Hi Ladies new sortof
I currently have not been diagnosed with cancer, but my Grandma had breast cancer as did others in my family further down the line from my Grandma.
I have been here in the past with questions. About 4 yrs ago (I think), I came on here asking questions because I was having discharge from my breast and did not know what the next step after the doc took a sample was. All was fine so I went on with my life then last year actually in May I noticed lumps in my breast and that they had gotten bigger. I went to the gyn who got me in for a diagnostic mammo w/ ultrasound. They found spots on both breasts and was reccomemned to do a core biopsy using ultrasound on both breasts. I had the biopsy on my left. Because of the fact that sometimes the core biopsy isn't always accurate they went ahead and did a bilateral lumpectomy. At the time I was also diagnosed with 3 pulmonary emboli and scars from past ones plus 2 nodules in my lungs. (the lung nodules havent grown but they are being followed via cat scan). The lumpectomy biopsies came back begnign and the doc said she got both lumps plus extra.
Now here in more recent I had a hysterectomy may 5th due to issues with coumadin and endo. They took both ovaries so I am on estrogen patches. I went for a another diagnostic mammo w/ultrasound (that was overdue) on friday. They found lumps in both breasts again. The radiologist doctor who talked to me said that because of my age (I am 27) that if I was 40 I would only have 2 options but because I am under 40 that my options are
1. another ultrasound core biopsy of both breasts.
2. another bi lateral lumpectomy or
3. beause I'm not 40 I can have the daignostic mammo ultrasound every 6months till they grow.
then do option 1 or 2
I am married with 3 children and I'm worried about if I choose to wait because I am on estrogen I have heard that can help breast cancer progress faster if this was breast cancer.
I am at a loss as to what to do. I told him I was tired of statistics so he basically told me that if it was cancer I would be the unluckiest person in my state.
My husband and I are going to talk to my doc on monday (who happens to be a hematologist/oncologist he takes care of the meds for my unknown clotting issues) and go from there.
I was just comining her for supprt and to hear what others have gone through if anything similar and your all thoughts on waiting.
Sorry this is so long.
thankyou for reading,
Julianne
Comments
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Hello and Welcome, Julianne
I am sorry to hear of the suspicious lumps, but you have come to the right place for support and understanding. The women here have wide-ranging experiences and will, I'm sure, be sharing them with you.
It sounds as if the radiation doctor does not think the lumps are cancerous. Usually, they are right in their assessments, I have found. Also, they try to give women a head's up when they do see cancer. For example, my radiation doctor said at the biopsy that she was worried. Of course, I knew what that meant. So, it is encouraging that your radiation doctor made the "in your state" comment.
Still, I myself would not wait. I would want to know asap if the new lumps are benign or not. So I would choose option 1 or 2. Most lumps are benign, but I would want confirmation.
Anyway, that is my opinion. I wish you the very best, Julianne, and hope that the new lumps are also benign, as most are. Please keep in touch and let us know what you choose to do. I know that all of us will be ready to help you any way we can.0 -
thankyou for your responseMoopy23 said:Hello and Welcome, Julianne
I am sorry to hear of the suspicious lumps, but you have come to the right place for support and understanding. The women here have wide-ranging experiences and will, I'm sure, be sharing them with you.
It sounds as if the radiation doctor does not think the lumps are cancerous. Usually, they are right in their assessments, I have found. Also, they try to give women a head's up when they do see cancer. For example, my radiation doctor said at the biopsy that she was worried. Of course, I knew what that meant. So, it is encouraging that your radiation doctor made the "in your state" comment.
Still, I myself would not wait. I would want to know asap if the new lumps are benign or not. So I would choose option 1 or 2. Most lumps are benign, but I would want confirmation.
Anyway, that is my opinion. I wish you the very best, Julianne, and hope that the new lumps are also benign, as most are. Please keep in touch and let us know what you choose to do. I know that all of us will be ready to help you any way we can.
thankyou for your response and opinion.
Last year they were worried about the left one as it looked like cancer before they took it out but thankfully it wasnt. I probablly do 1 or 2 but I have to wait to talk to the doc to get his opinion. I am wondering if there is a less invasive way to see what they are also. They dont hurt or anything like that.0 -
Hi Julianne,
I am so sorry
Hi Julianne,
I am so sorry that you are having to deal with this and at such a young age. I know things look crazy right now but I want you to take a deep breath and release it slowly. Repeat until things stop spinning. It sounds like your dr. is on top of things and is looking out for you. With that being said, drs. can be wrong. The only way to know for sure is unfortunately is a biopsy. I know it sucks. I also know that you are a very strong woman and a fighter. You will make the right decision for you. I wish I had a magic wand and could make it all go away-I'd do it for all of us.
