Post 10 - Stereotactic Biopsy.

February 22, 2011 (Tuesday) - back on schedule for my annual mammograms. Appt. 9:00 a.m. I arrive, get called back promptly, complete mammograms & was then informed "the radiologist will look at the scans this afternoon & we'll give you a call." This thru me for a loop, because prior, my scans were always looked at while I waited & I had my results immediately. Every single time. I have never been sent home & waited for my results. I questioned this & the tech informed me it was because I was back to regular mammograms. So, ok. Maybe not receiving results immediately was the norm & I didn't know it because I've had prior issues. Nonetheless, prior to this visit, I had an inclination my tests would not come back clear. I was correct.

February 23 (Wednesday) - I receive a call that the radiologist was requesting more scans. The lady who phoned & I kind of got into a little tiff - I told her I was a little tee'd that I didn't receive my results immediately & should I have, I would have known this information yesterday & probably could have performed the additional scans while there. Obviously at that point she scanned my paperwork & put the blame on me, stating I didn't fill out in the paperwork that I had had prior issues. I thought that question (on the paperwork) pertained to issues before being seen at their facility - so I did not note that I had had issues in the past. And shouldn't they have that information? 80% of testing had been performed at their facility. Anyway, we scheduled an appt. for the following Monday. After our phone conversation, I decided I didn't really desire to wait until Monday, so I phoned & changed the appt. to Thursday (tomorrow) a.m. That particular lady I spoke with was so sweet & so helpful - we discussed some of my situation, scheduled the appt. & hung up.

Fast forward to Wednesday afternoon. Dr. J, the radiologist, phones. His call certainly thru me for (another) loop as I wasn't expecting his call & I did not request him to call. Someone must have relayed to him that I was perturbed I didn't get my results yesterday, so he called to explain why he was wanting more scans. Basically, he told me there had been subtle changes & he needed more scans to see what was going on. He told me he was not freaking out - but wanted to be safe than sorry. He told me he was quite confident he would be scheduling a biopsy because if not, I would always be a "diagnostic". Prior to this visit, they have exhausted all other avenues & now with changes occurring, it was finally time to get to the bottom of it. I agreed with. He was very pleasant & said he'd see me in the morning. I appreciated him calling.

February 24 (Thursday) - I arrive by 9:15 a.m. for my appt. & they took me straight to the back. No waiting at all. Performed scans. He required additional scans. Performed additional scans. He required even more scans. (Now keep in mind, I am not a typical case, so finding my mass can be very, very tricky & challenging = measuring, changing out equipment, different angles, etc.) Performed additional scans, again. I have to say, this is the first time ever I felt pain during the mammograms. She got me good this time but hey, whatever. You do what you have to do. I went out to wait while Dr. J evaluated the recent scans. (Let me throw in a little funny here - after all my scans were complete, the sweet tech looked at me & said "so, you from Weatherford?" OMGosh! Yes I am! I mean really. How sweet. A girl I don't know (or I don't think I know!), who thinks she knows me (& she does, but can't place where from), had just been manhandling my hoohoos. Lovely. LOL)

As soon as I sat down, here came another tech. Dr. J now wanted to perform a sonogram (that makes 3 sonograms total), so off I went. The tech got me prepped & in walked Dr. J. I must say, as much as I detest male doctors, I really like him. I think he is thorough & I trust him. He walked in & exclaimed "hi buddy", shook my hand & then performed the sonogram. He then asked the tech to "freeze" a certain shot, told me to clean up & he'd be back. He came back in & began to talk. Basically, he was totally uncertain because my case is so rare. In very few scans, there have been changes & my mass looks suspicious. In other scans, it (mass) is completely gone (which is good news, really. From what I understand, "bad" masses typically show up in all scans, not select). But the bottom line is - there have been subtle changes since my 1st mammogram 2 years ago & changes aren't a good thing. Now, what to do about it. I had 2 choices: continue mammograms every 6 months (or sooner) & keep a good, very close watch on this or, perform a biopsy. He said it really didn't matter to him (reason being, he really felt like this was not a cancer situation but without a biopsy, there's no way to know), but he leaned towards the needle biopsy so we would finally have a direct answer & could put this matter to rest. He also added that because of the circumstances surrounding my mass, it was possible that once on the table, they would not be able to locate the mass (because it only showed in certain scans) & if that was the case, there would be no biopsy. Can't do a biopsy if he can't locate the mass. I asked him who would perfom the biopsy & he replied he would be doing it, so I asked him how many he's done & if he's experienced. ;o) He said he's done a few thousand - so we hemed & hawed around & finally agreed on a biopsy. We scheduled it for next Wednesday, 3.2.11 @ 1:00 p.m. (they only perform biopsies in the afternoon). This would buy me some time to check with our new insurance company on deductibles, etc. Evidently a needle biopsy is quite expensive. We said our goodbyes & I headed to get dressed to come home. Let me stop here & add - the lady who scheduled the biopsy informed me she was the one I spoke to on the phone yesterday. I apologized, telling her I just was unhappy about not receiving my results. About that time, she looked down & noticed my Gynecologist's name & made the comment "I can't believe she didn't approve a diagnostic mammogram for you". I think this is where the confusion came in. Mammograms have to be approved by a dr. or insurance won't pay. Because I was released last year, my Gyno phoned in a regular mammogram, not a diagnostic mammogram, which is what I need due to past history. Thus, I did not get results immediately. The lady was very nice, kept calling me "sweet thing" (heehee) & off I went.

