breast cancer: update 9/12

7/12 : First off, if you know me please don't post anything on FB...
Found a painful lump last night, went to my regular md today (couldn't get in with the obgyn) a few hours later I was getting a sonogram.
The lump was not a cyst so tomorrow I go for a vacuum biopsy and a mammogram.
So, can anyone who has been through this share your experiences? If it's not a cyst what are my chances this is cancer? I'm 34.
eta: no breast cancer in my family

Update 7/15: They actually did an ultrasound assisted needle biopsy and a mammogram today. Biopsy wasn't that bad, I watched on the screen, it was pretty cool. Whatever it is, it's not a cyst or trauma. It's about 1 cm so not too big. Doc said it could be a lymph node, didn't know breasts had one. They left a little titanium marker in there. I'm a little sore so picking up the little one is difficult but I'll manage. The tough part is waiting for the results, they said Friday or Monday we'll find out.

Update 7/14: Not much of an update. Looks like I have to wait til Monday to find out the results. Not happy at all.
Thanks for all the replies, I feel better knowing I'm not alone.

Update 7/18: Well I guess you can tell by the title change that the results were not good. I spoke with my doc this morning, I have breast cancer. It's small and doesn't look like it went to the surrounding tissue. I have to start making calls to breast surgeon now. First on my list is Dr. McCoy in E. Setauket. So, any experiences with breast cancer?

7/18 (again) I saw a breast surgeon - Dr. Lee. She was great, I really like her. The other doc was out of network.
I have invasive ductal carcinoma. They did some blood work and are waiting for other test results to come back to see the extent of it. They did a genetic test because of my age and no breast cancer in my family. That scared me a little because they will see if I might have passed something to DS.
We discussed getting a mastectomy..because I want to be very aggressive with this.
I'm going to see a reconstructive breast surgeon on Thursday to discuss this. Right now I'm ok, but please send some vibes my way that this is the only cancer I have. Monday they will do an MRI.

7/25 : I met my oncologist today, I like him. Strange being there, I was the youngest by at least 20 years. The plan is to start chemo 4-6 weeks after my surgery.
I decided I'm going to get a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Friday they told me that they may be able to get me in on Aug 17. Today they are telling me Sept 20. My general md is saying getting a second opinion. Last night I went over my records and it said that my last breast exam with my OBGYN in 3/2011. So this thing grew enough that I could feel it in 4 months. I don't want to wait another month. I meet with the surgeon again tomorrow, I will discuss my concerns.
The oncologist said my hair would fall out. I'm ok with that. I'll probably shave my head before hand and own it. I have to start looking into head scarf fashions. Wigs freak me out.
Hopefully I will have news tomorrow and get a date ASAP!

ETA: Ladies good with fashion... any pretty head scarf suggestions? I'm not down with the hats that make me look like i'm in a maxi pad commercial. Wigs aren't my thing either.

update 7/27: Had a moment, figured I'd do my update.
They did an MRI on Monday and found a couple of "things" in my left breast. They look benign but I will get an ultrasound on Friday anyway.
I want to get a double mastectomy with the DIEP reconstruction. Google it, it's really amazing what they can do. In a nut shell it's a boob job with your own fat and a tummy tuck.
I'm trying to stay positive and not get sucked into the depression about being sick. Especially since I still feel good!
I'm still waiting on my surgery date but in the mean time I'm getting second opinions just in case. Not having a date is torture.
By the way, thank you for all the FMs and responses. I'm so happy to hear that by reading this some of you have taken those lumps and bumps a little more seriously. Most of the time it's nothing but if you get it early you'll be ok.

update 8/3:
The ultrasound on Friday showed 3 masses in my right breast. 1 was a known cancer, another looked like cancer and the 3rd was an unknown. Left breast had some small things. These were not detected in the mammo. Now I know for sure I'm making the right decision to get the double mastectomy.
After meeting with 3 breast surgeons, 1 plastic surgeon and 1 oncologist and many many tests I have a surgery date set up for early September. There is a slight possibility there may be an opening earlier.
Meanwhile my plastic surgeon has me loading up on vitamins and wants me to "fatten up". I am by no means thin but for this surgery my boobs will be made from my belly fat so apparently I need a lot of it- though I was sure I had enough.
Thank you for all the words of encouragement.


