Oct 03 2008
Breast Cancer Awareness Month - I Got Squished Conclusion
The doctor finally came in and asked me a bunch of questions, many the same as what the nurse had already asked. She had me get on the examining table and she did an exam. The reason for my visit is a discharge from one breast. The color of it was the biggest concern. She took a sample and put a bit of solution on it to see what color it turned.
Apparently, discharge is not that abnormal. It’s the color that they are concerned about. She told me that tan and green are generally not abnormal. To me, if I had green coming out of my breast, I think I would have fainted. Clear and bloody are of concern. After putting the solution on the sample she took, she found it had blood in it.
We went over the images and test results on a computer screen. The results of the mammogram and the ultrasound were inconclusive, but because the discharge has blood in it, I have to have some other procedures done.
I have to have a ductogram which basically requires a little numbing of the area before a dye is injected into the ducts of the nipple. It will cause the ducts to light up, so to speak, so that they are clearer on a mammogram.
I also have to have a biopsy. This requires surgery. I will be placed under anesthesia and the doctor will slice an opening at a spot near the areola and remove the affected duct.
They will be able to determine through these procedures what the cause of the discharge is.
It is one of three possible issues. 1) The walls of the duct are inflamed and the irritation is causing the discharge. No big deal. 2) There might be a papilloma, which is most likely not a big deal either. It is basically a non-cancerous cyst. 3) It could be an early warning sign of cancer.
I am not afraid of the ductogram. I had done research prior to going for the mammogram and had determined I would probably need this. I had hoped they could do it right there and then, but no such luck.
I am afraid of the biopsy though, and not as much for what they might find as for having surgery. I am afraid to be put under and to be cut open. I know it’s outpatient and not considered a major surgery, but I have never had surgery. I have heard the stories of what can happen to people. I have a friend who works in surgery. I have heard her stories.
This again is something I have to talk myself into. I know it is best to have it done soon. The doctor said it is not urgent and to schedule it at my convenience. I am glad for that in that I do need to talk myself into it. I had hoped to have to do whatever it was immediately so I would have zero time to think about it and freak myself out.
I have to find out when my mom can go with me as she will have to drive me home and then make the appointment. I am hopeful that it is one of the first two options; however, I am very aware that it could be the third option. If it is, I will face it and deal with it. I am not immune, nor is anyone else.
Please keep us updated on this. I have been following your story since your first “squished” post. As for the surgery, don’t forget that it’s only the bad stories that you end up hearing about. There are a million successful surgery stories. I’ve been put under a few times with no bad results. They have also made many improvements to general anesthesia ovr the years. For what it’s worth, even though you don’t know me, I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you good results.
Hey you get yourself in there asap! The biopsy itself isn’t so bad, my sis-in-law had it done and she said it was a bit sore for a couple of days but not as bad as she’d expected and she was straight back to work.
The results are a bigger deal, and my thoughts are with you. You and your mom must be so worried, and you may be worrying over nothing - so get yourself an appointment! If it’s nothing, then you’ll have worried about nothing, if it’s something, then the quicker it’s discovered the faster they can start treatment to make you better! You want to vent, PM me at the forum, I’ve got broad shoulders! Meanwhile I’m sending positive vibes in your direction, and hope to hear about a scheduled appointment SOON! ((Hugs))
Katie-Anne
Wow, green anything coming out of me would have me screaming for my Mommy. LOL, but seriously you are young but taking it seriously as you should. I pray that the test are negatitive.
alicia
http://todaystyle.today.com
Thank you all very much!
ssobe, it’s worth a lot!
katieanne, I know it’s irrational, but I am more freaked out about the thing they will have to put in my mouth to hold my tongue down and the mask over my face to breathe. I will schedule it soon. I will update when I do.
Alicia, isn’t that gross? The dr. said it usually does send people into a panic. I was thrown by what I have going on, but I think if it had been green, I would have been like, WTF? and called 911!!!! :D
Well I will pray for you. I do hope it is nothing. As you know from my blog breast cancer is a cause close to my heart as well. That’s part of the reason I got my ribbon tattoo over my heart. Anyway I wish you the best and I know this is easier to say then to do but, try not to stress too much about it. Stressing will not help it only make your life seem harder now and that is not what you need. Anyway that’s my two cents.
Don’t dilly dally with that appointment. The biopsy is not that bad,bit sore for a day or so. I had a nice little “calm you down injection” prior to surgery,so as Iwas being wheeled through to theatre,all I could think was how nice the ceiling lights were!!LOL..mad or what?
And ,as for green emissions,AGH!! Iwould be climbing up the wall.Lordy, it would be full on panic.
queenofmyworld, I know I need to not stress about it, but that’s easier said than done. I am fine most of the time, but then there are moments of panic.
kezza, I need an injection now and keep ‘em coming until the actual biopsy! :) I will make the appointment this week.
Thanks, Doug.
“katieanne, I know it’s irrational, but I am more freaked out about the thing they will have to put in my mouth to hold my tongue down and the mask over my face to breathe. I will schedule it soon. I will update when I do.”
I hear you on this hon, they can’t even get one of those little sticks in my mouth to check for a throat infection because I have such an over-active gag reflex. But discuss this with them and see what they can do for you. My 7 year old Aspie is waiting for surgery and I know that hospitals have procedures, but they also have procedures for people who have genuine phobias etc.
Thanks, Irene. If anyone feels any comfort from this, it will make every bit of worth it.
I really hope everything turns out well for you. I missed the post about this before. I’m so sorry you are having problems. I will keep you in my prayers.