Just as I was exiting the dressing rooms, the tech ran to find me. She caught me just in time. She informed me that if I had the time, Dr. J wanted to put me on the table just to see if he would be able to locate the mass. I told her I had no problem with that but, if he put me on the table & was able to locate the mass, I wanted the biopsy done. Now. That, she wasn't sure about. #1. they don't perform biopsies until afternoon. #2. he was booked #3. typically insurance won't pay unless there is advance notice. After she took me to the biopsy room, she headed out to check on those 3 things. Btw, I very much disliked the biopsy tech. & needless to say, we did not get along.

The biopsy room held a long table (with a hole in the middle) & lots of equipment. She informed me that she was going to take some scans just to see if she could indeed locate the mass. I climbed up on the table, followed her directions & laid down (on my stomach, of course). She wanted my face flat on the table (on my cheek, rather), as I had to hold completely still. I did not want my face flat on the table. I can't lay like that. So every time I tried to slide my hand under my face, kind of to prop it up, she snapped at me. So I snapped back. Blah, blah, blah, she located the mass immediately. Dr. J came in, they looked at the computer, exchanged some medical terms, & he told me he'd be back. She then took a pen & traced on my chest exactly where the equipment was to go (just in case she couldn't locate it again). I got off the table, made some snide remarks, she snapped a bit more & then tech who assisted with the sonogram came walking in. She informed me my new insurance rocked - all I had to pay was a co-pay, they approved the biopsy & would cover the cost. We were set. From what I could tell, the biopsy would be performed right then. Because they were unprepared, they had some prepping to do. In came the 1st tech (who thinks she knows me) to assist with the biopsy. They asked me lots of medical questions, made some notes; I sort of paced the room (wish I would have taken a photo), did some Facebooking (hence my status update :) - the gripey chick kept telling me I could sit in the chair, I kept telling her I didn't want to, so I ignored them & did my own thing. If I discovered one thing about me during this time, it's the fact that I don't ever sit/hold/stand still. Even though I don't realize it, it appears that I'm constantly moving or swaying or rocking or wiggling my feet or fidgeting my hands or something. I guess I was doing this on the table & that's why the tech was getting perturbed.

After about 10 minutes, back on the table I went. I did make it clear that if she let me put my hand under my cheek during the procedure, I would hold completely still. She didn't answer me so I did it anyway. :) I did keep asking her to pull my jeans legs down because my ankles were showing & I hadn't shaved my legs. She kept telling me "I don't care, I'm not looking at your legs, I'm looking at your boob!" & I'd replay "well, I do care!" She was so aggravating. Anyway, she located the mass once again & in came Dr. J. They again looked at the computer, exchanged medical terms & it was time. I couldn't see anything (literally - I had to take my glasses off & they put them over on a chair - should have worn my contacts that day so I at least could have seen the clock!), but I know the girls put alcohol & some other junk over the incision spot. Dr. J told me everything he was doing step by step - I really couldn't tell you now what it all was - I remember him telling me I'd feel the needle, then he'd tell me he was injecting numbing medication, he asked me a few times if I felt pain or pressure, if I was ok, etc. Finally, he told me he was going to extract about 9 (I think) samples - a loud compressor machine came on & he began extracting. The very last thing he did was insert a metal "marker" at the mass spot so in future scans, it will always be present & they will know that particular area has been biopsied & addressed (or something along those lines). I wonder now if I'll always beep going thru security. :)

When he finished up, he verified my name printed on my medical vials - to which I informed them they had written down the wrong name (haha) - he laughed, said he'd call me Monday & out he went. I had to lay on the table for quite some time due to bleeding. Once they ok'd me to get up, I sat up & almost rolled off the table. I was totally dizzy. I guess that's normal. They put 4 tiny bandaids on my incision & told me to leave them on for about 4 days (they fell off as soon as I got home ;o), told me I could not get the incision wet for 24 hours (which I laughed at because I had a Gyno appt. bright & early Friday a.m. - of course I needed a shower) & they also got me an ice pack. I am no wimp & certainly don't need any ice pack.

