good news/bad news

[OakLeaf]

Well, I've got three types of benign proliferative changes. Management is rather controversial, but my surgeon wants me to have an excisional biopsy.

Dang it, one way or the other I was really hoping I wouldn't have to make another difficult decision. But it could be worse, for sure.

I really need to think about this, and probably get a second pathology opinion, but it's going to come down to me making a decision. Again.

[Blueberry]

That sucks. I'd definitely get a second opinion (and maybe find another surgeon - you don't seem too happy with this one...).

If you have the excisional biopsy would that be the end of it, either way?

((((Oakleaf))))))

CA

[Pax]

I agree with CA, that does suck. Hopefully the second opinion will be a better one.

[tulip]

I wish you peace and calm in your decisions. It does seem like getting a new surgeon might benefit the situation since you don't seem too taken with this one. The outcome might be the same, but the process might be alot smoother.

(((Oakleaf)))

[OakLeaf]

If you have the excisional biopsy would that be the end of it, either way?

Nope. If I let them dictate, there will never be an end of it. That's what my main problem with this has been all along. The changes I have are actually a marker for increased risk of cancer in both breasts. That's all it is - a marker for increased risk. It will only be over when I say it is, and I've got to find a place where I'm comfortable doing that. My initial inclination, two hours after getting the news, is that this is that place. But that's not my final answer.

I'm as happy with this surgeon as I'm going to be with anyone, I think. (This is the second surgeon I saw after the mammo results; the first one seemed okay but her office staff was just flaky). She treated me with respect and took the time to answer all my questions thoroughly (and I had a lot of them ). She was never condescending or defensive. When she called today, she phrased her recommendation as just that, and asked me to let her know within a week so she can close my file out if I decide not to go further. If you're referring to my post in the other thread, being slow about getting results to people is SOP any place I've been. It's not right, but I doubt I'd find better.

I just need to read and think some more.

[lph]

aaah-wee... good luck on your thinking. Take your time!

[SadieKate]

What would the biopsy tell them that they don't know now? Just better samples?

I'm with you on the stupid waiting game. Sometimes I want to go to veterinarians because they seem to get test results faster.

[salsabike]

This happened to me a few years ago. They found a small area of "atypical hyperplasia", which can become DCIS over time. They did a surgical biopsy to remove it. It all went fine and has been fine since then. That may be the "excisional biopsy" they're talking about here?

[TahoeDirtGirl]

Sending really good thoughts your way...I went through this for years with my cervix. I understand what you are saying about this is only the beginning if it was up to them. There never seemed to be an end so by chance when I was seeing my accupuncturist she recommended a doc that was more conservative and we started the watch and wait. After a significant lifestyle change, the waiting was over. It didn't need surgery again.

I could never get a definite answer though: Yes it's cancer...no it's not. Almost cancer? Oh wait it is cancer. Did I say it was cancer? I just gave up.

Hope you can keep your head clear during this time

[LBTC]

Sending you big butterflies of calm, relaxation and understanding. Remember that a light heart is a happy heart....follow your heart, let your worries disappear on butterfly wings.

Hugs, too
~T~