Should I get a second opinion?

[boditty]

I went to the breast surgeon yesterday. I had a mammogram about a month ago and got called back in for a spot compression mammogram and an ultrasound. Both mammograms showed a 10mm lesion in my left breast that wasn't on my baseline 4 years ago. The ultrasound didn't show anything. My doctor wanted me to have a biopsy, so I went to the appt. they made for me. I took my films and reports. She did a breast exam and that was it. She said she couldn't feel anything. I overflow a DD size bra and the radiologist told me the lesion was deep, so how would you feel anything in the first place? For the last 1-2 months, my left breast is continually dull feeling all of the time. Sometimes, I have a burning that runs through it. Other times, my chest gets really red. She wants me to wait 6 months and have another mammogram. What was really weird is I went to see a friend of mine afterwards and there was a woman sitting there that had went to the same dr. She had the same exact story I have, 2 mammo. showing something, 1 ultrasound (hers didn't show anything either), same size, deep location. She said the dr. couldn't feel anything on hers either and she had a wire ran through her breast to mark for biopsy. The same dr. I feel very confused at this point. With the symptoms I am having and the lump, should I get a second opinion? Are the symptoms I am having signs of breast cancer or something else? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

[suzi-q]

I am so happy that you are feeling more comfortable with this doctor.  That is very important to be comfortable with your decision.  I hope that the films prove that you are free and clear of all bad things!

[boditty]

Well, I'm back from getting my second opinion.  I really liked the dr. I saw today.  She is very thorough.  She asked me to tell her my story, so I did.  She did a breast exam and said everything felt normal, but there was no way anyone could feel what the mammogram is showing because it is so deep.  She took my films across the hall to another dr.  They both agreed that additional films from different angles were needed.  So now, I go Monday at 8:00 to get those done and then immediately back to her office.  I am soooo glad that I went for a second opinion.

[suzi-q]

Good luck today...best wishes are with you.  I hope all turns out well with your doctor's appt.

[suzi-q]

Boditty- by any chance can that "feeling" that you are having be from constantly touching and feeling your breast?  I know that I can actually make myself sore by constantly feeling to see if there is anything there.  Once you get a suspicion, it is sometimes hard to not obsess about it....ya know what I mean?

[boditty]

Birad rating was a 3.  I have made an appt. with a breast surgeon in Fort Worth for Thursday morning at 10:30.  The receptionist thought that sounded kind of weird too.  But what about that "dull" feeling my left breast is having?  If there is nothing going on, then why is it feeling that way?  The receptionist at my family doctor's office suggested a 3D sonogram.  I am thinking of suggesting this to the dr. tomorrow and see what they say.  I would rather do that than to wait 6 months and find out there was actually something and it turn out to be more.

[boditty]

Yes, I admit when they first said something was there, I did feel for what they were talking about.  I did that for about 4-5 days, at nighttime when I'd get ready for bed.  But that was 4 weeks ago.  I don't mess with them at all right now.  Also, the dull feeling has been there since before the mammo. It was one of the reasons I went to the dr. in the first place.  I can see why you'd wonder that though.

[suzi-q]

I would go for a second opinion.  What did the doctor say about the lesion?  I prefer a doctor who takes a more radical approach than a wait and see attitude.  You do not seem comfortable with the decision and neither would I.  Take it further.....better to be safe than sorry.

[Avidhiker]

I don't know, I think something is missing from your picture.  May I ask what your BIRAD rating was from the radiologist?  A 4 rating is "suspicious, biopsy should be considered".  

The question may be whether you need to seek an opinion of another radiologist.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear boditty:  The symptoms you describe are not "typical" symptoms of breast cancer.  However, not all lesions that are present on a mammogram can be felt with examination.  You may want to contact the surgeon again and get some clarification as to why she did not recommend biopsy as your doctor had suggested.  If you are uncomfortable with this opinion, you should consider a second opinion.