After the biopsy, guess what I got to do? More mammograms! LOL That felt great! Blah. Finally, I was done. As I was leaving, I told the girl to call me if she remembers how she knows me. I also told her I didn't like her boss (the gripey one in the biopsy room). Heehee. :) All in all, I think the procedure took about 15 minutes? It wasn't bad, but it's not really something I'd volunteer to do again. Soon, anyway. Ü

Friday a.m. I arrive at my Gyno office. I so love her & have been with her about 20 years now. Boy howdy, I sure tortured myself this week! Ending the week with my Gyno appt? Woohoo. Sheesh. When Dr. R first walked in the room, she didn't even say hello. Her first words were "I am so glad you had this biopsy done - enough is enough!". She was right. :)

Friday afternoon the phone rings. It's the sweet lady who scheduled my biopsy appt. (before we decided to proceed with the biopsy that morning) - my results were already in. Once again, I can't really recall all that she said but what I do know is that there is no cancer. That said, I do now have an official diagnosis. Can't tell you what it is (after she said "no cancer" I kind of zoned out), but I do recall her saying it is more than likely genetic & that this probably won't be my first rodeo. Meaning, this is probably going to be a somewhat long road for me, but whatever. I'm tough & I can take it. She told me to sleep well this weekend & that she'd phone me next week informing me when I need to go back - hopefully now that the biopsy is complete I can wait a year, but who knows.

And that, hopefully, ends this particular journey! God is good. Ü

Post 9 - Released.

More Digital Mammography. Each side. Such fun. Ü

I'll keep this short & sweet.

The results?

I have officially been "released"!

I can now return to regular yearly mammograms.

I can now close this chapter.

Thank you Jesus.

Post 8 - 6 Month Follow-up.

Digital Mammograms.

At the time of this visit, I expressed my concerns about the dr. not taking the time to discuss with me the results of the BSGI. I was agitated the results came via a nurse.

They took me back to speak with him. "I didn't give you the results myself?" he asked. Nope. "That's unusual" he said. And inconsiderate, if you ask me.

I explained that *this* was their job, but to us patients, we are on pins & needles waiting & worrying with a cancer scare. They agreed but really didn't care. Basically, he rushed me out saying the BSGI showed no cancer. So compassionate. Sheesh.

That 5 minutes I spent with him? They charged me for! That was a long battle working out what insurance would cover & the extra that I would cover. What a nightmare! Ultimately, they wrote some off & I paid the rest. Very irritating.

I return in 6 months for a follow-up.

Post 7 - BSGI.

I arrived @ 9:30 a.m. to have the BSGI test. When I arrived, women were lined out the door waiting to sign in for their appointments. Goodness!

They called me back, I went & changed into my ever-so-glamorous shawl & waited. Quickly I was called & taken into a room I hadn't previously been in. Inside was lots of different medical equipment. Three nurses were ready & waiting for me. How nice of them. :) Two nurses worked regularly at the clinic - the other lady had come over from a clinic in Plano & was there to train the other 2 nurses. She told me she had only performed about 40 BSGI tests - that's how new this testing is. She also explained this type of testing was an "accidental find" (or coincidental find) - typically, this type of testing is used on/for heart patients. But drs. to notice defined "hot spots" (black spots) were showing up in certain scans on the breast(s) of women. Voila! They discovered the hot spots were actually breast cancer, & at that time they knew that this particular test was successful in finding breast cancer. Very interesting!

When I first sat down, I explained to them that I was a little irritated that this new testing wasn't explained to me in more detail. Basically, the only things I was told was that the test would take about an hour & there is no discomfort. They were patient, & asked what questions I had. The most serious question I had is the fact that I take two medications daily, & no one had asked me prior about any medications I was taking. Some medications counteract with my daily medications, so I was concerned if this substance they would enter thru my veins would have any effect on my current medications. They assured me that no, the medication leaves my body quickly & interferes with absolutely nothing. That was a relief. They did inform me that the substance was not a 'dye', like a procedure I had had done years ago.

