Forum Discussion

brie321's avatar
brie321
Member
20 days ago

Brie321

Hi recently I had my first yearly mammogram following lumpectomy and radiation for stage one IDC.  Unfortunately the radiologist found calcifications.  I was therefore referred for a vacuum assisted biopsy via mammogram.   This was done 3 weeks after finding the calcifications it was difficult to find a radiologist to carry this out.  The night of the biopsy I had a major bleed into the breast.  I was admitted to hospital for 3 days and no treatment given.  Both the doctors in the ER and my breast surgeon stated they hadn't seen anything like this before.  Now 3 weeks later I have 3 large haematomas in my breast and I cannot proceed with the lumpectomy my surgeon wants to carry out on the the intermediate grade dcis I was diagnosed with.   My dilemma is do I ask the surgeon to evacuate the clots.  My breast is so deformed and heavy it would be a relief to do something about it.  My surgeon is seeking advice from colleagues.   I think if I wait for it to absorb it will take a very long time.  Has anyone else gone through this.   I have a lot of pressure in the breast and concerned what it might do to underlying tissue..  Thanks for reading this far.

biopsy
treatment decisions

9 Replies

  • Ann58's avatar
    Ann58
    Member
    20 days ago

    Sending love 💝 I don’t have an answer but I hope you find a solution to this soon 🌿

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    19 days ago

    I am so sorry to see you going thru all this brie321​  - and welcome to the 'club' ... the one no-one ever thought they'd be joining! xx

    I can't offer any suggestions re the clots and hope the surgeon gets back to you soon - and I hope your discomfort/tightness lessens asap too :( 

    Gosh, that sounds really unusual - so not surprised your surgeon is discussing your case with colleagues!  

    I had 'callbacks' for the first 3 years after my surgery for a variety of reasons - and had biopsies each time - but they were very straight forward with no issues other than major bruising (one of the Drs used me as a pin cushion, I reckon, they had so many goes!)

    You're not on blood thinners or taking aspirin regularly at all?  Fish Oil capsules can also thin the blood a bit ..... 

    I hope you can find out the cause - so that a solution will be offered 

    If you get sad/frustrated with anything - give the Help team a call on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri 9-5) for a confidential chat - and consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's podcasts.  She is a Breast Cancer Onco-Psychologist who was diagnosed 5+ years ago and has 'lived experience' of what we've all gone thru - she had double mastectomy, choosing to remain flat.  Her reaction to her own diagnosis (and ongoing treatment) was markedly different to what she'd been advising her clients over the years!  She had the same fears & confusion with 'the process' and is well worth listening to!  She is very easy to listen to.  She has 2 x 'seasons' ... this is the first from the first series.
    https://soundcloud.com/bcna/what-you-dont-know-until-you-do-with-dr-charlotte-tottman-episode-1-d-day-diagnosis-shock

    Also, check out this post - as there is a LOT of info in it that may help navigate the forum.  We have chats about our gardens, our sports, art & craft & many other topics that you can add too at any time xx  
    A big welcome to all New Online Network Members ..... | BCNA Online Network

    Wishing you all the best and a speedy resolution to your issue  xx

  • brie321's avatar
    brie321
    Member
    19 days ago

    Thank you so much I watched Charlotte's podcasts last year when diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I definitely found them helpful.   Thank you for your reply have searched the net to find other cases of haematoma.   It must be rare.   It's the waiting for the lumpectomy and not knowing when that will happen that is soul destroying.  Thanks again.

    • arpie's avatar
      arpie
      Member
      18 days ago

      brie321​  Just try & keep as busy as you can, doing stuff you LOVE doing, so that your brain doesn't over-ride your day, until this is resolved & you go on for your Lumpectomy & recovery!   

      This bloody disease mucks with your brain even more than your body, I reckon!  grrr 

      Try & stay away from Dr Google, too (tho most of us use it sooner or later!   LOL!)  It can pull up the wrong stuff & just scare the pants off you! 

      Do you have a Breast Care Nurse that you can chat to as well?  They have a much more of a 'lived experience' of all sorts of post-op issues 'we' have, as they deal with so many patients!  It might just 'ring a bell' with them!

      Have they actually given your 'bleed' a name?  I didn't think the boob had any 'biggish' blood vessels in it! So I wonder where did the bleed came from?   SO MANY QUESTIONS!

      And don't forget you can give the Mods a call on the Helpline too, for a confidential chat with a real person  xx. on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5)

      take care & all the best xx

  • Butch's avatar
    Butch
    Member
    18 days ago

    So sorry to hear you are experiencing these terrible problems. Wishing you all the best. 

  • Gr8ful-jen's avatar
    Gr8ful-jen
    Member
    18 days ago

    Sending you lots of support Brie. ❤️ What an incredibly difficult few weeks you’ve had. I really hope your surgeon and their colleagues come up with a good plan and you can get some relief and move forward with your treatment soon. Thinking of you and wishing you all the very best. 🌸💗

    • brie321's avatar
      brie321
      Member
      17 days ago

      Thanks so much they had a Multi Disciplinary Meeting on the 28th seeing the Surgeon on the 14th.  Hoping for a good outcome