they are planning to do if it is a papillary node, again they are hesitant to tell me anything at this point, the most frustrating part. I am no longer RAI avid, so I am guessing they will remove the node and I will probably have to have EBR if it is cancer. I have had FNA's done on my breasts in prior years due to a condition I have called Galactorrhea. (My breasts never got the memo when I quite breast feeding) Turns out that was an early sign of Thyroid disease. It was one of my first symptoms but I didn't know it until I started really researching my disease.

Please keep me posted on your diagnosis and prognosis.

Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ

ThycaAnne

sunnyaz said:

Hi Anne
It's so weird that you posted this subject now. I just had a diagnostic mammogram with ultrasound coming up to see what is going on with one of my breasts. I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid cancer in October 2009 had a Thyroidectomy then two neck dissections in 2010 with two RAI treatments. Recently my doctor found a lump during my regular breast exam and I went for the diagnostic mammogram. Something looked "suspicious" and they think it could be a lymph node, but they won't tell me definitively yet. Still waiting for the comparison study from another Radiologist after an entire week of wondering.

I don't know what they are planning to do if it is a papillary node, again they are hesitant to tell me anything at this point, the most frustrating part. I am no longer RAI avid, so I am guessing they will remove the node and I will probably have to have EBR if it is cancer. I have had FNA's done on my breasts in prior years due to a condition I have called Galactorrhea. (My breasts never got the memo when I quite breast feeding) Turns out that was an early sign of Thyroid disease. It was one of my first symptoms but I didn't know it until I started really researching my disease.

Please keep me posted on your diagnosis and prognosis.

Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ

Not Papthyca!!
Hi, Julie--

Thanks for replying. I just got the call from MDAnderson. It isn't PTC--it is ductal carcinoma in situ; Stage I. I have to see a surgeon; but the nurse said they usually do a lumpectomy. If there is no lymph node involvement; then we're done. (But are we ever really done with cancer?!) She said it is very early & very small (.5 cm). The mammogram shows no lymph node involvement--that's good news. I haven't starting researching this yet as I just got the call 30 minutes ago. I'll probably be in front of the computer all day!!
Let me hear from you about your diagnosis and prognosis, as well.

This sight has been very educational--I wish I had found it sooner. Let's keep in touch.

Anne

sunnyaz

ThycaAnne said:

Not Papthyca!!
Hi, Julie--

Thanks for replying. I just got the call from MDAnderson. It isn't PTC--it is ductal carcinoma in situ; Stage I. I have to see a surgeon; but the nurse said they usually do a lumpectomy. If there is no lymph node involvement; then we're done. (But are we ever really done with cancer?!) She said it is very early & very small (.5 cm). The mammogram shows no lymph node involvement--that's good news. I haven't starting researching this yet as I just got the call 30 minutes ago. I'll probably be in front of the computer all day!!
Let me hear from you about your diagnosis and prognosis, as well.

This sight has been very educational--I wish I had found it sooner. Let's keep in touch.

Anne

Not Papthyca
Hi Anne,

Glad you got the news but I am sorry to hear that it's still cancer. Good that they can do a lumpectomy and not a full mastectomy. Sounds like you caught it in time.

I spoke to the Mammographer today and she is still waiting for my old report from another Radiologist to do the comparison. The waiting is so frustrating.

My issue's are with milk ducts, so I am thinking if there is a tumor it's probably a duct as well. I will let you know when I find out. Good news is that I made it an entire year without a surgery. I really don't want bad news during the holidays however. Last Christmas I was recovering from my third surgery and didn't have a very jolly holiday.

Let's do keep in touch! So glad you are on the boards!

Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ

ThycaAnne

sunnyaz said:

Not Papthyca
Hi Anne,

Glad you got the news but I am sorry to hear that it's still cancer. Good that they can do a lumpectomy and not a full mastectomy. Sounds like you caught it in time.

I spoke to the Mammographer today and she is still waiting for my old report from another Radiologist to do the comparison. The waiting is so frustrating.

My issue's are with milk ducts, so I am thinking if there is a tumor it's probably a duct as well. I will let you know when I find out. Good news is that I made it an entire year without a surgery. I really don't want bad news during the holidays however. Last Christmas I was recovering from my third surgery and didn't have a very jolly holiday.

Let's do keep in touch! So glad you are on the boards!

Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ

Not Papthyca!!
Hi, Julie--

Wondering how you are & if you've heard anything yet? I'm waiting to hear from MDAnderson to see when they've scheduled me to see a breast surgeon. I do hate the waiting game.

Let me hear from you.

