Confused newbie...opinions/input welcomed

[Guest guest]

Hi all.

It's a blessing to find this group. I thank each of you for sharing your

stories and have been touched by the compassion and support you have for one

another. I've been lurking for a little while and find that I'm a bit reluctant

to burden you with my story as it seems so small and insignificant in light of

what many of you have and are coping with. However, I feel like you're a great

resource to help me sort out my current situation and the confusion it's brought

me. Who better to ask than those that have been there, done that?

A brief history. I'm 52 years old. I was catapulted into menopause at the

age of 47 due to a hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy to treat

endometriosis, adenomyosis and recurring hemorrhagic ovarian cysts.

My family history includes a maternal grandmother who had b/c and

lymphoma...she died several years ago from complications of the disease although

she lived a very long, full life after her diagnosis. My mother is still living

and I have two sisters...none of them with breast cancer or any cancer that we

know of for that matter.

Over the years I've had numerous issues with painful breast lumps and nodules.

I've been diagnosed as having fibrocystic breasts and even though I don't

consume caffeine at all I still seem to get the lumps and cystic breasts

frequently.

In the past 8 years I've had 3 surgeries to remove breast lumps. Each case

has been a situation where mammogram and u/s were unable to detect anything

suspicous but for my piece of mind I've insisted the lumps be removed. The most

recent incident, which was about 2 years ago, I had a very painful right breast

lump that persisted for months. The surgeon I consulted agreed that removing it

was probably best just to be on the safe side. Mammogram and u/s were not

indicative of malignancy but I decided to go ahead and have the lump removed.

During that incident the lump turned out to be an intramammary lipoma which, the

surgeon later went on to tell me, is unusual. He said he was surprised by the

finding and didn't see many of these types of benign tumors in breast tissue.

Pain relief was immediate once the lump was removed.

Now to the present...A couple of months ago I began having pain in my right

breast again and felt a suspicous growth. I went to my gyn for my annual well

woman check up and mentioned it to him. He did an exam and could feel the lump

as well. I was sent for my annual mammogram. The mammogram report reads like

this:

Findings:

" Dense tissue occupies 20% of the breast volume bilaterally. Some patchy

nodular tissue is seen in the right upper outer quadrant axillary tail region

approximately 8 cm from the nipple. True right lateral view shows this density

is translucent and presses out covering a 1.5 cm area. No architectural

distortion or suspicious calcifications identified. No abnormality seen on the

left. The mammmogran underwent computer-aided detection by the R2

ImageChecker. "

Impression:

" Slightly asymmetric nodular tissue right upper outer quadrant, needs further

evaluation and is in the palpable region....recommend ultrasound. "

I went for the ultrasound and received this report:

" Real time imaging over the upper outer quadrant of the right breast shows

normal fibrofatty tissue and no focal masses, cysts, or other abnormalities.

Follow-up mammogram in 6 months is suggested to ensure stability of the

findings. "

IMPRESSION: probable benign findings (category 3) Recommend repeat mammogram

in 6 months.

Three weeks after receiving the ultrasound report I got a letter in the mail

from the radiologist that read the ultrasound. His comments read like this:

" Your breast imaging examination performed on 12/07 shows a finding which is

probably benign. This means that, in the opinion of the interpreting

radiologist, there is less than a 2% chance that the finding will prove to be

significant for breast cancer. However, the finding is best followed more

closely. We recommend you return in 6 months for a repeat breast imaging study

of this finding. In addition, we suggest that you consult your health care

provider at this time regarding the results of the current tests and additional

examinations that he/she feels are indicated. In addition, careful follow-up

should be performed for a total of two years. "

Is it my imagination or do the u/s report and subsequent letter from the

radiologist contradict one another? I have been, and still am, so very confused

by all of this. Is it or isn't it? Do I or don't I? Lots of questions!

My doc recommends another opinion with a breast specialist. I've got an

appointment with a well regarded breast specialist on Feb. 5. I'm hoping she'll

be able to clear the muddy waters for me. In the meantime I'd sure love to hear

from any of you with an opinion and your insight. What do you make of all of

this?

The breast pain continues, I've now also noted pain in the armpit on the same

side and have been complaining of rib pain on that side for months and months

and months. My hunch is I'll be having another painful lump excised if for no

other reason than my own peace of mind.

Thanks so much for listening to my ramblings and for any and all input.

