Waiting for more testing and sad and scared
I have been reading these boards and getting a lot of great information. I am 57 years old and I joined a while back when my mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, invasive lobular stage 4 which eventually spread to her bones and brain. I was lucky enough to spend so much time with her and be by her side when she passed away.
Anyway, I had a normal mammogram in February, but due to dense breast, category C my doctor ordered a breast MRI. The MRI came back with clumped non mass enhancement in my left breast 1.5 cm- right breast nothing. Years ago I breast reduction surgery, so I thought maybe that it was scar tissue.They said I was BiRads 4- (no letter?). I went in last week for a MRI Core needle biopsy, and they placed a marker. The biopsy just came back with normal breast tissue, I was elated until I read the radiologist report that these biopsy results were discordant with the MRI findings and a excisional biopsy is recommended. I have set up an appointment for a consultation with the surgeon, but not until April 2 which seems moons away.
I have developed a large hematoma from the biopsy, and noted that in the radiologists report that the titanium clip they placed migrated immediately 3 cm. I am not sure if they missed the area to be biopsied, and since the marker has moved, I am wondering if they do a surgical biopsy how will they know where to go since the marker has moved. I guess i am just wondering a lot of things that will probably be sorted out, but the anxiety is always there.
And I feel selfish, i have several fly fishing trips planned coming up in June and July and I am so looking forward to them, and worried that this is going to throw a wrench in them.
I am also scared of an open surgical biopsy. Does anyone have details about how this works? Of course in typical fashion I am putting the cart before the horse before I even meet with the surgeon.
Guess it is safe to say I am just overwhelmed and scared and sad, I just wish I could hurry things up. All of the women on this board have my utmost respect, they seem so compassionate and wise.
I guess it just fees good to tell this to someone…..
Beth
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Hello Beth - my path has been a bit different from yours, but I’ve been playing the waiting game since November. The short version of my story is screening mammogram - spot compression- ultrasound-second ultrasound- bilateral stereotactic vacuum biopsy (benign) and now waiting for excision surgery (bilateral). The only real advice that I have for you is to try not to freak out too much. I have wasted so much energy and so many tears that didn’t really help anything. Sometimes it’s great just to get it out, but I found that keeping my routine as helpful.
I too, am very worried about the surgical excisions, but a very good friend of mine had one a couple of years ago, and she said that her recovery was easier than the recovery from the stereotactic biopsy. I don’t know if that will be true for me, but I am using it to help me worry a little bit less.
A lumpectomy is the same procedure as an excision biopsy. If you look at that information, it is the same
Best wishes,Mary
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Thank you so much Mary, I’m so sorry you are going through your ordeal. I am trying to keep busy, (and not google anything lol) I haven’t told anyone except my husband of course what is going on really, because I really don’t know what is going on. Do you have your surgery scheduled? I will keep you in my thoughts.
Beth
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@horseshowmomma Yes, my surgery is scheduled for March 24th. Hopefully you will get yours scheduled soon. Sending good thoughts your way.
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Hi Beth,
I wish I had something helpful to say but I am a step behind you in this scary process. I did want you to know that after reading your post, I felt a little less alone. Best wishes for your health.
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