Hi all,
I have had an appointment at the breast clinic which took me totally by surprise. I feel very irresponsible for going in unprepared and thought I was just being sensible getting a ‘lump’ checked.
I had an examination first, the breast surgeon said he wasn’t worried but would have an ultrasound done to be safe. Only a couple of minutes into the ultrasound the doctor left the room to speak to a colleague due to seeing calcification. Then I was sent for a mammogram which also showed the same. Next I had a vacuum biopsy. The doctor who did that, when prompted, did say if I was in my 50s he would be very worried by what he could see. As I’m 35 there is limited data on calcification but the mere shape of my calcifications is suspicious.
I felt I was being prepared for bad news, although they wouldn’t confirm anything without the biopsy results of course. Apparently the ‘lump’ I can feel likely isn’t a true mass but a hardening in the area of the calcifications.
The added complication is that I am 12 weeks pregnant with a very wanted pregnancy. I also am breastfeeding my young children (aged 3 and 1). I had hopes of a 4th pregnancy in the future but feel silly for having plans like that now. I had mixed messages from two different doctors on the day about treatment options and whether I’d need to terminate my pregnancy. They wouldn’t be drawn on treatment types, maybe there’s no point without the biopsy results, but it’s just meant I’ve been left to do my own research.
I know a little about DCIS as my DM had it only a couple of years ago. One doctor believes my issue is localised to the milk ducts so perhaps a similar situation. Although I can’t allow myself to believe that, and am preparing to be told it has spread. It seems calcifications can’t usually be felt and I have a large hardened area, which doesn’t feel like a good sign.
Last night I googled DCIS in young women and am now absolutely petrified. I’m almost resigned to my fate but feel so sad for my young children and the thought that they aren’t old enough to know how much I cherish and adore them.
I was at the breast clinic twice last year and raised concerns that this breast had suddenly shrunk, although the purpose of my referral was lumps on the other side. Can’t help wondering if I’d had a mammogram at that point something may have been seen sooner, which is tough.
I’ve been told it’s fine to continue to nurse my children while awaiting the results but that is worrying me so much too. Could I pass something microscopic onto them via the milk ducts? The calcifications had already caused quite a large lump but I’m sure it’s even harder and larger since the biopsy. It is now quite sore, but wasn’t painful beforehand.
I don’t know why I’m posting, I know all I can do is await the biopsy results but I’m finding it so hard to function in the meantime. Thank you to anyone who got to the bottom of this post!