Breast cancer fears...maybe TMI

[Calliecake]

Ihy, I began having mammograms when I was 30. I'm now in my 50's and my results have always been worded exactly like yours were. I pray for those words.

 

[ihy138]

Ihy, I began having mammograms when I was 30. I'm now in my 50's and my results have always been worded exactly like yours were. I pray for those words.

Thank you so much for your input!! I'm very happy with those results. I went and got the report and it said fibroglandular densities, which I understand is nothing to worry about. Now I just want to get this damn biopsy over with!! Time is moving so slowly. I have it on Friday and it could take up to a week for results. I'd like to just hibernate until then.

 

[tyty333]

So, I finally called this morning and got my results (they weren't in too much of a hurry to get them to me ). They said it looks benign but want to
do a 6 month follow up to make sure nothings changed. So, no worries! I think my breast are problematic due to the high density. Just a lot going
on in there. My SIL, who is a nurse, said that when they went to digital photog they get a lot more false negatives because the digitals "see" so much more.
So they are a plus but may cause more people to have to go back and get things double checked. Its worth it in the long run if they can spot more issues
though.

Ihy, I know you're still waiting for your biopsy and will be glad when its done and the results are back...I'll be keeping up with the tread. Hang in there!

 

[ihy138]

So happy that things look benign for you tyty!! Great that we have all of these tools for early detection, but you are right that it creates a lot of double checking.

Thanks for your kind words! I'm taking a "hoping for the best, expecting the worst" sort of mindset. Not sure if it's the best idea but I do want to prepare myself for bad news.

 

[Calliecake]

Tyty, I was told the same thing by my doctor a year ago when my mammogram was done with the new machines. She warned me ahead of time not to be alarmed if they wanted to redo the test in 6 months. They requested almost 1/2 of her patients a redo in 6 months. The new machines show more detail and get much better pictures.

Ihy, Honey please try not to worry. Your tests so far have come back fine. I gets so anxious about these tests and hate to think you are feeling the same way.

 

[ihy138]

Thanks callie for your kind words. I'm definitely having a difficult time but I'm trying all of my best strategies to feel better. The test I feared the most happens to be the last one, so it's just going to be a little while longer and then I will know either way.

 

[tyty333]

Thanks ihy...I think you should look at it more that there is nothing to worry about until they tell you there is something to worry about. Its like
they're investigating something but you wont know the results until the investigation is over. The chances of it being something major are small
(yes, still there, but small) so try not to dwell on it until they finish the investigating. If they do suspect something then you'll move on to the next step.
I know its the anxiety that doesnt allow you to let it go until you know for sure and there is probably no amount of me telling you to relax will make it
happen, so, I'll just say hang in there and try not to stress yourself out.

Calliecake...I think that info that the doc told you (and my SIL told me) should probably be told to everyone getting a digital mamo. I'm not sure if
they even do the old type mamos any more but knowing that there are a lot of false positives makes it easier to swallow when you get the call
for an ultrasound.

 

[ihy138]

Tyty - That's good advice. Everyone in my life sees it the way that you do. "The chances are so slim. Why stress before you know?" I stress because I don't know. I'm working with my therapist about getting comfortable with uncertainty. Anything could really happen any time, good or bad. Life is completely random. Enjoy the moments you have. I can't help but thinking I've squandered my life (wasted my 20s in a bad marriage) and now I won't have the opportunity to live like I want to. I know it sounds dramatic and ridiculous, but that's how I feel. When I think about all of the wasted energy over the years, I can't believe I've allowed myself to feel that way. I know in my heart this is a silly thing to worry about. I just can't help thinking the worst.

Right now I'm stressed about tomorrow's procedure. I've never had stitches, surgery, or any serious injuries and I'm a huge baby, so I'm a little nervous about this whole biopsy. I made the grave mistake of reading about it online and now I'm sick to my stomach. I do have an ativan to help me tomorrow morning. Thanks for listening.

