That is my biggest takeaway from the diagnostic ultrasound of my right breast this morning.
The form they gave me at the end had a boxed checked by the words “high probability of being benign.”
Other options/boxes they didn’t check include: normal, benign appearing (not malignant), short term follow up is recommended, findings that may be due to breast cancer, additional imaging — Ultrasound/MRI, and known carcinoma.
So there’s that grey area, between all clear and cancer…
Though I do understand “high probability” is a good place to be on the spectrum, all things considered.
I found out when I checked in this morning, that I would be able to get the results while still there, which was a relief. The targeted ultrasound, unlike last week’s more general one of both breasts, seemed quick.
The doctor, who reviewed my ultrasound images, concluded there is a small mostly fluid filled cyst, with a bit of solid. They said something about the shape and I can’t recall if they said it was slightly irregular or not. I’ll try to find out at some point from my OB/GYN, PCP, and/or see if the report states anything related to that, when I receive it.
They want to watch it and do another diagnostic ultrasound of my right breast in 6 months.
I appreciate, as many of my friends and family have also pointed out, that if they were more concerned they’d have me back and/or do more testing sooner. So I get there is comfort and relief to be found there.
When I first entered the room where my ultrasound was done this morning, the tech (who is really kind and also did my ultrasound last week), indicated they thought it looked like it might be another benign phyllodes tumor, as I had two years ago in my other (left) breast. I was glad that I’d reviewed my notes/blogs posts about how that had all played out, so I remembered what happened with each stage of the diagnosis and treatment.
As I waited for the results, I was texting with Bob about that possibility and preparing mentally for the game plan, which likely would have included a biopsy of and surgery, in the near future, to remove it.
I was surprised by that possibility and also knew that at least I had some idea of what to expect going forward, if that were the case. I asked how common it was to have another benign phyllodes tumor, in a different breast, years later, after already having had one removed with a wide excision, and she seemed to indicate that it was fairly common. In the moment, I wasn’t sure how accurate that is, but figured I could look into it more later.
I did so this afternoon and found on breastcancer.org, in the section about Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast, “Fewer than 5% of phyllodes tumors recur in other areas of the body (distant recurrence).” So I found that reassuring, as well as reviewing that most phyllodes tumors (which are rare and account “for less 1% of all breast tumors”) are benign.
I was relieved to learn the doctor doesn’t think it is a phyllodes tumor after all. Not sure why the tech gave me that idea. I appreciated the heads up, but it also somewhat concerned and confused me.
I did ask the doctor, who did not have a great bedside manner and seemed to be in a hurry, directly to confirm that he didn’t think it is a benign phyllodes tumor. The doctor said he doesn’t think that’s what it is. I didn’t share with him that the tech had told me they suspected it might be.
So that’s what I know.
I did also ask about when I would get results, with the next diagnostic ultrasound of my right breast in 6 months, and they assured me I would get them right afterwards, as I did today.
Many thanks for the love and support today/over this past week, as I waited and anticipated the ultrasound and results. I will certainly share an update after the follow up/next diagnostic ultrasound.
I intend to try not to think a lot about this, over the next 6 months, and when the time comes, we’ll take it from there.
I was looking for another quote, to focus on and help me remember the importance of not worrying too much about what might happen in the future and this one seemed to be a great fit for that. I do love the wisdom of A.A. Milne/Winnie the Pooh.
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