Once we completed our discussion, they administered the iv into my arm. Which I hate! They let it drip for a while & then the dr. himself came in. He looks so much like Joel Osteen! He chatted briefly, I think he adjusted something with the substance (radioactive tracing agent) or checked the level (I can't remember) & then he was gone again. (Maybe he did the actual administering of the substance itself. Anyway, I didn't see him again after that.)

I believe the iv ran for about 5 minutes or so, & then they removed the line. Over to begin testing I went. Basically, the machine itself was a miniature MRI machine with a small computer screen attached. I sat in a chair & they would position the machine around as necessary. They would run one test, & the test had to reach a certain number before they could switch to another position. We all watched the screen waiting for the 'number', so they could reposition me & begin another scan. After each scan was completed, I/we could actually see the results & I never had any hot spots that I could see. I did question one, & the nurse replied with "oh no, it will be very prominent" so that was good. Anyway, each scan took about 5-8 minutes. I sat completely still, & we all chatted about this & that while the tests were being performed. All of the nurses were very friendly. We talked about my children being adopted, I showed them a photo, & because two of the nurses were AA, we got on a hair discussion for my girls. :) I think they took 3 or 4 different positions/scans of each. They did both which was a surprise (another thing they didn't tell me) - I thought/assumed they were only going to do my left side, since that was the one in question. In all honestly, now looking back, I'm actually glad they did both. If you're going to do it, might as well do it right & rule out cancer in both breasts, just to be on the safe side.

Testing took just about one complete hour. It was the most tedious, monotonous testing I've ever been thru. Probably because it lasted so long & virtually I was unable to move. Somewhat uncomfortable, not not at all painful. I was getting pretty cold in the room & they nicely kept me covered with a throw blanket. They said I was one of the friendliest patients they've ever had! LOL Especially considering the circumstances. Most women, I presume, ain't so nice. :)

After testing, they sent me back out to the waiting room. I phoned hubby to check in while I waited. As soon as we hung up, out came one of the nurses. I figured she was coming out to take me back to the dr., but nope. That surprised me, as I assumed I would see the dr. himself to receive my test results. Quickly, as we stood in the waiting room, she rattled out "you're all clear, come back in 6 months" & then went right into talking about Jaguar's hair issues. She told me I could call her & she would help me. LOL When she was done speaking, I kind of looked at her, stunned, & said "so, there's no cancer?" to which she replied "oh no, nothing like that". Well, ok then! I was a little frustrated that after months of wondering & waiting, a series of different tests, seeing a surgeon, & being told there was a definite possibility I did indeed have breast cancer, I thought the results would have & could have been handled a tad more professional. And, using a tad more sensitivity.

Nonetheless, I was relieved that this journey was finally over. Finally, I now had confirmation that I do not have cancer. The nurse hugged me good-bye, I went back to my dressing room, dressed & headed out. I grabbed lunch on the way home for hubby & I. After lunch he headed to work & it took me all afternoon to really 'calm' down. I guess I had been disturbed about this ordeal a little more than I actually knew.

So from here, I return for mammograms every 6 months. I go back in August. After one year of negative mammograms, I can return to having my mammograms once a year.

For now I still give praise to God & thank Him for being faithful. God is so good. ☺

(*With BSGI, the patient receives a radioactive tracing agent that is absorbed by all the cells in the body. Cancerous cells in the breast, due to their increased rate of metabolic activity, absorb a greater amount of the tracing agent than normal, healthy cells and generally appear as "hot spots" on the BSGI image.)

To all of you, I thank you. Thank you for your kind words & all your prayers during my wait time. I appreciate you following along & offering encouragement. I'm so honored to have you all as friends.

Post 6 - Ultrasound & Mammogram(s) Round 2.

I arrived (late - thanks to traffic) at my scheduled appointment at the facility. This was interesting, to say the least. I will say everyone is so nice! I could work there. Seriously. :)

Lots of ladies. I found out men ain't allowed. They're allowed in the waiting area (there were only 2), but are not allowed in the back. Some lady & her husband got totally tee'd & she refused service because her husband could not go to the back with her. They left. Lots of ladies back in the medical part & they have to respect their privacy' therefore, no men. Get a grip.

They took me back, into a tiny dressing room I shared w/ a roomie. We had our own lockers to put our stuff in. Then they gave me my instructions & handed me a key to my room. LOL Cracked me up.

