Aa
Suspicious Abnormality on Mammogram
I'm 47 years old needing a breast biopsy. I had a routine mammogram that showed a spot (no lump is felt)and then I had a spot compression with magnification . The findings were:
Presence of cluster of microcalcifications in the left outer quadrant. They are somewhat pleomorphic. Possibility of intraductal carcinoma. Bi-Rads Category 4. Is cancer probable with these findings and a bi-rad 4 ?. What is the % that it's cancer? I just want to be prepared for the biopsy findings.
Presence of cluster of microcalcifications in the left outer quadrant. They are somewhat pleomorphic. Possibility of intraductal carcinoma. Bi-Rads Category 4. Is cancer probable with these findings and a bi-rad 4 ?. What is the % that it's cancer? I just want to be prepared for the biopsy findings.
I'll bet that would have to be uncomfortable having your breasts up on a TV screen for all to see. I guess it is life's way of preparing you for all the exposure you will be getting. Sort of like before you have a baby and you keep waking up in the middle of the night - like life's way of getting you ready to sleep lightly when the baby comes....
I have not heard of anyone having the surgery where they use the lat muscles. sorry.
I guess my only comment there is do you swim or golf? If so, you may not want to jeopardize that. Your call.
I know the breakthroughs in plastic surgery are amazing. It is almost like the electronics field. I guess for right now all you can do is take all the information you can and make the best decision possible. Then go with it. If something better comes up down the line, when you feel ready to do it, go for it. Good luck with your decisions. I will pray for divine guidance and clarity for you.
I have not heard of anyone having the surgery where they use the lat muscles. sorry.
I guess my only comment there is do you swim or golf? If so, you may not want to jeopardize that. Your call.
I know the breakthroughs in plastic surgery are amazing. It is almost like the electronics field. I guess for right now all you can do is take all the information you can and make the best decision possible. Then go with it. If something better comes up down the line, when you feel ready to do it, go for it. Good luck with your decisions. I will pray for divine guidance and clarity for you.
Wow, 99.9% cure rate. You've got this licked girlfriend. Now it is just getting through all the procedures. One appointment at a time (just like AA uses One step at a time for there "motto"), for us, it's One Appointment at a Time (OAT). It is reassuring to me that it sounds as if your doctors are really on top of things and communicating to each other, taking each others advice, working as a team, etc. That is a good thing.
OK, the burning question....Have you told your mom or thought more about how you are going to do that?
I could imagine that my mom would say, why didnt you tell me? I was prepared to say that I needed to get all of the answers first (prognosis/diagnosis). Thankfully, I never had to go there and never did tell my mom. I figured if I tell her now, everytime I don't talk to her for a few days (avoiding) she will worry that something is wrong. We are all always mothers first. Anyway, I did tell my sister about the whole ordeal and glad that I did. She should know my history for genetics reasons.
ALL
I also told my sister about this forum and that I still blog here. She said, you shouldn't do that, you should stop going there because there is too much negative energy and you will be attracting more illness into your life. Quite the contrary. I had to explain to her the tremendous stregnth of all the woman here and the incredible healing that goes on just between us, the friendship, caring, and tremendous amount of positive energy in this particular blog. This is an amazing site because of all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Make today a beautiful day.
OK, the burning question....Have you told your mom or thought more about how you are going to do that?
I could imagine that my mom would say, why didnt you tell me? I was prepared to say that I needed to get all of the answers first (prognosis/diagnosis). Thankfully, I never had to go there and never did tell my mom. I figured if I tell her now, everytime I don't talk to her for a few days (avoiding) she will worry that something is wrong. We are all always mothers first. Anyway, I did tell my sister about the whole ordeal and glad that I did. She should know my history for genetics reasons.
ALL
I also told my sister about this forum and that I still blog here. She said, you shouldn't do that, you should stop going there because there is too much negative energy and you will be attracting more illness into your life. Quite the contrary. I had to explain to her the tremendous stregnth of all the woman here and the incredible healing that goes on just between us, the friendship, caring, and tremendous amount of positive energy in this particular blog. This is an amazing site because of all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Make today a beautiful day.
Hello!
Went to plastic surgeon yesterday. It is quite embarrassing to undress and get pictures of your breasts then see them on a tv screen. The poor girls they nursed 4 kids and I am not very large (hence why no lumpectomy) (also in two quadrants)
Tamknit as far as mammograms - I believe you are finished with them. I was told that but I will double check that today.
