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Post by mom on Aug 2, 2021 21:14:35 GMT
If you were diagnosed with breast cancer and it was found on a mammogram...how long from when they saw it on the scan til they confirmed it was, in fact, cancer?
Asking for a friend đ
Update: Thanks for the info. I had my yearly 3-D mammogram Thursday and had a call to come back that afternoon. Today I had an ultrasound and got a call that I will need to see a dr on the 20th. I am telling myself that waiting 20 days to make an appointment probably means its nothing. I've asked to be moved up if anyone cancels but who knows if that will happen.
I guess I wanted to see if longer times before appt. means its not something bad.
UPDATE #2
Had my appointment to meet with my Dr today. She went ahead and did another 3-D mammogram + sonogram. I have three masses directed behind my nipple. Two are so small the mammogram did not pick them up either time. But they now show on on sonogram (but weren't there earlier this month). The larger mass showed a smidge bigger than last month. So we scheduled a biopsy for Sept 9. Ideally she didnt want to wait that long, but I have to be off blood thinners for 7 days + we have our Hawaii trip on the 1st and I guess you cant get the incision wet for 7 days. So the day after we are back, I'll do a biopsy. She also recommended I plan on seeing some sort of genetic dr to do more tests as my dad had breast cancer and now my aunt has breast cancer (though, a completely different type of cancer than what my dad had).
So thats my update. Not what I was expecting - I had convinced myself it was nothing to worry about. I asked my dr if I should be worried now, and she said its 'concerning' but try not to worry and panic. So thats what I am trying to do. Gonna be a long three weeks.
UPDATE #3
I had my biopsy done last Thursday. 2 larger masses and one tiny mass. They called today (a day early!) and its not cancer and just totally benign masses. We will still do mammograms every six months because of my family history but otherwise nothing to worry about!
Thank you all for the support!
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Tearisci
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Post by Tearisci on Aug 2, 2021 21:23:17 GMT
When I was diagnosed, it was apparently very easy to see. They did an ultrasound right after my mammogram and while they didn't diagnose me right there (I had a biopsy a few days later), they were 99% sure it was cancerous by the way it looked. Very spiky and uneven looking.
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TXMary
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Post by TXMary on Aug 2, 2021 21:26:24 GMT
It was exactly one month from the day I felt the lump until I was officially diagnosed. I had a diagnostic mammogram, an ultrasound and then the biopsy. There was about a week between each one waiting on an appointment and then a week to get the results of the biopsy.
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Post by stampnscrap1128 on Aug 2, 2021 21:39:04 GMT
I too had a regular mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and then a biopsy. I think it was probably only two or three weeks at the most from when I had the initial mammogram that discovered the suspicious area. I had the lumpectomy a few weeks after that and about six weeks later, started many weeks of radiation.
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RedSquirrelUK
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Aug 2, 2021 21:44:02 GMT
Mine wasn't seen on the mammogram at all, only on the ultrasound and MRI scans. In the UK if they see something suspicious on the mammogram, they send you for an ultrasound and biopsies before they actually confirm anything.
Most strange echos are nothing, but they have to check. Hugs from me. Let us know how you get on? And please PM me if you have any questions that they won't tell you.
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Post by elaine on Aug 2, 2021 21:45:49 GMT
I had a regular mammogram and on the way home in my car, the nurse called to tell me to schedule a follow-up. I had so many follow-up calls that I didnât worry about it. đ (given that the follow-up call backs always happened via mail previously should have been a clue) When I was in for my follow up, the technician said that she thought it was probably cancer and called in a radiologist who told me the same thing and explained why (spidery fingers reaching off the mass). I had the biopsy the day after the follow-up mammogram + sonogram. Again, they told me that they thought it was likely cancer - which in military medicine means something - but that I needed to wait for confirmation from the biopsy, which came 1 week later. I hope sincerely that you donât have cancer, mom. I am so sorry that you have to worry about it. (((Hugs))) |
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Post by pjaye on Aug 2, 2021 21:59:15 GMT
It will depend, there's always going to a next stage after seeing something on a mammogram, it will often be another mammogram first, and/or an ultrasound as well. It's most likely that at that second appointment they will do some sort of sampling, either a fine needle aspirate or a core biopsy.
Then you wait for those results anywhere from 3 days to about a week.
There may be a definite diagnosis at that point or not, some people will still need to go and have the lump removed if the first sample wasn't conclusive or for staging - where they take some of the lymph nodes as well.
