I’m new, concerned, NERVOUS and worried NO Diagnosis

Most importantly you need to handle this as you see fit. Being your own advocate can be sometimes hard - but you can do this. Ask questions, if you don't understand the answers ask them to explain a different way. You should also be comfortable with your care team. I was fortunate my doctors took the time to answer my questions so I could understand them. I'm really not sure how I would have handled them brushing off my questions or not taking the time with me.

I kept myself as busy as possible so I had little time to think. I researched more information as each concrete piece of information became available - but it became overwhelming at times so it got shelved until the next concrete piece of information became available. I made sure to rest as much as possible and do things I enjoyed - the only one that can really take care of me - is me - so I became my own priority.

Dear Holly, judging by what you've written you seem to be in good shape. They haven't found any tumor and lots of women have these calcifications, which are not cancer. However, the medical team want to make sure there's nothing to worry about in an abundance of caution. You're obviously worried about the biopsy? I was too when I had mine and really there is nothing to worry about. I had a nurse and a doctor perform the biopsy and they kept talking the whole way through, explaining everything as they went along - I could not believe something that terrified me, was actually making me giggle! It lasted about 45 minutes in all and best of all 'no pain'. They take out a small portion inside the breast to be examined to make sure it's ok and again, hard as it is to believe, there is absolutely no pain and when they're finished place just a very small band aid over the spot. However, these are still moments of anxiety no matter how brave we think we might be, so make sure to bring someone - possibly your mom - with you. Because it's hard to remember everything they might tell you and another person who isn't the patient will remember things that you might not remember later. God bless and let us know how things turned out for you. Blessings!

Thank you so much. Yes I worry about the biopsy and I pray it is ok. My primary care doctor just released my mammogram notes dated 2 weeks ago. I don’t like the way it looks. Birads- 4b. Suggestive linear branching. 😔 praying

You are so encouraging. Thank you for the feedback. It means a lot.

I agree that breast biopsies (3 different times in my life) are pretty easy and painless. I had very kind and gentle teams each time. The first biopsy in my 20s was benign. My first cancer was at 54. @isaish53n5 You may never have cancer, but always want to check thoroughly. Better safe than sorry as the saying goes. About 80% of breast biopsies are benign — not cancer. The odds are in your favor.

Thank you so much!!! I had my stereotactic biopsy! Talk about shaky! I prayed the entire time I was there. My radiologist was super empathetic, understanding, and kind! The whole team made me so welcome! The radiologist, stated review the notes from my primary care doctor. She went over it line by line. She said successive is listed twice and it’s indeterminate indicating it’s unknown and we need to test. I’m praying it’s nothing but IF it is… It’s early! 🥰 The biopsy was scary. I had to place “Righty” in the hole in the table. All I felt was a tiny prick. It was painless. I had a nurse rubbing my back and talking to me. (I wish more ppl in the world were this nice). Post mammogram afterwards. Thank you for righting back. It takes 48 hours for results. So I’m just waiting it out.

Great to hear you got through your biopsy with flying colors! I didn't have the 'hole in the table' procedure myself, which usually you 'might' get with radiation to protect your lungs and heart. How brave you were having that, because that's not something that you might have expected for a biopsy. I think because it's breast cancer, the nurses and doctors are particularly sensitive which is a great thing. And getting a back rub kept your mind on that, instead of the procedure, which as you know now, is painless, apart from that tiny 'prick'. Such a relief that you have that part over and done with and let's hope the news will be good. Keep us informed. I've just said a prayer that the news will be 'all good'!

I'm so glad the biopsy is over and you made it through just fine. Wonderful to hear your team was kind and empathetic. Praying for you!

When are you receiving the results? Good luck!

Hi everyone,
I took a little time to digest everything and give a response. The biopsy went well. It didn’t hurt and there was a nurse right by my side during the stereotactic biopsy. Everyone was empathetic and kind. I was greeted by the team in the hallway and they all made me feel great! I felt like Beyoncé with an all “girl band” (medical team of Women 💪🏽) and I was the star.

Well the radiologist was super transparent and answered every question prior to and post examination . My results were due on Tuesday but I received them on Monday for the doctor was just as anxious to give me the results.

The Results:
Well, I need a lumpectomy. The doctor saw, Atypical hyperplasia, FEA -Flat Epithelial atypica, and Lobular Carcinoma “In situ” But the doctors want to see if I have dcis which is why I’m having the lumpectomy. DCIS was not seen in the biopsy and it remains inconclusive. They will remove the area when they saw abnormal cells and test for dcis. If it’s benign- no DCIS, no radiation post surgery, If their is DCIS- BC, then I’ll have a round of radiation. Then that’s it. I’m uncertain as to the scarring and if I should just get a mastectomy 😔.
2 inches from the right breast is a lot of tissue. Even so I don’t want to lose “righty”.

What are your thoughts.