What ever decision you make, please let us know and keep in touch. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and gentle hugs,
Donna0 -
hi Julianne
Hi Julianne. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. You have chose a great place for support. I have no advise though. I do know that the cancer I had, I do have to take pills that suppress estrogen in my body. So I can see your concern. Please keep us informed, and I will keep you and your health and family in my prayers. God bless you. love tami0 -
Warm welcome, Julianne!
I joined this amazing group just last month, so wouldn't remember you from your first time around. So, maybe "welcome back" would be more appropriate - though I am sorry for the reason you're here, again.
I know you've already been through a lot concerning breast issues, and you have additional - and complicated - health concerns. My heart goes out to you for all of this. That being said, and particularly considering your family's history - if I were you, I'd pick the option that would be most efficient at protecting my future health. Which I think would be option #1 or #2.
When I was initially diagnosed, almost 6 years ago, at 45 - my doctors deemed me "young" for breast cancer (note: not "very young" - just "young"). Yet, 6 years later, there are many here that age now - and younger - newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, or just finished. Unfortunately, the "over 40" issue seems to mean less and less as time progresses.
Also in light of your family history, have you had genetic testing? If not, it might be worth inquiring about. The results could help with both future recommendations from your doctors, and your individual decisions.
I sincerely do not mean to frighten you further. I'm simply suggesting, for your own sake, that you choose the most proactive options available to you.
We don't mind long posts! Please keep us informed of your decisions and your progress. We are ALL here to support and encourage each other. Best wishes for your upcoming and important appointment.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
thankyou for the warm welcomesChristmas Girl said:Warm welcome, Julianne!
I joined this amazing group just last month, so wouldn't remember you from your first time around. So, maybe "welcome back" would be more appropriate - though I am sorry for the reason you're here, again.
I know you've already been through a lot concerning breast issues, and you have additional - and complicated - health concerns. My heart goes out to you for all of this. That being said, and particularly considering your family's history - if I were you, I'd pick the option that would be most efficient at protecting my future health. Which I think would be option #1 or #2.
When I was initially diagnosed, almost 6 years ago, at 45 - my doctors deemed me "young" for breast cancer (note: not "very young" - just "young"). Yet, 6 years later, there are many here that age now - and younger - newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, or just finished. Unfortunately, the "over 40" issue seems to mean less and less as time progresses.
Also in light of your family history, have you had genetic testing? If not, it might be worth inquiring about. The results could help with both future recommendations from your doctors, and your individual decisions.
I sincerely do not mean to frighten you further. I'm simply suggesting, for your own sake, that you choose the most proactive options available to you.
We don't mind long posts! Please keep us informed of your decisions and your progress. We are ALL here to support and encourage each other. Best wishes for your upcoming and important appointment.
Kind regards, Susan
I put a call in to the doc today. I have to go to the clinic to get my pt/inr done but wanted to leave a message for the nurse asking if the Dr. wanted tosee me earlier ect.
I am waiting for a call back at the moment.
I have calmed down significantly, thankyou ladies.
Will update once I hear more.0 -
Welcome KitKit1018 said:thankyou for the warm welcomes
I put a call in to the doc today. I have to go to the clinic to get my pt/inr done but wanted to leave a message for the nurse asking if the Dr. wanted tosee me earlier ect.
I am waiting for a call back at the moment.
I have calmed down significantly, thankyou ladies.
Will update once I hear more.
Hi. Welcome. I hope all goes well for you. Jxxxxxx0 -
talked to the nursetasha_111 said:Welcome Kit
Hi. Welcome. I hope all goes well for you. Jxxxxxx
Okay so I talked to the nurse a little bit ago. She said they were waiting for the results to be sent to them and that they had requested them to be faxed over asap.
She asked me what the radiologist doc said and I told her about it. I also brought up the fact that I was nervous about waiting the 6mths because I am on estrogen now and have heard that it can feed the cancer if this was breast cancer. She said I was right. I also said that the whole under 40 thing bothered me because it seems that alot of things that have happened to me this year healthwise I am deemed by doctors way to young to have, which she agreed with.