Anne

sunnyaz

ThycaAnne said:

Not Papthyca!!
Hi, Julie--

Wondering how you are & if you've heard anything yet? I'm waiting to hear from MDAnderson to see when they've scheduled me to see a breast surgeon. I do hate the waiting game.

Let me hear from you.

Anne

Still No News
I still haven't heard back from the Radiologist. This is getting really frustrating. I just know that they are delaying because they don't want to give me bad news even if it's conclusive. The Radiology Clinic that did my last Mammo and Sonogram still haven't sent them the comparison and I just feel that if they have looked at my recent Mammo they probably already know something. I know it's not a good idea for them to say anything until they compare but it's been over two weeks.

The worst part is I am getting ready to transfer to another office within my company (25 plus miles away) and I won't be close to that Radiology office anymore. Which means I will have to take more time off of work to get more images/views or do a sonogram.

Let me know when you hear from the Breast Surgeon and what he/she says. I really hope this is going to be minimally invasive surgery for you.

Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ

ThycaAnne

sunnyaz said:

Still No News
I still haven't heard back from the Radiologist. This is getting really frustrating. I just know that they are delaying because they don't want to give me bad news even if it's conclusive. The Radiology Clinic that did my last Mammo and Sonogram still haven't sent them the comparison and I just feel that if they have looked at my recent Mammo they probably already know something. I know it's not a good idea for them to say anything until they compare but it's been over two weeks.

The worst part is I am getting ready to transfer to another office within my company (25 plus miles away) and I won't be close to that Radiology office anymore. Which means I will have to take more time off of work to get more images/views or do a sonogram.

Let me know when you hear from the Breast Surgeon and what he/she says. I really hope this is going to be minimally invasive surgery for you.

Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ

Gotta wait till January
What an incredibly frustrating thing for you. I am so sorry. I guess none of these docs/radiologists, etc., understand the frustration of waiting..........

I heard from the scheduler yesterday who said there were no openings until January 2!! And this is just for the consult!! I tried to explain to her that I had a consult with a head & neck surgeon for recurrent Thyca on 12/21 & since they were going to have to coordinate my treatments/surger(ies); wouldn't it be a good idea to have them on the same day? I emailed my thyroid doc in hopes that she can pull some strings; we'll see.

I am hoping for minimally invasive, too. I talked to someone who had the same dx as mine yesterday. She said her lumpectomy was out-patient. She didn't get clean margins & had lymph node involvement--so she had 6 weeks of rads. I really hope I don't have to do that.

Keep me posted 7 I'll do the same.

Anne

ThycaAnne

ThycaAnne said:

Gotta wait till January
What an incredibly frustrating thing for you. I am so sorry. I guess none of these docs/radiologists, etc., understand the frustration of waiting..........

I heard from the scheduler yesterday who said there were no openings until January 2!! And this is just for the consult!! I tried to explain to her that I had a consult with a head & neck surgeon for recurrent Thyca on 12/21 & since they were going to have to coordinate my treatments/surger(ies); wouldn't it be a good idea to have them on the same day? I emailed my thyroid doc in hopes that she can pull some strings; we'll see.

I am hoping for minimally invasive, too. I talked to someone who had the same dx as mine yesterday. She said her lumpectomy was out-patient. She didn't get clean margins & had lymph node involvement--so she had 6 weeks of rads. I really hope I don't have to do that.

Keep me posted 7 I'll do the same.

Anne

There was a cancellation.....
So I get to see the head & neck surgeon on Wednesday 12/21 & the breast surgeon that same afternoon.........so relieved to get both consults on the same day!! That way they can make a plan & I'll know what treatments/surgeries will be & when.

And it continues.........

Anne

sunnyaz

ThycaAnne said:

There was a cancellation.....
So I get to see the head & neck surgeon on Wednesday 12/21 & the breast surgeon that same afternoon.........so relieved to get both consults on the same day!! That way they can make a plan & I'll know what treatments/surgeries will be & when.

And it continues.........

Anne

Awesome News.......
That is great. I bet you are relieved. Let me know how it goes. I am still waiting for some kind of word.
Julie-SunnyAZ

sunnyaz

ThycaAnne said:

There was a cancellation.....
So I get to see the head & neck surgeon on Wednesday 12/21 & the breast surgeon that same afternoon.........so relieved to get both consults on the same day!! That way they can make a plan & I'll know what treatments/surgeries will be & when.

And it continues.........

