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2 cm palpable hard, irregular lump - waiting 2nd mammogram

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Posted 11/11/2005 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello - I had a mammogram and 6 days later my GP called me in ... findings were 2 cm mass felt by tech and seen by mammogram ... next is the diagnostic mammogram on Wed (only 7 days after the Gp called me in). My Biggest Worry - I had this same lump examined by a surgeon in 2003 and she dismissed it and me ... it was similar in shape/size then ... (I had a mammogram done at a local hospital at the time too ... the tech put a marker on the spot of the lump ... I had no word on the results ). I went back in to see her in Oct because the breast is changing around the mass now and I can feel this irregular hard mass even more clearly. She dismissed it again ... I was turning 39 the 1st time I visited her and I just turned 42 when I saw her last month ... SO this thing has been in me for several years ... ANYway - I went to a breast screening clinic last week , their tech felt it and it was their mammogram findings that was sent to my GP ... all on the same lump ... so that means years have passed - I am very tearful, scared ... frozen almost with fear cause of the time that has passed ...If I had only gone to the breast screening clinic for a second opinion the 1st time the surgeon dismissed me and the lump ... QUESTIOn - will they remove it vs needle it because it is hard, formed and irregularly shaped and if they just do a 2nd mammogram on Wec how long will it take to go for the biopsy? Any suggestions/advice wisdom is welcome. K
Posted 11/11/2005 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
First, I know it's not easy but try to take some deep breaths. I'm positive you can't relax so I'm not even going to suggest that. Today is already Friday and Wednesday will be here quickly.

My point is you're doing the right things. Just keep at it. I'm sure there will be some answers for you this week, but if there aren't or you don't agree just keep making phone calls. Don't think about past things, look ahead to getting information and answers and hopefully peace of mind.

You can request a bx immediately. In fact, that's what I'd probably do. The only way to really know whether or not it's BC is through BX. That will definitely give you an answer and then you can go on from there.

I'm glad you came here BUT I'd be really HAPPY if you didn't join this group. We're all very nice but our common denominator is BC. We'll all help you as much as we can, even hold you up when you can't do it yourself as you pursue this thing and wait for answers. Once there IS an answer we'll go on from there. Sending you gentle hugs for strength and prayers for peace of mind. Luci
Posted 11/11/2005 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Karylin, (((((HUGS)))). I agree with Luci, request a biopsy immediatley. And stick to your guns! 80% of lumps are benign, but if it is not, you want it OUT. Then at least you can stop worrying and go from there. We will be here for you and please keep us informed. Please don't let them put you off any longer. These Drs that say wait and see just infuriate us! I am saying the "B9 chant for you". Hang in there sweetie.
Hugs, Gail
Posted 11/11/2005 7:59 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Karylin! I am so sorry that you are having to go thru this. You have done everything that you were suppose to, so don't beat yourself up. You are now taking the right steps to get your questions answered. I don't understand why they are not doing an ultrasound rather than another mammo. But I do agree w/ the others. Insist on a biopsy. Find a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and that you trust. Don't let your gp put you off. Also, see if you can get copies of all of the reports from your past mammos and any other tests. That way there will be no question as to what has been done and said in the past. Write down any questions, no matter how silly, that you want answered and take them w/ you to your drs appt.

As for the tears and strain, we all know how you feel. about the only suggestion that I can give you is to stay very, very busy. Watch movies or shows that will make you laugh. Go shopping..retail therapy works better than most meds. lol

Please feel free to come here and post anytime and anything that you are feeling. Believe us when we tell you that we know exactly what you are going thru.

Gentle hugs and prayers...Deb

Posted 11/11/2005 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Folks - It is so good to read your replies ... yeah here in Halifax NS I guess you have the 1st mammogram and then if there is something suspicious you are sent for a 2nd "diagnostic" mammogram at the major hospital ... And just to clarify my GP is on top of this (she is new to me - I had only seen her once before she called me in last week ... and she called me in asap after the Breast Screening Clinic contacted her with the results from last Wed's mammogram).