With gratitude,

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group Debbie. If you are here no question is insignificant,

please don't feel that way.

I don't like the " probable " in the report. To me that would make me worry. I am

glad you are going to a breast specialist. Please ask us any questions you may

have and we will try to answer or point you in the right direction. For peace of

mind I would have the lump removed. You will be in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

BreastCancerStories.com

http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/

Angel Feather Loomer

www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com

Check out my other ornaments at

www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

Lots of info and gifts at:

www.cancerclub.com

Confused newbie...opinions/input welcomed

Hi all.

It's a blessing to find this group. I thank each of you for sharing your

stories and have been touched by the compassion and support you have for one

another. I've been lurking for a little while and find that I'm a bit reluctant

to burden you with my story as it seems so small and insignificant in light of

what many of you have and are coping with. However, I feel like you're a great

resource to help me sort out my current situation and the confusion it's brought

me. Who better to ask than those that have been there, done that?

A brief history. I'm 52 years old. I was catapulted into menopause at the age

of 47 due to a hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy to treat endometriosis,

adenomyosis and recurring hemorrhagic ovarian cysts.

My family history includes a maternal grandmother who had b/c and

lymphoma...she died several years ago from complications of the disease although

she lived a very long, full life after her diagnosis. My mother is still living

and I have two sisters...none of them with breast cancer or any cancer that we

know of for that matter.

Over the years I've had numerous issues with painful breast lumps and nodules.

I've been diagnosed as having fibrocystic breasts and even though I don't

consume caffeine at all I still seem to get the lumps and cystic breasts

frequently.

In the past 8 years I've had 3 surgeries to remove breast lumps. Each case has

been a situation where mammogram and u/s were unable to detect anything

suspicous but for my piece of mind I've insisted the lumps be removed. The most

recent incident, which was about 2 years ago, I had a very painful right breast

lump that persisted for months. The surgeon I consulted agreed that removing it

was probably best just to be on the safe side. Mammogram and u/s were not

indicative of malignancy but I decided to go ahead and have the lump removed.

During that incident the lump turned out to be an intramammary lipoma which, the

surgeon later went on to tell me, is unusual. He said he was surprised by the

finding and didn't see many of these types of benign tumors in breast tissue.

Pain relief was immediate once the lump was removed.

Now to the present...A couple of months ago I began having pain in my right

breast again and felt a suspicous growth. I went to my gyn for my annual well

woman check up and mentioned it to him. He did an exam and could feel the lump

as well. I was sent for my annual mammogram. The mammogram report reads like

this:

Findings:

" Dense tissue occupies 20% of the breast volume bilaterally. Some patchy

nodular tissue is seen in the right upper outer quadrant axillary tail region

approximately 8 cm from the nipple. True right lateral view shows this density

is translucent and presses out covering a 1.5 cm area. No architectural

distortion or suspicious calcifications identified. No abnormality seen on the

left. The mammmogran underwent computer-aided detection by the R2 ImageChecker. "

Impression:

" Slightly asymmetric nodular tissue right upper outer quadrant, needs further

evaluation and is in the palpable region....recommend ultrasound. "

I went for the ultrasound and received this report:

" Real time imaging over the upper outer quadrant of the right breast shows

normal fibrofatty tissue and no focal masses, cysts, or other abnormalities.

Follow-up mammogram in 6 months is suggested to ensure stability of the

findings. "

IMPRESSION: probable benign findings (category 3) Recommend repeat mammogram

in 6 months.

Three weeks after receiving the ultrasound report I got a letter in the mail

from the radiologist that read the ultrasound. His comments read like this:

" Your breast imaging examination performed on 12/07 shows a finding which is

probably benign. This means that, in the opinion of the interpreting

radiologist, there is less than a 2% chance that the finding will prove to be

significant for breast cancer. However, the finding is best followed more

closely. We recommend you return in 6 months for a repeat breast imaging study

of this finding. In addition, we suggest that you consult your health care

provider at this time regarding the results of the current tests and additional

examinations that he/she feels are indicated. In addition, careful follow-up

should be performed for a total of two years. "

Is it my imagination or do the u/s report and subsequent letter from the

radiologist contradict one another? I have been, and still am, so very confused

by all of this. Is it or isn't it? Do I or don't I? Lots of questions!

