Freaking out over Mamo/Ultrasound - Biopsy :(

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

I just got back from my mamo and besides the fact that my breast was smooshed to death, there seems to be a nodule they found They did do an ultrasound and there was a little nodule - the doctor showed it to me..he says he is slightly concerned and is setting me up for a biopsy. I asked him again how concerned..his reply was 10 % concerned. Now I am freaking out. I know there is nothing to worry about until the biopsy is done, but it's just human nature to be worried. He told me not to worry - yeah like that's not gonna happen! From what I saw on the screen (while trying to not start crying) it didn't look weird shaped - kinda ovally round. Sorry if I am not making much sense, but I don't want to let my dh or dd that I am worried about it - kinda acting like "don't worry until there is something to worry about". - I know they don't go on the boards, so I can kinda express myself a little more here...anyone go through this? Results? By the way I just turned 46 and am perimenopausal - does that matter?

 

[wvdisluv2]

Hang in there! I'm going to say if your Dr. is "10% concerned" that you should *try* (easier said than done~I know) to be only 10% concerned as well. I'm 42 and have had 4 mammograms in the last six months and *they* are *generally concerned* I gave up on worrying~it just wore me out! Sending you good wishes, prayers, and pixie dust for good results on your biopsy (My Mom had a needle biopsy done several years ago and the pain was minimal~according to her)

 

[HERSEY]

I do hope you can get in quickly and get this behind you. The unknown is very scary. Don't do what I did and try to diagnosis yourself with the web. You will scare yourself sick.

Mine is in a place where the doctor feels it is almost never cancer and will go away when I go through menopause. Something to look forward too

I will be praying that it is nothing.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Sending good thoughts your way.

 

[LoraJ]

Ugh!
Try not to worry.

I had my first mamo yesterday. Really unpleasant experience. I was told I would probably have to come in again for an ultrasound because I am so dense. Fabulous.

 

[minkydog]

I had a suspicious lump about 6-7 years ago. Had the mammo, the ultrasound, and finally the needle biopsy. My lump was small and oval shaped as well, deep under the breast next to the chest wall. I know how scared i was when it happend to me. But the needle biopsy was really nothing. He "tapped" the nodule, which turned out to be fluid-filled, and withdrew a sample. Just looking at it, he said he was sure it was a simple cyst, but he sent off a sample. Sure enough, that's what it was.

It's very hard to turn off your brain when it gets going. DON"T look up stuff on the internet, you'll just scare yourself to death. No matter what this is, worrying about it NOW won't help. If it's good news, you will have wasted days of your life being upset about something that will never happen. And if it's bad news there will be time to grieve and then you will marshal your resources. Don't do your grieving now, it's a waste of time and energy. Hug your kids and play your Christmas music real loud until you get through this.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Thanks everyone...I did start surfing the web, but stopped that as soon as I found a pic of a breast that was misdiagnosed!!!! I will just wait till the tech calls tomorrow to set up the appointment. I just wish this wasn't happening so close to the holidays...I'm stressed enough with work and the holidays.. The doctor did say there was minimal pain...alot of lidocane used prior so there is not pain, you just "feel the digging YUK!!!" He said there won't even be stitches As the news is settling in, I am not so panicky...he said the results will take 3-5 days too. Oh well...I thought the hot flashes I was going through were bad...but this takes the cake

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

.......Hug your kids and play your Christmas music real loud until you get through this.

I like this! Turned on the Christmas tunes and actually do feel a little better

 

[Rose&Mike]

Ugh!
Try not to worry.

I had my first mamo yesterday. Really unpleasant experience. I was told I would probably have to come in again for an ultrasound because I am so dense. Fabulous.

FWIW the first couple mamos I had, I had to go back for an ultrasound. Same reason-very dense. After a couple I have not needed the extra ultrasound. They needed to get a couple base ones, I guess. It's a pain to have to go back.

 

[amyy]

I appreciate you posting this. I have also have a lump that they are "generally concerned about". This is after 6 or 7 ultrasounds, biopsy and 2 mammograms (spread out over time of course). You would think after all that they could say it is bad or it fine. I have to tune it out now. I tune it out my buying quality chocolate or some other form of retail therapy such as Life is Good T-shirts, lacy bra etc. It helps. Take care!!

 

[MiniGirl]

Please try not to worry. You have a couple of things going for you. First of all.... the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor. Most biopsies (80% or more) end up being benign. Also, you said that it was "round/ovally." Most malignant tumors do not have smooth edges but rather irregular ones. Almost spikey. So take comfort in that while you wait to have the biopsy and for the results.

