snappy
Survivor
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2002
- Messages
- 10,392
Mom2Ashli, sending s hug and a boatload of pixie dust to you for your test results. 
Please let us know how you did when you are able.
Laurajean1014, I can share a little info about calcifications.
I went for my annual screening mammo in earl april 2004. After about a week, the GYN called and said I needed to go for a diagnostic mammo, which are the magnified views for the left breast. I went in for that and afterwards the radiologist called me in to show me the films and talk. I asked for a copy of the report, it showed a bi Rads number of 4, suspicion of cancer, biopsy recommended. She described different procedures but recommended a steroetactic core biopsy since it is the least invasive. To proceed further I called my GYN and he told me I needed to see a surgeon to proceed with this. He recommended one and after a delay I was able to see him. He examined me (the most thorough breast exam in my life) and looked at the view and concurred about a stereotactic core biopsy. He said there was a 80% chance of it being benign but the only way to tell for sure was the biopsy.
At the breast center here the radiologist does the procedure in the hospital's radiology department. I had it on April 27, 2004. I took my mom for moral support (she would not take no for answer anyway). It was helpful to have someone as I was understandably anxious.
The doc and the nurses were very caring and gentle. One of the nurses remained with me at the head of the bed the entire time talking to me and rubbing my back. There was also a small CD player close to my head with soft, soothing music playing. I was also offered warmed blankets since the room was freezing.
I had two areas of concern,one was the upper outer quadrant, apparently a common place for BC to start and retroareolar region. One of the areas was very close to the skin surface, I think it was the upper outer area. I think this made it more challenging for the doc, I could hear some discussion of this. I was not too uncomfortable except for having to lie down flat on my stomach in the machine for awhile. I think they took more mammos first to locate the exact area and place a marker in the two places. In the machine more mammos were taken to make sure they had the right spots. The doc and the nurses were really very good about letting me know each step and what they were doing. Mine took longer I think because of the one area close to the skin and the fact that they two areas. I had local anesthesia, did not feel pain, but you can hear the sound as the samples are taken, and maybe a light pressure. I was surprised at the lack of pain.
I have talked to women who had this procedure using different equipment (my hospital apprarently has the latest technology). They had the test sitting up and it was much more uncomfortable. I think another plus, at least for me, of lying down for it is that the patient does not observe the procedure.
They are not attempting to remove the area, just take samples.The samples are taken to the pathology department, I think my surgeon had results the next day, very quick. He called me and told me the results over the phone.
The nurses gave me a small ice pack to use after the biopsy was over. There were two small incisions since I had the two areas. There was a little brusing but not much. I was told to take tylenol for any discomfort and not to lift anything heavy for a day or two with that arm. I actually had more bruising after a needle biopsy on my other breast a few weeks later during my second opinion visit after the dos thought she felt something in that breast (luckily that was benign).
I would ask for a copy of your pathology report when you see the doctor afterwards. I now carry copies of all the reports from my tests, biopsies, etc. when I go to the doctor.
I had cancer in both areas, just DCIS (non-invasive) in the retroareolar area and a very small (.1 cm) invasive cancer in the upper outer quadrant.
Both surgeons I saw recommended mastectomy since more than one area was involved. There would have been too much area taken out to remove both and to make sure they got all the DCIS out. The pathology report after my surgery showed more DCIS in the breast, but no more invasive cancer and 16 of 16 lymph nodes were clear. What a relief and I also never second guessed the decision to have the mastectomy.
Good luck with your biopsy tomorrow. You are welcome to either ask here or pm me with any questions you might have. I will be forever grateful for the support and guidance I received during my diagnosis. If there is any way I can help someone else, it is so gratifying. This thread has also been a great source, of both info and support. I think you get the best support from other survivors, since they can certainly relate. Hopefully, you will not end up being in our number but even having to do the biospsy qualifies you as a sister here.
Here is a big hug!!
Sorry it took me awhile to get this posted. I was about done with my post and my computer hiccuped. Had to start over.
Please let us know how you did when you are able.Laurajean1014, I can share a little info about calcifications.
