I had a breast ultrasound at about your age, for a fibroadenoma as well. It is a totally easy procedure. They tend to do a pretty good job of keeping you covered except when you need to be uncovered. Basically its just like a belly ultrasound like you see in the movies - they squirt some jelly on you, and rub a wand across your skin. Its not uncomfortable at all. All you feel is the wand rubbing across your skin, which just feels like any other piece of plastic. Go get your deodorant and run the lid across your boob...it feels the same. ;) It doesn't take very long either - they just take a few pictures and you're done!
One thing I will warn you about is that the ultrasound tech may make comments about what you will have to do next, and you should IGNORE THOSE COMMENTS COMPLETELY! Mine told me I would definitely have to get a biopsy, which just wasn't true. I've heard stories of even more crazy things being said. My boob doctor had heart surgery, and his ultrasound tech told him he'd have to have it redone, that it wasn't healing right. Everything was actually just fine. So remember, the tech is NOT a doctor, and what they say may or may not be true.
I kept my fibroadenoma for three years, keeping an eye on it via ultrasound. I eventually decided to have it removed, because my doctor recommended taking it out before I get pregnant (which is still a few years in advance) and I had a good doctor, insurance, a support network, etc. The surgery was a total piece of cake though. I never took any pain medication, and my scar healed up very nicely. I can email you pictures if you want - I have one taken from when I removed the bandage, and could give you an "after" if you want...Its been about 2 years since my surgery, and the scar is very unnoticeable.
Mine used to kind of ache too, which is the other reason I got it out. Not a lot...just a little bit. They are affected by hormones - hormonal changes make them grow. That might be why it feels different during your period.
Try to stay calm...the diagnosis is almost certainly fibroadenoma, which is truly not a big deal. If you do decide to have surgery, let me know if you want more info...I can try to remember a bit more about my experience, and like I said, share pictures if you want.
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Date: 2009-03-21 08:37 pm (UTC)One thing I will warn you about is that the ultrasound tech may make comments about what you will have to do next, and you should IGNORE THOSE COMMENTS COMPLETELY! Mine told me I would definitely have to get a biopsy, which just wasn't true. I've heard stories of even more crazy things being said. My boob doctor had heart surgery, and his ultrasound tech told him he'd have to have it redone, that it wasn't healing right. Everything was actually just fine. So remember, the tech is NOT a doctor, and what they say may or may not be true.
I kept my fibroadenoma for three years, keeping an eye on it via ultrasound. I eventually decided to have it removed, because my doctor recommended taking it out before I get pregnant (which is still a few years in advance) and I had a good doctor, insurance, a support network, etc. The surgery was a total piece of cake though. I never took any pain medication, and my scar healed up very nicely. I can email you pictures if you want - I have one taken from when I removed the bandage, and could give you an "after" if you want...Its been about 2 years since my surgery, and the scar is very unnoticeable.
Mine used to kind of ache too, which is the other reason I got it out. Not a lot...just a little bit. They are affected by hormones - hormonal changes make them grow. That might be why it feels different during your period.
Try to stay calm...the diagnosis is almost certainly fibroadenoma, which is truly not a big deal. If you do decide to have surgery, let me know if you want more info...I can try to remember a bit more about my experience, and like I said, share pictures if you want.
Take care!