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Biopsy
I found a lump on my right breast at 12 o'clock about four months ago. Two weeks ago, I found another one at 6 o'clock and decided I needed to go to the doctor. I had a diagnostic mammogram today but my breast tissue was "too dense" to read the films. I then proceeded to have an ultrasound. The lumps are not fluid filled and my lymph leading to my breast from my armpit is "enlarged," The radiologist suggested that because of my age (41) and the size, shape and locations of the lumps, that I should have a biopsy done. I walked over to my doctor's office to speak with her nurse and the doctor came into the waiting room and called me into an examination room. She had just gotten off the phone with the radiologist and told me "it doesn't look good. You probably have cancer." They scheduled me a biopsy for Tuesday (not sure which type) and she told me she would refer me to an oncologist. My question is, can they tell by an ultrasound whether or not a tumor is cancerous? The doctor further stated to me that the radiologist is very experienced and was very concerned about the lumps and my "enlarged" lymph nodes. Any insight would be greatly appreciated as I am freaking out right now! I have no family history whatsoever of breast cancer, fyi.
Thanks!
Thanks!
I'm SO sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It's perfectly normal to be scared, especially at your young age and with a young son to raise.
But bb is so right---advancements in the treatment of BC have made it possible for many women to have no evidence of disease at some point down the road. It is our hope that after treatment, you'll have many years ahead with your son. I truly hope you have family and friends that will be supportive and help you get through this difficult time. We're here any time you wish to update us, ask questions, vent or get some emotional support. Even in the face of this bad news, please try to stay positive. I'm a firm believer that our attitude has much to do with how well we cope with illness and I've seen it firsthand in my prior work as a nurse. Hope and faith that you WILL get better goes such a long way, along with the best medical treatment you can get. I'll be thinking of you and praying that things go as smoothly as they possibly can for you. I wish I could give you a big hug, but
since I can't, I'm sending one through the web for you.
nc
But bb is so right---advancements in the treatment of BC have made it possible for many women to have no evidence of disease at some point down the road. It is our hope that after treatment, you'll have many years ahead with your son. I truly hope you have family and friends that will be supportive and help you get through this difficult time. We're here any time you wish to update us, ask questions, vent or get some emotional support. Even in the face of this bad news, please try to stay positive. I'm a firm believer that our attitude has much to do with how well we cope with illness and I've seen it firsthand in my prior work as a nurse. Hope and faith that you WILL get better goes such a long way, along with the best medical treatment you can get. I'll be thinking of you and praying that things go as smoothly as they possibly can for you. I wish I could give you a big hug, but
since I can't, I'm sending one through the web for you.
nc
I am so sorry to hear that your path report indicated breast cancer!
Please keep in mind that advancements in BC treatment have improved the prognosis for most peolpe, and that many of our members have had invasive BC with lymph node involvement and have completed tx and gone on with their lives. Some have stayed active in this forum for years afterwards, to offer information and emotional support to others.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers,
bluebutterfly
Please keep in mind that advancements in BC treatment have improved the prognosis for most peolpe, and that many of our members have had invasive BC with lymph node involvement and have completed tx and gone on with their lives. Some have stayed active in this forum for years afterwards, to offer information and emotional support to others.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers,
bluebutterfly
Biopsy was positive for IDC and positive in my node. It is a high grade and an 8 of 9 on the Nothingham. I have my appointment with surgeon tomorrow and breast MRI in the afternoon. PET scan schedule for Monday. I am so scared. I am only 41 and have a 16 year old son that I am not through raising yet! My prayers are that it hasn't spread beyond my nodes and quick and agressive treatment. Thank you for your care and concern. I will update when I have more to tell.
Thank you for sharing as we have been waiting to hear. Remember, sometimes, the goal is just to get through the day. The best to you as you hear your results.
Biopsy went well. They ended up not taking a biopsy of the 12 o'clock lump becasue the radiologist that perfromed my biopsy identified it as a fatty something or other. I have very dense breast tissue and have them throughout both breasts. He stated that he felt the mass at 6 o'clock would in fact come back malignant. He didn't feel that the lymph node would though. I am supposed to have preliminary results tomorrow and detailed results by Tuesday. I have a consultation with a surgeon on Wednesday and will be seeing an oncologist in short order. Thank you for your kind words and words of encouragement. I will keep you posted on the results and how we will proceed. Be blessed!
Good luck, Tracey! Hope you have an easy biopsy experience, too, and benign results. Try to stay positive and and strong. I'll be thinking of you and wishing you all the best!
Hugs,
nc
Hugs,
nc
I'm sorry to hear about your frightening experience with these lumps---we've all been there and know the fear. However, only the biopsy can confirm if the lumps are benign or malignant. The doctors can have a good idea, but they can be wrong and only the pathology report can be 100% sure, Try not to panic (I know that's easier said than done---I've been there three times myself) and try not to worry about the "what ifs". When you know "what is" you'll be better able to deal with it. I've told many women in your position that we've seen so many cases here where the doctor says "it's cancer" and biopsy shows it's not. There's always a reason to hope, so please try to stay as positive as you can until you know for sure what's going on. We'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best. Please let know how you're doing if you wish by adding a note to this thread---we do care.
Sending you a hug,
nc
Sending you a hug,
nc
Hello TRACYC41,
I know this is scarey. Here is what the Breastcancer.org says about ultrasounds detecting whether a tumor is cancerous: "Ultrasound is not used on its own as a screening test for breast cancer. Rather, it is used to complement other screening tests. If an abnormality is seen on mammography or felt by physical exam, ultrasound is the best way to find out if the abnormality is solid (such as a benign fibroadenoma or cancer) or fluid-filled (such as a benign cyst). It cannot determine whether a solid lump is cancerous, nor can it detect calcifications.".
There are many good links on the web, and here is the link to this info on breastcancer.org
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/ultrasound.jsp
I know this is scarey. Here is what the Breastcancer.org says about ultrasounds detecting whether a tumor is cancerous: "Ultrasound is not used on its own as a screening test for breast cancer. Rather, it is used to complement other screening tests. If an abnormality is seen on mammography or felt by physical exam, ultrasound is the best way to find out if the abnormality is solid (such as a benign fibroadenoma or cancer) or fluid-filled (such as a benign cyst). It cannot determine whether a solid lump is cancerous, nor can it detect calcifications.".
There are many good links on the web, and here is the link to this info on breastcancer.org
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/ultrasound.jsp
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