ADH Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia

[SHERI723]

I have been having repeat mammograms every 6 months since July 2010 to keep an eye on a suspicious looking area (small white spots increasing in number and covering a larger area) in the left breast.  I had a biopsy in Feb 2011 that came back benign, but found out months later the doctor totally missed the site and the sample sent to pathology was from an area of no concern.  Anyway, I changed doctors and still had mammograms every 6 months until March 2012 at which time another biopsy was recommended.  The doctor said he removed everything that could be seen on the film in the left breast.  The Pathologist diagnosed the sample as ADH.  Tomorrow, I go to out-patient to have a wire put in the spot where the marker was placed by the 2nd doctor.  Then I go to the OR to be put out by the anastesiologist at which time the doctor is going to remove a bigger radius of tissue around the site where he removed the tissue several weeks ago.  Does this sound like the normal procedure in a situation like this?  I know nothing about it.  If it comes back, what would be recommended to finalize the situation once and for all?  Any info anyone out there can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


This discussion is related to Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia.

[SHERI723]

Thank you for the info on generic drugs.  I appreciate all your help.

[SHERI723]

Thanks for the info.

[bluebutterfly2222]

One addition to zouzi's excellent answers: drug companies all have programs to provide their drugs at a low cost or even free, for people who are medically indigent.

If you are require brand-name medications that you cannot afford, talk to your doctors office about applying for such assistance. (At the practice where I worked, we had forms for each drug company's program, and assiseed the patient in completing them if such help was needed.)

Best wishes,
bluebutterfly

[SHERI723]

Thank you for your response.  I had been having mammos every 6 mos since 7/2010...can't be more frequent than that.  I was hoping once per year and yes, the doctor did say he is going to put me on medication.  He referred me for a Dexa Scan first before he decides what medication to prescribe.  I suppose it's very expensive.  I am already on so much medication from other ailments thru the years - thyroid, blood pressure, peripheral nerupathy ($1,000 mo. for just one of the two meds for that).  I have insurance now but want to retire.  I'm sure Medicare now with the GAP/donut hole will be inadequate even with an Advantage or Supplemental Plan.  My meds are going to leave me penniless every month.  So much for the golden years.  Thanks again for your response.

[zouzi]

Hi,
Yes, this is standard procedure to remove the area of concern. Many surgeons do what is called a “wire localization” to help them know exactly what breast tissue has to be removed.
After complete removal of the affected area and obtaining clean margins, your doctors will usually recommend that you monitor your breasts carefully during monthly breast self exams, and to have clinical breast exams and mammograms on a more regular basis.Also he/she may recommend Tamoxifen or other similar drug to help prevent recurrence.Don't worry and wonder if ADH will come back. Just do your best to keep closely checked by your doctors and follow their recommendations.
Wishing you a successful surgery and a prompt recovery .