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

Posted by isaish53n5 @isaish53n5, Apr 9, 2023

My doctor had recommended that I have a biopsy on my right breast. At this time, the doctor has identified a suspicious area of concern in the right upper outer posterior of the breast. Specifically, there are white loose clusters calcifications that show concern.

the doctor indicated

Increasing loose cluster of microcalcifications within upper and outer quadrant of the right breast at posterior depth. Further characterization with 90 degree ML projection and spot magnification views is recommended.

A written summary of this mammography report in lay terms was sent to the patient.

The chief value of a mammogram is to detect a non-palpable cancer. A negative mammogram should not deter further workup if it is clinically warranted. Approximately 10% of palpable malignancies cannot be visualized radiographically.

Overall BI-RADS category: 0 - Incomplete: Needs

Additional Imaging Evaluation

I don’t know what all this means really however I do know the doctor and nurse indicated that most of these are benign. The nurse also indicated if this was a major concern that they would have briefed her on my case but they didn’t. The doctor just wants to rule out the possibilities of breast cancer. (Well if that’s the case, why do they want to do a stereotactic biopsy?) what is a sterotactic biopsy?

what are the odds of this being something serious?

Thank you and God bless you all,

Holly

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

Anxiety is sadly part of having any kind of medical issues. I am glad you are managing to contain it a bit.
I know you were hoping for nothing, but I am really glad this was caught early.
Let me make sure I get this, you have LCIS and ADH? In the same breast?is the LCIS er+?

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Hi there, the pathology report states a diagnosis of ADH, FEA, ALH, LCIS in the posterior, right breast.

Not sure what the “er+” is? I’m so new to all of this.

REPLY

Hi Everyone,
It’s July 12th , 2023. I’ve had a million ups and downs but here’s my update.

July 4th, 2023- My boyfriend got on one knee and proposed to me. I said YES! I told family and friends to include my brother.

July 6th, 2023-
I get a call at 2:00 am from my mom telling me that my brother passed away while at work.

I couldn’t process all of my emotions for the lumpectomy was scheduled for the same day at 8 am.

Upon arrival I reported to mammography for the mammogram with wiring. There were 3 fine wires to measure the location of the sights that needed to be removed.

This process was uncomfortable but I became a human rag doll for her sake of surgical accuracy.

The radiologist asked if I was meditating during the wiring. I said I was in deep prayer. I also felt safe for a navy sailor and resident was in the room. A doctor who served in the Navy was there! Although I’m retired Army, I felt a sense of relief and security knowing a sister in arms was present, learning, and eager to help.
Surgery was completed at 2:30 pm and I was released to go home.

The lumpectomy went well and there is minimal Down time. I went right back to work the next day.
Fortunately, my surgeon also specialized in cosmetic reconstruction surgery and I had enough healthy breast tissue to fill vacant areas.

There was no arm pain and no obvious breast indentations

The team of professionals were so kind and patient.

Through all the obstacles I’m facing, I can say-

WE AS A COMMUNITY ARE SO RESILIENT AND COURAGEOUS !

We tackle life’s challenges and move forward with strength.

REPLY

I am amazed at the knowledge level you all have about your breast cancers. I had a double mastectomy in December, having been told that I had two types of invasive cancer in my left breast, stage two. That’s about all I know. I had both breasts removed because I was told it was the best way to eliminate the possibility of future surgery. I will say this; my fear about the pain of the surgery was not justified. Of course, it was uncomfortable but not excruciating as it seemed to me it would be. Also, I had a physical therapy appointment before the surgery and learned exercises to help reduce complications in my arms. I do them diligently and so far my arms are good. So basically my message is take heart. It’s hard, hard to hear, hard to do, but you can do it! I’m really impressed with how much you all know about your cancer and I’m wondering if my doctor should have educated me more or if my lack of curiosity drove her communication? I have a life long habit of hiding from things I don’t want to know.

REPLY
@katcara

I am amazed at the knowledge level you all have about your breast cancers. I had a double mastectomy in December, having been told that I had two types of invasive cancer in my left breast, stage two. That’s about all I know. I had both breasts removed because I was told it was the best way to eliminate the possibility of future surgery. I will say this; my fear about the pain of the surgery was not justified. Of course, it was uncomfortable but not excruciating as it seemed to me it would be. Also, I had a physical therapy appointment before the surgery and learned exercises to help reduce complications in my arms. I do them diligently and so far my arms are good. So basically my message is take heart. It’s hard, hard to hear, hard to do, but you can do it! I’m really impressed with how much you all know about your cancer and I’m wondering if my doctor should have educated me more or if my lack of curiosity drove her communication? I have a life long habit of hiding from things I don’t want to know.