So it really all depends how long it takes to get all the appointments set up and how long the lab takes, then potentially back to a doctor to be given the results.
So if all goes well and there are appointments readily available, it could be 2-3 weeks. However it could also be a few weeks longer.
When the suspicious area is small and only detected by a mammogram then there's no urgency, even though women are anxious to get a definite diagnosis a few extra weeks makes no difference at this stage.
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Post by quietgirl on Aug 2, 2021 22:12:18 GMT
It was about 3 weeks or so. I felt mine. Mammogram and biopsy followed, then appointment with the surgeon. I am wishing you the best
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Post by karinec on Aug 2, 2021 22:14:58 GMT
I have not had that experience, just wanted to say, I hope itâs not the case for you and that you have a positive outcome.
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huneyb
Shy Member
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Post by huneyb on Aug 2, 2021 22:15:20 GMT
I had an abnormal mammogram. Had biopsies on both breasts 2 days later. Got biopsy results 2 days after that. Yep, I had bilateral breast cancer. The wait time was getting a surgery date. That was a 5 week wait.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2021 22:39:04 GMT
I'm going through this now but not fully dx'ed as cancer. Mammo/Ultrasound Dec, Mammo-assisted biopsy Jan, MRI Feb, Mammo July, now they want to do another biopsy. It's worrisome and "atypical". So it's a long time of testing and seeing and waiting.
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Post by lucyg on Aug 2, 2021 22:49:28 GMT
Mine never showed up on a mammogram, even after being diagnosed via biopsy, and it wasnât a small tumor. But I just wanted to say they never seemed to be in a big rush between steps. I did have an aggressive form of breast cancer. But their calmness about it helped calm me down, too. I know, itâs awful waiting to hear. Try not to panic. It doesnât help! And now I have a new lump near my mastectomy scar, so maybe Iâm starting all over again.  |
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Post by pastlifepea on Aug 2, 2021 22:57:25 GMT
This is only my personal experience and was also pre-covid so YMMV. I worked in a breast imaging center for several years and if something showed up and really looked like a probable cancer, they would get you in asap, often the within 1-2 days for a biopsy. I'd be less concerned than if they were urging you to get in there for a biopsy right away.
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Post by scrapmaven on Aug 2, 2021 23:01:23 GMT
Mine never showed up on a mammogram, even after being diagnosed via biopsy, and it wasnât a small tumor. But I just wanted to say they never seemed to be in a big rush between steps. I did have an aggressive form of breast cancer. But their calmness about it helped calm me down, too. I know, itâs awful waiting to hear. Try not to panic. It doesnât help! And now I have a new lump near my mastectomy scar, so maybe Iâm starting all over again. lucyg, I will think the most benign thoughts for you.
mom, can you call the mammo center and ask to speak to the radiologist or insist upon speaking to the doc who sent the order? Being scared out of your wits for 20 days is not OK. It's really important to fight for yourself. You have a right to answers. If it is benign then you can be relieved and if it's bad news you need to get started w/your next steps. I'll think very benign thoughts.
@zingermack, can you change doctors? That sounds terrible. You want this figured out and gone quickly. I'm sorry that you have been treated so poorly.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Aug 2, 2021 23:03:49 GMT
mom, sending positive thoughts your way. lucyg, for you too!
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Post by ~summer~ on Aug 2, 2021 23:16:16 GMT
mom and lucyg â sending positive vibes your way - keep us posted
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Post by malibou on Aug 2, 2021 23:18:52 GMT
Hugs to mom, lucyg, and @zingermack sending out totally benign vibes. |
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Post by peasapie on Aug 2, 2021 23:20:18 GMT
I went through that sequence and, when I saw the dr for step 3., they did a needle tissue biopsy, which was benign. I think they did it just to be sure, as I recall. Why don't you ask them by phone if this is standard, if you should expect an additional procedure, etc? @zingermack and lucyg, thinking of you both with very positive energy. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2021 23:37:15 GMT
zingermack, can you change doctors? That sounds terrible. You want this figured out and gone quickly. I'm sorry that you have been treated so poorly. Aw, thanks. It's not that they're doing anything wrong. In fact, the cancer surgeon is very nice. I just would prefer to not cut until we know there's something more than the 'atypia'. So, off to a needle biopsy to check again later this month. It's kind of on a 'check every 6 mo. basis' right now. (My sister went thru the same thing several years ago - I think some people just have atypical tissue - and that doesn't always mean cancer - but it sometimes does). |
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Aug 3, 2021 0:08:31 GMT
mom, lucyg, @zingermack May you all get answers sooner then later . (((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))
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janeliz
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Post by janeliz on Aug 3, 2021 0:26:44 GMT
((Hugs)) to you ladies who are dealing with such uncertainty right now.