Anne

Got a call
I got a call from my doctor's office today. The only thing they could tell me is that there is a "mass" in my right breast. I will need further mammo views and an ultrasound. So, I know how this works...... more views, ultrasound, then ultrasound guided fine need biopsy. Merry Christmas to me. Well, at least I got through this year without a surgery.

Quoting "And it continues........."

sunnyaz

ThycaAnne said:

There was a cancellation.....
So I get to see the head & neck surgeon on Wednesday 12/21 & the breast surgeon that same afternoon.........so relieved to get both consults on the same day!! That way they can make a plan & I'll know what treatments/surgeries will be & when.

And it continues.........

Anne

Got Sick of Waiting
I got the ball rolling today. I called my Oncologist and he recommended a Breast Oncologist/Surgeon at the Cancer Center where I go for my Thyroid treatment. I have an appointment to see one of the top breast surgeons in the country on January 5th. Good possibility I will get an Ultrasound guided Fine Needle Biopsy at that time. They said they would call if there is a cancellation for an earlier date. Meanwhile they are gathering my prior mammo's, FNA's and reports for me. My Primary Care Physician's MA was trying to tell me that I needed to get all of the reports and CD's myself for the Radiologist to compare them. They have had three weeks to get this stuff and they haven't done it! I basically told her that I wasn't going to do HER job for her. I called her back and told her who to send the referral to and even the fax number to expedite the process. I can't believe what incompetent boobs some people can be. No pun intended on the "boob" reference.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Julie-Not So SunnyAZ

ThycaAnne

sunnyaz said:

Got Sick of Waiting
I got the ball rolling today. I called my Oncologist and he recommended a Breast Oncologist/Surgeon at the Cancer Center where I go for my Thyroid treatment. I have an appointment to see one of the top breast surgeons in the country on January 5th. Good possibility I will get an Ultrasound guided Fine Needle Biopsy at that time. They said they would call if there is a cancellation for an earlier date. Meanwhile they are gathering my prior mammo's, FNA's and reports for me. My Primary Care Physician's MA was trying to tell me that I needed to get all of the reports and CD's myself for the Radiologist to compare them. They have had three weeks to get this stuff and they haven't done it! I basically told her that I wasn't going to do HER job for her. I called her back and told her who to send the referral to and even the fax number to expedite the process. I can't believe what incompetent boobs some people can be. No pun intended on the "boob" reference.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Julie-Not So SunnyAZ

Way to go Sunny AZ!!
Good for you for standing up for yourself!! Love the "boob" reference--first time I've laughed about a boob reference in a couple of weeks!! Maybe there'll be a cancellation like there was for me & you can get in earlier.

I start my thyroid testing tomorrow; doc appointments Tuesday & Wednesday. My last appointment is with the breast surgeon--I have heard great things about her--so that's good. Hopefully by Wednesday evening, I'll have a plan of action. One of the nurses that works in the breast center at MDA said she was just amazingly good.

So I will catch up with you here on Wednesday night--you hang in there. Keep on venting, girl!! I think that's what this board is about, right?

Anne

sunnyaz

ThycaAnne said:

Way to go Sunny AZ!!
Good for you for standing up for yourself!! Love the "boob" reference--first time I've laughed about a boob reference in a couple of weeks!! Maybe there'll be a cancellation like there was for me & you can get in earlier.

I start my thyroid testing tomorrow; doc appointments Tuesday & Wednesday. My last appointment is with the breast surgeon--I have heard great things about her--so that's good. Hopefully by Wednesday evening, I'll have a plan of action. One of the nurses that works in the breast center at MDA said she was just amazingly good.

So I will catch up with you here on Wednesday night--you hang in there. Keep on venting, girl!! I think that's what this board is about, right?

Anne

Had more imaging
Found out yesterday that there are two masses. One is in the chest wall/pectoral muscle. This is very scary. I am going for a core biopsy (12 gauge needle!) on Wednesday. From what I have read on the internet it doesn't look good. Very stressed out right now. Feeling very down and defeated. I have the nagging feeling that there are other cancers somewhere in my body as well. I am going to ask for a PET scan when I see the surgeon. I will have to postpone that appointment to give time for the biopsies to be done and sent to her. Can't eat, can't sleep. My stomach is in knots.

alapah

sunnyaz said:

Had more imaging
Found out yesterday that there are two masses. One is in the chest wall/pectoral muscle. This is very scary. I am going for a core biopsy (12 gauge needle!) on Wednesday. From what I have read on the internet it doesn't look good. Very stressed out right now. Feeling very down and defeated. I have the nagging feeling that there are other cancers somewhere in my body as well. I am going to ask for a PET scan when I see the surgeon. I will have to postpone that appointment to give time for the biopsies to be done and sent to her. Can't eat, can't sleep. My stomach is in knots.