I put my gown on, unable to locate 'arms' in this particular gown. It was more like an Amish shawl. Heehee. Horrible. I really need to quit talking to myself because as I began walking to another waiting room (in my gorgeous, beige shawl), I made the comment to myself "this has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever seen". As I turned the corner, there were 8 ladies sitting in the exact shawl I had on. LOL They all started snickering at me. I had no idea they were there. We looked like a bunch of frickin' idiots. ☺

Finally they called my name & back we went for the sonogram (they knew they were going to do do the sonogram first). Performed by a MALE doctor. If you don't know me well (& I know I commented about this in one of the previous posts) - I can't stand men. I will go to no man 'anything'. No male family physician, dentist, gyno - nothing. With the exception of my eye dr., because I love him. I don't know why this is the case, but I assume it has something to do with my childhood. Men totally intimidate me & I dread seeing a male doctor more than the actual medical visit itself. Strange. Fortunately this dr. seemed to be about my age & I calmed down somewhat. He was super nice & professional. I'm wondering now if it's just older men I have an issue with...? Years ago I had two male bosses & they totally creeped me out. That said though, both of them were perverts, making sexist, nasty, disgusting comments all the time. That certainly didn't help my stance on men.

Anyway, the dr. came in & performed the sonogram. He found n-o-t-h-i-n-g. Just like the last one. He made the comment that he thought when the first mammogram was performed, they were "looking in the wrong place". Then he said that out of anyone, he is the one "who can find anything bad on a sonogram". So yes, it was a good sign he found nothing, but he also told me we were not "out of the woods" yet.

Back to sit with my waiting room buddies until he decided the next step. Which was, of course, more mammograms. So in I went. This was an AA lady & we had the best time. :) She actually asked me if I was in the medical field. LOL I told her no, that I'm just nosey. ;o)

Back out to the waiting room I went. I had an older woman lean over towards me & whisper "if there isn't anything wrong with me now, there will be by the time they're done!" LOL Guess she didn't like the squishing. :)

Then the nurse came & got me again. More scans. Ugh! Giggled our way thru those. Back out to the waiting room. Finally they came out & took me back w/ the dr.

Basically - he doesn't know. Isn't that the story of my life? LOL The results are exactly the same as when my initial mammogram was done. The 'mass' is still there, & still showing only in one view. No change. He had all of my x-rays up (on the white screen - just like on tv) & we went over all of them. The ones he took plus my initial scans. There just isn't enough 'evidence' to warrant a biopsy. So at this time it looks as if I will not have a biopsy performed.

He did point out that in his scans, other than the one view where the mass is visible, there is nothing visible on the others. Now remember, his equipment is a tad more sophisticated and he requested his own angles/views. So his scans were a tad different than the original ones, but, ultimately had the same results. Which makes him believe this is nothing more than tissue. The mass looks 'normal', which means the mammogram possibly flattened it out (which I assume isn't possible, perhaps, if it's a true mass?) - if he is looking in the right spot. I guess since it's not a definite thing & doesn't show up on all scans (which is good news!) then they kind of have to guess at the location if it seems to have disappeared. Very confusing stuff.

IF I have this right, I think he said that he believes this spot/mass is "99.8% negative". I think that is the correct number, but, remember I'm trying to remember all the information they throw at me. I do know for a fact the % was very high.

There is now a new diagnostic test/procedure that can be performed that will give us our answer. It is new to their center & they will begin performing these tests in 2 weeks. And believe it or not,"I'm a prime candidate!" Well, yeehaw! LOL I told him I don't necessarily care to be his guinea pig. :) To which he replied that I won't be, I'll be a patient. Good news is since I have an abnormal mammogram, insurance will cover the procedure. He did state that if this particular test is negative then he'll know "99.9%" all is ok. :)

I had this same test performed on my kidneys years ago, & now they are able to perform this type of screening for breast cancer. Basically, I think, they will shoot dye into my veins & then perform another scan. From what I understand, if this mass is normal tissue, nothing will show up in the results. If it is not tissue, & something more serious, then a black spot appears. This test is called a Breast Specific Gamma Imagine (BSGI). Oh how fun! ☺

I need another mammogram in 6 months, followed by another one 6 months later. I believe at that time if all is well, I will be "released" & can return to my annual mammograms. I'm sure my boobs were glad to hear that. ;o) Not to mention my insurance company. :)

So yes I wait. AGAIN. I am so tired of this! The reports are fantastic & of course, that is happy, happy news. But still, I'm the type of person who doesn't like waiting. Tell me yes or tell me no. And even though I still will not worry, this issue is still going to weigh on my mind because I have yet to get a solid & firm answer/diagnosis.

