Breast Cancer Stage I

I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Stage I in 2008. I was very lucky to have had it caught so early.  I had radiation treatment for almost 2 months. I got my year mammo back in June and they stated that there was some scar tissue or they thought it was scar tissue due to the radiation, and to follow up in 6 months. I just went for my 6 month check up and the scar tissue is still there. According to radiologist it shouldn't really be there so he is recommending a stereotactic biopsy to confirm what it is that he sees.  He wants to make sure it is scar tissue and not a growing tumor.  I am a bit nervous.  Has anyone had a stereotactic biopsy. What should I expect?  One of the symptoms I had before I was diagnosed with breast cancer was itchyness.  I am scared because my breast is itchy again and it scares me a lot.  Anyone has any input or any itching and had breast cancer?  Thank you.

Merry Christmas!  simplistic007

I have had a stereotactic core needle biopsy of my left breast. I have to say first that I'm a wimp when it comes to needles and med procedures! So I hope you're relieved when I say the anxiety was the worse part. As I was laying there on my belly (in a darkened room) with my ta-ta hanging down through an opening the nurse told me I'd feel a little sting, which was what was going to numb me before the radiologist's needle was inserted to extract some tissue. That little bee sting was the worse part, really. Bottomline, it wasn't a difficult deal to go through. Looking back, I remember how odd it was to smell the burning flesh (again no pain, no big deal) as the area was cauterized.

But as far as itching is concerned? All areas that have been pierced, sliced or diced seem to itch now and then. It's one of the things that frequently happens when you heal. I don't know if it explains what is happening with your itchiness, but it always seemed to me like what happens after blood returns to a cold part of your body after skating or skiing. I always associate it with healing blood flow, and I don't worry unless there's a rash. Good luck, and hope all goes well!

Bev,

I had the same thing told to me by physicians, that itchiness had nothing to do with diagnosis. I disagree. I believe itchiness has a lot to do with diagnosis. Before I was diagnosed with BC, I lived in Boston and I continually complained of itchiness and burning on the left breast. Docs kept telling me it's due to exercise not anything to worry about. Even my mammo showed calcification and I continued to complain about itchiness and swelling and burning, they continued to tell me nothing. When I moved to FL I went in for my routine mammo and they found calcification and the doc in Florida decided to biopsied. Well guess what? I had Stage I cancer and I knew it because I know my body and I just knew that was not normal. After my biopsy and treatment, the itchiness, burning and irritation stopped. After almost 2 years after treatment, I am experiencing some itchiness again so now I am not sure if this is due to the healing process post radiation or if something is going on. My doc does not think it is back but she is going to compare all xrays and let me know if it could be the pins I have in the breast to note the area of radiation that could possibly be irritating me this time. Bottomline, you know your body and I knew back then when I was itchy and burning that this was not normal. Thank God I moved and my new doc found the breast cancer early enough to save my breast too. Amen!!!

Bev,

Thank you for your time. As of today, I am still waiting to hear from my General Surgeon as how she will address this. She did review my old films and new films and is waiting to hear from Radiologists to find out if I need to have the pins removed and re-biopsied to be safe. Waiting gets pretty anxious, but just have to wait and see. i will keep you posted.

God Bless.
Simplistic007

Heads up! I went in today for my MRI results although nothing was clear as to whether there is a problem or possible problem at all. My General Surgeon and I decided that we are going to go through the biopsy of the left breast and remove the clips and reexamine the cells in that area. That is the area that the MRI and Radiologists cannot detect as completely clear because of the possibility that it could and could not be. No guessing on this. My biopsy will be in February. This will give me peace of mind. I am content with this. Thank you all for listening and being there for me. God Bless U.
xxoo

Thank you Bev. You are right peace of mind is the best.

MrsChorlton, No news yet. I go in tomorrow for the lumpectomy. As soon as I hear, I will let you know. thank you for your concern and support.
simplistic007

To all my forum friends. I had my biopsy yesterday and just went to the doctor for a follow up today. Bandage changes and I am cancer free. Pathology report came back benign. I am good. Thank God. Praise the Lord. Woo Hooot!!! Thank you all for your support and kindness.

Simplistic007

Thank you. I am relieved to have received a good report card. Yeah!!! one less thing for me to worry about. Simplistic007

Bev, you are correct. Cannot count itchies as a sign. I am glad that was not the case this time. Now if I itch, I won't go into auto panick mode. LOL.....Thank you for your support. How are you feeling?
Simplitic007

hi. as i am waiting for surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome ,which is so painfull ,tomorrow morning Iwill be going for mamogram ,for 3monthes my right breast has been sore swollen and the niple hurt ,Ithought it was side effects of lyrica meds ,but last night puss and clear fluid came out of nipple,Ican feel alump ,maybe a cyst?but when i touched the lump , fluid and white puss and blood came out !Iam hoping its just a cyst ,but still scared and confused ,lucky Ifound it !

Lindsay,

The member you're referring to, sore42long, has not been active on the forums since 2012, so she may not see your reply.

Might I suggest you do an introductory thread of your own, provide us with some background and what your concerns are? I think that by doing so, you will get more traffic and thus more eyes on your post. That way, more people can chime in with their experiences and share ideas.

Welcome to HW. This is a great place to reach out to others!





M.