Going to Surgeon at 1pm today!

[ohio lady]

Here's my problem in a nutshell...

Mammogram on 12-13-02 with these impressions:
     1. There is a new lobulated density in the upper inner quadrant of the left breast (1 cm in size) for which surgical evaluation is recommended.
     2.  There are two add'al small densities in the left breast.  These are most likely benign.  Left for six month follow-up mammogram is recommended.
Final Assessment:  Suspicious.  Bi-Rad Category 4

Anyone have any idea on what this all means???  My family doctor set up my appointment with the surgeon for me.  I will respond after my visit with the surgeon today as to what he says.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Ohio lady, It means there is a suspicious area (the "new" density)on your mammogram that needs further evaluation.  Seeing a surgeon is appropriate to review the mammograms and determine whether further evaluation is appropriate at this time.  Biopsy would be the next step in the evaluation process.

[ohio lady]

Okay..surgeon said in his opionion it is not cancer.  But, he scheduled a lead wire biopsy followed by surgery to remove the lump on January 10, 2003.  Can you tell me what I will have to look forward to?  Wiil there be a drain tube inserted after surgery for a day or so?  Before they cut the lump out they will know if it is cancerous or not?  Thanks for all your help in advance.

[Jacee]

On December 11, 2002 I just had a lead wire biopsy done.  Needless to say I was 'extremely anxious'.  However, it was not worth all the anxiety I had.  So I am responding to your e-mail with hopes of preventing you some of the anxiety and apprehension I felt. Originally, on November 12, 2002 after my yearly mammogram, I was diagnosed with 'indeterminant calcium clusters' which had changed in comparison to my previous mammogram. As a result it was suggested I have the lead wire biopsy performed.  


The assistant at the Breast Center where mammograms are done will place your breast in the mammogram equipment.  The radiologist will then insert a VERY thin needle with a VERY thin wire on it into your breast.  He will then examine the film to confirm he has pinpointed the problem area with the needle.  If he has, (and they are usually accurate), the radiologist will remove the thin needle but leave the wire in the breast which identifies to the surgeon the problem spot.  The assistant explained to me that most women compare the 'pain' involved as comparable to a 'bee sting'. You will be pleased to hear that, after having it done, I experienced minimum pain and discomfort.  Next step - off to the hospital for the surgeon to perform the biopsy! I had my surgery under ansthesia as opposed to local freezing of the area.  Surgery was about 1 hour, recovery room about 1 hour, and release from the hospital about 2 hours later.  No drainage tube, just stitches and gauze/tape bandages.  The worst part was the anxiety for the month before surgery.   I am pleased that after surgery the cluster was found to be non-cancerous.  All that 'needless' worry and anxiety!!!!!   Try to stay calm and don't worry about the pain - it is minimal!

[ohio lady]

Oh thank you soooo much!  I get worked up over everything big or small.  I am happy that yours was non-canerous...say a prayer mine will be also.  Have a very happy new year@

[Kavon]

Everyone's case is different I am sure.  I had a biopsy before surgery and mine did turn out to be cancer.  At the time of teh biopsy I had a clip put in so they could locate the area in question when it was time for the wore and surgery.  On the day of surgery, November 4, I had 2 guided lead wires placed in my left breast before surgery.  One went in to the tumor and the other went in to the microcalcifications.  When I had mine done, they took several mammogram x-rays so they could see the correct coordinates of the area in question.  They then placed my breast in a plate of sorts and compressed it.  When it was compressed, they placed a local anesthetic in my breast and then placed the 2 guide wires in my breast.  Then they re-took x-rays to be sure they were placed correctly.  I waited with the wires in until surgery.  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have.  I will be as honest as I can.  You may not like the answer, put I will be truthful.  I wish someone had given me more information. I hope this helps.

As I said, not sure if your procedure will be the same, as mine was cancerous.  Good luck to you.

[ohio lady]

Thanks...I have alot of questions!!!  First, how are you doing now? I hope you are on the road to recovery!
Did your mammogram show the lump? Mine did but the surgeon yesterday was unable to feel in with the exam.
When did you find out it was cancerous...before or after the surgery?  My kead wure will be done at 8am and the surgery will be at 10.
What can I expect to feel like after the surgery?  Will I be able to wear a bra?  I am having it done on a Friday and hope to be back to work on Monday.  Any drainage?
Was it painful...please tell me as much as you can from the monent you knew there was a problem to the present time.  Thanks in advance!

[Jemimah]

I had the procedure 1 year ago. No pain with the wire placement although it was a lengthy procedure. Biopsy done under partial anesthesia, I was slightly awake, no pain. Recovery time 1 hour. No drain, had to wear a stretch bandage for 1 day, then normal bra. Minmum discomfort for a couple of days. Could have returned to work the next day but decided to take one day off. Results were benign. Hope everything goes well for you and try not to worry.

[mrsdi]

I had a breast biopsy with needle localization today for a breast mass. The radiologist said he suspected this was a fibroadenoma, but he and my surgeon recommended excisional biopsy.  The worst part of this procedure is the wait for the pathogist report.  My surgeon seemed less confident today that is was benign. Also he realized the locaation was different than first thought.  I hope your procedure goes well and the news is good.

[Jacee]

Was thinking of you today and remembered you had surgery on January 10, 2003. Wondering how you are doing after surgery?  Hoping you are well.