BI-RADS3, BRCA2/ATM Mutation,breast/ovarian cancer Hx 2nd opinion

Posted by mandi77 @mandi77, Feb 19, 2023

Hi I'm new here. I recently entered the high breast cancer risk program due to history & a small lump left breast noticed 1 year ago and recently noticed indented skin in that area. Background: 7 years ago in 2016 my mom diagnosed stage 4 Ovarian cancer she encouraged genetic testing. Discovered we have BRCA2 & ATM genetic mutations. I'd always had several female pain/issues so I opted for a radical hysterectomy & several ovarian & fallopian tube cysts were discovered but fully cleared with surgery. My Mom passed that same year. Since we've discovered family breast cancer hx.
Now: Mammogram & Contrast MRI ordered Dec2022. Mammo showed dense breast with irregular left breast shape. MRI showed 2-4mm mass left breast. Follow up was: Diagnostic Mammo & Ultrasound left breast- specialist said "if mass shows on either diagnostic mammo or ultrasound follow up with ultrasound guided biopsy". Those follow up diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound were this week. Mammo showed left breast irregular shape and swollen listed as unremarkable. Ultrasound: (6) different spots notated: 1 benign cyst, 2 mixed cysts, 1 probably benign mass, 2 solid hypoechoic masses 2x5x8mm possibly benign with 2 swollen lymph nodes left armpit area one was 29 mm diameter "possibly benign". BI-RADS 3. The radiologist said no biopsy needed come back in 6 months and he sent his technician to tell me this though she was pushing for a consult with him. I was completely frustrated 😞 I felt that since the tests took so long and completed at 430 on a Friday holiday weekend- the bedside manner and patient centered care was lacking. Also of course I also felt that my specialists recommendations were Not followed which stated: "If any mass shows up on mammo or ultrasound a ultrasound guided biopsy needs to be done". The radiologist recommendations instead were: "Follow up with another ultrasound and mammogram in 6 months". I feel like a second opinion and a biopsy should be warranted in this case. Obviously I am concerned and stressed and seeking peace of mind. What are anyone's thoughts out there? I would whole heartedly greatly appreciate any and all feedback! ❤ Thank you and bless you all!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

timely | @timely | Feb 19, 2023

Definitely get a 2nd opinon and feedback and let your own doctor know that you are doing this.

timely | @timely | Feb 19, 2023

Plus, your doctor may be able to help speed up this 2nd opinion.

mandi77 | @mandi77 | Feb 19, 2023

In reply to @timely "Definitely get a 2nd opinon and feedback and let your own doctor know that you are..." + (show)

Thank you so much! I plan to for sure.

mandi77 | @mandi77 | Feb 21, 2023

My specialists nurse called today and it sounds like they will be referring my to a breast surgical Oncologist for a second opinion! After hearing how the radiology appointment went and with my current concerns and background they feel this is the next best step vs waiting 6 more months. I'm so glad I advocated for this and hopefully when the biopsy does take place its nothing but at least I will have peace of mind instead of waiting 6 more months when things could potentially get worse.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 25, 2023

@mandi77, you may also be interested in these related discussions:
- Suspicious area Bi-rad 2 or 3: Do I advocate for a biopsy or wait? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bi-rad-three-after-ultra-sound-and-mri-from-bi-rd-2-6-months-ago/
- Bi-rad 4: Surgical excision recommended for me https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bi-rad-4-surgical-excision-recommendated/
- BI-RADS 3 Question https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/birads-3-question/
- ATM Gene Mutation and Care https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/atm-gene-mutation-and-care/

Hopefully these discussions will help you prepare for your upcoming second opinion. Keep asking questions 🙂

mandi77 | @mandi77 | Feb 25, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "@mandi77, you may also be interested in these related discussions: - Suspicious area Bi-rad 2 or..." + (show)

Thank you so much very helpful!

jpnnobx | @jpnnobx | Feb 26, 2023

Definitely get a 2nd opinion. My husband was diagnosed with Neck and throat cancer in May 2022. He was told the lump in his neck was nothing by 2 CT scans, 2 radiologist, a biopsy and 3 Drs. He just wanted the lump gone regardless of what it was. Finally an ERT Dr did a small biopsy, this time by putting him in the hospital and under the “knife” to find out what it was. They caught it Stage 1 but if he would of listened to what 2 radiologist said that it was nothing, we would of waited for years and it would of been much worse.
I was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in 2020 that I put off because of everything closed due to Covid and I kept ignoring the lump thinking “it must be a cyst”.
Good luck in your journey and keep a positive attitude!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 3, 2023

In reply to @jpnnobx "Definitely get a 2nd opinion. My husband was diagnosed with Neck and throat cancer in May..." + (show)

Welcome @jpnnobx. What are the odds that both you and your husband would be diagnosed with different cancers within a couple of years of each other.

You may also be interested in following the Head & Neck Cancers support group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/

But back to breast cancer. May I ask what treatment you are curently on? How are you doing?

jpnnobx | @jpnnobx | Mar 4, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @jpnnobx. What are the odds that both you and your husband would be diagnosed with..." + (show)

Thanks Colleen for reaching out and for the info on the Head and Neck Support Group.
As far as my breast cancer journey, I'm preparing for a right side mastectomy next week. As of last week I completed my 75th chemo treatment. In 2020 the surgeon said he wouldn't operate on a Stage IV cancer but my scans are showing no cancer in my lymphs or my liver any longer and it's stable in my thoracic spine, however the tumor in my breast is growing again so he's willing to do the surgery. When I got a 2nd opinion at Mayo Clinic 1-1/2 years ago that doctor said at that time, whatever you are doing to keep this cancer under control, keep doing it! As not only have I been doing chemo with no side effects whatsoever, I have quit smoking, started exercising on a consistent basis and changed to a 95% plant based diet (I eat wild caught salmon and eggs 1-2x a month). Sorry for the long reply but once I get talking about it, I want to give all details . . . . . . . I'm a woman after all!
Thanks again for asking.