I am a good candidate for where they pull a muscle out of your back(latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction) and pull it to the front. I have fat on that muscle (LOL) but I am not overweight. I don't smoke (he won't even touch me if I smoked - also if anyone smokes new reason to give it up - it complicates surgery 85% of the time) also low blood pressure and I'm young. Actually girls I am young and healthy they all tell me that and I always have to roll my eyes. anyway down side some women report that doing vigorous exercise like the butterfly stroke and swinging a golf club well they have difficulty doing that. Also down time is 5-6 weeks of not lifting above the head. But the breast looks more natural.
breast implant(s) - The plastic surgeon said now is the time your time if you want to make any changes to your breasts. Perky and bigger. If they do one side then they could do the other and the insurance has to pay. the only thing is you have to get them replaced in 10 - 15 years. Not a major surgery but have to get them replaced. My husband said that by then they'll probably have something better. Also doctor won't do the operation where you take muscle and fat from stomach he said after 3 years you'll get a bulge in your stomach. Could do the one where you take fat and blood vessels from stomach reattach to breast but very expensive takes 6 hours under anesthesia(sp?) and that increases your chances for complications. Also 4 days in ICU and then you are off your feet for 4-5 weeks. He just thinks it is too intensive of surgery for a reconstruction.
I am a good candidate for immediate reconstruction.
does anyone know anyone who had the back reconstruction? Does anyone have any opinions?
Shirleybux - try not to read more into things than are really there - everyone rubs my back - just the mere thought of cancer freaks everyone out.
Labhusky - I am praying for you. You are going through a lot. I think the frustrating part is that it takes so long to get all the pieces to the puzzle.
Also girls - great news - my plastic surgeon said that every day there are new breakthroughs for breast cancer. He believes that his breast reconstruction days will soon be over and all will be treated with chemotherapy. The cure rate is great for breast cancer. He said that the information on the disease is just exploding - He hopes that we are on a 5 year course for a complete cure. He is really excited about the prognosis of breast cancer. Pray gals hard this disease is on it's way out!!!!!
Labhusky while it looks dim right now the road is hard Hear 99.9% cure rate - CURE RATE! thank GOD!
Tammie I am praying for you. You are so strong and I admire your courage.
Joygirl - thank you for your kind words and prayers.
Thank you all for your prayers. I will let you know when my surgery date is. Find out Monday go back to surgeon.
Also this is all out patient - and this surprised me the reason why is to reduce possibility of infection. They can control what happens in their own operating room. When I asked why outpatient He said to avoid staff infections, other infections, etc. He said it was to keep me away from people with other illnesses. They have a higher success rate of no complications by sending you home. Ain't that wild?
Take care all, me and Tammie, and Labhusky will be your resident experts soon!
Went to plastic surgeon yesterday. It is quite embarrassing to undress and get pictures of your breasts then see them on a tv screen. The poor girls they nursed 4 kids and I am not very large (hence why no lumpectomy) (also in two quadrants)
Tamknit as far as mammograms - I believe you are finished with them. I was told that but I will double check that today.
I am a good candidate for where they pull a muscle out of your back(latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction) and pull it to the front. I have fat on that muscle (LOL) but I am not overweight. I don't smoke (he won't even touch me if I smoked - also if anyone smokes new reason to give it up - it complicates surgery 85% of the time) also low blood pressure and I'm young. Actually girls I am young and healthy they all tell me that and I always have to roll my eyes. anyway down side some women report that doing vigorous exercise like the butterfly stroke and swinging a golf club well they have difficulty doing that. Also down time is 5-6 weeks of not lifting above the head. But the breast looks more natural.
breast implant(s) - The plastic surgeon said now is the time your time if you want to make any changes to your breasts. Perky and bigger. If they do one side then they could do the other and the insurance has to pay. the only thing is you have to get them replaced in 10 - 15 years. Not a major surgery but have to get them replaced. My husband said that by then they'll probably have something better. Also doctor won't do the operation where you take muscle and fat from stomach he said after 3 years you'll get a bulge in your stomach. Could do the one where you take fat and blood vessels from stomach reattach to breast but very expensive takes 6 hours under anesthesia(sp?) and that increases your chances for complications. Also 4 days in ICU and then you are off your feet for 4-5 weeks. He just thinks it is too intensive of surgery for a reconstruction.
I am a good candidate for immediate reconstruction.
does anyone know anyone who had the back reconstruction? Does anyone have any opinions?
Shirleybux - try not to read more into things than are really there - everyone rubs my back - just the mere thought of cancer freaks everyone out.
Labhusky - I am praying for you. You are going through a lot. I think the frustrating part is that it takes so long to get all the pieces to the puzzle.
Also girls - great news - my plastic surgeon said that every day there are new breakthroughs for breast cancer. He believes that his breast reconstruction days will soon be over and all will be treated with chemotherapy. The cure rate is great for breast cancer. He said that the information on the disease is just exploding - He hopes that we are on a 5 year course for a complete cure. He is really excited about the prognosis of breast cancer. Pray gals hard this disease is on it's way out!!!!!
Labhusky while it looks dim right now the road is hard Hear 99.9% cure rate - CURE RATE! thank GOD!
Tammie I am praying for you. You are so strong and I admire your courage.
Joygirl - thank you for your kind words and prayers.
Thank you all for your prayers. I will let you know when my surgery date is. Find out Monday go back to surgeon.
Also this is all out patient - and this surprised me the reason why is to reduce possibility of infection. They can control what happens in their own operating room. When I asked why outpatient He said to avoid staff infections, other infections, etc. He said it was to keep me away from people with other illnesses. They have a higher success rate of no complications by sending you home. Ain't that wild?