My doc recommends another opinion with a breast specialist. I've got an

appointment with a well regarded breast specialist on Feb. 5. I'm hoping she'll

be able to clear the muddy waters for me. In the meantime I'd sure love to hear

from any of you with an opinion and your insight. What do you make of all of

this?

The breast pain continues, I've now also noted pain in the armpit on the same

side and have been complaining of rib pain on that side for months and months

and months. My hunch is I'll be having another painful lump excised if for no

other reason than my own peace of mind.

Thanks so much for listening to my ramblings and for any and all input.

With gratitude,

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Hi and welcome to the group! I was glad to read that you are

going to follow this up with a specialist. It has been my

experience that trying to interpret certain test procedures is

almost impossible - gleaning the information that you need to

proceed is a challenge at best. None of us, even by reading the

reports, can predict a cancer, as I'm sure you know, but you are so

smart to continue of in pursuit of a comfortable answer for your

situation. In other words, listen to your body - you know what

doesn't " feel " right and your pain - and then get the medical people

you trust to listen to you! Sounds like you're on that track. I

don't think for a minute that you are over-reacting and am glad

you're not " waiting 6 months " as the tests seem to suggest. I know

too many people who waited and were sorry that they had - right

girls??

Best of luck and feel free to post with all questions and

concerns, that's part of our " healing " - helping out others, as best

we can, through our experiences. Again, welcome,

Ellen

>

> Hi all.

>

> It's a blessing to find this group. I thank each of you for

sharing your stories and have been touched by the compassion and

support you have for one another. I've been lurking for a little

while and find that I'm a bit reluctant to burden you with my story

as it seems so small and insignificant in light of what many of you

have and are coping with. However, I feel like you're a great

resource to help me sort out my current situation and the confusion

it's brought me. Who better to ask than those that have been there,

done that?

>

> A brief history. I'm 52 years old. I was catapulted into

menopause at the age of 47 due to a hysterectomy and bilateral

oopherectomy to treat endometriosis, adenomyosis and recurring

hemorrhagic ovarian cysts.

>

> My family history includes a maternal grandmother who had b/c

and lymphoma...she died several years ago from complications of the

disease although she lived a very long, full life after her

diagnosis. My mother is still living and I have two sisters...none

of them with breast cancer or any cancer that we know of for that

matter.

>

> Over the years I've had numerous issues with painful breast

lumps and nodules. I've been diagnosed as having fibrocystic

breasts and even though I don't consume caffeine at all I still seem

to get the lumps and cystic breasts frequently.

>

> In the past 8 years I've had 3 surgeries to remove breast

lumps. Each case has been a situation where mammogram and u/s were

unable to detect anything suspicous but for my piece of mind I've

insisted the lumps be removed. The most recent incident, which was

about 2 years ago, I had a very painful right breast lump that

persisted for months. The surgeon I consulted agreed that removing

it was probably best just to be on the safe side. Mammogram and u/s

were not indicative of malignancy but I decided to go ahead and have

the lump removed. During that incident the lump turned out to be an

intramammary lipoma which, the surgeon later went on to tell me, is

unusual. He said he was surprised by the finding and didn't see

many of these types of benign tumors in breast tissue. Pain relief

was immediate once the lump was removed.

>

> Now to the present...A couple of months ago I began having pain

in my right breast again and felt a suspicous growth. I went to my

gyn for my annual well woman check up and mentioned it to him. He

did an exam and could feel the lump as well. I was sent for my

annual mammogram. The mammogram report reads like this:

>

> Findings:

> " Dense tissue occupies 20% of the breast volume bilaterally.

Some patchy nodular tissue is seen in the right upper outer quadrant

axillary tail region approximately 8 cm from the nipple. True right

lateral view shows this density is translucent and presses out

covering a 1.5 cm area. No architectural distortion or suspicious

calcifications identified. No abnormality seen on the left. The

mammmogran underwent computer-aided detection by the R2

ImageChecker. "

>

> Impression:

> " Slightly asymmetric nodular tissue right upper outer quadrant,

needs further evaluation and is in the palpable region....recommend

ultrasound. "

>

> I went for the ultrasound and received this report:

>

> " Real time imaging over the upper outer quadrant of the right

breast shows normal fibrofatty tissue and no focal masses, cysts, or

other abnormalities. Follow-up mammogram in 6 months is suggested

to ensure stability of the findings. "

>

> IMPRESSION: probable benign findings (category 3) Recommend

repeat mammogram in 6 months.

