Profile for kreativek

Member Since: April 10, 2008
Last Login: April 25, 2008
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Diagnosis

Recent Posts by kreativek

Posted in: Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Just Diagnosed, Created: Apr 25, 2008 02:40 pm

New diagnosis

I am sorry you are going through this. How will you make a choice? My only suggestions are first to take a trusted friend or loved one to doctor's appointments with you. They may hear things that you are still in too much shock to hear. Talk about your options and feelings with trusted friends/loved ones. Just talking about it may give you some direction. Also, list out the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure. Ask the doctor this about each recommended procedure. You can then look at theses facts in light of your priorities and values. For example, some women with very early cancer decide on mastectomy with reconstruction. Others with more advance cancers do everything to save their breast. It's a very personal decision. I encourage to look a pictures of breast reconstructions. They are doing a great job these days and that may influence the decisions you make.

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + High Risk Women, Created: Apr 25, 2008 02:24 pm

ADH AND ALH advice

Hi....I could have pretty much written your story myself. I had ADH and no ALH though. My mom had breast cancer 23 years ago and is fine today. I've had 3 biopsies in 15 months along with almost every available screening test.

It's a very personal decision to make; only you know when you've had enough and are willing to exchange "surveillance" for a preventive mastectomy. I'm in the process and meeting with doctors in order to schedule a preventive bilateral mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction. I am so "done" with these breast that I have no problem trading them in for some good fakes.

There are MANY women in this place and willing to trade in their natural breasts for piece of mind (and some good imitations).

Kris

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + High Risk Women, Created: Apr 25, 2008 02:24 pm

ADH AND ALH advice

There are MANY women in this place and willing to trade in their natural breasts for piece of mind (and some good imitations).

Kris

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + Waiting for Test Results, Created: Apr 23, 2008 04:04 pm

Serious nausea 24 hours after surgery

I had very little pain with my excisional biopsy but did not feel well for several days due to the anethesia. I would do what the others have suggested and try to eat at least something small. What helps nausea for me is something call "cola syrup". You go to the pharmacy and by it. You may have to ask for it. It is a small bottle of syrup flavored like Coke. It only costs a few dollars but it works well for me. You could also try taking a can of coke and letting it go flat and then sip on it.

I hope you feel better soon. The anesthesia really messed me up for several days but I had no problems with the biopsy site!

Kris

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + Waiting for Test Results, Created: Apr 22, 2008 07:29 pm

I have surgery on Monday

Deidre:

I haven't scheduled my surgery yet - still talking about procedures with doctors.

I totally know what you mean when you say this is stressful and has changed you forever. I feel the exact same way. Plus, being young most of your friends have not run into breast issues yet so they just won't get it. You will grow tremendously through this - I know I have.

It is hard when you're single. But any man that is ONLY interested in our breasts in not worth having. Our situations will help us separate the men from the boys....and the boys aren't worth it!

I do sense that you instincts are telling you to get another opinion. I think the way your doctor treated you has made this even more stressful. I have had a GREAT doctor and this is still stressful. I can't imagine how stressed I'd be if I'd had your doctor!

Hang in there and do your research. You've probably heard the saying "knowledge is power." As you gain more knowledge you'll be able to make the best decisions for you and will feel more confident in your treatment decisions.

Kris

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + Waiting for Test Results, Created: Apr 22, 2008 02:21 pm

I have surgery on Monday

Deidre:

I have the "pre-cancer" along with a strong family history of breast cancer. My mother and both grandmothers all had breast cancer but after menopause. They got clear margins when I got my excisional biopsy so that is good. I was referred to an oncologist to discuss taking Tamoxifin to decrease my chances of getting breast cancer.

My breast surgeon was very good about explaining what I have. I don't like the way your doctor treated you. I feel you deserve more of an explanation than she gave you. Personally, a lack of information causes me MORE anxiety. If you do not have a family history, just close monitoring may be appropriate. However, you may want to ask for a copy of your pathology report. You may also want to seek a second opinion from another breast surgeon and/or an oncologist.

