Need input about Biopsy & possibility of treatment

[DMooney_2008]

Hi everyone. Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm 56 yr old and a "BIG CHICKEN" when it comes to needles, Doctors and Hospitals!!!! I have Type II Diabetes (diagnosed in 2003), Stage III Kidney Disease (Just diagnosed July 30, 2008) and maybe COPD (still testing for it).

I had a baseline Mammogram did way back in 1997 and never did go back till this year for another one. I just had my 2nd one done Oct 7 and was called by the lady who did the mammogram to come back asap for another. Needless to say I was scared out of my mind thinking "WHY"?? She showed me the first mammogram and told me there were some white spots showing up that the radiologist was concerned about. Anyway, the 2nd mammogram report came back as 2 separate clusters of microcalcifications. They were reported to be pleomorphic and are suspicious for malignancy.

ACR BIRADS Category 4 - SUSPICIOUS Abnormality - BIOPSY should be considered.

I saw the General Surgeon and was scheduled for an Open Surgical Breast Biopsy with the wire locator's due to the fact that I don't have a lump that can be felt. I went in the Outpatient surgery "THINKING" I would be totally under for the WHOLE procedure!!! BOY was I pi$$ed when I found out I would NOT be totally out for the wire inserting. I'm sorry for being such a WHUSS, but that hurt like he## and it took FOREVER!!!! They must have took 20 x-rays BEFORE they even got around to doing the wire inserts. THANK GOD I was out for the Biopsy!!!

Anyway, now comes the hard part, WAITING for the results. I'm adopted, so have no family history to relate to for Cancer.

I also have a question for those who have had this type surgery done. How BIG is the area cut on y'all?? I was in a state of SHOCK when I removed the bandage the day after ...... and saw a 4 inch cut (yes, I measured it) from the top to bottom of my breast!!!! It also appears to be a shallow hole there. Is this normal or did I have MORE than just a BIOPSY???

Well I finally got my report on Wed Dec 3rd. Not too sure about the results other than my General Surgeon wants me to see an Oncologist. I did ask him for a copy of the report and he wants to see me in 6 weeks after going to the Oncologist. I "Think" I may have LCIS. There was also mentioned in the report of "atypical lobular hyperplasia". The report reads like GREEK to me.

My biggest concern is maybe the treatment of Tamoxifen with the other health issues I have MAINLY the Stage III Kidney Disease (Just diagnosed July 30, 2008). I do have an appointment this coming Friday with my new Oncologist. I guess I need some reassurance to calm me down as all I've been thinking about since the 3rd is this.

Any input greatly appreciated. I can't believe I had to wait 2 weeks for this report!!!! What really made me mad was I saw the report dated Nov 21 which means the General Surgeon had all the time I was left WAITING to hear something!!

[japdip]

Some women find the wire insertion very uncomfortable and some say it's not a big deal. I suppose it's just the difference in how we react to pain and also how deep the area of suspicion. They can't really numb much other than the skin surface or the medication will interfere with the area to be located. Since you had two areas of suspicion there may well have been more tissue removed than with only one area ... also that would account for a longer incision. The LCIS would be of concern but the ALH not really. As far as Tamoxifen goes or possibly Arimidex ... they both interfere with the Estrogen thereby reducing the risk of recurrance ....ONLY IF the cancer is ER + (depends on Estrogen for growth). As far as what treatment .... that will be up to the Oncologist who will formulate a treatment program specifically for your case. He/She will have all your records including the Pathology reports and will explain in detail. It's impossible to speculate as to what treatment will be recommended. Is that the way you spell that (whuss) ... I've always wondered about that ! LOL    Kindest regards ...