New to Breast Cancer but not Cancer
I am a survivor of Thyroid cancer (on that discussion board for some time) with Lymph node metastasis and just recently found out that I have two masses in my right breast which is the same side my other cancers were removed. One is in the pectoral muscle behind the breast. I am very worried about this and wondered if anyone here has had this type of mass. Going for a core biopsy on Wednesday. Has anyone had a core biopsy with a twelve gauge needle? It's a very large needle and all they are giving me is Lidocaine. I have Vicodin left over from a prior surgery so I plan to take one of those before the biopsy, they said it would be okay. I live on Ibuprofen and I am not able to take it due to the risk of bleeding. I am just very freaked out about the possibility of this being a very invasive cancer from what I have read on line. Any thoughts, experiences or comments are appreciated.
Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ
Comments
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Dear Julie,So sorry to hear
Dear Julie,
So sorry to hear this news! You're not a newby to this site but I wanted to say that, when I first got word of the mass I had, I went crazy online looking for info and Answers. And what I found was mostly bad news. Then I learned later after my surgery and pathology report that none of what I'd read actually applied to me. So try not to make it harder on yourself (it's hard enough already!!!) by reading things that worry or frighten you. Your situation is unique and you will get the right info from your own doctor. Meanwhile stay Positive and Think Good Thoughts - - - so you can have a good day and good New Year's!
Sending warm hugs,
LD0 -
Thanks LDFindingout said:Dear Julie,So sorry to hear
Dear Julie,
So sorry to hear this news! You're not a newby to this site but I wanted to say that, when I first got word of the mass I had, I went crazy online looking for info and Answers. And what I found was mostly bad news. Then I learned later after my surgery and pathology report that none of what I'd read actually applied to me. So try not to make it harder on yourself (it's hard enough already!!!) by reading things that worry or frighten you. Your situation is unique and you will get the right info from your own doctor. Meanwhile stay Positive and Think Good Thoughts - - - so you can have a good day and good New Year's!
Sending warm hugs,
LD
I know that the internet isn't always the most reliable source but one can't help but look up information. There are so many types of Breast Cancer. This is all new to me because I have been so well versed in Thyroid Cancer. Now I have a new learning curve. Having family over today so that should keep my mind off of things. I won't be telling any of them until I have confirmation of exactly what this is. I really appreciate your reply.
Julie-SunnyAZ0 -
Hang in there Julie. Justsunnyaz said:Thanks LD
I know that the internet isn't always the most reliable source but one can't help but look up information. There are so many types of Breast Cancer. This is all new to me because I have been so well versed in Thyroid Cancer. Now I have a new learning curve. Having family over today so that should keep my mind off of things. I won't be telling any of them until I have confirmation of exactly what this is. I really appreciate your reply.
Julie-SunnyAZ
Hang in there Julie. Just keep taking it one day at a time and dealing with each new issue as it arises. I to am a recent member of the breast cancer support boards but not to the cancer boards. I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005 and having been fighting it ever since. In Aug of 2011 I had a double mastectomy for two types of breast cancer. I try not to get overwhelmed by the whole picture and instead just deal with things on an isolated basis. Stay positive, keep a smile on your face and in your heart and keep one foot in front of the other....prayers for you. Jayne0 -
I hope the news will be good afte your biopsyserenity92 said:Hang in there Julie. Just
Hang in there Julie. Just keep taking it one day at a time and dealing with each new issue as it arises. I to am a recent member of the breast cancer support boards but not to the cancer boards. I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005 and having been fighting it ever since. In Aug of 2011 I had a double mastectomy for two types of breast cancer. I try not to get overwhelmed by the whole picture and instead just deal with things on an isolated basis. Stay positive, keep a smile on your face and in your heart and keep one foot in front of the other....prayers for you. Jayne
I hope the news will be good after your biopsy.I had 2 scares in the 2 months my tumor was found.Cancer tumor was found, then during my prep to remove that another tumor was found.So both taken out the same time.That was a plus and the second tumor was benign. 3 weeks later was to have a margin surgery.The doctor wanted make sure all margins were clear.I found a tumor 2 days before that.I waited to show my doctor during that prep. He said wait and see
when I get in there.That tumor was benign.It can be a roller coaster but many times things work out fine. This year was my 2 year being a survivor.My check up found another tumor.It was biopsied and benign.Leaving it alone for now.