Plus you make good sense I have to let go of what the surgeon (I saw in 2003 and a 2nd time just in Oct/05) did e.g., dismissed it and did not do e.g., didn't biopsy or recommend anything such as an ultrasound... but whew it is tough to let go of the fact that I didn't march right in to another opinion. I am learning from this though and I have to stand up for myself from here on in ...

Re the biopsy - I will go in on Wed  requesting it as you folks recommended ... Question - if it is a hard lump which it is will an ultrasound be waved ... is that for fluid filled type lumps? ...Thanks for being there

Posted 11/11/2005 8:26 PM (GMT 0)

Hi karilyn, welcome!

As for the ultrasound, they may do it anyway. With the u/s, they can tell if is solid or fluid filled, but they can see other characteristics of it. In my case, the mammo (I was 30) showed nothing, but the u/s was clearly showing a malignancy. They look for density patterns, borders, and they can tell size, location, etc. It can give them good information that may guide them in how to proceed, in terms of what kind of biopsy they use.

Even though it is the same area as was looked at a couple years ago, it may be a new issue. And it may be good if it has not changed much over time.

At any rate, stick with us and we'll support you through this. We'll be waitng to celebrate with they give you good news!

Lori

Posted 11/11/2005 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Karilyn,
I'm so sorry for what you are going through. But each of us has had their own similar experience, and someone here will be able to help you with your questions. As for ultrasounds, they are not always definitive. I had an ulstrasound (no mammo since I was pregnant), and the doctors all assured me the lump was a fibroedanoma. I had to really push to get a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way you can be 100% sure.
Hopefully though it will be B9 !!!!!!

Hugs
Chantry
Posted 11/11/2005 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
Chantry makes a good point....not all tests can tell the same thing on different people. While the u/s was a "category V high suspicious of malignancy" for me, other people may have an inconclusive u/s. It is just one more way that they try to get as much information as possible.

Hang in there!
Lori
Posted 11/12/2005 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
Karilyn,
So sorry you find a need to be here but you couldn't be in better hands. Some very wonderful women here.
I will say a prayer for a b9 result.
Hugs
Donna
Posted 11/13/2005 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Karilyn, nothing makes me rage more than a dr dismissing a lump without biopsy!!!!!! It is possible that it could be B-9, so I will give you my favorite advice. "Don't worry until you know you have something to worry about". There is nothing you can do until you get answers, and worrying doesn't give answers. Once you know something then it is time to take action if need be. We are here to help and support you in any way we can. Hugs and prayers for B-9 status. MK
Posted 11/13/2005 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Folks - Thanks for all the words and support ... I have seen 2 movies at the theatre already this weekend ... and last night I spent hours at a friend's house - with 3 wild hyper and noisey kids of my friend's.  All attempts to keep my mind free from repeatedly worrying ... until I make it to Wed and the 2nd mammogram ... breath in breath out one after another, eh. Felt like skipping the bath tonight too but I did not cause I knew it was just a fear-paralysis thing that I have to resist.

During your "waiting for news" did any of you have the "tears hit just like that out of the blue" anytime/anywhere experience ... It is as if I have no control over this overwhelming show/flood of emotion demo'ed via the flash of tears... Although I must say the "out of the blue floods"  have happened significantly less frequently today (than they have been everyday/night since I had the "suspicious" lump news on Wed). But I am worried they'll kick in again when I go in to work on Monday ... whew  ...

Thanks Again folks I am grateful you are here.

Posted 11/13/2005 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Tears suddenly comming -- yes, I did have those. Do not worry, this is normal. Part of the grieving process, and I hope that all of yours are for nothing. Do not worry. When around others whom you do not wish to know your troubles, just excuse yourself. Always have some make up available and continue on. After all, you must -- you have no other choice. Just remember, nothing is certain until they tell you and you can go from there. If results are positive, we'll be here for you.