Take care all, me and Tammie, and Labhusky will be your resident experts soon!
I have a little time now b4 I go to bed. Its been a busy week and right now Im running on the little scared side. Here is the update.
Tuesday, I met with the Onc. I was very nervous and he seemed really nice. I went into his office where he talked to me. He explained DCIS and doesnt think I need chemo which I agreed with him. I felt a little over-whelmed and started tearing but not a full blown jag. He offered the kleenex box. He said youre young and you will be able to live your life to the full extent (or something like). He gave the odds of 99.9% curable rate. When he left to ready me for the exam, the nurse took the BP (yes high), weight and height and into the room for exam. He felt around then took my BP again and it was going down a little. After that, back to his office. He said that he will take a look at the x-rays and see if he would change in any way anything he told me. He came back and said no. He had the front office schedule me to see him 2 weeks after surgery.
Today, I went to the Rad. My BP was lower, but still a little high and the nurse said thats normal so no big concern there. Dr Rad came in after looking at my x-ray. He had a slight concern about an area. Heres the story. I have one main area where most of the calcs are, then another area not too far away from them with not as many. He did say that not all calcs are necessarily "bad". He made 3 diagrams: one was a breast with Lobular whatever, the 2nd one was of DCIS, and the 3rd was DCIS plus invasive. He said that first their is a lumpectomy (I will have 3 wires he said), then if need be theirs a re-excision, then if need be, the big M (my way of saying it). He actually called my surgeon and talked to her about what his concern was on my x-ray. He definitely thinks that radiation will come into play, and I think that is what the surgeon said too because she did bring that part of it up. He said to me to not be surpised if their is a portion missing after the lump. I think he said sometimes theirs invasive with it too and testing the nodes or something. Maybe he wants me to see the whole picture. He did ask me if I wanted to take the diagram, and I said No. He said good!! While I was scheduling my next appt with the nurse, my dr was calling to request that the x-rays get back to the lab so she can see them.
Tomorrow, I go to my dr for the EKG, and Monday I meet with the surgeon again. I will be having alot of uneasy questions for her I believe.
Theres my update for now. Gotta hit the sack so I can get up early. I will say this, I dont mind leaving work early (1:00), but I sure hate the reason. I want to get this behind me so bad!!!
Last night, I felt pretty good and more easier, tonight Im a little more arrrghhhh.
Tuesday, I met with the Onc. I was very nervous and he seemed really nice. I went into his office where he talked to me. He explained DCIS and doesnt think I need chemo which I agreed with him. I felt a little over-whelmed and started tearing but not a full blown jag. He offered the kleenex box. He said youre young and you will be able to live your life to the full extent (or something like). He gave the odds of 99.9% curable rate. When he left to ready me for the exam, the nurse took the BP (yes high), weight and height and into the room for exam. He felt around then took my BP again and it was going down a little. After that, back to his office. He said that he will take a look at the x-rays and see if he would change in any way anything he told me. He came back and said no. He had the front office schedule me to see him 2 weeks after surgery.
Today, I went to the Rad. My BP was lower, but still a little high and the nurse said thats normal so no big concern there. Dr Rad came in after looking at my x-ray. He had a slight concern about an area. Heres the story. I have one main area where most of the calcs are, then another area not too far away from them with not as many. He did say that not all calcs are necessarily "bad". He made 3 diagrams: one was a breast with Lobular whatever, the 2nd one was of DCIS, and the 3rd was DCIS plus invasive. He said that first their is a lumpectomy (I will have 3 wires he said), then if need be theirs a re-excision, then if need be, the big M (my way of saying it). He actually called my surgeon and talked to her about what his concern was on my x-ray. He definitely thinks that radiation will come into play, and I think that is what the surgeon said too because she did bring that part of it up. He said to me to not be surpised if their is a portion missing after the lump. I think he said sometimes theirs invasive with it too and testing the nodes or something. Maybe he wants me to see the whole picture. He did ask me if I wanted to take the diagram, and I said No. He said good!! While I was scheduling my next appt with the nurse, my dr was calling to request that the x-rays get back to the lab so she can see them.
Tomorrow, I go to my dr for the EKG, and Monday I meet with the surgeon again. I will be having alot of uneasy questions for her I believe.
Theres my update for now. Gotta hit the sack so I can get up early. I will say this, I dont mind leaving work early (1:00), but I sure hate the reason. I want to get this behind me so bad!!!
Last night, I felt pretty good and more easier, tonight Im a little more arrrghhhh.
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. My prayers are with all of you, but especially Tamknit at this time. You are very brave. Shirleybux
I can't stay away from this thread... There's so much positive support here it's addictive! My time is limited so my post is short, but I think of you and pray for you daily.
Tamknit, and maa64, you are so strong. Thanks for sharing and updating us.
Nikka and Shirley, the waiting game is very hard, but look at all the benign results in this group. Praying for you both.
Tamknit, and maa64, you are so strong. Thanks for sharing and updating us.
Nikka and Shirley, the waiting game is very hard, but look at all the benign results in this group. Praying for you both.
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