>

> Three weeks after receiving the ultrasound report I got a letter

in the mail from the radiologist that read the ultrasound. His

comments read like this:

>

> " Your breast imaging examination performed on 12/07 shows a

finding which is probably benign. This means that, in the opinion

of the interpreting radiologist, there is less than a 2% chance that

the finding will prove to be significant for breast cancer.

However, the finding is best followed more closely. We recommend

you return in 6 months for a repeat breast imaging study of this

finding. In addition, we suggest that you consult your health care

provider at this time regarding the results of the current tests and

additional examinations that he/she feels are indicated. In

addition, careful follow-up should be performed for a total of two

years. "

>

> Is it my imagination or do the u/s report and subsequent letter

from the radiologist contradict one another? I have been, and still

am, so very confused by all of this. Is it or isn't it? Do I or

don't I? Lots of questions!

>

> My doc recommends another opinion with a breast specialist.

I've got an appointment with a well regarded breast specialist on

Feb. 5. I'm hoping she'll be able to clear the muddy waters for

me. In the meantime I'd sure love to hear from any of you with an

opinion and your insight. What do you make of all of this?

>

> The breast pain continues, I've now also noted pain in the

armpit on the same side and have been complaining of rib pain on

that side for months and months and months. My hunch is I'll be

having another painful lump excised if for no other reason than my

own peace of mind.

>

> Thanks so much for listening to my ramblings and for any and all

input.

>

> With gratitude,

> Debbie

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi debbie,

yes i would definatley get some follow up on this now and not wait 6 mths,i do

not like reports that say a possible.( not sure) i mean you know your body and

you said your are still getting pain under the arm ect, better to be safe than

sorry.

i wish you luck take care sandy in oz

Ellen emc_mom4@...> wrote:

Debbie,

Hi and welcome to the group! I was glad to read that you are

going to follow this up with a specialist. It has been my

experience that trying to interpret certain test procedures is

almost impossible - gleaning the information that you need to

proceed is a challenge at best. None of us, even by reading the

reports, can predict a cancer, as I'm sure you know, but you are so

smart to continue of in pursuit of a comfortable answer for your

situation. In other words, listen to your body - you know what

doesn't " feel " right and your pain - and then get the medical people

you trust to listen to you! Sounds like you're on that track. I

don't think for a minute that you are over-reacting and am glad

you're not " waiting 6 months " as the tests seem to suggest. I know

too many people who waited and were sorry that they had - right

girls??

Best of luck and feel free to post with all questions and

concerns, that's part of our " healing " - helping out others, as best

we can, through our experiences. Again, welcome,

Ellen

>

> Hi all.

>

> It's a blessing to find this group. I thank each of you for

sharing your stories and have been touched by the compassion and

support you have for one another. I've been lurking for a little

while and find that I'm a bit reluctant to burden you with my story

as it seems so small and insignificant in light of what many of you

have and are coping with. However, I feel like you're a great

resource to help me sort out my current situation and the confusion

it's brought me. Who better to ask than those that have been there,

done that?

>

> A brief history. I'm 52 years old. I was catapulted into

menopause at the age of 47 due to a hysterectomy and bilateral

oopherectomy to treat endometriosis, adenomyosis and recurring

hemorrhagic ovarian cysts.

>

> My family history includes a maternal grandmother who had b/c

and lymphoma...she died several years ago from complications of the

disease although she lived a very long, full life after her

diagnosis. My mother is still living and I have two sisters...none

of them with breast cancer or any cancer that we know of for that

matter.

>

> Over the years I've had numerous issues with painful breast

lumps and nodules. I've been diagnosed as having fibrocystic

breasts and even though I don't consume caffeine at all I still seem

to get the lumps and cystic breasts frequently.

>

> In the past 8 years I've had 3 surgeries to remove breast

lumps. Each case has been a situation where mammogram and u/s were

unable to detect anything suspicous but for my piece of mind I've

insisted the lumps be removed. The most recent incident, which was

about 2 years ago, I had a very painful right breast lump that

persisted for months. The surgeon I consulted agreed that removing

it was probably best just to be on the safe side. Mammogram and u/s

were not indicative of malignancy but I decided to go ahead and have

the lump removed. During that incident the lump turned out to be an

intramammary lipoma which, the surgeon later went on to tell me, is

unusual. He said he was surprised by the finding and didn't see

many of these types of benign tumors in breast tissue. Pain relief

was immediate once the lump was removed.