God Bless you through this time and hoping for B9 results.

Judy

Posted 11/13/2005 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Karilyn,
When I was waiting to hear I would just start crying and thought I would never stop, but I did. It felt like I was losing my grip but I didn't and you won't either. I will keep you in my prayers.
Hugs
Donna
Posted 11/14/2005 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
Called in sick (or I'll take a vac day). Oooh, I shampooed, bathed and had the clothing ready last night ... then just like that and even before the alarm I called in. Jeeze - I did not plan it - it was like a reflex. Post call I can say I feel sick to my stomack, like cement I am so stiff in the shoulders but whew it is emotion and fear vs anything else behind that call in ... I don't hvae more tests till Wed and there will be more waiting time after it ...I can not call in everyday ... Oh jeeze ... Later All Take Care
Posted 11/14/2005 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
Karilyn, since you took the day off, please do something fun and take you mind off Wednesday. We'll be there with you in spirit. Hugs, MK
Posted 11/14/2005 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Folks - Midday I started getting that helpless grief feeling so I got into my car and drove. I wound up at a friend's home ... flukey but both she and her husband were also off work today ... we laughed and joked and I had an early supper with them - he cooked while my friend and I watched Oprah. Afterwards I went for a 10 dollar shampoo and style. I just had my bath and I am going to get under a comforter and watch some Mon night TV with my cats ... Thanks Thanks Thanks for being here. It is Mon night now - closer to Wed ... Take Care
Posted 11/14/2005 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
Karilyn,
Isn't it strange how life goes on around us when we are still trying to catch our breath. Try to stay busy. I know its hard because we can't turn our minds off. Wednesday will be here soon. I will keep you in my prayers.
Take care
Hugs
Donna
Posted 11/15/2005 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Karilyn-
We all have been in your shoes and know that waiting is the absoulte pits. When the fear and anxiety starts to creep up, remind yourself that worrying will not help or change the outcome. I know it is hard..but when I am overhwelmed and worried, I tell myself that over and over again....eventually it helps! I know you are nervous, but remember that you probably won't know anything for a couple days afterwards...so try to pace yourself...

Hang in there!
L&H,
Lori
Posted 11/15/2005 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Folks - Yeah Tavis you have such a good point that Wed will not mean answers for me ... it'll mean more waiting and I have cautioned myself to figure out how to pace myself ... ... I am not coming up with any answers re: pacing yet and that has unsettled me too . I guess I am just hoping that after the Wed afternoon of tests (that's tomorrow) I'll somehow catch my 2nd wind in order to wait for the results. This morning at 7:30am I wound up taking off work until Friday - I struggled and agonized making this decision ... feeling like I am "faking" sick or "wimping out" . Then I realized/admitted to myself that the plain old fact of the matter is this -  I have been absolutely swept off my feet with fear from this experience. I am blown away and driving myself wild trying to get on my game face for work is not working for me. In fact it is somehow making it all feel even worse ... I have sick time, my work will wait and bottom line I am emotionally zapped - period. I hope that on Fri after having the Wed tests and the 4 days off I will get up and go in to work. Then I'll be off on the weekend and I'll take care of "moi" boost boost boost and on Mon I will get up and go in to work ... and so on ...Thanks You guys Thanks And Take Care
Posted 11/15/2005 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Pacing oneself is the million dollar question...how to do it? I have been able to keep myself calm before a procedure when I know it will be a few days for results. I know that the anxiety is very draining and I just do not have energy for it. I cannot sustain that anxiety for that long...and I remind myself constantly that worrying will not change anything, so I try to stifle it....And you'll figure out what works best for you. For me, going to work was a distraction that I needed to keep my mind occupied.

Ask yourself what you are afraid of? Afraid of the procedure? Afraid of the results? Try to narrow it down. And then ask yourself what is the worst that can happen? And ask what the worrying will accomplish? If it is cancer, just remember it is very beatable when caught early! My 6 year anniversary is coming up in a couple weeks and Bev just celebrated #11. Lots of us are doing just fine years later...most of them are out there and not posting here!

