My temporary brick wall

Yesterday I had my annual mammogram (or boob sammich) and ultrasound.  Two years ago the results showed a lump on the left.  Went in to have a sonogram and the radiologist declared it was a fibroadenoma.  Fine, but as far as I'm concerned, that is not a definitive diagnosis.  While fibroadenomas do show distinctive characteristics the only way to be sure is to have a biopsy performed.  Ok, the appointment was set and I was on the table ready for the procedure.  The conducted another sonogram to guide the needle etc.  They couldn't find it.  WTH?  Ok, I go home and really am relieved.  Mostly because my dad's sister has had breast cancer and my mom's mother died from ovarian cancer.  Both show a a relationship to breast cancer on the family level.

Anyway, last year I went in for my annual and the radiologist tried to talk me out of the sonogram after the mammogram.  I insisted and was very pissed that he would even go that far.   It was performed and all was reported as normal.  Fine. Great.

This year, I had to convince my doctor to give me the recommendation for the sonogram and he okayed it but only on the left side. (Where the lump was originally found).  Yesterday I have the sonogram and the radiologist says the lump is back.  Again, they have determined all along that it is benign and there is nothing to worry about.  Then during the discussion I hear that it was there on last years films.  They didn't tell me about it.  I'm pissed.  Granted it hasn't changed size and is in the general area it was the last time.  I tell him I want to be definitive about the lump being benign.  Just saying so doesn't make it so.  I don't care how many characteristics it has or how certain he is.  I want that slim chance of it being cancerous GONE.

He thinks for a moment and offers a MRI study of both sides.  He is reluctant to have a biopsy done because it will change the structure of the breast and make things harder to read for next year and cause scar tissue to form.  Fine, I agree to this.  So, next week I am having a MRI.

I'm not really worried about this because I'm 99% sure that it is a fibroadenoma and is benign.  I just don't like the not knowing for sure.  If there is still any doubt after the MRI, I will have a fine needle biopsy until I do know one way or another.

I guess the message for today is Don't let your doctor dictate your health.  If you aren't sure, find out and do something else until you are sure.  So, no worries, I'm not freaking out (in case Dastard reads this).  

Anyway, it's time to finish my homework for next week so I can play a bit this weekend.


Keep on Go!