Jump to this post

I would advise anyone to learn as much as you can about your cancer. Even now after the fact, because if that old dog shows up at your door again you will be armed with knowledge. If you don’t have a copy of your pathology reports I would try and get them. Then you can look up those things on line and just inform yourself.
Think of it this way, you aren’t learning it in the middle of the crisis, the way many of us have done. You are just learning about your body.😁
How are you feeling now having 6 months of healing?

REPLY
@isaish53n5

Hi Everyone,
It’s July 12th , 2023. I’ve had a million ups and downs but here’s my update.

July 4th, 2023- My boyfriend got on one knee and proposed to me. I said YES! I told family and friends to include my brother.

July 6th, 2023-
I get a call at 2:00 am from my mom telling me that my brother passed away while at work.

I couldn’t process all of my emotions for the lumpectomy was scheduled for the same day at 8 am.

Upon arrival I reported to mammography for the mammogram with wiring. There were 3 fine wires to measure the location of the sights that needed to be removed.

This process was uncomfortable but I became a human rag doll for her sake of surgical accuracy.

The radiologist asked if I was meditating during the wiring. I said I was in deep prayer. I also felt safe for a navy sailor and resident was in the room. A doctor who served in the Navy was there! Although I’m retired Army, I felt a sense of relief and security knowing a sister in arms was present, learning, and eager to help.
Surgery was completed at 2:30 pm and I was released to go home.

The lumpectomy went well and there is minimal Down time. I went right back to work the next day.
Fortunately, my surgeon also specialized in cosmetic reconstruction surgery and I had enough healthy breast tissue to fill vacant areas.

There was no arm pain and no obvious breast indentations

The team of professionals were so kind and patient.

Through all the obstacles I’m facing, I can say-

WE AS A COMMUNITY ARE SO RESILIENT AND COURAGEOUS !

We tackle life’s challenges and move forward with strength.

Jump to this post

I am so happy for you. We are women, hear us roar

REPLY
@auntieoakley

I would advise anyone to learn as much as you can about your cancer. Even now after the fact, because if that old dog shows up at your door again you will be armed with knowledge. If you don’t have a copy of your pathology reports I would try and get them. Then you can look up those things on line and just inform yourself.
Think of it this way, you aren’t learning it in the middle of the crisis, the way many of us have done. You are just learning about your body.😁
How are you feeling now having 6 months of healing?

Jump to this post

excellent advise - it's also good to know what you have so as research into you exact variation of BC becomes available - you'll know if you're doing everything you can to either treat a recurrence or do what you can to help reduce recurrence.

I don't think we're ever cured of BC - it's always there in the back of our mind that it "could" possibly return. The more we know about it the more we can do to reduce that recurrence. Also the more history information that can be provided to family members should they need to know about your dx and treatment. I'd never heard about the BRCA mutation until my dx. I'm the first in my family to have BC - now my children know and thankfully only one has the mutated gene. My son can now be better armed with early screenings.

I've always knowledge is power - its what we do with that knowledge and power that can make the difference.

REPLY

Holly, first you must have confidence in your surgeon and understand that he must have a tissue specimen to obtain a definitive answer! Secondly, don't let anticipatory anxiety dull your thinking. Google the medical terms that you want to better understand. Then take some deep breaths and let the surgeon do his job. First things first. Good luck and bless you.

REPLY
@isaish53n5

Hi there, the pathology report states a diagnosis of ADH, FEA, ALH, LCIS in the posterior, right breast.

Not sure what the “er+” is? I’m so new to all of this.

Jump to this post

er+ is estrogen receptor positive. I have it!

REPLY
@katcara

I am amazed at the knowledge level you all have about your breast cancers. I had a double mastectomy in December, having been told that I had two types of invasive cancer in my left breast, stage two. That’s about all I know. I had both breasts removed because I was told it was the best way to eliminate the possibility of future surgery. I will say this; my fear about the pain of the surgery was not justified. Of course, it was uncomfortable but not excruciating as it seemed to me it would be. Also, I had a physical therapy appointment before the surgery and learned exercises to help reduce complications in my arms. I do them diligently and so far my arms are good. So basically my message is take heart. It’s hard, hard to hear, hard to do, but you can do it! I’m really impressed with how much you all know about your cancer and I’m wondering if my doctor should have educated me more or if my lack of curiosity drove her communication? I have a life long habit of hiding from things I don’t want to know.

Jump to this post

Thank you, thank you for posting. I am facing a third cancer diagnosis and a mastectomy. ('already had two surgeries--lumpectomy and all but 3 lymph nodes removed, and another to remove deep cancerous tissue)
The surgical nurse told me since I am over 75, the surgery will be excruciatingly painful and I will have pain the rest of my life. This is to be thought of like an amputation.
You survived two mastectomy surgeries and are alive to write about it. There is hope for me.
God bless; keep smiling.
(P. S. I have discovered doctors do not want us to research too much, and they hate questions.)

REPLY
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