I've had the needle core biopsies several times.I was apprehensive but no problem.they numb you and you don't feel a thing but hear slight noise when they take the biopsy.They will tell you when that will be happening.The last biopsy 4 samples were taken and 4 times I was told when I would here a noise.Also a titanum chip was put in the area so when they decide to remove the tumor they know the location.
Wishing you the best.I would be worried to but my worries have been many and so far so good except for this small malignant tumor.I've been like you many times.Scared and uncertain.
Lynn Smith0 -
Good Luck and You'll do Well.
Hi Julie -- First, I am sorry you are dealing with something new. It's never easier, even if dx before.
I haven't had this type of mass or had the type of biopsy you're referring to, but I want to wish you good luck with everything. I hope your results come back OK. We'll be there with you - you're not alone. You'll also be in my prayers. Please keep us posted, if possible.0 -
Thanks Lynn and JayneLynn Smith said:I hope the news will be good afte your biopsy
I hope the news will be good after your biopsy.I had 2 scares in the 2 months my tumor was found.Cancer tumor was found, then during my prep to remove that another tumor was found.So both taken out the same time.That was a plus and the second tumor was benign. 3 weeks later was to have a margin surgery.The doctor wanted make sure all margins were clear.I found a tumor 2 days before that.I waited to show my doctor during that prep. He said wait and see
when I get in there.That tumor was benign.It can be a roller coaster but many times things work out fine. This year was my 2 year being a survivor.My check up found another tumor.It was biopsied and benign.Leaving it alone for now.
I've had the needle core biopsies several times.I was apprehensive but no problem.they numb you and you don't feel a thing but hear slight noise when they take the biopsy.They will tell you when that will be happening.The last biopsy 4 samples were taken and 4 times I was told when I would here a noise.Also a titanum chip was put in the area so when they decide to remove the tumor they know the location.
Wishing you the best.I would be worried to but my worries have been many and so far so good except for this small malignant tumor.I've been like you many times.Scared and uncertain.
Lynn Smith
Jayne,you are right, I need to take this one step at a time. Lynn, thanks for the info on the core biopsy, this had my stomach in knots. I have had many Fine Needle Biopsies but not a Core biopsy with such a big needle. My sister has titanium chips in her breast as well. She is about eight years older than me and has had several lumpectomies. All have been negative but she is at high risk and is watched very carefully.
I worry too much mainly because I have been through so much in the last two years with my Thyroid cancer. (You think I would be used to it by now) Three surgeries and two Radioactive Iodine Treatments (seven days of isolation while I was glowing:-) To think about going through more surgery and possibly Chemotherapy is a bit overwhelming. I made it a whole year without a surgery. That is something to be grateful for. I just have to learn how to turn off my brain. I just think too much and it doesn't help that I work in the medical field and see so much of this every day. You never think it's going to happen to you.
With much appreciation,
Julie-SunnyAZ0 -
Thanks LoveBabyJesusLoveBabyJesus said:Good Luck and You'll do Well.
Hi Julie -- First, I am sorry you are dealing with something new. It's never easier, even if dx before.
I haven't had this type of mass or had the type of biopsy you're referring to, but I want to wish you good luck with everything. I hope your results come back OK. We'll be there with you - you're not alone. You'll also be in my prayers. Please keep us posted, if possible.
Your prayers are much appreciated. I will keep posting updates. The CSN site has been such a wonderful outlet for me with my other cancer. It feels good to get support and give support back. I never thought I would be posting on the BC page.
God Bless You,
Julie0 -
I have had every biopsy ofsunnyaz said:Thanks LoveBabyJesus
Your prayers are much appreciated. I will keep posting updates. The CSN site has been such a wonderful outlet for me with my other cancer. It feels good to get support and give support back. I never thought I would be posting on the BC page.
