I'm scared and need support

Last year I had a mammogram and everything was find.  That same year I had a breast augmentation, which I have been very happy with.   This year I had my routine mammogram and it didn't come back normal.  I then had a MRI which did show a growth of some kind.  I been told by the doctor that she is 90% sure that it is cancer.  The growth is on the left side right above the nipple.  I'm waiting for a biopsy to be scheduled.  I am so very scared what should I expect?  Can someone else share there experience with me.

 

Thanks 

I did a self breast exam around Christmas/New Years and I felt a small lump about the size of a dime or so & by the time I was able to get into do a mammogram done in the beg. of March, they found it to be 3cm big.  They did a biopsy on it and found it to be breast cancer. I panicked and ran from the biggest supporter that I could have.  I had a lumpectomy & the Dr. called back with the news that he didn't get it all.  That got me more scared.  With how fast it grew, I decided to have a mastectomy done on Apr. 10th of this yr.  a few days later after I got home from the hospital it got infected & had to return to the hospital again.  Not fun having a 104 temp.  They gave me lots of antibiotics while there & also when I got home.  I am doing much better and have been  getting a lot of support from the american cancer society.  They are a wonder place to call.  The Susan G. Koman foundation is also great.  I am also scared and needing support so we can have support together.  My name is LinDe D. and I live in Everett, Wa.  I am on line almost all the time.  My email is:

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  Anyone else who's scared & need someone to talk to keep me in mind.  

 

Thank you,

 

LinDe 

Tiamarie -

You are never alone if you come here for support. Do you know what kind of biopsy you will be having? It would be good to find out and then do some research.

I had a stereotopic biopsy which took about 45 minutes and was completely out-patient and I drove myself home. There was just a small amount of pain during the procedure but the doctor was able to administer additional medication to numb the area better. I was positioned face down on a table with a whole in the center and my breast was put into a mammogram so they could locate the exact spot to take tissue. After the procedure, my sports bra was a must. I found one that zipped up the front which was easy to put on and held everything tight. Ice packs made out of handiwipes in a snacksize ziploc bag slipped nicely into the bra and helped with pain and swelling. I think the waiting for the results of the biopsy was the worst part of the whole thing.

Know that 80% of all biopsies come back negative. Take someone with you when you get the results. If it is negative, you can celebrate together. If it is positive then they can help you remember what the doctor says after those words are spoken. Remember to ask if more than one person read the results to be sure. If it is positive, get all your options but don't make any rash decisions. Make another appointment in a week and do research on each of your options to determine the pros and cons to make the best decision for you, your family and your life. If something doesn't sound right or if you feel there are other options not being presented, get a second opinion. It is always good to get a second opinion.

I hope you have good results but if it turns out to be something, then we are here for you.

TAM

I have been in your shoes before, and yes, it is scary and we all need support at a time like this. I had breast cancer 2 years ago, and had it in both breasts. I had to have 5 biopsies to determine the status of all the tumors. The biopsies were painless. Don't let fear of the procedures take the best of you, because the biopsies are painless. The doctor will give you local anesthesia and you will be fine. Even the first sting of the anesthesia is very minimal. It may take you between 1 and 2 hours to be completely done with the procedure. There was a little discomfort after the local anesthesia wore off, but with Tylenol and an ice pack I did fine. The worst part is waiting for the results. Make sure you have a loved one with you when you go in to see your doctor for the results.There are many of us praying for you right now. Please let me know about the results.

 Praying for you,

Monica

LinDe,

How are you doing right now? I pray that you are getting better from the infection. Cancer is scary, that's for sure. I had it 2 years ago. I finished chemo 1 year ago, after having bilateral mastectomies for invasive ductal carcinoma in both breasts. I was terrified from the moment I was told I needed to have the first 3 biopsies. It took me a long time to get hold of my fears, and even now I still have bad moments. It takes time to realize that this monster gets the best of you, of your family and loved ones, if you allow it. You have to gather your courage and determination to decide that even in the worst moments you will not allow cancer to rob you of hope and faith. You are not alone. You are surrounded by all of us who went through this before, and those who are going through it right now. Please write again and let me know how you are doing.

Monica

I am three years out now and understand what you are going through right now.  I found a small lump in 2006 which ended up being stage 1 estrogen positive cancer with DCIS.  My lumpectomy had a clean margin however the surgeon took out more than generally recommended and found 5 more spots.  I was devastated.  It seems forever waiting for results of all of the tests to the final diagnosis.  I remember being so scared I was frozen.  I couldn't remember what the doctors were saying - thankfully someone was with me each time.  I ended up with double mastectomy with lat dorsi reconstruction.  If not for the woman who showed me her own recontruction I would not have had hope.

Most important right now is that you have support.  You will get through this - I did!  Do you have someone close to lean on?   I am here for you as are all of these wonderful women. 

hi,

I am in the same boat as you basically.  I had my very 1st mammogram in April.  Got a call back 3 days later because of an abnormality, had a ultrasound and new mammogram 5 days ago, and now have to go in for a core biopsy in 2 days.  I am scared to death.  The wicked part, is my sister is going through the exact same thing except is 2 weeks ahead of me, and we are still waiting for her results which should be anyday now.  Only thing I can suggest is anything that takes your mind of it.  Not really working for me, but hey.  The waiting is the hard part, and it may be absolutely nothing and I will laugh at how scared I was?  I will say a prayer for you and all of you here in this group.

If you have the stereoscopic biopsy the worst part is laying still so long. The nurse held my hand and distracted me. It wasn't bad. After you are diagnosed, if you are, the surgeon will explain your options. Do not be in too much of a hurry. Ask him how long you can wait before making a decision. Then find the best cancer center you can where they have a team of Drs. that work together. (Med. Onc., Surg., Rad. Onc.). You are in the "numb and dumb" stage. Read Dr. Love's Breast Book. You will understand things much better. Go to the movies, eat ice cream in bed, call all your friens and do research.

TiaMarie,

I'm praying for you. Any news about the biopsy?

Monica

Hi, did you have the biopsy today? I'm praying for you and your sister. Please let me know about the results.

Monica