ETA: How could I forget - I'm negative for the BRCA gene! That means I did not pass this on to my son.

update 9/5:
Tomorrow is my big day. I'm going to have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction. If all goes as expected I will be home on Friday. I will post when I can!

update 9/12: I'm home! I got home on Friday. I'm doing ok. Lots of pain meds so I'm pretty foggy. Today I was able to shower on my own. I can't put my hands above me head so I have to have my husband wash my hair later. It just felt really good to at least be able to do that. A few days after the surgery I was so proud that I sat up in bed (assisted).
Tonight I go to the surgeon and I guess she'll tell me more about the cancer. I do know that it did not spread to the lymph nodes.
I think Thursday is the day that they will remove the drains. I have EIGHT of them. Nappy time now.

Message edited 9/12/2011 1:36:42 PM.

Re: breast biopsy

I had a biopsy recently and the anxiety over it was probably worse than the actual procedure. I didn't have a lump, but something was picked up on a routine mammogram, so they wanted to be sure it was nothing (and it was nothing).

all I can tell you is try not to get ahead of yourself and try to stay calm. I got my results back very quickly test on Thursday, results on Monday.

Hoping all goes well - FM me if you want more specific info.

Re: breast biopsy

I have never had one but just wanted to wish you well and hope all works out fine.

Re: breast biopsy

Wish you a healthy outcome!

I had my lump removed. I didn't want a biopsy and mine was small enough they could do it. The mammogram was unclear. Tho they took the thing like 5 times! LOL I'm a B cup (borderline C) and frankly I thought the mammogram wasn't that bad. Going back 4more times was annoying tho. They made me wait in the hall while they checked the images.

I don't know what a vacuum biopsy is. My surgeon just put some local anesthesia then cut it out. Left me with dissoluble stitches and away I went. I have an inch or so scar now but no more annoying lump.

Good Luck


ETA: i was 33 at the time and I have a family history of breast cancer so they figured it was easier to dig it out, I think. They biopsied it afterwards and it was nothing. Said it was 'trauma'

Message edited 7/12/2011 9:52:30 PM.

Re: breast biopsy

Posted by dpli

I had a biopsy recently and the anxiety over it was probably worse than the actual procedure. I didn't have a lump, but something was picked up on a routine mammogram, so they wanted to be sure it was nothing (and it was nothing).

all I can tell you is try not to get ahead of yourself and try to stay calm. I got my results back very quickly test on Thursday, results on Monday.

Hoping all goes well - FM me if you want more specific info.

Re: breast biopsy

i'm so sorry. you must be scared but try to remain calm. ill bet you its nothing.

benign lumps are extremely common in women of childbearing years.

did they suggest sending you for an ultrasound yet?

they can usually tell that its benign right there. even if they are 99% sure that it is benign, they will ALWAYS follow up with a biopsy after to confirm everything ...but the ultrasound tells a pretty accurate story.

i found a lump on my breast in 2008. I was 28. i went to my obgyn and she said it felt like a benign lump.. but to be sure she sent me for an breast sonogram (or ultrasound- i dont remember) a couple days later.

i was so scared during the sonogram, the technician was looking at the screen,but not talking or reassuring me, so i started to cry.

she looked at me like i was crazy (thanks for the compassion ,lady!) then she told me that it looked like it was benign to her. then the dr looked at it and came in to talk to me.

she said although it looked benign, she still wanted to do the biopsy to confirm.

I then had a biopsy a few weeks on my breast. they numbed the area and pushed something into me almost like a staple gun..and it pulled the sample. it was quick and painless.

a little round bandaid covered it.

I went to work right after.


i went back every year for a check up sonogram for 2 years. After they saw it did not change shape or size for 2 years they released me and i do not need to go anymore.

i am sure it will be OK. the good thing is that you are getting checked!

trust me, you will be fine and it will be nothing. i have a good feeling for you.

Re: breast biopsy

Re: breast biopsy

I have many cysts that have been changing over the years. I have had 3 biopsies so far all with markers as well. I use to go every 6 months for sono and mammo but now since I have had the all clear so many times I now go once per year.

The thing that made me most comfortable was my DR. I had someone who I HATED. I changed Drs until I found someone I love. If you need a name let me know.

Good luck and I hope it turns out to be nothing.