 

[Bonfire]

Please breath! I understand your fear completely! I've been through this repeatedly, terrified out of my mind. But please know the biopsy procedure is not painful. One little pinch of Novacaine for a split second and nothing. Try and relax, close your eyes and imagine yourself in your favorite surroundings. Don't hold your breath! Deep breathing in and out. You are making yourself physically ill. It's a shame you've had to wait 2 weeks for this biopsy. Your fear has been building and that sucks!! I promise you, you are going to look back when it's over and say "that wasn't bad, I shouldn't have worried so much!"

 

[ihy138]

Please breath! I understand your fear completely! I've been through this repeatedly, terrified out of my mind. But please know the biopsy procedure is not painful. One little pinch of Novacaine for a split second and nothing. Try and relax, close your eyes and imagine yourself in your favorite surroundings. Don't hold your breath! Deep breathing in and out. You are making yourself physically ill. It's a shame you've had to wait 2 weeks for this biopsy. Your fear has been building and that sucks!! I promise you, you are going to look back when it's over and say "that wasn't bad, I shouldn't have worried so much!"

Thank you, Bonfire. Remember to breathe - got it! I forget I'm holding my breath sometimes. Thanks for letting me know about the procedure. I can deal with a pinch. I've experienced worse. I'm upset that I've had to wait so long as well, but it's just the way the tests were scheduled and they wanted to get the mammogram in before I had the biopsy rather than the other way around. This is the test I really needed from the get go! Results could take up to a week. I think I'll just camp out at my dermatologist's office.

 

[Bonfire]

You can do this. You are SO much stronger than you know!!

 

[Calliecake]

Ihy, I realize this isn't going to help you at all but I completely understand your feelings. I've always been a worrier about anything regarding health so I understand how hard this for you. Is there anythjng I can do to help you?

I also want to tell you that many women have found themselves in the same boat you have been in regarding a bad relationship, myself included. Those years aren't wasted but instead a wonderful learning experience. It may not seem like it now but it will when you find yourself with wonderful person. You are young. The best is yet to come. Bonfire is right. You are strong.

 

[tyty333]

Wish I was nearby Ihy and I'd go with you...sometimes all you need is a good distraction. Bonfire and Calliecake have given you some good advice.

I also wasted time in my twenties with a guy that was never right for me. We were engaged and I just couldnt go through with it. I regret wasting that
time but I did learn a lot about myself and about relationships (and what they shouldnt be). I then got married at 29. My ex is a fine person but we grew
apart after 7 years of marriage. I dont regret that time at all. I have a beautiful son from that marriage. I got married for the second time at 39 and
had 2 more beautiful children. I'm telling you Ihy, things may not work out the way you plan but you have a lot of living left to do!
<<Shaking your shoulders>> and now {{group hug}}

 

[ringo865]

Ativan will help the anxiety for your procedure. The first time I was told I had to have a biopsy I was so nervous that they suggested it. I never heard of it before that (7-10ish years ago). Now my doc prescribes about 20 per year and I swear by them for airplanes and bridges. LOL

I have a new appointment tomorrow for a diagnostic mammo, maybe ultrasound, and maybe another "guided needle" biopsy. You better believe I'll have an Ativan for it.

Try not to worry. (Says the pot to the kettle.) I'll be with you in spirit tomorrow.

Keep us posted. K?

Yay tyty! Hoping for the same news for us.

 

[tyty333]

Ringo...welcome to the thread! I hope all goes well with you today. It is nerve racking and I'm all for anything that helps to relax and take the
edge off. If I ever do have to have a biopsy I think I'll ask for something in advance...I'm ok with needles but have never had one in that area.

 

[ihy138]

Hi all! Thanks for your feedback. I didn't get a chance to respond yesterday but I did read the responses and they meant a lot. I spent yesterday with my boyfriend, who is an excellent distraction.

I had the biopsy this morning. The procedure itself was painless. Even the needle was barely felt. I almost couldn't believe it. I was definitely worrying for nothing. Ativan helped a bunch. Now it's just about sore moving around and running against things. A little bit of pain and stinging. Nothing major. My brain tells me that means it's definitely cancer, but I'm not going there. The first thing my doctor said was that she doesn't think this is Paget's but a biopsy is necessary.

