Forum Discussion

Meurig's avatar
Meurig
Member
15 hours ago

Dense breast tissue and what it conceals.

My recent lumpectomy revealed multiple tumours that did not show on mammogram or ultrasound. Manual palpation led to a core biopsy and on to lumpectomy.

I am awaiting results of a follow up MRI after the pathology report post lumpectomy and will be discussing with my surgeon further surgery and treatment. I am daunted by the thought as I have been busy researching and translating the results of my lumpectomy pathology. I am an inveterate student and feel more able to cope with what is to come if I understand what has eventuated up to now.

Not my favourite 79th birthday surprise!

diagnosis

2 Replies

  • Meurig's avatar
    Meurig
    Member
    28 minutes ago

    I was aware of problems of dense tissue, but did not find out that I was category D until I read one of my reports. I was able to pass this information on to my sister ( she is cat  C). I have not been told at any of my Breastscreen appointments of breast density, not that the situation would be any different. At 79, I am an ideal candidate for BC of the "body wearing out a bit and recreating or killing once useful parts." 😀 Fortunately not an unpleasant inheritance for my daughter and granddaughter.

    Only 3 hours to " the phone call".🤔🙄

     

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    44 minutes ago

    So sorry to see you joining us here ,.... I am 73 now, diagnosed at 65.

    Did you have your screening at 'BreastScreen' in your state? They are supposed to tell you if you have dense breast tissue now, as it CAN hide the BC (as happened with mine) ..... Just wondering if they did advise you?

    Everyone remembers the shock of hearing the ‘diagnosis:  “You've got breast cancer” ..... Causing sadness, distress and even anger.  It really mucks with your brain, sometimes even more than your body!  It is highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give our Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 for a calming chat xx.

    Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx  She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'! 
    She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts. 
    http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

    Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

    Wishing you all the best for your upcoming surgery & treatment xx