Managing during this time is not easy, we know...and we'll help you through it!
Lori
Posted 11/16/2005 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
Karilyn, well today is finally Wednesday. Hopefully by the end of today you'll have more info. and possibly answers. I'm thinking of you and will be watching for news. Luci
Posted 11/16/2005 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
Karilyn:

 

I'm just reading you now.  I hope you have gotten some answers today.  I hope they'll do a needle biopsy.  That's the true way to know.  I'm thinking of you and praying for you. 

Posted 11/17/2005 11:22 PM (GMT 0)
Ok Folks - I am baffled now ... and wow can stress ever wear you down ... On Tues night after waiting all week for Wed to arrive I recheked my notice of my appointment for the floor at the hospital ... So at 10:30pm on Tuesday night I realized that my appointment was on Tues Nov 15th and not Wed Nov 15th cause Wed is the 16th vs 15th of Nov - I had my days mixed up ... (YES I missed my appointment!!!!!!)

I almost threw up so stunned/shocked/unable to believe my mix-up. What did I do? I had nightmares all Tuesday night long and then I went in for the appointment, 24hours late and simply said nothing ... They pointed out I was a day late and then after 15 mins of uncertainty cause they were so busy they let me in. WHEW WHEW WHEW, then I learned I was having an ultrasound not a mammogram and Ladies the 2 technicians felt lots of mini cysts but the could not feel the lump felt by the technician at the Breast Screening Clinic 13 days earlier ... I tried to show them where it was but no go ... they got their"Boss" and he said he couldn't feel it , maybe an extra fold in the breast, he was "not sure what it was" but it was "not cancer". ... I was drained/exhausted but the tearful anxiety subsided ... And today I do not feel like a gun is pointed at my breast. BUT I am confused. I feel the lump, the tech 13 days ago felt the lump, my GP had a report from the Breast Screening Clinic about a 2 cm lump ... YET yesturday the verdict was "no lump"? I see my GP on Monday, I will ask to see the report and ask her advice ... Again the intense anxiety has subsided but this does not feel at all like everything is ok. I feel as if I am going to have to take a leap of faith based on expert opinion that I am not able to believe because my fingers feel something they did not feel nor saw with the ultrasound ... I guess I will just have to build up myself post this "anxiety experience", and try to do all the things (e.g., exercise, enjoy more life,  move in to a cheaper home, be more brave whebn sticking up for myself in any situation etc) I promised myself I'd do when I was terrified and paralyzed with that cold fear ... and then in 6 months if that lump is still there go back to the Breast Screening Clinic for another mammogram/check ... (as well as see what my GP says on Mon) ... Do you folks have any advice/experience etc to share ...? YOU have already been Angels ... Thank You from my heart & soul for all of your words/kindness and support.

Posted 11/17/2005 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry but someone telling you it's "not cancer" is just not acceptable. Biopsy is the only way to know for sure. Many lumps do not show up on ultrasound. I have several areas in my breast and only one showed on ultrasound. I think you would be remiss to not get another opinion. Enough people felt the lump that it is worth looking into further.

Best of luck.
Julie
Posted 11/18/2005 2:08 AM (GMT 0)

jaaustin said...
I'm sorry but someone telling you it's "not cancer" is just not acceptable. Biopsy is the only way to know for sure. Many lumps do not show up on ultrasound. I have several areas in my breast and only one showed on ultrasound. I think you would be remiss to not get another opinion. Enough people felt the lump that it is worth looking into further.

Best of luck.
Julie

  i agree with julie, a biopsy is not fun but really the correct way to really know for peace of mind. God Bless you with peace of mind, calmness and courage.   AmazingGraceIM  We all have the same anxieties and best way is to definitely stay busy and exercise also.  Enjoy every precious day and try to think of happy thoughts and watch funny movies and such. love, grace
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