I also asked her about the fact that throughtout the past year I have had many scans, spiral chest cts ect as some of them and they have not seen these masses on any of them that we were told about. I asked her if that was wierd and she said that they sometimes rely on MRI's more. It just seems to me that these must be pretty new to not have been caught on any of those scans.
She is waiting for the results and will talk to the Dr. and call me back today. I told her this would be a good time to do tests as I am off for 6 wks due recovering from my hysterectomy.
I have to go to the clinic today anyways for my PT/INR check, they may choose to talk to me then.
I will post more later thankyou ladies for your support and replys.
thankyou0 -
Julianne...Kit1018 said:talked to the nurse
Okay so I talked to the nurse a little bit ago. She said they were waiting for the results to be sent to them and that they had requested them to be faxed over asap.
She asked me what the radiologist doc said and I told her about it. I also brought up the fact that I was nervous about waiting the 6mths because I am on estrogen now and have heard that it can feed the cancer if this was breast cancer. She said I was right. I also said that the whole under 40 thing bothered me because it seems that alot of things that have happened to me this year healthwise I am deemed by doctors way to young to have, which she agreed with.
I also asked her about the fact that throughtout the past year I have had many scans, spiral chest cts ect as some of them and they have not seen these masses on any of them that we were told about. I asked her if that was wierd and she said that they sometimes rely on MRI's more. It just seems to me that these must be pretty new to not have been caught on any of those scans.
She is waiting for the results and will talk to the Dr. and call me back today. I told her this would be a good time to do tests as I am off for 6 wks due recovering from my hysterectomy.
I have to go to the clinic today anyways for my PT/INR check, they may choose to talk to me then.
I will post more later thankyou ladies for your support and replys.
thankyou
Best wishes to you. I'll be hoping for the best possible outcome.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Thinking of YouKit1018 said:talked to the nurse
Okay so I talked to the nurse a little bit ago. She said they were waiting for the results to be sent to them and that they had requested them to be faxed over asap.
She asked me what the radiologist doc said and I told her about it. I also brought up the fact that I was nervous about waiting the 6mths because I am on estrogen now and have heard that it can feed the cancer if this was breast cancer. She said I was right. I also said that the whole under 40 thing bothered me because it seems that alot of things that have happened to me this year healthwise I am deemed by doctors way to young to have, which she agreed with.
I also asked her about the fact that throughtout the past year I have had many scans, spiral chest cts ect as some of them and they have not seen these masses on any of them that we were told about. I asked her if that was wierd and she said that they sometimes rely on MRI's more. It just seems to me that these must be pretty new to not have been caught on any of those scans.
She is waiting for the results and will talk to the Dr. and call me back today. I told her this would be a good time to do tests as I am off for 6 wks due recovering from my hysterectomy.
I have to go to the clinic today anyways for my PT/INR check, they may choose to talk to me then.
I will post more later thankyou ladies for your support and replys.
thankyou
Julianne, thank you for updating us. I will be thinking of you and hoping for good news soon.0 -
BiRAD 4 was the assesment on the reportCR1954 said:Hi Julianne.....
Also waiting to hear how things go for you. Hoping for the best.
Hugs,
CR
The radiologist doctor suggested ultrasound core biopsy of both breasts or surgical removal of these new left and right nodules, he did put in there that if not desired then suggest 6month follow up ultrasound. But on the reccomendation he just states core biopsy- u/s guided both breasts or surgical consult.
They scheduled a core biopsy for both breast for next week wednesday. The doc didnt talk to me before scheduling it so I made a appt for tomorrow to talk to him about it. I stopped by the breast institute to pick up my report and they rated the spots that were 8mm on both sides. they said they were a BiRAD 4 suspicious. I dont know if this sounds dumb but I dont want the ultrasound core biopsy I would rather just have them taken out. Last year I had the core on one side and still had the surgery to remove them to make sure they were begnign.
Last year I had begnign masses so was wondering the chances of them beining begnign again
versus malignant.
Is is dumb to just want them surgically removed and maybe a MRI of them first? Am I sounding too much like a baby for not wanting to go through the pain of the core biopsies, this time on both breasts?
I'm just not sure if I'm making too much out of the procedure than I should.
thankyou for reading and your truthful answers.
What were your gals BiRAD scores? Is a 4 bad, last year I think my left one was a 5 but it turned out okay but this year they are both 4's.0 -
I had the core biopsy a fewKit1018 said:BiRAD 4 was the assesment on the report
The radiologist doctor suggested ultrasound core biopsy of both breasts or surgical removal of these new left and right nodules, he did put in there that if not desired then suggest 6month follow up ultrasound. But on the reccomendation he just states core biopsy- u/s guided both breasts or surgical consult.