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purplebee
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Post by purplebee on Aug 3, 2021 0:35:14 GMT
Sending calm and benign thoughts to those who are waiting⊠Hugs!
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quiltz
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Post by quiltz on Aug 3, 2021 1:10:41 GMT
And now I have a new lump near my mastectomy scar, so maybe Iâm starting all over again. I'm so sorry lucyg , I cannot like this post of yours. Maybe it is some kind of scar tissue on your scar. Big ( ( ( hugs ) ) ) to you  |
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hutchfan
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Post by hutchfan on Aug 3, 2021 1:12:52 GMT
mom, lucyg and @zingermack please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs.
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Post by destined2bmom on Aug 3, 2021 1:16:22 GMT
mom, @zingermack and lucyg Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers that everything turns out benign. I have had 3D mammograms and ultrasounds back to back for years. I have had to have 2 biopsies which were suspicious when seen. But they were done within a week of the initial mammogram and ultrasound. I have to go back for mammograms every 6 months; so that they can watch the biopsied areas.
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peasquared
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Post by peasquared on Aug 3, 2021 1:19:00 GMT
I am sending prayers for great news for you, mom, lucyg and @zingermack. Waiting has to be excruciating. We are all here for you! Sending lots of love your way. |
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kate
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Post by kate on Aug 3, 2021 1:19:57 GMT
Wishing you ladies the very best.  |
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Post by flanz on Aug 3, 2021 1:43:45 GMT
Mine never showed up on a mammogram, even after being diagnosed via biopsy, and it wasnât a small tumor. But I just wanted to say they never seemed to be in a big rush between steps. I did have an aggressive form of breast cancer. But their calmness about it helped calm me down, too. I know, itâs awful waiting to hear. Try not to panic. It doesnât help! And now I have a new lump near my mastectomy scar, so maybe Iâm starting all over again. lucyg , I will think the most benign thoughts for you.
mom , can you call the mammo center and ask to speak to the radiologist or insist upon speaking to the doc who sent the order? Being scared out of your wits for 20 days is not OK. It's really important to fight for yourself. You have a right to answers. If it is benign then you can be relieved and if it's bad news you need to get started w/your next steps. I'll think very benign thoughts.
@zingermack , can you change doctors? That sounds terrible. You want this figured out and gone quickly. I'm sorry that you have been treated so poorly.
All of the above. Sending you all love and prayers for healthy outcomes! |
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Post by elaine on Aug 3, 2021 2:04:33 GMT
Mine never showed up on a mammogram, even after being diagnosed via biopsy, and it wasnât a small tumor. But I just wanted to say they never seemed to be in a big rush between steps. I did have an aggressive form of breast cancer. But their calmness about it helped calm me down, too. I know, itâs awful waiting to hear. Try not to panic. It doesnât help! And now I have a new lump near my mastectomy scar, so maybe Iâm starting all over again.  Lucy, I hate to hear this. âčïž I am sending up prayers that it is something benign. (((Hugs))) mom, I think that they are usually pretty quick to schedule a biopsy if the follow-up mammogram + ultrasound warrant it. They generally would want to do that before you see a doctor so that the doc has all the information ready to go. It is usually a radiologist that will do a needle or core sample biopsy, so you donât need to wait to see another type of doctor. So, I am hoping that in your case that since they didnât schedule a biopsy, that is a good thing! đ€đ» @zingermack, I hope that your cells stay simply looking atypical and donât go on to become cancerous. I would hate to be in your shoes and wondering if changes were taking place. I am glad that they are monitoring you at regular intervals. |
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Post by PolarGreen12 on Aug 3, 2021 2:07:48 GMT
Mine never showed up on a mammogram, even after being diagnosed via biopsy, and it wasnât a small tumor. But I just wanted to say they never seemed to be in a big rush between steps. I did have an aggressive form of breast cancer. But their calmness about it helped calm me down, too. I know, itâs awful waiting to hear. Try not to panic. It doesnât help! And now I have a new lump near my mastectomy scar, so maybe Iâm starting all over again. Nope nope nope. Itâs a calcification or scar tissue. Just nope. |
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