Opinion Needed - Breast Cyst Follow Up

islandgirlculebra

This isn't anal cancer related, but I have alot of respect for the intelligence of so many people on this board and need some advice. I recently had a breast cyst drained and went for the follow-up visit with the surgeon today. It was biopsied and is not cancer but he wants me to have an ultrasound in three months and of course then a follow-up visit with him.  When I asked him why, he said he wants to make sure it doesn't fill back up again, and if it does it will need to come out. I must admit I am angry right now because I feel like this is unnecessary. From what I've read, breast cysts can be left alone because they almost never become cancerous. I really want to cancel the appointment for the ultrasound in three months and also the follow-up visit with him, since I feel like I'm just on a treadmill here bleeding my insurance and this follow-up stuff is unnecessary.  This actually happened to me back in 2008, with the surgeon wanting me to come back in three months, and I cancelled the appointment. The difference here is THIS surgeon is the one who diagnosed my anal cancer and I have to go back to him for exams, etc., probably for many years to come, so I hestiate to "piss him off". So I can either grit my teeth and go along with this b.s. or make a stand and cancel the appointments.... Any advice would be appreciated.

Marynb

Islandgirl
Not sure what to tell you. I have had breast cysts and nodules the past year which required 2 mammograms, ultrasound, follow up. I am not sure how often you see the surgeon, but I would ask that you have both checked on the same appointment, if possible? I think it is good that they follow you closely. Not sure what you mean about your insurance concerns. You must have met your deductible by now?

islandgirlculebra

Marynb said:

Islandgirl
Not sure what to tell you. I have had breast cysts and nodules the past year which required 2 mammograms, ultrasound, follow up. I am not sure how often you see the surgeon, but I would ask that you have both checked on the same appointment, if possible? I think it is good that they follow you closely. Not sure what you mean about your insurance concerns. You must have met your deductible by now?

I am extremely lucky with my

I am extremely lucky with my health insurance; I don't have a deductible, I just pay co-pays for Dr. visits and other tests. I'm retired from the State so this Obamacare nightmare has not affected me YET......Not sure what the future holds...... I just get irritated when I see no reason for follow ups and feel like I'm just on a treadmill for Dr.s to keep making money off my insurance. But I AM grateful to this surgeon.... He figured out I had anal cancer when everyone else was thinking it was cervical or vaginal, so I hesitate to cause friction with him since he's going to be a part of my life for a long time........(geesh this is sort of like having another husband isn't it)..... I just saw him about a month ago and he did "combine" the breast exam with an anal exam so that was nice of him..... I won't be seeing him for six months for an anal exam so this breast follow up nonsense will be a separate appointment. I know in the big picture this is not a big deal, especially in light of what YOU go through with your health and insurance issues, but I'm just irritated and venting!!!!

eihtak

islandgirlculebra.....

Tough situation.....you have a surgeon that found your AC so probably have developed some level of trust for his opinion, my personal feeling is to follow through with his advice.  I have had cysts, dense breasts, etc. all my life with never an issue or concern, never had one drained or removed. On my one year follow-up PET scan for anal cancer I was diagnosed with Stage2b breast cancer and treatment involved a mastectomy among other things. I always say, what I have gained through my journey with cancer is far greater than what I have lost, but.....that being said, I have lost my breasts.  I wouldn't take the chance.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that all is well.

islandgirlculebra

eihtak said:

islandgirlculebra.....

Tough situation.....you have a surgeon that found your AC so probably have developed some level of trust for his opinion, my personal feeling is to follow through with his advice.  I have had cysts, dense breasts, etc. all my life with never an issue or concern, never had one drained or removed. On my one year follow-up PET scan for anal cancer I was diagnosed with Stage2b breast cancer and treatment involved a mastectomy among other things. I always say, what I have gained through my journey with cancer is far greater than what I have lost, but.....that being said, I have lost my breasts.  I wouldn't take the chance.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that all is well.

Thank you Eihtak

Thahk you, Eihtak, that is what I probably needed and why I came on here today..... Someone to have me look at the "big picture" and stop throwing a snit.......... I too have had dense, fibrocystic breasts all my life; I tend to think it's not a big deal, but hearing about your situation sheds a different light on how I should look at this...Thanks so much and I wish you all the best.

Marynb

eihtak said:

islandgirlculebra.....

Tough situation.....you have a surgeon that found your AC so probably have developed some level of trust for his opinion, my personal feeling is to follow through with his advice.  I have had cysts, dense breasts, etc. all my life with never an issue or concern, never had one drained or removed. On my one year follow-up PET scan for anal cancer I was diagnosed with Stage2b breast cancer and treatment involved a mastectomy among other things. I always say, what I have gained through my journey with cancer is far greater than what I have lost, but.....that being said, I have lost my breasts.  I wouldn't take the chance.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that all is well.

Breast custs, etc.
Eihtak, I am just wondering why they never followed up and drained the cysts, etc. Most doctors watch breast abnormalities very closely, as they could be, and often are, precurrsors to breast cancer. Seems you are a good example of that?

eihtak

Marynb said:

Breast custs, etc.
Eihtak, I am just wondering why they never followed up and drained the cysts, etc. Most doctors watch breast abnormalities very closely, as they could be, and often are, precurrsors to breast cancer. Seems you are a good example of that?

Marynb....

I take much of the blame myself. I went for many years with no health ins. and maintained the attitude that it couldn't happen to me. Life was happening and I never considered the consequences of not following up. My breast cancer was rare and although there may have been some question, typically does not show up on a mammogram. (secretory carcinoma) It was slow growing and estimated I had for 10 plus years before diagnosis.

The biggest difference is the respected doctor/clinic I started seeing in the couple years before anal cancer diagnosis.......I credit much of my current health to my PCP who leaves no loose ends!

I had started working for Starbucks Coffee Co. and when I obtained WONDERFUL benefits and went for a health assesment per ins. premiums discount I just stumbled on to her because she had a cancellation.

Thank God I learned my lesson and I hope I have been able to teach my children (and others) the importance of the need to follow up on certain things!

Marynb

eihtak said:

Marynb....

I take much of the blame myself. I went for many years with no health ins. and maintained the attitude that it couldn't happen to me. Life was happening and I never considered the consequences of not following up. My breast cancer was rare and although there may have been some question, typically does not show up on a mammogram. (secretory carcinoma) It was slow growing and estimated I had for 10 plus years before diagnosis.

The biggest difference is the respected doctor/clinic I started seeing in the couple years before anal cancer diagnosis.......I credit much of my current health to my PCP who leaves no loose ends!

I had started working for Starbucks Coffee Co. and when I obtained WONDERFUL benefits and went for a health assesment per ins. premiums discount I just stumbled on to her because she had a cancellation.

Thank God I learned my lesson and I hope I have been able to teach my children (and others) the importance of the need to follow up on certain things!

Eihtak
Thank goodness you got the insurance. I do think breast irregularities should be closely followed. Ultrasounds are harmless, as far as I know.

mp327

Marynb said:

Eihtak
Thank goodness you got the insurance. I do think breast irregularities should be closely followed. Ultrasounds are harmless, as far as I know.

Breast Cysts

My attitude is better to be safe than sorry.  I would go ahead with the ordered follow-up.

mp327

Witch Doctor

You have got to be kidding.  Please leave us alone.