God Bless You,
Julie
I have had every biopsy of the breast and the core isnt bad. As far as the internet goes in the words of King Arthur "run away run away!" it causes so much angst and there is no one to tell you what it means. You look up headache on web md and it tells you all about brain tumors. My SIL had thryoid that mets to her shoulder, do you think one of the tumors could be that (the one one on the pectoral muscle) not saying this as bad as her prognosis was good and she had that 16 years ago. This will get sorted out, the most important thing is to have good doctors that you trust and have a good interaction with. This is the most important info! (and if you havent seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail I apologize because you wont know what I am talking about but seriously STAY off the internet except here) Hugs this is a tough time when you are in limbo once you have an idea of what is going on , you get an action plan..0 -
Biopsycarkris said:I have had every biopsy of
I have had every biopsy of the breast and the core isnt bad. As far as the internet goes in the words of King Arthur "run away run away!" it causes so much angst and there is no one to tell you what it means. You look up headache on web md and it tells you all about brain tumors. My SIL had thryoid that mets to her shoulder, do you think one of the tumors could be that (the one one on the pectoral muscle) not saying this as bad as her prognosis was good and she had that 16 years ago. This will get sorted out, the most important thing is to have good doctors that you trust and have a good interaction with. This is the most important info! (and if you havent seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail I apologize because you wont know what I am talking about but seriously STAY off the internet except here) Hugs this is a tough time when you are in limbo once you have an idea of what is going on , you get an action plan..
I had the needle core biopsy. I was scared to death. For me as it turns out. I was scared for nothing. It was some pressure and that was about it. It was in and out very fast. We all are different with some of the test we have so its hard to tell. Nothing really that happens to us is not doable.Good luck, Hugs0 -
Core Biopsy
Hi again, Julie--
I had the core biopsy on December 1--I had never had one before, only FNA. Really, not a big deal. They numb you & tell you when they are going to take the sample. You hear the click--maybe a little pressure. But that's it. When the lidocaine wore off, I took tylenol just as a precaution. I know it's scary--I thought I was just there for the ultrasound!! Good thing they didn't take my BP at that time--I'm sure it was thru the roof!! Just go to your "happy place" when they take the samples--for me, it was Pilates breathing that helped.
Talk soon.
Anne0 -
What a reliefThycaAnne said:Core Biopsy
Hi again, Julie--
I had the core biopsy on December 1--I had never had one before, only FNA. Really, not a big deal. They numb you & tell you when they are going to take the sample. You hear the click--maybe a little pressure. But that's it. When the lidocaine wore off, I took tylenol just as a precaution. I know it's scary--I thought I was just there for the ultrasound!! Good thing they didn't take my BP at that time--I'm sure it was thru the roof!! Just go to your "happy place" when they take the samples--for me, it was Pilates breathing that helped.
Talk soon.
Anne
Thanks everyone for the reassurance. I won't be so nervous going in for the core biopsies now. I am also going to stop searching the internet until I know exactly what type this is. There is too much information out there for my brain to process.
Thanks again,
Julie0 -
Internetsunnyaz said:What a relief
Thanks everyone for the reassurance. I won't be so nervous going in for the core biopsies now. I am also going to stop searching the internet until I know exactly what type this is. There is too much information out there for my brain to process.
Thanks again,
Julie
My med onc does not discourage internet searches. I guess she feels we're going to do it anyway. She'll tell me something and say go home and look it up. What she cautions, tho, is to go only to reputable sites - sites that end in .org, .edu, or .gov. The cancer center where I get my treatment even provides a list. This site is on the list.
You really don't know what to look up until you know your pathology. I never knew there were so many types of breast cancer! The things we learn.. .
Good luck with your biopsy. Remember 80% of breast lumps are benign (really?). I had a core needle biopsy and didn't feel a thing. I think my tumor was rather deep, too.
Let us know your results.
Suzanne0 -
I had the core needle biopsycarkris said:I have had every biopsy of
I have had every biopsy of the breast and the core isnt bad. As far as the internet goes in the words of King Arthur "run away run away!" it causes so much angst and there is no one to tell you what it means. You look up headache on web md and it tells you all about brain tumors. My SIL had thryoid that mets to her shoulder, do you think one of the tumors could be that (the one one on the pectoral muscle) not saying this as bad as her prognosis was good and she had that 16 years ago. This will get sorted out, the most important thing is to have good doctors that you trust and have a good interaction with. This is the most important info! (and if you havent seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail I apologize because you wont know what I am talking about but seriously STAY off the internet except here) Hugs this is a tough time when you are in limbo once you have an idea of what is going on , you get an action plan..
I had the core needle biopsy and they numbed me first so all I felt was just a little sting from the numbing shot. Good luck!0 -
internet searches
I stayed to the research on this site and that of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer site so that I did not have every Tom, ****, and Harry trying to sell me snake oil. I then started to go to university sites that work with breast cancer research as well. In this way I get the best information. You'll do ok with the biopsy.0 -
I am sorry Julie that youLoveBabyJesus said:Good Luck and You'll do Well.