They scheduled a core biopsy for both breast for next week wednesday. The doc didnt talk to me before scheduling it so I made a appt for tomorrow to talk to him about it. I stopped by the breast institute to pick up my report and they rated the spots that were 8mm on both sides. they said they were a BiRAD 4 suspicious. I dont know if this sounds dumb but I dont want the ultrasound core biopsy I would rather just have them taken out. Last year I had the core on one side and still had the surgery to remove them to make sure they were begnign.
Last year I had begnign masses so was wondering the chances of them beining begnign again
versus malignant.
Is is dumb to just want them surgically removed and maybe a MRI of them first? Am I sounding too much like a baby for not wanting to go through the pain of the core biopsies, this time on both breasts?
I'm just not sure if I'm making too much out of the procedure than I should.
thankyou for reading and your truthful answers.
What were your gals BiRAD scores? Is a 4 bad, last year I think my left one was a 5 but it turned out okay but this year they are both 4's.
I had the core biopsy a few weeks ago. Did they numb you ? Because I had no pain. Maybe it depends on the location to. I hope so because I am having another core biopsy this Wedensday. Good luck to you.0 -
Hi KitKat11 said:I had the core biopsy a few
I had the core biopsy a few weeks ago. Did they numb you ? Because I had no pain. Maybe it depends on the location to. I hope so because I am having another core biopsy this Wedensday. Good luck to you.
I hope you get an anesthetic just in case, They told me this would not hurt but OMG!! it was very painful.. i'm not trying to scare you , some have no pain at all but I would ask for something just to make sure, let us know how things turn out. We are here for you and wishing you the best!
love and prayers,
Jackie0 -
biradsKit1018 said:BiRAD 4 was the assesment on the report
The radiologist doctor suggested ultrasound core biopsy of both breasts or surgical removal of these new left and right nodules, he did put in there that if not desired then suggest 6month follow up ultrasound. But on the reccomendation he just states core biopsy- u/s guided both breasts or surgical consult.
They scheduled a core biopsy for both breast for next week wednesday. The doc didnt talk to me before scheduling it so I made a appt for tomorrow to talk to him about it. I stopped by the breast institute to pick up my report and they rated the spots that were 8mm on both sides. they said they were a BiRAD 4 suspicious. I dont know if this sounds dumb but I dont want the ultrasound core biopsy I would rather just have them taken out. Last year I had the core on one side and still had the surgery to remove them to make sure they were begnign.
Last year I had begnign masses so was wondering the chances of them beining begnign again
versus malignant.
Is is dumb to just want them surgically removed and maybe a MRI of them first? Am I sounding too much like a baby for not wanting to go through the pain of the core biopsies, this time on both breasts?
I'm just not sure if I'm making too much out of the procedure than I should.
thankyou for reading and your truthful answers.
What were your gals BiRAD scores? Is a 4 bad, last year I think my left one was a 5 but it turned out okay but this year they are both 4's.
My mammogram report was birad 4 also. A 4 means "suspicious abnormality" so it means you should pursue this further.
I understand how you feel about just going ahead with the lumpectomies. It's not dumb at all. It sounds very reasonable to me, especially given your history.
I chose to have bilateral mastectomies although one breast was healthy. I wrote down the reasons for my choice. Initially my surgeon was total against it but after he heard my reasons he realized that they were valid and agreed to it. I was glad I had written down my reasons because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to explain myself well in such a stressful situation. So you might want to make some notes and talk to your surgeon.0 -
ultrasound guided core biopsypeggy65 said:welcome! you have come to
welcome! you have come to the right place. i send you my support and hugs and good luck for the journey. love, peggy
This is what the doc wants. I didnt get to meet with him because hubby took the wrong van this morning so I didnt have carseats. The nurse talked to him and asked him about the lovenox and then I asked her to ask him about the possibility of reccuring begnign tumors and the nurse said that I need to talk to him on the 6th about it after the biopsies. She said that he had mentioned that if I keep getting lumps that we are going to have go through the biopsies then surgery everytime I get them, so I might want to think of other options such as prophylatic mastectomies with the reconstruction. She wouldnt say more than that and told me that it is something the doc and I have to talk about after the results are in at my June 6th appt. I moved the biopsies to friday the 29th so hubby could take me.
I dont think that is a option I even want to think about. I just want to get the results and figure out if this is cancerous or not.
