A lot going on

So my appointment on September 5th with my OB gave me some unsettling news. The doctor told me that there were atypical cells in my right breast and that he was sending me to a breast specialist. OF Course, this was not happy news and I was very concerned.

Luckily I got in with the specialist right away (on the 9th). I was sent for a breast ultrasound and a mammogram. So let me say that if you need to get one done go to AMI in Galloway. They have a new machine that doesn't have to squish you as hard as older machines. It didn't hurt nearly as much as I thought it was going to.

On the 9th the doctor did a second nipple smear (the first was done by Dr. Carfagno back in August).

Waiting for the results of the smear and the mammogram has been driving me crazy. Needless to say I have been a bit on edge. Nervous about what they are going to find. Praying that they weren't going to find anything.

So here are the results (copy of an email I sent to my boss)
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I just spoke with my doctor (the breast specialist). She informed me that my right breast is showing signs of mild atypia. What this means is that the cells don't appear abnormal but they don't appear normal either. They can represent cells that are transitioning to abnormal which is the concern (meaning pre-malignant cells). The left breast is not showing any signs of abnormalcy.

The right breast is also showing that I could have Ductal Hyperplasia OR Intraductal Papilloma. Both of these are considered benign issues however the first indicates an increased risk for breast cancer whereas the latter does not show an increased risk.

Ductal Hyperplasia is determined when ducts are lined with many layers of cells that look abnormal (atypical). This is not considered cancer but indicates an increased risk for breast cancer. Surgery to remove the ducts and some surrounding tissue is normally necessary.

Intraductal Papilloma is when a wart-like lump develops in a duct behind the areola. Intraductal papillomas are benign and do not increase the risk of breast cancer.

I have an appointment on Tuesday afternoon to discuss all of this further and to schedule a biopsy date. I will be in the office until noon. Depending on what the biopsy shows further surgery may be needed to remove the duct or ducts and some (not necessarily) surrounding tissue. Finding the correct duct to remove is sometimes tricky and doesn't always work the first time.

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So it is a waiting game again at this point. At least I'm not waiting to find out results about what it could be. The doctor said she would explain more on Tuesday and draw pictures.