Hi Julie -- First, I am sorry you are dealing with something new. It's never easier, even if dx before.
I haven't had this type of mass or had the type of biopsy you're referring to, but I want to wish you good luck with everything. I hope your results come back OK. We'll be there with you - you're not alone. You'll also be in my prayers. Please keep us posted, if possible.
I am sorry Julie that you are back in the trenches again fighting cancer. I do want you to know that I will be praying for you and that I'm here for you, as are all of the other pink sisters.
Good luck and update us as to what you find out.
Sue
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They are Benign!Double Whammy said:Internet
My med onc does not discourage internet searches. I guess she feels we're going to do it anyway. She'll tell me something and say go home and look it up. What she cautions, tho, is to go only to reputable sites - sites that end in .org, .edu, or .gov. The cancer center where I get my treatment even provides a list. This site is on the list.
You really don't know what to look up until you know your pathology. I never knew there were so many types of breast cancer! The things we learn.. .
Good luck with your biopsy. Remember 80% of breast lumps are benign (really?). I had a core needle biopsy and didn't feel a thing. I think my tumor was rather deep, too.
Let us know your results.
Suzanne
I am very happy to report that they both came back benign. I will be watched every six months to make sure that they haven't grown or changed, but as of right now they are non-cancerous. I plan to stay in touch with all of you and keep up on posts. Thanks so much for your knowledge, support and love. I want you all to know that I am a proud supporter of ACS by contributing my time and money toward the Relay For Life in my little town. I am Team Development Chair and I am a Team Captain. Together our little town raises over $50,0000 every year to help the American Cancer Society create more birthdays. I do this for my family members suffering from cancer, for those that I have lost to cancer and for all of you. I hope and pray that someday there will be a cure for us all. So, count me as one of your stops on the Pink Bus, I will always be there rallying for you!
Love and Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ0 -
Congrats Julie! Very happysunnyaz said:They are Benign!
I am very happy to report that they both came back benign. I will be watched every six months to make sure that they haven't grown or changed, but as of right now they are non-cancerous. I plan to stay in touch with all of you and keep up on posts. Thanks so much for your knowledge, support and love. I want you all to know that I am a proud supporter of ACS by contributing my time and money toward the Relay For Life in my little town. I am Team Development Chair and I am a Team Captain. Together our little town raises over $50,0000 every year to help the American Cancer Society create more birthdays. I do this for my family members suffering from cancer, for those that I have lost to cancer and for all of you. I hope and pray that someday there will be a cure for us all. So, count me as one of your stops on the Pink Bus, I will always be there rallying for you!
Love and Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ
Congrats Julie! Very happy for you!
Love, Leeza0 -
So happy....sunnyaz said:They are Benign!
I am very happy to report that they both came back benign. I will be watched every six months to make sure that they haven't grown or changed, but as of right now they are non-cancerous. I plan to stay in touch with all of you and keep up on posts. Thanks so much for your knowledge, support and love. I want you all to know that I am a proud supporter of ACS by contributing my time and money toward the Relay For Life in my little town. I am Team Development Chair and I am a Team Captain. Together our little town raises over $50,0000 every year to help the American Cancer Society create more birthdays. I do this for my family members suffering from cancer, for those that I have lost to cancer and for all of you. I hope and pray that someday there will be a cure for us all. So, count me as one of your stops on the Pink Bus, I will always be there rallying for you!
Love and Blessings,
Julie-SunnyAZ
Hi, Julie--
So happy to hear your news......way to go, girl!! I hope you'll stay in touch with us anyway--you were my first contact here--I'd like to keep talking to you...
Talk soon..
Anne0 -
Great news Julie!ThycaAnne said:So happy....
Hi, Julie--
So happy to hear your news......way to go, girl!! I hope you'll stay in touch with us anyway--you were my first contact here--I'd like to keep talking to you...
Talk soon..
Anne
Hugs,
Great news Julie!
Hugs, Jan0 -
Julie, this is wonderfullaughs_a_lot said:internet searches
I stayed to the research on this site and that of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer site so that I did not have every Tom, ****, and Harry trying to sell me snake oil. I then started to go to university sites that work with breast cancer research as well. In this way I get the best information. You'll do ok with the biopsy.
Julie, this is wonderful news!
Hugs, Diane0
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