going crazy

I am 41 years old with no family history of breast cancer. I had a normal screening mammogram in September of 2008 (4 months ago).

2 weeks ago I noticed bloody discharge from 2 ducts (close to each other) on my right breast. The discharge was not spontaneous, I squized the nipple during my monthly self breast exam. I went to the breast specialist and they did an ultrasound (normal), Aurora breast MRI (normal) and mammogram. Mammogram showed a small cluster of microcalficiations not in the same place where the bleeding ducts were but in the same breast.  The radiologist could not clearly explain to me whether these calcifications were on my September mammogram, whether they were missed or whether they were new. She said thee were undeterminate (score 4) and recommended a stereopatic biopsy that I had done yesterday (results within a week or so, long wait..) She said it’s 50/50 chance of good/bad outcome.

I also I had my ductogram yesterday and the radiologist told me what she found a bunch of stuff there (the word she used was “debris”)

She said is indeterminate – if it’s a pappiloma, it’s a bunch of them… or something else (scary stuff). Now I am referred to a surgeon to do a surgery to remove the duct (under general anesthesia) and take a biopsy of it. She did say again 50/50 chance of good/bad.

The more procedures are done the more I am freaking out…..

Any word of wisdom/encouragement for me? Could it be cancer even if MRI was absolutely normal (not enhancement, etc.) What is the percentage of benign outcome in this situation? My radiologist is supposed to be top notch but not very sympathetic. If it’s not benign can it be invasive and not DCIS with the normal MRI?

Thank you very much for your attention to my questions.

With great appreciation

Foreigngirl1

Foreigngirl1

I’m in a very similar situation. I’m 44 with no family history. The abnormal tissue with calcifications was noticed on my mammogram. The weekend between my stereotactic biopsy and the doctor’s appointment on Monday was the longest weekend ever. Your chances of a good outcome are about 80%. Mine wasn’t so good but I tried to keep a positive attitude. When I was given the results, the surgeon was good to let me know several options available. He didn’t expect us to rush into any option and provided all information for a second opinion. I selected a lumpectomy. Now I am healing and preparing for radiation treatment. I don’t know the answer to any of your medical questions but I can tell you that it is important to get options and make an informed decision about your health. I’ve been blessed to have my new husband by my side. If you are not married, I have read a lot about finding someone you trust to be your ‘buddy’ to attend appointments with you not only for emotional support but another set of ears to listen to what they have to say and take notes. Once the words, ‘breast cancer’ are spoken, your mind may start to turn and churn in other directions. Best not to freak out. You will live and you will eventually be okay. Just take each procedure individually and make the best decision based on your choices.

My biggest issue now is a search for a bra. I have several sports bras which provided good support but they were extremely difficult to put on and take off since I also had a sentinel lymph node removed from under my arm. I found a wonderful sports bra that zips up in the front. This provides support and is easy to get on/off. I’m still looking for something that provides the same support but doesn’t look like a uniboob.

I wish you the best news from all your tests.

TurtleTAM

Thank you very much for your response.

Yes, I am married (my husband is very supportive) and I have 2 kids - ages 12 and 7.

I met with the surgeon today to discuss my ducts excision. She was nice and more positive than my radiologist. Still waiting for biopsy results....It's very hard to wait.

Good luck with your recovery. Hopefully the worse is behind you!

going crazy is exactly what I am doing.  I am a 44 year old who has been put through the ringer and still don't have an answer, I know it can't be good.  On dec 20th of 07, I had a screening mammogram and it came back with calcs. so then I was told that I needed a diagnostic mamm, that came back inconclusive as well.  I had to have a sterotactic bx and when they did that, they saw 2 areas of concern, and that came back atypical ductual hyperplasia so  the pathologist recommended an exciosional biopsy. They reviewed my slides and were still uncertain, so they sent them to Johns Hopkins for a second opinion.  Johns Hopkins asked my pathologist for my tissue block because they weren't sure by just reviewing the slides. On top of that, this past friday, Feb 20, I wound up having a breast seroma that errupted through my breast and it looked and felt like I was hemmorraging and was rushed to the Er.  I am now on Antiobiotics and the hole in my aerola is draining and the dr wont stitch it because he said that would cause an infection because my breast needs to drain.  He said it will heal on its own.  I am going stir crazy.  I am so strong in front of my friends and family but now here I am, right now, it is 4:30 in the morning, I can't sleep I am scared as hell not knowing what the hell my result is going to be.  They keep telling me to stay positive,but how can I?  I know it isn't going to come back benign, because if it was benign, why would they have gone through all of this? Begnin is benign cut and dry.   I appreciate my pathologist sending my specimens to Johns Hopkins, they are a great hospital, so whatever dx they come back with, I will be satisfied .I know what I am going to do if it comes back maliginant, I am doing a simple mastectomy with the tram flap procedure, but the waiting is killing me. My surgeron says he wont do a lumpectomy because my breasts are small to begin with and the amt he would have to take out would make my breast to small, so the simple mastecomy would be the way to go.  I can't thank my drs enough for the lengths they are going through for me.  Any opinions?   