Callie - thank you for offering your help! You're so kind. There's really nothing anybody can do, just time is all I need. The only reassurance I'm
seeking is a cleared biopsy result. I should know by next a Friday when I get the sutures removed.

And thank you all for sharing your own stories of past loves. I did absolutely learn a lot from my marriage and I don't necessarily regret it. My only fears are that I've finally found happiness in a new relationship with a wonderful guy, and what if my time with him is cut short? It seems unfair. Life is cruel sometimes but I'm hoping to dodge this particular bullet. I know people survive cancer every day which is comforting to think about.

Sorry you find yourself in a similar position ringo. You ladies are so strong going through these ordeals with optimism! I've learned a lot from you all. I hope everyone hears the good news soon!

 

[ihy138]

Hi all, quick update. I DON'T HAVE CANCER! I honestly feel like I'm high or something after getting that phone call from my doc. It appears to be some type of allergic dermatitis or even eczema. Thank you all so much for your support. It really made these past few weeks easier for me. I hope to someday have the strength that you all do and be able to face these challenges head on.

I feel like I have a new lease on life, which is probably odd or silly but I'm going to take advantage of it. I really want to do something I've never done - thinking of going to see Hamilton on Broadway! Life is short, right? Hope all of you have favorable results as well. My thoughts are with all of you who are waiting for test results!

 

[azstonie]

 

[Missy]

Hi all, quick update. I DON'T HAVE CANCER! I honestly feel like I'm high or something after getting that phone call from my doc. It appears to be some type of allergic dermatitis or even eczema. Thank you all so much for your support. It really made these past few weeks easier for me. I hope to someday have the strength that you all do and be able to face these challenges head on.

I feel like I have a new lease on life, which is probably odd or silly but I'm going to take advantage of it. I really want to do something I've never done - thinking of going to see Hamilton on Broadway! Life is short, right? Hope all of you have favorable results as well. My thoughts are with all of you who are waiting for test results!

WONDERFUL news!!!!!!!!

 

[Calliecake]

GREAT NEWS IHY!!!!!!! Please get those Hamilton tickets. You have a lot of celebrating to do!

 

[Bonfire]

I'm sharing in your exuberance! Happy dance! Yes life is short. Don't sweat the small stuff, and learn not to sweat the big stuff.

 

[Jambalaya]

Breast density is a risk factor for breast cancer if the category is "Extreme density", which is 75% or above. People who are in the Extreme category usually have ultrasound and/or MRIs as well. I get MRIs because mine are 90% dense and I have a family history of breast cancer.

Every woman should know her density percentage in order to plan her screening properly.

Some further info about breast density and breast cancer risk.

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2017/02/4...se-all-other-known-breast-cancer-risk-factors

http://www.cancercenter.com/discuss...an-important-predictor-of-breast-cancer-risk/

This is a very informative site:

https://www.areyoudense.org/

 

[Jambalaya]

Congratulations ihy!

 

[LLJsmom]

Congratulations ihy138!! So glad it all turned out to be negative. I have he same thing frequently. Just several months ago I had my mammogram and they said It looked dense. They had me stay an extra two hours to immediately do a set of ultrasounds and nothing alarming showed up. Now you know that you have dense breast tissue so you won't have to be alarmed when they want to do follow up testing.

 

[tyty333]

Yea Ihy!!! So glad everything is negative! I hope this helps in the future with taking a more "wait and see" attitude. All that energy could have been
used on something more productive! I know its not that simple. Please consider that as women we are going to have a lot of things "checked out".
Doctors IMO are very cautious (dont want to be sued) so they check for all kinds of things that just arent there. It is a good thing but the "what ifs" can
be worrisome. Replace the "what ifs" with lets "wait and see". Work on it...I know you can do it!!!

 

[ihy138]

Thank you azstonie, missy, and bonfire! You guys are so supportive!

