Just found a lump...

Hi Sarah...
Sorry you are going through this, but glad you found us. And kudos to you for checking this out! I found my lump when I was 30 and it took some courage to call my doctor to start the ball rolling...so you have taken a huge first step!

I have some recommendations.....you may consider making a list of questions, because yes, there is a lot of clutter in your mind at this time. Take a tape recorder to the appointments, so you can listen to the answers later, when you can take notes and have a clear head. My doc also sent me for a mammogram, then an ultrasound (because mammo did not pick up the lump), then to a surgeon. Just because they referred you to a surgeon does not mean there is more concern....just that most lumps need to get removed anyway, even if benign. And while they can tell a lot from films, a biopsy is the best way to really see what it is.

The mammo is uncomfortable, but just momentary pressure and discomfort. Nothing you can't handle. In the interest of time, I would see the surgeon the doc refers you to...ask if they would let that surgeon cut them or their spouses first. But take it into your own hands, and do research if you are not satisfied with the surgeon or want a 2nd opinion. I would also suggest getting copies of all reports, for your files, and for the ease of sharing information.

The mammo is read officially by a radiologist and a copy of the report gets sent to the referring doctor. They may refer you for an ultrasound too, just to get different looks at the lump. The surgeon should evaluate all the tests and films and then make a decision on what to do next....there are a lot of options.....

Take a breath and stick around, we'll help you thru it!
Lori

Sarah, it is hard to say....it all depends on where you have everything done. In my case, my mammo was done at the PCP's office, so we sent them out to be read by the radiologist. I had to wait a couple days for the report. It was inconclusive, so we did the u/s next. I also made the surgeon's appt and did not have time to wait for the u/s report, so I just took the film with me. She had a rad in her office read it, and they knew it was cancer from that film (but they did not tell me at the time).

Now I get my mammograms at a university comprehensive cancer center, and they have a huge radiology area. There, I actually meet with a tech or the radiologist to know that hwen I leave, the mammo is normal. If not, they handle it there.

You should ask the surgeon's office about when to schedule, if they need the radiologist report or if it is in the same office, etc.

Hope this helps...
Lori

Sarah,

Just letting you know that I will be sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. You are doing the absolute most right thing.....biopsy, it is the ONLY way you will know for sure just what you are dealing with.

I will be watching for your updates.

Hugs from a (almost) 20 year survivor!  I was Dx'd at 33.

Debbie

Sarah:

I'm glad someone said to bring someone.  It really helped me.  I even brought a tape recorder the first time, but never wanted to listen to it, so that was a wash.  Needle biopsy guided with an ultrasound may be what they do, that's what they did for me.  They guide the needle to the lump and take the sample from it.  then send it to the lab.  Hopefully it's a breast surgeon, not just a surgeon.  It made a difference for me.  I'll be praying for you, and let us know!

Hi Sarah! Welcome to our little corner of cyberspace! The girls have given you great advise. As the daughter of a bc survivor, you fall into a special group of high risk women for bc. There are special protocols for us, and your doctors seem to be aware and want to move things along. Even if this turns out OK (and I hope it does!) you will need close follow up. We are here to help you through this! Good luck! Frayda

Thank you all so much for the prayers and positive thoughts! Your insights have been invaluable. In fact, I called the surgeon today and set my appointment. They said it would take 2 weeks to get the mammo results. That didn't sound right so I called the Xray dept who said it takes 2 days. I called the surgeon back and had them schedule my appt for 1 week after my mammo instead of 2. Now I need to call my PCP on Monday (was closed today) to verify just what that surgeon will be doing....Have a great weekend, ya'll!