>

> Now to the present...A couple of months ago I began having pain

in my right breast again and felt a suspicous growth. I went to my

gyn for my annual well woman check up and mentioned it to him. He

did an exam and could feel the lump as well. I was sent for my

annual mammogram. The mammogram report reads like this:

>

> Findings:

> " Dense tissue occupies 20% of the breast volume bilaterally.

Some patchy nodular tissue is seen in the right upper outer quadrant

axillary tail region approximately 8 cm from the nipple. True right

lateral view shows this density is translucent and presses out

covering a 1.5 cm area. No architectural distortion or suspicious

calcifications identified. No abnormality seen on the left. The

mammmogran underwent computer-aided detection by the R2

ImageChecker. "

>

> Impression:

> " Slightly asymmetric nodular tissue right upper outer quadrant,

needs further evaluation and is in the palpable region....recommend

ultrasound. "

>

> I went for the ultrasound and received this report:

>

> " Real time imaging over the upper outer quadrant of the right

breast shows normal fibrofatty tissue and no focal masses, cysts, or

other abnormalities. Follow-up mammogram in 6 months is suggested

to ensure stability of the findings. "

>

> IMPRESSION: probable benign findings (category 3) Recommend

repeat mammogram in 6 months.

>

> Three weeks after receiving the ultrasound report I got a letter

in the mail from the radiologist that read the ultrasound. His

comments read like this:

>

> " Your breast imaging examination performed on 12/07 shows a

finding which is probably benign. This means that, in the opinion

of the interpreting radiologist, there is less than a 2% chance that

the finding will prove to be significant for breast cancer.

However, the finding is best followed more closely. We recommend

you return in 6 months for a repeat breast imaging study of this

finding. In addition, we suggest that you consult your health care

provider at this time regarding the results of the current tests and

additional examinations that he/she feels are indicated. In

addition, careful follow-up should be performed for a total of two

years. "

>

> Is it my imagination or do the u/s report and subsequent letter

from the radiologist contradict one another? I have been, and still

am, so very confused by all of this. Is it or isn't it? Do I or

don't I? Lots of questions!

>

> My doc recommends another opinion with a breast specialist.

I've got an appointment with a well regarded breast specialist on

Feb. 5. I'm hoping she'll be able to clear the muddy waters for

me. In the meantime I'd sure love to hear from any of you with an

opinion and your insight. What do you make of all of this?

>

> The breast pain continues, I've now also noted pain in the

armpit on the same side and have been complaining of rib pain on

that side for months and months and months. My hunch is I'll be

having another painful lump excised if for no other reason than my

own peace of mind.

>

> Thanks so much for listening to my ramblings and for any and all

input.

>

> With gratitude,

> Debbie

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your warm welcome. I should

have anticipated the kind of response I'd receive from this group of wonderful

women.

It helps enormously just to be able to talk about what I'm thinking and

feeling in the midst of all of this confusion and uncertainty so I thank you for

giving me a place to do that freely. My husband can only listen and understand

so much!

February 5 cannot get here soon enough. I'm looking forward to walking out of

that doctor's office with a sense of peace and clarity about this situation.

The unknown is so scary as I know you'd all agree.

Thank you again for making me feel comfortable and at ease after my very first

post.

Blessings to all,

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

You are right. Fear of the unknown is the worst. Take it one day at a time or

hour by hour if necessary. My husband and I headed up 2 support groups awhile

back. If your husband would like another man to talk to Chuck would be more than

willing. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Hugs

nne

Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life

http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html

BreastCancerStories.com

http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/

Angel Feather Loomer

www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com

Check out my other ornaments at

www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html

Lots of info and gifts at:

www.cancerclub.com

Re: Confused Newbie...Opinions/input welcomed

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your warm welcome. I should

have anticipated the kind of response I'd receive from this group of wonderful

women.

It helps enormously just to be able to talk about what I'm thinking and

feeling in the midst of all of this confusion and uncertainty so I thank you for

giving me a place to do that freely. My husband can only listen and understand

so much!

February 5 cannot get here soon enough. I'm looking forward to walking out of

that doctor's office with a sense of peace and clarity about this situation. The

unknown is so scary as I know you'd all agree.

Thank you again for making me feel comfortable and at ease after my very first

post.

Blessings to all,

Debbie