<-----p.s. thankyou Daisy is our sweetheart best dog ever.0 -
Honestly...Kit1018 said:BiRAD 4 was the assesment on the report
The radiologist doctor suggested ultrasound core biopsy of both breasts or surgical removal of these new left and right nodules, he did put in there that if not desired then suggest 6month follow up ultrasound. But on the reccomendation he just states core biopsy- u/s guided both breasts or surgical consult.
They scheduled a core biopsy for both breast for next week wednesday. The doc didnt talk to me before scheduling it so I made a appt for tomorrow to talk to him about it. I stopped by the breast institute to pick up my report and they rated the spots that were 8mm on both sides. they said they were a BiRAD 4 suspicious. I dont know if this sounds dumb but I dont want the ultrasound core biopsy I would rather just have them taken out. Last year I had the core on one side and still had the surgery to remove them to make sure they were begnign.
Last year I had begnign masses so was wondering the chances of them beining begnign again
versus malignant.
Is is dumb to just want them surgically removed and maybe a MRI of them first? Am I sounding too much like a baby for not wanting to go through the pain of the core biopsies, this time on both breasts?
I'm just not sure if I'm making too much out of the procedure than I should.
thankyou for reading and your truthful answers.
What were your gals BiRAD scores? Is a 4 bad, last year I think my left one was a 5 but it turned out okay but this year they are both 4's.
I just don't know. Your situation is so different than mine was... However - again, I'll suggest you discuss all of this very openly and directly with your doctor tomorrow.
I had asked to skip the core biopsy and go direct to surgery. My surgeon was strongly against this. Explained that the biopsy would help to prepare for the surgery - more precise measurement of tumor size, shape, angle, etc. than any imaging equipment could provide. From his perspective, the core biopsy procedure helps to minimize the surgery itself. Thereby, retaining more breast (regarding lumpectomy).
But, with your previous history - again, your situation seems so different...
Let us know how it goes.
Kind regards, Susan
P.S.: You dog looks like a real sweetheart!0 -
biopsyKit1018 said:ultrasound guided core biopsy
This is what the doc wants. I didnt get to meet with him because hubby took the wrong van this morning so I didnt have carseats. The nurse talked to him and asked him about the lovenox and then I asked her to ask him about the possibility of reccuring begnign tumors and the nurse said that I need to talk to him on the 6th about it after the biopsies. She said that he had mentioned that if I keep getting lumps that we are going to have go through the biopsies then surgery everytime I get them, so I might want to think of other options such as prophylatic mastectomies with the reconstruction. She wouldnt say more than that and told me that it is something the doc and I have to talk about after the results are in at my June 6th appt. I moved the biopsies to friday the 29th so hubby could take me.
I dont think that is a option I even want to think about. I just want to get the results and figure out if this is cancerous or not.
<-----p.s. thankyou Daisy is our sweetheart best dog ever.</p>
Kit, sorry you are going through all this uncertainty. I have to say that my core needle biopsy was painless. Perhaps tell them you were in great pain last time and they can take measures (more numbing, etc.) to help manage it. You are not supposed to be in that much pain during a biopsy, I don't think.
As for birads, mine was a 6, so there was no haziness about what needed to be done. I think Susan is right about the reason for biopsy first, but all situations are different. Please keep us updated.
Mimi0 -
core biopsyKit1018 said:ultrasound guided core biopsy
This is what the doc wants. I didnt get to meet with him because hubby took the wrong van this morning so I didnt have carseats. The nurse talked to him and asked him about the lovenox and then I asked her to ask him about the possibility of reccuring begnign tumors and the nurse said that I need to talk to him on the 6th about it after the biopsies. She said that he had mentioned that if I keep getting lumps that we are going to have go through the biopsies then surgery everytime I get them, so I might want to think of other options such as prophylatic mastectomies with the reconstruction. She wouldnt say more than that and told me that it is something the doc and I have to talk about after the results are in at my June 6th appt. I moved the biopsies to friday the 29th so hubby could take me.
I dont think that is a option I even want to think about. I just want to get the results and figure out if this is cancerous or not.
<-----p.s. thankyou Daisy is our sweetheart best dog ever.</p>
wow Kit, that doesn't sound like something you want to continue doing. I did have a core biopsy, and it hurt a bit, I was more interested in watching the monitor to see what was going on, but I certainly wouldn't want to continue on that path. Make sure you tell the doc all of your concerns and try to get some more informative answers.
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