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Facing the Uncertainty of Follow-Up Nodules Post-Treatment
I was diagnosed with breast cancer (IDC, ER+/PR+/HER2-, 1.5 cm, Stage 1 Grade 2) and treated with a lumpectomy, radiotherapy, and I’m currently on ongoing hormonal therapy.
On April 28th, I had a follow-up ultrasound. The results were somewhat reassuring — BIRADS 3 — and they found a small node in my left breast that appears to be benign. However, during my follow-up appointment with the oncologist yesterday, she expressed concern about this finding, which has left me feeling anxious as well.
I have a follow-up appointment scheduled for tomorrow with my breast surgeon, who has been monitoring me every four months.
Before my breast cancer diagnosis, I had several benign nodules. My main question now is:
How is this situation typically handled in the long term?
Does every new nodule mean going through a biopsy due to my history of breast cancer? I’m 44 years old — what does this mean for the years ahead? Will I be facing this level of uncertainty and follow-up indefinitely?
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Update , I had the appointment with the breast surgeon and order a biopsy to be sure everything is fine. She said pretty much is the standard procedure given my personal history of BC. I have my biopsy scheduled for Monday ... hoping for the best!
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4 Reactions@angiemal, how did the biopsy go? What did you find out?
Hi! @colleenyoung ,?still waiting for the results! I hope to have them this week. Trying to focus on positive thoughts and not getting worried until I have something to worry about.
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6 ReactionsGreat news! The results came back negative for malignancy.
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3 ReactionsFantastic news, @angiemal. What a relief!
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2 ReactionsYes, definitely. What I’ve learned from this experience is that I need to adjust my perspective. Instead of seeing a biopsy as something negative, I now understand it as a sign of increased vigilance. I’ve learned to trust my process—I'm doing everything within my control to strengthen my immune system. And I’m not the same person I was a year ago when I was diagnosed. I’m more informed about this journey, my mindset has shifted, and I’ve become stronger to tackle this with a different approach.
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