Forum Discussion
Not diagnosed but awaiting
3 months ago lesion on right breast was picked up incidently on Lung CT scan for my then illness i had. I had ultrasound with radiologist which radiologist said was probably cyst bur did FNA after i asked for it due to my mother having very early stages breast cancer in her 30s and her aunts died of them 1 in mid 30s and one over 60. My cousin on my fathers side died in early 40s mid december last year as it spread to her brain from breast. The FNA result 3 months ago came back inconclusive with bloody cells so was referred to breast surgeon who recommended follow up ultrasound/mammogram in 3 months time. That time came 2 days ago on 17th May in morning. Ultrasound picked up 5 new tumors in right breast along side with existing 6th tumor that was tested inconclusive. My left had 2 new ones one near armpit and one on side not so far from it towards bottom of breast. Radiologist checks with doc and they said mammogram to be done so had it done straight up. Next morning i already had docs appt for something else but she already had report from mammogram and one was already sent to breast surgeon. Mammo report confirmed all 9 are solid tumors and suspects it to be fibroadenomas and i have to wait for what doctor surgeons recommendations which is Tuesday afternoon. (Im 34 mum of 4 and looking for anyone that had similar issue and all was fine? If i am on wrong page for this sort of thing please accept my appologies and let me know which direction or page i should go on?
97 Replies
- Good advice from @arpie. I keep a list of questions on my phone, in the memo section. My phone is always with me so the moment a query pops into my head I jot it down.
- @Twiggy34B
Like @kmakm - I had my sister in law and husband sit in on all my early appointments before & after surgery (tho Hubby was totally silent & probably couldn't hear it all! LOL) - for support and 'extra ears' - like Kate, I was 'on my own' for all the actual procedures - core biopsy, radiation etc.
Your boob WILL hurt after the core biopsy tho - so it could be good having someone to drive you home .....
More recently (because we live on the coast & SIL is in Sydney) I've gone on my own to all appointments (as hubby is quite deaf & not really 'up with' my ongoing treatment) - and I've not always asked enough questions - specially on my first Onc appointment last week! DUH! Having someone with you really does help. You could ask if the Breast Cancer Nurse could sit in - I am sure that could be arranged & she would be a wealth of knowledge too, on what to mention? (Or talk to her before going to the appointment re what to ask?)
With any of your appointments - Write a list of ANYTHING that pops into your head in the weeks/days leading up to it .... take it with you. Ask the questions.
All the best - thinking of you xx - I will have hubby with me tomorrow because really hes been with me to all appointments except yesterday and i wished he was with me and maybe then the surgeon would listen and agree to all tumors be looked at. I agree @kmakm, i dont always hear eerything the doctor has to say and sometimes i forget what to ask and my husband will either remind me or ask on my behalf. He has been great. Definitely worth having him with me. Hopefully they let him in tomorrow in the room.
@"Kiwi Angel" wow you sure have been through alot havent you. Do you feel this time you have thr right new surgeon this time? Im not sure how im going to fid the right second opinion but hopefully wont have to go through more than once or twice. @Twiggy34B . I would definitely chosen a different surgeon in hindsight but I started off with a lumpectomy which was perfect and the partial mastectomy was as expected. It was the full mastectomy with lymph node removal that he stuffed up and then he told me I had stage 4 cancer when I didn't - needless to say I now have a new surgeon.
I took my husband to all appointments apart from my latest oncologist ones as they are quite routine. It is completely up to you though - if you feel you need to do it by yourself its your choice. He could always meet you afterwards?? xoxox
- I had someone with me for all my early appointments, either my husband or a close friend when he wasn't available due to work or kids. I took them for support, and because I knew that sometimes you don't 'hear' what's being said because of shock. My husband was with me for my biopsy but was not allowed in the room when it was actually being done. There was a doctor, an ultrasound technician and a breastcare nurse. Once all the 'news' is broken and everything became routine I went to everything on my own. It's really an individual choice.
- Not sure. Yes to squeeze his hand and break it. No because he is male. He said he wants to come and support. He was meant to come in with me to surgeons office yesterday but had to pick all 3 out of 4 kids up from school for the appt as it was half an hour drive. So he had to mind kids while i went in. So he felt he should come in with me for biopsy. I feel i nees to do this one alone as its private i guess. Have you all had someone with you?
- Do you want him to come with you?
- @"Kiwi Angel" you poor lady sounds awful!. Yeah this definitely has me thinking double thinking. Booked to see my gp next week for a good chat. Shes unfortunately popular. I had good chat with a lovely lady from the bcna nurse hotline also gave me some tips last night also. Its just a yucky tricky situation.
Hubby wants to come in with me tomorow for core biopsy. - @Twiggy34B my surgeon was a general surgeon and I unfortunately ended up with a bigger scar and more painful suture removal than I should of.
- @primek, i will be asking again and even going to ask my gp for another breast surgeon. My guess is this current breast surgeon is a general surgeon also. He is gastrointestinal, breast and larposopic surgeon which tells me he is all over place and not focused on breast (i might be wrong).