Now for the disclaimer.... I have no medical training whatsoever. What I know I learned recently as I waited to have my own biopsy. A routine mammogram showed 2 lumps in my breast. I went back for a follow-up u/s, and then followed the recommendation of the surgeon to have it biopsied. My biopsy was last Wednesday, and it was a very easy procedure. The most "painful" part was my positioning -- not completely on my side but not on my back either with my arm over my head.

I got a call from my doc today with the all clear. I pray you have the same results. Oh and I'm 44 BTW.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Since I am very dense (my breasts not my head LOL), it REALLY hurt trying to get a good mamo...that's why they decided on the ultrasound..I am very sore now and wish they had just done the ultrasound after the first set of pics...For all you out there with the same issues, you are all in my thoughts and prayers as well...

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Please try not to worry. You have a couple of things going for you. First of all.... the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor. Most biopsies (80% or more) end up being benign. Also, you said that it was "round/ovally." Most malignant tumors do not have smooth edges but rather irregular ones. Almost spikey. So take comfort in that while you wait to have the biopsy and for the results.

Now for the disclaimer.... I have no medical training whatsoever. What I know I learned recently as I waited to have my own biopsy. A routine mammogram showed 2 lumps in my breast. I went back for a follow-up u/s, and then followed the recommendation of the surgeon to have it biopsied. My biopsy was last Wednesday, and it was a very easy procedure. The most "painful" part was my positioning -- not completely on my side but not on my back either with my arm over my head.

I got a call from my doc today with the all clear. I pray you have the same results. Oh and I'm 44 BTW.

Congrats on your results! From your lips to god's ears I will have the same. It was a weird position during the ultrasound so I know what you are talking about...how long did the biopsy take to do?

 

[chell]

 

[a1tinkfans]

OP: wishing you the VERY best, sounds like it will all be FINE!!! Many are fibroadenomas, benign and just pesky enough to keep you on your toes.

I have been where you are now.......and can say from first hand experience that when they saw my "cyst" they pretty much said I had cancer right away....SO that should also put your mind at ease. Talk about out of the blue (typical, no history, no smoking, etc etc)
It has been a long tough battle but one I am proud to say is mostly behind me (multi procedures, ultimately a dbl mast. followed by chemo) and then reconstructionS, but it is never far from my mind and 4 years later I am more convinced than ever that I made the right decisions..(with the amazing care I recv'd and still do receive @ Memorial Sloan Kettering) ....
So to all you ladies out there............GET your mammo's, Go with your GUT and Bless you................

 

[MiniGirl]

Congrats on your results! From your lips to god's ears I will have the same. It was a weird position during the ultrasound so I know what you are talking about...how long did the biopsy take to do?

I really didn't seem that long. I did take the Xanax the nurse offered me before the procedure, so that could have something to do with it. It also took a little longer because the fire alarm went off as the nurse was slathering the betadine on me. (They had to see what was going on. Better to evacuate now than to start and then find out it was a real fire. Turns out they were just testing the system. Like they couldn't have picked a time to do that after all the procedures were done for the day. LOL!!!) The whole thing was maybe 30 minutes -- if that long. First the u/s tech located the lump and marked a spot on my breast, then I was prepped. I never even felt the local the doc used to numb my breast. First lump was a cyst and was easily drained. The other one was solid. He had trouble getting enough good samples and so it did take a little longer than it usually does. Then they place a tiny pin on the lump, and that was that. No stitches. Just a steri-strip over the incision (about 1/4 inch -- if that). Finally, I was taken for a quick mammogram.

I went home and slept and just took it easy the next couple of days. I felt great but was told not to lift anything heavy or even reach for things. That meant dh made Thanksgiving dinner and did clean-up. He was awesome during all of it and really made sure I didn't over do things -- which was easy to do because I really did feel great the next day.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Minigirl - he did tell me that they do put a pin in so locate the spot easier if there is a problem down the road...thanks for the report - I do feel a little better now.

a1tinkfans - So glad to hear you are well and a strong survivor..Like you there is no family history either for me..there are a few girls in my office who have NEVER gone to the gyno for an annual or a mammo EVER! When I go to work tomorrow and tell them what is happening to me they better go and make their own appts!

 

[MinnieTink]

Just wanted to wish you good luck and I hope they can get your biopsy done soon. And please keep us posted!

 

[hellokitty86]

Thinking of you!

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

The doctor's office just called and I go in Dec 11th for the biopsy. I wish it was sooner, but I guess I can wait the week if the Doctor thinks it's ok. My gyno also called me this morning to find out how I was (he had just gotten the report). He was very kind and also said that it was better to be on the safe side and have the procedure done. I am better today b/c it's settling in..I will not worry until the results are back (or at least try to LOL)