How long is too long for excisional biopsy

[Cowgirl37]

Hi, I'm 46 years old.  I found a lump in my LEFT breast on Feb 17 2008.  Since that day, I have had bilateral diagnostic ultrasound(s), bilateral diagnostic mammogram(s), bilateral MRI, and an attempted Stereotactic needle biopsy (not enough tissue).  

On March 19th after the failed needle biopsy, the radiologist faxed a STAT REPORT READ IMMEDIATELY - (BIRADS 4) to the surgeon's office and in the report said that I need to have 3 open excisional biopsies because I have... 12 suspected fibroadenomas (6 in each breast, with one dominant nodule lighting up on the MRI in the LEFT breast which is the first one I felt), 1 LEFT axillary lymph node shown on Ultrasound, 2 RIGHT axillary lymph nodes also shown on Ultrasound, and Multiple clusters of amorphous calcifications spread in upper half of the RIGHT breast along 12:00 radial.  The biopsies were going to "rule out intraductal carcinoma".  This report scared me.

It is now April 17th (2 months since this started).  I am still waiting.  I spent all last week getting clearance letters from my cardiologist, neurologist and orthopedist so I could have general anesthesia with an airway tube for these biopsies.  I had everything to them on Monday 4/14/08 and the surgical oncologist's office STILL hasn't scheduled my surgery!  The coordinator has been on vacation.  (my luck)

I'm going crazy here.  My stomach is a mess, I'm getting sick every time I eat anything, my heart is racing and my mind is getting the best of me.  My mother had breast cancer, so I am at an increased risk.  I can't believe it takes some people 3 weeks from the time they found their lump to biopsy results.  I have a lot going on in both breasts and I'm afraid they are waiting too long.  How long is too long?  And what do you think about the above findings?      

[Cowgirl37]

Awwwww, that was very nice of you to think of us.  My daughter's neurologist had her repeat the brain MRI at their facility (Miami Children's).  We just went back to get the results yesterday and they were NORMAL!!!  Thank God.  Her first MRI was on a T-3 and this new one was a T-2, go figure.  Her migraines have calmed down and she hasn't been as stressed lately.  

They finally figured out that all of my symptoms of "probable MS" were caused by a generic form of Toprol XL called Metoprolol Succinate ER.  I took it for 3 months starting in Dec 07 (the same time the symptoms started).  I've posted on the FDA web site about the effects that it had on me.  I'm just thankful to have my life back.  And I'm sorry you all have to go through those symptoms day in and day out.  I don't know how you do it.

About the biopsy, they just called and my surgery date is May 12th.  That will be 3 months from the time I found the lump.  It's the same everywhere, hurry up and wait!

Take care    

  

[monotreme]

Hi Cowgirl.   I came over to this forum to check on you.  I have been worried about you.  I am hoping your surgery is going to get a scheduling very soon so you don't have to continue to wait.  

I first met you on the MS forum and your story was so compelling that I had to find you!!!  I hope your daughter is doing well.  We have been praying for you.

Best wishes and good luck.

[Cowgirl37]

Hi mamaboulet,

Thanks for the reply.  I don't think they actually "get it" when it comes to the stress and anxiety.  I've tried to be a little persistant, but they have their hand on the door knob, talking to you on their way out the door.  In my mind, I always go back to....they have my life in their hands and I don't want to upset them.  It's kind of like blackmail.  It's ridiculous.

I finally got a call from the nurse this afternoon.  I never thought I'd be so happy to hear someone say I'm going to be scheduled for surgery!  She is preparing the paperwork and will hand carry it to the surgical coordinator today.  She said the surgical coordinator will call me either this afternoon or Monday at the latest with a date.  I still don't know how backed up they are for the OR, but at least I know they're working on it.  

The nurse also told me that the doctor (surgical oncologist) had another (3rd) radiologist look at all my films and reports and they decided to take only one sample of the multiple clusters on the right breast and "watch and wait" on the nodule in the left breast.  I'll talk to her about that when I see her at the surgery I guess.  I don't know how I feel about that.  

[mamaboulet]

Every time I see another post like this I get more angry at the medical community. They should have an alternate surgery coordinator when the main one goes on vacation. And all those various doctor offices should be helping you push through all the paperwork instead of just handing it to you and expecting you to be the squeaky wheel. Which is the only way to get anybody to pay attention concerning the time and anxiety often associated with these tests. Get squeaky.