Suffocating in the waiting...
For the last 6 months I have been experiencing a strange shooting pain sensation on my left side, right between my armpit and my breast and it would radiate through my breast. I ended up going to the ER because I thought that I was having a heart attack. I am almost 37 years old. The ER told me I had inflammation in my breast tissue or in my chest wall causing the pain. Oct. 13th, I went and had a breast US with a 3rd party company because I do not currently have health insurance or a PCM as I don't typically have issues. The US resulted in a BIRADS 4 mass in my left breast and in my right. I established care with a PCM and was sent for a diagnostic mammogram which I waited 13 days for. I had the diagnostic Mammo on Nov. 3rd and it came back inconclusive because I have breast density category D, the RAD could not see the masses found in the US. due to the breast density, I asked for an MRI, but he said he wanted his own focused diagnostic US done before an MRI. They can't get me in until 11/14. I have been a ball of anxiety for weeks. I have 4 kids and am newly married. My new insurance should kick in in Jan from my husband, but I am paying all of this now out of pocket. With it being Christmas season my savings is being drained quickly and I am absolutely terrified. I have studied the US pictures from my 3rd party exam and notes from the RAD over and over again. I have history on my mother's side of breast cancer. I come to work every day, and it takes all my energy to go on like nothing is wrong, same for showing up for my kids, and I just cry in my husband's arms at night. I feel like I have to fight and advocate hard for myself, I don't feel seen. I know I am not the only one in my town going through this and I am not more important that the next woman, it just feels so lonely, the waiting is awful. To add, I have been battling bad fatigue for about 9m now, I have tried everything. No alcohol (12m), no coffee (6m), very little caffeine now, I sleep 8 hrs., vitamins etc. and nothing helps. I feel I could sleep for weeks, and the brain fog is awful. Just looking for anyone's experience or guidance. -one terrified mama.
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Hi @mrsnewbold0525
We're so sorry you’re going through this — the waiting and uncertainty are truly the hardest part. We understand that here! A BI-RADS 4 means they just need a closer look; many turn out benign, especially with dense breasts. You’re absolutely doing the right thing by following up and advocating for yourself. Although it's more than understandable to worry, we encourage you to try to reduce the emotional stress however you can until you get the facts.Try to hang on until your ultrasound — you’re not alone in this. We’re here for you, and we hope you get clear answers and peace of mind soon. Sending love and strength to you and your husband. 💕
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Thank you, it has been encouraging reading some of the posts knowing I am not alone.
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@mrsnewbold0525 No, you're not alone. One day at a time.
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@mrsnewbold0525 I’m so sorry you’re going through all this. As the moderator mentioned, it can be benign. Just as a suggestion, sometimes the facility where you’re having tests, etc done have either payment options or other aids to help with the expenses. Don’t be afraid to ask for financial help, it’s what it’s there for.
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@mrsnewbold0525 I’m really sorry you’re going through this — you’re not alone. The waiting and uncertainty can be incredibly tough. I don’t post often, but I felt compelled to share this: please consider pushing for a breast MRI or a biopsy now, rather than waiting for an ultrasound that might be inconclusive and delay further testing.
I also have category D dense breasts, and I once read that detecting abnormalities in them is like searching for a snowflake in a snowstorm. No one ever told me that mammograms and ultrasounds aren’t reliable for dense breast tissue, and that MRIs are recommended instead. If I’d known, I would have requested annual MRIs instead of relying on standard screenings that weren’t designed for someone like me.
I truly hope your results are benign. You’re in my thoughts.
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Thank you, I did find out since my kids have Medicaid that anything I have done at our local hospital will be covered, I will only be billed for certain things like the radiologist reading. So that is helpful!!
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I did push for this, the Radiologist who read my mammogram would not send for the MRI without his own ultrasound and with my not having insurance my PCM didn't want to send for me to do one outside of our county hospital because the cost would be so great. I honestly feel lost, I don't know what to do. My gut is telling me one thing, and doctors are telling me another. We are hoping to hear this week from my husbands work about the insurance issues. Either way we will do enrollment before the 15th and itll be in place Jan.
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I wanted to give an update. I had my 2nd ultrasound on 11/14. I received the results yesterday. The lump in my right breast is a simple cyst. The results for the left breast were 1.3cm MIXED ECHOGENICITY LOBULATED MASS BIRADS 4. I spoke with my PCM and I am now awaiting a referral to a breast surgeon. Still not definite answer.
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