bi-rads 3

[rascally1]

Here is my dilemma......  I have been having mamograms,  since I was 30 because of breast cancer in my mother before age 40.  My most recent showed further testing was ordered.  I had an MRI and an ultrasound.  Radiologist said depending on my comfort level we could wait 6 months, or have the MRI guided biopsy.  Given the family history we decided to have the biopsy.  The manager who has been doing them for 26 years acted as if I was wasting their time.  I felt terrible the whole time like may be I shouldn't have been there.  She was nice enough, and professional but also made it clear that she really didn't think the doctor would go ahead with it.  She was very surprised when he said to go ahead!  Well, they tried for a good hour and could not get the target.  The manager commented that was what she had thought. so we were finished and I left confused to how something odd could be there and then not be there.  I was frustrated and confused,  and really didn't know what to tell my mother or husband who had been waiting for 2 hours!  My mom was convinced we should get the radiologist report sent to us, and call my doctor for further advice.  By the next day my doctor had the dictation in front of her and we were exploring the options.  Meanwhile I had a message at home from the manager to call her.  Well, apparently the machine was broken and could not get the "target".  The tech had been in that evening to repair a different machine, and also had a look at the one my testing was tried on.  It's coordinations or something were not working.  The manager said the doctor would be willing to re-do the biopsy, but reminded me that he was also quite comfortable with me just coming back in 6 months.  My doctor said  re-do the test.  I am having it done, but I'm afraid I will get the manager again who will make it seem like I am wasting their time.  I hate that.  I believe we have to advocate for ourselves and it's my choice to have it or not have it.  My mother's cancer started out as a bump, that was said to be benign.  It bothered her so just to be sure the doctor ordered a biopsy.  The biopsy came back negative.  The doctor said they could leave it, and just watch for growth.  It made her too stressed to think about it since it shouldn't have been there in the first place, so they did a lumpectomy.  Well, it was cancer.  It was also ready to burst.  She had a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and praise the Lord is a survivor today!  I guess I don't really have a question.  Just wanted to get this off my chest (ha-ha)  A little humor is good sometimes.  Anyway, I go back in early next week, and I really just want to feel like I have the right to be there as much as anyone else.  After all, my doctor wouldn't send me if she didn't think it was nec. right?  So, I guess I do have a question....  Have any of you had a probable benign as a 3, and had a biopsy just to have peace of mind?  Any thoughts are much appreciated.  Thanks.  On the positive side, I have not had to wait and wait.  Everything has been extremely efficient in all aspects, including billing-for the first mammogram which reached my home with-in just a few days of having the mammo. lol  I'll be praying for any and all of you with uncertainties, and diagnosis!


This discussion is related to Calcifications and lumps benign condition?.

[rascally1]

Thank you so much!  This is an amazing site that I just happened to stumble upon.    Everyone's responses have been quick and reassuring that I am doing the right thing in order to be "sure".  I will keep you all posted.  I hope all goes well for all of you.  Any of you who are "down" or frustrated right now, I will be lifting you up in prayer for peace of mind, and comfort as you go through all the steps.  Anyone who needs to vent and doesn't feel they have the freedom to do that with family or friends just yet.... I will listen.  For many weeks now we have kept this to ourselves as to not worry needlessly our loved ones.  But as the process moves on I have had to tell a couple people.  Thanks for the big hug!  I am a hugger too!

[ncmichigan]

I'm really sorry you had such a terrible experience. I hope the next one is much smoother and truly hope you get benign results. Technology is really great---when it works! I had to have a repeat breast MRI because the machine wasn't working, but it
was nothing compared to what you've been through. I would definitely report your
experience, as ladysmith advised. I agree with zouzi 100%--you have a right to be treated with compassion and care, not treated like you're "bothering" someone or "wasting" their time. It's YOUR body, and with your history, I would have done exactly the same thing. I am very vigilent about my testing because my sister died of BC just before 51, I've had breast issues since my 20's and was recently diagnosed with LCIS. I'm 62 now, and fortunately, everyone I've seen from the techs to the radiologists, my surgeon and oncologist have been wonderful. You have a right to that, too.
All the best with your biopsy and please let us know how it turns out. Sending you a
big hug (      ),
nc

[ladysmith105]

Hi there,
Maybe you could go to a different place to have the biopsy done?  When health care professionals act like that Manager they should be reported as you are possibly facing a serious disease & don't need extra stress.  Or when the biopsy is completed you can write a letter about your experience with her.  

My first mamo after breast cancer treatment was a birads 3, as they said the scar tissue looked large & they had nothing to compare it to.  Will have another mamo in 1 month.

Wishing you all the best going forward.

God Bless

[rascally1]

Thanks, your words are encouraging- and I hope the machine works this time too!  I'll let you know how it goes.

[zouzi]

Hi
Of course you have the right to be there and have the biopsy done as ordered by your doctor.
As a rule, BIRADS category 3 means"Probably benign" and a 6 months follow-up is the norm,but having a strong family history of breast cancer,it's wise of you to want to proceed with a biopsy and have peace of mind.
You shouldn't feel intimidated by any one, it really doesn't matter what the radiologist thinks or doesn't think about this matter,this is your body and your decision to opt for a biopsy, is in my opinion, a very wise decision.
Wishing you all the best and good luck on your upcoming biopsy.
PS. I hope the MRI machine works this time! LOL)