Bonnie -

I hope you have found some answers by now. I know how hard waiting can be. Sleeping doesn't always come easy. I'm sorry to hear about your seroma. I can't imagine how troubling that would be. I was able to get a lumpectomy in January but ended up having to go back in to excise the area more. Now I am waiting to find out if I need chemo. The tests each come with a waiting period. I have my appt with onc tomorrow to find out next step.

Tammie

HiTammie

Thanks for your post. I did find out that I have Stage 1 ductal carcinoma in situ.  I opted for a simple masectomy with immediate reconstruction with the tramsflap procedure.  I am so nervous I can't think straight. I go to see the plastic surgeon on tues, the oncology dr on thursday and then back to the surgeon on friday.  I imagine when I go back to him he will let me know when the surgery will take place.  I am so sorry to hear about you.  Can I ask why you didn't opt for a mast and how long have you had cancer?  Do you take tamoxifen?  I don't want to take that so I am hoping that I don't have to, but the surgeron said the onc dr might recommend it.  I am also going to push to get the BRCA markers done.  Because if I have the cancer gene then I will have both of the girls taken off.  Good luck to you, my prayers are with you.  Take care and I hope to hear from you soon.  

 ps....  where are you from?

Bonnie -

I'm also 44 which attracted me to your post. My mammogram in December 2008 indicated abnormal tissue and one phone call started my roller coaster ride. I chose a lumpectomy because that was given to me as an option and if things didn't work out, then I could always do a masectomy later if needed. Plus, BC doesn't run in my family. I found out today that I don't have to do chemo but will be on tamoxifen for 5 years - haven't started it yet, just got the prescription today. I should start radiation next week.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you have to make decisions about your care and the girls. I'm from Missouri; where are you from?

Tammie

 Hi Tammie

I am from PA.  Thanks for the post.  I wish you well on your journey.  My prayers are with.  I was given the choice of a lumpectomy in the beginning before I found out the dx, but since everything I had to go through the dr recommended the mast with reconstruction. He also recommeds that I take tamoxifen which I am reluctant to take because of all of the side effects.  I am going to see the onc dr on thursday, I am going to ask him to test me for the brca gene because if I have the breast cancer gene I am going to have both of the girls removed. I am scared out of my wits.  I chose to do the trams flap procdure, I just hope it will be a success.  I hope I will be able to do it, I go to talk to the ps on tues.  So I have a busy week next week.  Please keep in touch.  If you would like to personally email me my email address is

  Again, thanks for the reply, take care and god speed. 

 Bonnie

On 2/27/2009 TurtleTAM wrote:

Bonnie -

I'm also 44 which attracted me to your post. My mammogram in December 2008 indicated abnormal tissue and one phone call started my roller coaster ride. I chose a lumpectomy because that was given to me as an option and if things didn't work out, then I could always do a masectomy later if needed. Plus, BC doesn't run in my family. I found out today that I don't have to do chemo but will be on tamoxifen for 5 years - haven't started it yet, just got the prescription today. I should start radiation next week.

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you have to make decisions about your care and the girls. I'm from Missouri; where are you from?

Tammie

Bonnie -

Don't be scared....especially out of your mind. Are you married or have a significant other in your life? Be sure to have someone that you can take to your appointments for another set of ears to hear what they say.

A mast will probably be a good choice with reconstruction. I did have the lumpectomy but they took so much tissue, I may actually need some help in the reconstruction area. I look fairly odd right now because I am a C on one side and B on the other. Be sure to get second opinions when things don't sound quite right. Drs also don't expect you to make snap decisions so don't feel like you have to give answers right now if you want to think about it or do some additional research. I think you will feel much better once the surgery is behind you and you can concentrate on healing and getting better.

The way that tamoxifen was described to me is that while there are some unpleasant side affects, there are very good side affects that out weigh the bad ones. From some of the other posts, the drugs they give for post menopausal women have worse side affects than tamoxifen. I don't look forward to possible hot flashes. I was given the option of forced menopause so then I would take a different drug if I didn't want tamoxifen? Being HR+, I will need to be on something.

Tammie 

Hi Tammie

I have a very supportive husband of 23 years.  He told me that he would be here for me no matter what.  We are in this together.  Thanks for the kind words, but I am really hesistant about that tamoxifen.  I already feel like I got brain fog.  I don't want to feel like crap just to be on a drug.  I guess I will just wait until I talk to the onc dr on thursday.  I have a busy week this week, so I will keep you posted.  So are you on the tamoxifen or are you taking another drug?  Take care until we speak again.  

Bonnie