I went for my annual screening mammo in earl april 2004. After about a week, the GYN called and said I needed to go for a diagnostic mammo, which are the magnified views for the left breast. I went in for that and afterwards the radiologist called me in to show me the films and talk. I asked for a copy of the report, it showed a bi Rads number of 4, suspicion of cancer, biopsy recommended. She described different procedures but recommended a steroetactic core biopsy since it is the least invasive. To proceed further I called my GYN and he told me I needed to see a surgeon to proceed with this. He recommended one and after a delay I was able to see him. He examined me (the most thorough breast exam in my life) and looked at the view and concurred about a stereotactic core biopsy. He said there was a 80% chance of it being benign but the only way to tell for sure was the biopsy.
At the breast center here the radiologist does the procedure in the hospital's radiology department. I had it on April 27, 2004. I took my mom for moral support (she would not take no for answer anyway). It was helpful to have someone as I was understandably anxious.
The doc and the nurses were very caring and gentle. One of the nurses remained with me at the head of the bed the entire time talking to me and rubbing my back. There was also a small CD player close to my head with soft, soothing music playing. I was also offered warmed blankets since the room was freezing.
I had two areas of concern,one was the upper outer quadrant, apparently a common place for BC to start and retroareolar region. One of the areas was very close to the skin surface, I think it was the upper outer area. I think this made it more challenging for the doc, I could hear some discussion of this. I was not too uncomfortable except for having to lie down flat on my stomach in the machine for awhile. I think they took more mammos first to locate the exact area and place a marker in the two places. In the machine more mammos were taken to make sure they had the right spots. The doc and the nurses were really very good about letting me know each step and what they were doing. Mine took longer I think because of the one area close to the skin and the fact that they two areas. I had local anesthesia, did not feel pain, but you can hear the sound as the samples are taken, and maybe a light pressure. I was surprised at the lack of pain.
I have talked to women who had this procedure using different equipment (my hospital apprarently has the latest technology). They had the test sitting up and it was much more uncomfortable. I think another plus, at least for me, of lying down for it is that the patient does not observe the procedure.
They are not attempting to remove the area, just take samples.The samples are taken to the pathology department, I think my surgeon had results the next day, very quick. He called me and told me the results over the phone.
The nurses gave me a small ice pack to use after the biopsy was over. There were two small incisions since I had the two areas. There was a little brusing but not much. I was told to take tylenol for any discomfort and not to lift anything heavy for a day or two with that arm. I actually had more bruising after a needle biopsy on my other breast a few weeks later during my second opinion visit after the dos thought she felt something in that breast (luckily that was benign).
I would ask for a copy of your pathology report when you see the doctor afterwards. I now carry copies of all the reports from my tests, biopsies, etc. when I go to the doctor.
I had cancer in both areas, just DCIS (non-invasive) in the retroareolar area and a very small (.1 cm) invasive cancer in the upper outer quadrant.
Both surgeons I saw recommended mastectomy since more than one area was involved. There would have been too much area taken out to remove both and to make sure they got all the DCIS out. The pathology report after my surgery showed more DCIS in the breast, but no more invasive cancer and 16 of 16 lymph nodes were clear. What a relief and I also never second guessed the decision to have the mastectomy.
Good luck with your biopsy tomorrow. You are welcome to either ask here or pm me with any questions you might have. I will be forever grateful for the support and guidance I received during my diagnosis. If there is any way I can help someone else, it is so gratifying. This thread has also been a great source, of both info and support. I think you get the best support from other survivors, since they can certainly relate. Hopefully, you will not end up being in our number but even having to do the biospsy qualifies you as a sister here.
Here is a big hug!!
Sorry it took me awhile to get this posted. I was about done with my post and my computer hiccuped. Had to start over.
Her prognosis at this point is not very good. It sounds to me like they are expecting to buy her time with chemo rather than save her life. My aunt won't get a second opinion-- it's like she's resigned herself to this fate. 
My family has to climb over the pillow hill to kiss me good night!
Val, I am in tears reading your post. Nothing makes me sadder than to hear that someone waited too long to go to see the doctor at a time when cure could have been possible. My cousin died of lymphoma when I was pregnant - she had also waited too long, leaving a husband and 5 young boys. I'm so sorry about your aunt and understand the concerns about your Mom as well. 
wishing you all a good nights sleep.....(I think I forgot to mention too that I saw my PCP Friday and got a dozen Ambien precribed in case my sleep difficulties get the better of me...I haven't used it every night but boy even a half one makes a difference in getting an uninterupted stretch of sleep...aaahhhh)
I actually missed them when I was done. 