I return Feb. 19th for the BSGI.

And again, thank you so much for your thoughts & prayers & for traveling this journey with me. Sorry to bore you to tears with all the details, but I want them for my own reference some day when I look back. :)

Post 5 - More testing.

Sorry it has taken me so long to post. Hubby is out of town again, I've been making some phone calls & of course, holding down the fort here.

Today I heard from the Woman's Health place. I really need a recorder when talking to all these people! Anyway, I was blessed with having a wonderful, friendly employee phone me so I was happy about that.

Wednesday (the 4th, I think) I will return to the above mentioned place to have some more testing done. Because they specialize in breast issues/diagnosis, their 'equipment' is a tad more sophisticated & the dr. there *thinks* he may be able to locate this mass on a sonogram using their machine (remember, I had a sonogram performed, but nothing was detected during that scan). If not, he will probably request more mammograms. He has my scans now & has been reviewing them. If he can get no further with his own testing using his own machines, at that time I do believe they will schedule a biopsy.

The favors are still on my side. I broke down & phoned my 'mother' tonight, even though prior I refused to do it (but now felt I really needed to because I need to give the professionals some answers), & the good news is (if she is being honest) there is no history of breast cancer on her side. She went way back & doesn't know of any. Of course that's no guarantee, but to her knowledge - nothing. I then phoned my step-mother & asked her about my dad's mom. She remembered that later in life my grandmother did have a lump, but it turned out fine. She's not even positive that a biopsy was performed or even necessary. My dad has/had no sisters so obviously there can't be anything there.

The lady today was very optimistic & again, thinks this is probably nothing. However, we must move forward because we don't want to jack around. And I'm to the point, let's just find out, do what we must do, & move on! If it does turn out malignant, then the surgeon I saw on Tuesday will schedule me for surgery to have it removed. Briefly she mentioned Radiation & Chemo but at this point, we're jumping ahead which is unnecessary. She did say - & I hope I remember this correctly - the mass is about 3 mm, which is tiny. Another good sign. And again, a good sign that this mass (or whatever it is - hopefully just tissue) isn't showing on any other scans.

So...I wait some more. I'm getting tired of waiting. :) At this point I still am not very nervous or concerned - I probably will be once the biopsy is scheduled - but I must admit, I'm tired of messing with the whole thing. Talking to many people & of course, just thinking about it. And because I'm human it is on my mind.

So there you have it until next week. Keep praying, please! Thank you for praying & thank you for all your kind words & support!

Post 4 - Surgeon Appointment.

Here's what I know & don't know:

Somewhat unusual/uncommon situation I have. Par for me! LOL

Surgeon CANNOT go in & remove mass because it is only showing on one view. (I assume the mass must show up on more scans before surgery is allowed.)

Surgeon concerned about word "stellate" in Radiologist's report. Stellate means star-shaped & cancer can begin/typically begins in stellate form.

I took my x-rays over to Breast Imaging Center because they focus solely on breast cancer/issues. I dropped them off for another evaluation.

Biopsy will be performed IF Imaging Center can get to the mass. Without going into much detail, basically they will enter a needle & can follow it to the mass. They then will 'remove' part of it & send it off.

Surgeon could find no lumps/knots/bumps when he performed exam (boy, that was fun & I HATE male doctors!!!! Especially this guy. Yuck.). The knot I found is/was obviously nothing. I must be really good at my self-exams. Heehee.

Surgeon states that if mass is 'anything' - it was completely caught early & is CONTAINED. (I didn't really ask but I assume that is great news, right? Or am I wrong???)

If Imagining Center cannot perform biopsy, then I will be watched very closely & have numerous mammograms every few months. The mass will either change, change in appearance, get bigger, show on more scans, etc. If after two years there is no change, then most likely the 'mass' is nothing & the 'mass' is normal for my body. I then will be "released" with no further concern.

Surgeon does not suggest a MRI (which because of my situation we could request) because he has found that usually there are more questions after an MRI than before. I totally agree & don't care to waste any time just to end up with a biopsy anyway. Let's just get it done!

So...more than likely I will have a biopsy. I sit & wait, again, until I hear back from someone. I have no clue if it will be the surgeon or the Imaging Center themselves that contact me. I do believe if I need a biopsy it will occur next week. No real emergency in my case (another blessing!!).

I still am so not concerned. At this point.

Thank you for praying for me! Please don't stop just yet! :)