As for me, I have been doing close monitoring since my mother got breast cancer over 20 years ago. I have had several biopsies and it will probably continue. I am tired of dealing with it. Since my diagosis of atypical hyperplasia, I am pursing a preventive mastectomy with implant reconstruction (both breasts). I don't want to date anyone while I'm going through these procedures. Anyone I get involved with when I'm done, will be told at the appropriate time. I'm well into my 40's and no one is perfect my this time anyway. They are doing incredible plastic surgery these days so I'm not really worried.

I am not suggesting this procedure for you. Each woman is different and it's my strong family history that is a deciding factor here. I just feel so "done" with these breasts that are causing me problems. If I were you, I would seek other opinions and go frequently for monitoring.

Kris

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + Waiting for Test Results, Created: Apr 21, 2008 06:57 pm

I have surgery on Monday

Deidre:

I am sorry you are going through this. I too am single and in the last 15 months have had 3 different biopsies. I don't have cancer but was diagnosed with atypical hyperplasia or "pre-cancer". I understand all the issues us singles go through with something like this. I too am a homeowner.

One of my biopsies was for a "complex cyst". It was part fluid and looked part solid. It turned out to be totally benign. In fact, even most cysts (85%+) are benign. If it is malignant it could be DCIS which could be treated with a lumpectomy and radiation - no chemo needed. I had an outpatient surgical biopsy last month. I had almost no pain and the whole experience was easy. I understand the looking ahead to the worst possible scenario....I do it too! Try and take one step at a time...you will get through this!

Kris

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + Not Diagnosed but Worried, Created: Apr 21, 2008 01:49 pm

Had No Idea-Help?

I had a "complex cyst" last year and had to have a biopsy. My research revealed that cysts, even complex cysts are rarely cancer. The stats I found said 85%-90% of cysts are benign. Rarely, cancer be found growing inside a cyst but they are usually benign.

My cyst was benign even though it was "complex." So get it checked out, but try to not worry too much. Most likely this is just a benign cysts. The numbers are WAY on your side!

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + Not Diagnosed but Worried, Created: Apr 15, 2008 02:40 pm

New to All This...

I had a "complex cyst" last year. Like you, I had many cysts throughout the years. It sounds like you are getting really good care. An MRI is a very good tool for them to use. Cysts are rarely cancer - even complex cysts. However, it does happen occasionally so they are being careful and that is good. My research showed that 85-90% of cysts - even complex (or "dirty" cysts) are benign.

Perhaps they can do an in-office needle biopsy and the area you are concerned about? Biopsies on cysts can usually be done in-office and are very simple. Of all the things you could have in your breast, cysts are usually the least dangerous.

I have a feeling you will be getting good news soon.

Kris

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + Waiting for Test Results, Created: Apr 15, 2008 01:49 pm

Microcalcifications - worst case scenario?

I had a sterotactic biopsy of calcium deposits a few months ago. They show non-cancerous atypical cells. I had to go for an excisional biopsy to get the rest of the atypical cells and make sure there was not cancer around them. It turned out all the atypical cells were gone and there was no cancer.

This is what I learned about calcium deposits. Of the ones they see on mammograms: some definately cancer, some definately benign and the rest unknown. Of the unknown ones that they biopsy, 80% are benign. The ones that do turn out to be cancer are usually in-situ cancer (Stage 0), non-invasive and very early. They can be treated "locally" with just a small lumpectomy and radiation. So most likely the worst case scenerio is a very small non-invasive cancer caught very early.

I hope you get the best news possible!

Kris

Posted in: Not Diagnosed but Concerned + Waiting for Test Results, Created: Apr 15, 2008 01:41 pm

question about what surgeon said--please answer

I've read that the shape of the lump can give them an indication. That may be why she said what she did. No one really knows for sure until the pathology is done. Hopefully, you'll get good news soon! As far as worry....stay calm until you're told you have something to worry about (easier said than done)!

Kris