GREAT NEWS IHY!!!!!!! Please get those Hamilton tickets. You have a lot of celebrating to do!

I bought 'em! What a splurge but I don't care. I've never seen a show on Broadway so I'm sure this will more than make up for it.

Breast density is a risk factor for breast cancer if the category is "Extreme density", which is 75% or above. People who are in the Extreme category usually have ultrasound and/or MRIs as well. I get MRIs because mine are 90% dense and I have a family history of breast cancer.

Every woman should know her density percentage in order to plan her screening properly.

Some further info about breast density and breast cancer risk.

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2017/02/4...se-all-other-known-breast-cancer-risk-factors

http://www.cancercenter.com/discuss...an-important-predictor-of-breast-cancer-risk/

This is a very informative site:

https://www.areyoudense.org/

Thank you so much for the information! The paper the radiologist sent over said my breasts are 25-50% dense and this does NOT increase my risk for breast cancer. I also recently learned about a family history of breast cancer so I'm going to talk these results over with my doctor to see if she recommends screening any differently. I thought dense breasts had to do with age as well so I can imagine this risk changes for me over time?

Congratulations ihy138!! So glad it all turned out to be negative. I have he same thing frequently. Just several months ago I had my mammogram and they said It looked dense. They had me stay an extra two hours to immediately do a set of ultrasounds and nothing alarming showed up. Now you know that you have dense breast tissue so you won't have to be alarmed when they want to do follow up testing.

Thank you for sharing that!!! It's nice to know that other people have the same experience and what is the appropriate course of action. I'm going to talk it over with my doctor.

Yea Ihy!!! So glad everything is negative! I hope this helps in the future with taking a more "wait and see" attitude. All that energy could have been
used on something more productive! I know its not that simple. Please consider that as women we are going to have a lot of things "checked out".
Doctors IMO are very cautious (dont want to be sued) so they check for all kinds of things that just arent there. It is a good thing but the "what ifs" can
be worrisome. Replace the "what ifs" with lets "wait and see". Work on it...I know you can do it!!!

Thank you so much tyty! You've been so helpful!! I think this is definitely going to be a learning experience for me. What a waste of energy and of a few weeks of my life! I'm just glad I was able to enjoy my friend's wedding except for a little soreness. I agree that I should get used to this sort of thing as a woman and that as long as I take care of myself, most of the time it will be nothing or very treatable. No more going five years without going to the gyno!

 

[mary poppins]

Just catching up on this thread tonight. Whew, glad to see both of you got good news!

 

[ihy138]

Just catching up on this thread tonight. Whew, glad to see both of you got good news!

Thank you so much!!

 

[Jambalaya]

ihy138 wrote: "I thought dense breasts had to do with age as well so I can imagine this risk changes for me over time?"

Hi there, it's commonly said that having dense breasts is to do with age, and that they get LESS dense as we get older. Yours aren't very dense, anyway, at somewhere between 25-50%.

Mine are 90% dense and the specialist said to me, "You will be dense throughout your life." (Yes, you can imagine the hilarity this caused certain friends and family members!)

Most women have some degree of density, but I am the densest of the dense (have at it!) and for women like me, it seems it will always be this way. Even if it lessened off somewhat after menopause, maybe it would go from 90% to 80%, say. I'd have to lose a lot of density to be not dense, and the doctor didn't seem to think that this would happen.

So to answer your question, most women's breasts do get less dense as they age, but for people like me at the extreme end of the scale, we are always very dense. In fact it's remarkable how dense I am given that I'm very overweight. As I lose weight and the little fat I have in my breasts (as opposed to breast tissue) diminishes, I'll probably end up pushing 100% dense.

Yes, I know. Hilarious!

 

[tyty333]

That's hilarious Jambalaya! I'm sure your friends were merciless! (what are friends for!) I've been told mine were dense but I never knew
they could give you a percentage. I'm going to ask my Doc next year when I go for a physical. Do you know how or when they calculate it? Mamo?
Ultrasound? Something else?