Confused and waiting

Hi everyone. I am 29 years old and last week my gynecologist found a lump. I had my first one at 18, which turned out to be a cyst. This one feels completely different, so I had no idea that I had it even though I do regular self breast examinations. Since the lump was found, I have had an ultrasound and a mammogram, which both detected microcalcifications within the lump.  This has all been such a whirlwind for me because I never expected to be faced with the possibilty of having breast cancer since I have no family history of breast cancer, and I am very active and healthy. I do not smoke and only drink occasionally. I am also confused about some of the information that I have been given. The general surgeon I am assigned to said that I have a moderate to low risk for cancer, but since I have an "increased" risk, I have to have a biopsy done. These two statements seem to contradict one another, so I do not know how to feel about all of this. Has anyone had this told to them before?  For now, I am just waiting until I hear back from the radiologist's office for the date they have scheduled for my biopsy and am trying to remain positive. 

Sounds like the dr just wasn't being very articulate.  You may have a low risk of breast cancer based on personal and family history, but he probably meant that the microcalcifications are an indicator that needs to be checked out, rather than an increased risk.  many women have biopsies done based on the evidence of finding microcalcifications, and many of these women have benign findings.  But it is good to have it checked out, anyway.

Keep busy while waiting for a biopsy date, and then waiting for that date to arrive and the biopsy report after that.  Turn your nervous energy into a good opportunity to get things done around the house, get some exercise, etc.  And make sure to do some fun things, too - that will help you to relax.

Hope everything turns out ok.

Tre

Confused and waiting
I went through a differant kind of breast cancer but I have a couple of suggestions for you. Make sure you have someone with you at every appt. its important because of all of the running emotions. Also take notes lots of notes the times, dates, names and anything else you can think of. Also write down questions to ask have your family and friends write down their questions so you can ask them also. Remember the only dumb question is the one that is not asked. Also no matter how comfortable you are with the doctors that you have a second oppion is a must I wish someone would have told me that but don't tell the new doctor what the other doctor said you want to know what his oppion is. Also ask your doctor about Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome that is what I suffer from now I don't want to scare you because I would not do anything differant but if my doctors would have known about this Syndrome they would have been able to make a diagnoises and I would have been able to get the proper treatment so it would not have ended up being untreatable I'll check back if you have any questions for me I'll help if I can you need as many supporters as you can find may God be with you in your journey I will keep you in my prayers. GOOD LUCK Starla

Nolesgirl3-

Get the biopsy. There is an 80% chance that it is nothing but you will feel much better knowing either way. 

For the biopsy, be prepared to lay still for quite a while. They will give you a local and if you feel any pain at all, tell them because there is no reason for pain. Take it easy the rest of the day and put ice packs on that side. A sports bra will help. Try to do or plan activities (not too active) that will take your mind off the waiting for the test results. Don't dwell on the possibility of a bad diagnosis. You can deal with that news if it should come. Be sure to take someone with you to the appointment when you find out the results. Another pair of ears never hurts and if there is good news, you can celebrate. We will celebrate with you also.

Think positive and let us know how it turns out. We will be here for you if you need us.

TT

 

Thank you for everyone's advice and good wishes. They have helped relieve some of the stress I have been feeling. I finally got a date for my biopsy, which is this week, so I feel like I am moving one step closer to getting some answers.