Discussions

Hi,

I've got just over a week before I go back for my second diagnostic screening (the one 6 months ago showed a small mass on my right breast, but since it was my first mammogram they wanted to wait and see if it changed in 6 months) on April 16th.  I have lost over 16# (my choice, trying to get healthy) and hope that it will help in getting clearer images.  I do not feel any lumps and really nothing has changed since 6 months ago.  What I was wondering is this....when I go back on the 16th, if she says the mass is still there but is unchanged and wants to go another 6 months or a year, should I just request to go to a breast surgeon and have it biopsied?  I mean, can they tell if it is a cyst or a fibroid tumor or something non-cancerous by the U/S and other views?   I dont' wish to push a panic button if not needed, but the last diagnostic screening left me a bit confused.  The tech told me that she did see a "sizable" mass in my right and that she would keep an eye on the left as well (something about a spot just under the nipple), but the radiologist said that the left was clear and the mass on the right was "small" and unclear if it was solid or liquid that she wanted to wait to see if it "changed" in 6 months.  I just want to be proactive but I don't want to take a spot away from someone else if it is not necessary.  Help!  I'm stressing out more than I thought I would.

Dear Frazzled, honey, get you a new doctor, and do it today! In fact I would go with a breast specialist. You just don't wait 6 months when it's a mass, and she don't know if it's solid or not. No that is not satisfactory, I do not want to scare you, it may be nothing, but you need to find out what it is. Please, please find another doctor. Keep us informed, and I wish you good luck. I will keep you in my prayers as I do all my ladies.

Cajun Lady 

 Honey, Cajun Lady, is absolutely right.  You need a second opinion.  You can't continue waiting another 6 months and another 6 months.  It either is or it isn't.  It may well be that it is nothing.  I was very cystic 20 years ago and nothing came of it.  All they did was aspirate (remove the fluid) with a needle.  This didn't hurt at all and that was it.  That could be it but for them to say it's a mass and to keep waiting is ridiculous and nerve-wracking for you.  A second opinion will decide what it really is.  Like I said it could be nothing but not knowing has to be driving you crazy. 

I hope you will get that second opinion.  I wish you all the best and continue to come here if you have more questions or just need to rant a little.

Be well.

Zena

 Both Cajun Lady & Zena are absolutely right on getting that second opinion.  They both gave you such great advice that I am going to say ditto to both!!!

Let us know how it goes!!!

 Thank you.   I spoke to my husband and he agrees that if the 16th ends up showing a mass and she wants me to wait, that I will seek a second opinion (actually he said just demand a biopsy and get the info we need).   I have a gut feeling that I should push on this, but then I'm not sure if it is my body telling me or just the fear of the unknown.   1 more week until my diagnostics and in the mean time I'll be looking for other doctors in the area.  It is hard in this small area because I'm already going to the cancer center women's unit...not sure how far I'm going to be able to go to get a 2nd opinion. 

Thanks for your thoughts.  I'm not willing to take the words of "let's see if it changes" again.

 I also was just told this today. They found a solid mass in my left breast and told me they want to watch it for 6 months to see if it grows and shadows. I just do not understand why you would find something and wait to see if it grows into something? Any thoughts or has someone else had this?

 I would seek a second opinion.  Waiting to see what develops doesn't sound right to me. I can understand a biopsy to see what is going on, but waiting.  I think a second opinion is important. You can have your records sent to the person making the second opinion.  Also think of questions that you want answered. Such as if I am waiting six months then what should I eat, or medication or what? Leave any doctor's appointment confident that you have the answers to make you comfortable.

Blessings,

Crismatic

Do not wait! Seek a second opinion now! If for nothing else, for your own peace of mind. 

You should push for a biopsy.  They cant just look at tell you its for sure cancer.  A biopsy is the only sure way that i know of to know for sure.  Dont wait sweetie, hang in there and keep us posted, we are all in this together! 

 hi frazzled,

i say go with your gut instinct! if they still see a mass or lump and are not unsure of what it is maybe suggest to your doc about possibly doing a biopsy to rule out if it is miligment or benign hope i spelled it right......i am only 36 and the first time i went i was told it was a fibro cyst, please do not let me scsare you ok, but i was never offered to follow, i took it upon myself to watch for signs and the lump didn't go away and became larger, after about 9 months i went back to see a chief onco surgeon who did a mammo and biopsy, found out i had 3 lumps in my breast all cancerous and 3 weeks later after diagnosis was having modified radical mastectomy of the right breast, i was stage IIB they removed 15 lymph nodes 2 were cancerous, i am under going chemo treatment but do not have to do radiation thank god for that! but in my case it was the first doc who by pass me i feel, but you know if something is not right always get a second opinon if you are not comfortable you go with gut feeling, i pray for you that you do not have this disease i do not wish this on anyone not even my worst enime....it is an awful thing to go through, please keep us posted hope i have helped in some way hugs and blessings to you,

lisaof3