Biopsy was more scary and just uncomfy then anything. It does not hurt, just a little sore the next few days and I was a little black and blue.

Re: breast biopsy: update 7/13

sending positive vibes your way! I've had 2 needle biopsies of my right breast for 'suspicious findings on mammos. 3 years ago I found a lump that was benign, I have major history of breast CA in the family so I have to be closely monitored. I have very dense breast tissue, the breast surgeon said its so fibrous she couldn't make anything out on physical exam so they rely on imaging. mammos are extremely painful for me.

the first biopsy was so uncomfortable I bawled. the second was so much easier (different radiologist, different facility). the second time they left a marker.

I also had genetic testing for the gene, negative thankfully.

btw the second biopsy I had was particularly alarming because there was 'blood flow to the suspicious area, but it turned out to be nothing, but very worriesome!

Re: breast biopsy: update 7/13

Many prayers for good results from the biopsy. I had 2 biopsies done several years ago which were benign thankfully. Mine were both fibroid type. Hope you are feeling better today.

Re: breast biopsy: update 7/13

I have had that too and it was B9!

Hoping yours is too.

Re: breast cancer

update

Re: breast cancer

OMG I am so sorry you are going through this. Your update made me sick to my stomach -- this is one of my biggest fears.

Thank God it is small and that it is early. I'm sure you will be just fine. But I can't even imagine how un-nerving this is for you.

If you don't mind me asking, do you go for yearly exams and mammos?

Please keep us updated!!!

You are in my prayers.

Message edited 7/18/2011 9:23:42 AM.

....

Message edited 3/7/2013 2:55:18 PM.

Re: breast cancer

Sending prayers your way Ive been going for mammos/sonos since 30 years old due to a history of breast cancer. Praise God they found it and its only a small area You will be fine!!!!

My friend just went thru this too she is a little older 40 years old. But they caught it in time and she doesnt need any radiation. She is doing great and so will you.

Re: breast cancer

I've never had cancer, but I am an oncology nurse. First off, if it hasn't spread then you're in luck! I'm sure the whole process will be scary, but you will make it through OK! My doctor recommendation is Dr. Yoon-Schwartz (affiliated with Huntington Hospital) - her work is excellent and she keeps up with the latest technology and procedures. You'll probably have a lumpectomy and they'll check nodes for involvement. You might need some radiation, but probably not chemo. And then they might want to put you on tamoxifen (pill to prevent recurrence). My mother also went through this back in 2001 - and has been cancer free ever since! She gets MRIs and mammograms all the time though, and has had several biopsies, but nothing so far. Good luck!!!

Re: breast cancer

It's the worst thing to hear. I'm sorry you are facing this.

Good news is it's small and contained and you got it early. Early detection saves lives.

I wish you didn't have to deal with this at all but please keep in mind that if it didn't spread, it's contained and you have an amazing doctor you will be fine.

Please let us know how it goes. Good luck.

Re: breast cancer

Sorry to hear your news, but keeping you in my thoughts and hoping that you caught it really early.

Re: breast cancer

Hi. My mom dealt with breast cancer back in 2001 and has been cancer free for the last10 years. It sounds like it is quite early, which means the prognosis is excellent. They will probably do a lumpectomy and during the surgery they will test one lymph node to make sure it is cancer free. Following a lumpectomy, they almost always do radiation. If your tumor is fed by estrogen they will probably put you on a medication Tamoxifen or an aromotase inhibitor like Femara.
I know it is a very scary journey, but the odds are dramatically in your favor for a cure. Lumpectomy is pretty non-invasive as surgeries go ( my mom was working the next day !) Radiation is extremely manageable too in terms of side effects.
If you need any doctor recommendations or any other feedback, FM me.

Re: breast cancer

I'm sorry for your update. Best of luck with your treatments. I'm rooting for you.

Message edited 7/19/2011 6:36:34 AM.

Re: breast cancer: upate 7/18 again

Just some of this...

Re: breast cancer: upate 7/18 again

May, I am so sorry. I hope it's just in the early stages and you get only good news from now on. Many many and good thoughts for you!!

Re: breast cancer: upate 7/18 again

I just read your update. Stay strong and Im glad that they caught it early.

Re: breast cancer: upate 7/18 again

You have FM>

Re: breast cancer: upate 7/18 again

sending some prayers your way.