It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

I just got back from the hospital where I was to go for the ultrasound. Another mammogram was done and there is a lesion in the left breast next to the chest wall. Radiologist said there is a slighter higher than 50%chance I have breast cancer. Next step is with a surgeon for a biopsy. It is very small, no mass and she ...said it is very early and there is a good chance it can come out with the biopsy. Strangely calm.

((((( kats ))))) Well...this sucks. The good news is that it was caught early, which dramatically increases the likelihood that it can be treated successfully. I'm sooooooo glad that you didn't put off your mammogram for another few years.

Please keep us posted, and know that we're all here for you if you need to vent, cry, talk...whatever.

I went for my second mammo and the ultrasound, and haven't heard a peep from anyone. My follow-up appointment with the doctor is Tuesday (right before I hop on a plane for a 3 day business trip to AZ). I'm hoping that their silence is a good sign....but I'll let you all know either way.

[katsarecool]

What a day!!! I waited till 10:30 to hear from my primary care doc. Then I had to get busy. They made an appointment and the earliest one is (hold your hat) Dec. 23rd!!! Well that is not acceptable. I live with 25 miles of Emory University Hospital and I made sure that I got an appointment for this Thursday at 7:45 am. Lots of stuff had to be jiggled and lots of calls to pull this off. Mostly I did the work.

I have a word of advice for women living in a small town with a hospital that does not have a breast and diagnostic center. Do not go there. Go to a place that does have a good center.

The test I am having done is not a routine biopsy (doesn't that just figure) it is called a stereostatic biopsy and has to be done by a radiologist. The will be removing the lesion and punching holes in surrounding tissues for samples too.

And I have strep throat from sleeping with my 4 and 8 yr old grandsons Friday night. I am totally exhausted and my pain level is way up there right now.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

The test I am having done is not a routine biopsy (doesn't that just figure) it is called a stereostatic biopsy and has to be done by a radiologist. The will be removing the lesion and punching holes in surrounding tissues for samples too.

Kat... Good luck on Thursday with the Stereostatic Biopsy - I have had four of these types of biopsies. Most of my breast biopsies have been done by radiologist - in fact, I prefer them over my breast surgeon.

I know you are calm right now and hopefully you have someone going with you. Once you get there, it can be daunting, especially the machine. Ask for something like ativan if you are feeling nervous - it will make the procedure easier.

Please keep us posted - and remember... THIS IS YOUR BODY!

Julie

[katsarecool]

Originally Posted by InfiniteFemme

Kat... Good luck on Thursday with the Stereostatic Biopsy - I have had four of these types of biopsies. Most of my breast biopsies have been done by radiologist - in fact, I prefer them over my breast surgeon.

I know you are calm right now and hopefully you have someone going with you. Once you get there, it can be daunting, especially the machine. Ask for something like ativan if you are feeling nervous - it will make the procedure easier.

Please keep us posted - and remember... THIS IS YOUR BODY!

Julie

Thank you Julie!!! It will be a radiologist that will be doing this test. And that is all she does do; working at the Breast and Diagnosis Center in an Emory Univeristy satelitte.

I am not sure I will get nervous though. I have had several caudal nerve blocks, spinal cord implant surgery, knee surgery, and other surgical procedures all done in the last ten years since I was injured. And all done awake.

I will however be taking my Hydocodene before the procedure and my daughter is going with me. The tech at the local hospital just dropped off my films so that part is done. She said I have a cluster of calcifications what ever that means. She showed me with the tip of her little finger how small it is. I am not going to look at the films. I saw the mammo that was done 2.5 weeks ago and that was enough.

It was lucky that I called today so I can stop taking the blood thiners. Whew!!!

Thank you everyone for all the support! No one should ever feel they are alone during times like these. And I think that is why I am calm because I do not feel alone.

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

What a day!!! I waited till 10:30 to hear from my primary care doc. Then I had to get busy. They made an appointment and the earliest one is (hold your hat) Dec. 23rd!!! Well that is not acceptable. I live with 25 miles of Emory University Hospital and I made sure that I got an appointment for this Thursday at 7:45 am. Lots of stuff had to be jiggled and lots of calls to pull this off. Mostly I did the work.

Good for you for standing up for yourself and getting an earlier appointment.

I'll be sending you good energy on Thursday morning.

[lipstixgal]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

What a day!!! I waited till 10:30 to hear from my primary care doc. Then I had to get busy. They made an appointment and the earliest one is (hold your hat) Dec. 23rd!!! Well that is not acceptable. I live with 25 miles of Emory University Hospital and I made sure that I got an appointment for this Thursday at 7:45 am. Lots of stuff had to be jiggled and lots of calls to pull this off. Mostly I did the work.

I have a word of advice for women living in a small town with a hospital that does not have a breast and diagnostic center. Do not go there. Go to a place that does have a good center.

The test I am having done is not a routine biopsy (doesn't that just figure) it is called a stereostatic biopsy and has to be done by a radiologist. The will be removing the lesion and punching holes in surrounding tissues for samples too.

And I have strep throat from sleeping with my 4 and 8 yr old grandsons Friday night. I am totally exhausted and my pain level is way up there right now.

Good luck on Thursday I will be sending you good vibes that day!!