thinking of you
Sorry you're dealing with all of this. Don't imagine there is much one could say here to make you feel any better but I wanted to let you know that I and many others will be thinking good thoughts for you as you near that biopsy and scan.
I have advanced thyca so have been through many a scan/test/surgery/biopsy and know all too well the ups and downs and where you are right now. That old cliche of one step at at time does ring true. We're here for you.
eileen

amorriso

sunnyaz said:

Had more imaging
Found out yesterday that there are two masses. One is in the chest wall/pectoral muscle. This is very scary. I am going for a core biopsy (12 gauge needle!) on Wednesday. From what I have read on the internet it doesn't look good. Very stressed out right now. Feeling very down and defeated. I have the nagging feeling that there are other cancers somewhere in my body as well. I am going to ask for a PET scan when I see the surgeon. I will have to postpone that appointment to give time for the biopsies to be done and sent to her. Can't eat, can't sleep. My stomach is in knots.

thinking of you
I will be thinking of you and sending prayers your way....

Take care

sunnyaz

amorriso said:

thinking of you
I will be thinking of you and sending prayers your way....

Take care

Thank you
It's so good to know there are people who understand. I really appreciate you both and this site.
Julie

ThycaAnne

sunnyaz said:

Thank you
It's so good to know there are people who understand. I really appreciate you both and this site.
Julie

Masses
Hi, Julie--

I have had very limited computer access since the 23rd, so I'm just now catching up.

So sorry to read your latest news. Will you have results soon after the core biopsies or will you have to wait? We will all be praying for you here........I think we can all relate to the "can't eat, can't sleep" feeling...

My lumpectomy is scheduled for the 20th. The breast surgeon says I am a good candidate for partial breast rads; but they won't know until after the final pathology report. I have a consult with a doc that does that particular kind of radiation on Tuesday.

Please keep talking to us--it helps that we're all together in this battle.

Anne
Houston

sunnyaz

ThycaAnne said:

Masses
Hi, Julie--

I have had very limited computer access since the 23rd, so I'm just now catching up.

So sorry to read your latest news. Will you have results soon after the core biopsies or will you have to wait? We will all be praying for you here........I think we can all relate to the "can't eat, can't sleep" feeling...

My lumpectomy is scheduled for the 20th. The breast surgeon says I am a good candidate for partial breast rads; but they won't know until after the final pathology report. I have a consult with a doc that does that particular kind of radiation on Tuesday.

Please keep talking to us--it helps that we're all together in this battle.

Anne
Houston

Thanks Anne
Your words are comforting. I keep reading the BC boards and I become more confused about all the different types of BC cancer. I am on information overload. Reading their stories is so sad. I can't believe how complicated BC can be. Maybe it's time to just stop, pray/meditate and take some time to just reflect on the good things in my life. I think I will take a little hike alone tomorrow up the foothill at the San Javier Mission to pray and look over the mountains. Maybe visit the chapel do some crying to relieve stress.

Hang in there too! I am thinking about you, praying for you and hoping the best outcome for you too. Stay in touch and I will let you know as soon as the biopsy report is out.

Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ

sunnyaz

sunnyaz said:

Thanks Anne
Your words are comforting. I keep reading the BC boards and I become more confused about all the different types of BC cancer. I am on information overload. Reading their stories is so sad. I can't believe how complicated BC can be. Maybe it's time to just stop, pray/meditate and take some time to just reflect on the good things in my life. I think I will take a little hike alone tomorrow up the foothill at the San Javier Mission to pray and look over the mountains. Maybe visit the chapel do some crying to relieve stress.

Hang in there too! I am thinking about you, praying for you and hoping the best outcome for you too. Stay in touch and I will let you know as soon as the biopsy report is out.

Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ

They are Benign!
So happy to report that they are both benign! Doing the happy dance right now.
Blessings,
Julie

alapah

sunnyaz said:

They are Benign!
So happy to report that they are both benign! Doing the happy dance right now.
Blessings,
Julie

FANTASTIC!
I am so glad to hear that news and I hope that the good news just keeps on coming in 2012.
eileen

sunnyaz

alapah said:

FANTASTIC!
I am so glad to hear that news and I hope that the good news just keeps on coming in 2012.
eileen

Thanks Eileen! I hope so
Thanks Eileen! I hope so too for everyone on the cancer boards. Hoping and praying for a cure this year. I am taking some proactive steps in my own health and will share what I am learning as I go.
Blessings,
Julie