Crazy week
Please accept my apology if I'm posting wrong. I'm experiencing changes to my breasts and my Rheumatologist advised me to see a dermatologist after skin ointment didn't work. The dermatologist looked and immediately performed a biopsy. Two days later she called with the pathologist's "preliminary" finding of abnormal blood vessels, and set an appointment for a mammogram. My appointment is tomorrow but now I'm so anxious I feel it in my chest. The biopsy results are expected in another couple of days. I have Lupus and maybe it's that and not IBC. I wanted to find someplace to express my fear of the unknown. I don't have any friends who have gone through this waiting period.
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I am sorry you are going through this and especially now it is harder with COVID going on everywhere. The wait is very stressful which is probably causing your heart to beat faster. Stop and breathe a minute.
They will figure out type and everything and then you can also decide treatments after that. If it is your Lupus acting up the mamogram will tell you. Then you and your doctors can develop a good treatment plan for you no matter what.
Best wishes to you.
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You are so kind. I have not taken a moment to just breathe and be thankful for this moment. Thank you so much!
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You are so welcome. The wait is hard, I know. Honestly, from the time of my first diagnosis to first surgery was 3 months due to scheduling. Then for my next surgery wanted to wait until after holiday since it was around Thanksgiving. Then when needed mastectomy after that waited until after Christmas to do that. Sometimes they want to do treatments prior to surgery too depending on cancer too. I even have a friend who is a nurse with breast cancer herself and said she was not going to feel "bullied into surgery" by anyone" and refused surgery and because of her cancer type chose to do only hormonal meds and they check her more often. She was diagnosed before I was and still doing ok and she has had NO surgery, just medication. Of course she is still on them and I am now off them.
Everyone has a different kind and makes different choices for them. No one can tell you what is best. I know the immediate thought is GET IT OUT OR I"LL DIE but it really won't kill you right away no matter what kind it is.
If you have a support system around you lean on them let them try to distract yourself as much as you can between appointments. You'll probably have a lot to keep track of right away. Keep records of everything and if you want second opinions you'll have information handy that way. Some places have patient portals where you can get electronic records sent that way which is helpful when you need them for another doctor. It is also helpful have someone with you at appointments to take notes since sometimes they can take notes if you cannot remember.
Best wishes to you.
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Hi, Southerngirl81-
We're so sorry you find yourself here with these worries! We know how scary it can be, and the waiting is certainly one of the hardest parts. As bcincolorado said, surround yourself with your support system, and try to keep your mind occupied for the next few days. Please let us know how it goes tomorrow, we're thinking of you!
The Mods
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The radiologist did not find anything abnormal. I left feeling grateful and relieved. My doctor called yesterday to go over the mammogram results and to tell me that the pathologist sent the biopsy slides to a specialist at Cleveland Clinic for an expert opinion. So I'll just have to wait for that. I have resolved to stop googling and thinking about it and just focus on today, but it's very difficult. Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses. I wish you all well.
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thanks for coming back and updating -
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Your situation sounds similar to mine. My punch biopsy came back with similar results and was sent to NYU for further analysis. They agreed with the first pathologist and said there was dermatitis not on the surface layer but blood vessels. They suggested it could be from medication but I don't take any or even an insect bite. That was few months ago. I just left the dermatologist this morning because the pink rash has spread further across my breast. She decided to prescribe a topical cream to see if it improves. I hate that I don't have more definitive results. I do have other breast issues though (a lump assumed to be noncancerous based on imaging and some hard breast tissue). I'm also breastfeeding so I have a lot of variables.
I hope you get clear results!!!
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Amanda - except you posted your test results on another thread that you DO NOT have cancer after weeks of anxiety. Glad you're seeing a dermatologist.
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MinusTwo-
I wasn't meaning to say anything to cause an issue so I'm sorry if I have! I was just stating that I also had to have a skin punch biopsy sent for a second opinion because of a similar reason (but I did have other things going in that she did not mention so it wasn't the exact same situation). I said I wish I had more definitive results because they don't know exactly what the cause is that's all (especially now that it is spreading). I'm sorry again if I said something wrong!
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Amanda - there is no wrong. But am I correct that you had a diagnosis of NO CANCER?
Are they still testing for breast cancer? Or just other issues?
I hope your dermatologist will be able to give you peace of mind. If they are still testing for BREAST CANCER - it's certainly appropriate to post in this forum. If not, you will want to make it clear so that others who come down the road won't have to experience the same worries.
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The breast surgeon is still following up every 3 months with me because of the combination of hardness, the assumed cyst, swelling in the underarm and rash all on the left breast. They said they will continue to do ultrasounds and a mammogram twice a year for 2 years.
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But for now - you are clear - correct? No evidence of breast cancer??
I don't mean to belabor the point Amanda - but it is SO important for others who may see this thread later to know that you do NOT have breast cancer at this time. Fortunately your worries did not prove true.
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