Shrinking boob?

1Cathi

Hello Ladies,
You all have helped me with so much lately, now I have another question. For a little over a month now I have thought my right breast is getting smaller, I have looked and looked, compared and compared, kinda just brushing it off, thinking No because well maybe the left one is still swollen from lumpectomy & radation (it isn't - back to normal size) I have not mentioned it to anyone, last night out of the clear my husband says honey your getting smaller in the right breast! That is the one (if you have seen my other posts) wher all the concern and missed biopsy's have been, also inside -not always but if sorta burns, I described it last night to husband as how it feels when you rub on Bengay, and on occassion (kinda regular) I have like a sharp needle stap feeling just through the nipple? Again I haven't mentioned it, my doc's don't listen to me anyway, so any ideas. Don't be afraid of scaring me, this is the only place it seems to get honest answers /opinions. Thanks --- XOXOXOXOXOXOX

1Cathi

Thanks,
Sherri, the ILC was in my left breast, the shrinking is in the right breast.

nash

My cancer boob shrunk. Had pain in it, too, over the rib.

conniehar

Yes, my breast that had ILC in it shrunk. No pain, though.

1Cathi

I just asked my husband how long ago he noticed it was smaller and he said a couple weeks ago, and I have been thinking so for about a month now, so I guess it is mention to the doctor time, the pain that goes through the nipple isn't as bad as the burning sensation, maybe it has something to do with all the cysts. From all that I have learned lately (mostly here) ILC has a good chance of showing up in the opposite breast??????

Lynn12

My ILC was in my right breast and it shrunk...very noticable. I never had any pain but my skin would dimple when I raised my arm

1Cathi

Thanks everyone, is it possible that ILC may now be in R breast? I never noticed shrinking in left sid before DX for ILC, but when I first noticed the lump there I really just blew it off for several months to busy getting married to pay much attention. It does sound though from you all that the shrinking is kinda usual - is there a specific reason for that?????

Jinx

It is rare for cancer to hurt. You should see a doctor. Only a doctor can run tests to check things out.

conniehar

Do you feel a thickening in that breast? I think the ILC just starts spreading across the breast taking over the tissue and it starts to shrink - that's just my non-medical thought process. ILC often presents as a thickening rather than a lump, so if you have that and shrinkage it is a possible.

I know you have been having a horrible time with your doctors. Would it be possible for you to pick a new doctor and just start all over? I know you are frustrated, but you need to get checked out.

Best of luck and let us know how we can help.

1Cathi

Dear Connie,
Thanks for you help / suggestions, well if I understand what thickening is supposed to be, I would say yes, espically towards the upper part of my right breast I guess it feels like heavy - firmer or thick as you all say, I am sorry to say when I was diagnoised with the ILC in left breast as I said I was to busy with getting married, but there was actually a lump with that, but I really wasn't paying much attention to anything else. I do have an appointment on 9/11 w/new onco & breast surgeon, I am trying to remain optomistic that all will be better with him, but after my recent experiences not putting to much stock in anything. I think I would say although I believe the breast is getting smaller it is getting heavier????

marshakb

Cathi, mine started the shrinking also. I noticed something odd (thickening) in Sept. watched it for a few months and by the time I saw my doc in Dec the breast had gotten smaller and I also had the dimpling.

1Cathi

I guess my next question is, my last MRI was 8 months ago, from what I am understanding that will show ILC better that mamo & US, that MRI is when the 3-oclock area was first mentioned at that time it was described as 7x7x7mm enhancing nodule, the enhancement curve is of intermediate concern? I was recommended to have US a week later did and it was described as 1x.8x.4mm oval circumscribed hypoechoic nodule and said att time meets criteria for B9 condition. Since then I have had 3 Ultra sounds last one a month ago, and as most of you know was supposed to have a biopsy they did not do it and the saga goes on and on. I guess I am trying to get my questions in order for my 9/11 visit w/new doc, I am not freaking out or anything YET! (I just want to be as prepared with questions for him as I can be.

The last description of the 3-oclock said it is a complex appearing cyst & solid lesion that measures 1.5cm length x 5mm in transverse diameter, low lying echoes may represent hemmorage or debris? So I think by this it is bigger? And I have been reading things refering to a malignant area is often Taller than wider?
Are MRI's better at detecting ILC, I have read alot of posts that said the ILC mass was actually hiding behind a cyst, if the 3-oclock area is only asperated is it possible they could miss a malignant area? Thank you all so much for your help.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

nash

I would definately have a repeat MRI. They are very good for detecting ILC.

conniehar

I agree. Since you had such a bad experience the first time around, I would try to just start all over with your new docs and a new MRI - it's not that old, but I think it would be helpful to have it updated.

My ILC was not shown on mammo or U/S and only turned up on MRI.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers that your new set of docs will treat you properly.

1Cathi

You all are so helpful, when I was first DX w/ILC in left, I was also told about the ILCS in left and that had never be mentioned w/mammo or ultra sound only after the lumpectomy. So I will surley ask for another MRI, these next 2 weeks will pass quickly I am sure, I have definetlt decided I want to do Bilat, I have just had to many scares and biopsy's these past 16 months, I am the first lucky one in family to have BC, my mom did die from liver cancer (unknown primary) and I have often wondered where it actually originated from, by the time she was Dx with that she had been suffering from diabetes for years and was already well into kidney failure and treatments for that she just refused anything more. I guess that is neither here nor there now, but with 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters and me only 46 @ dx I do wish sometimes I knew more.
As I said earlier right now I am not freaking out, starnge for me, not that I am not worried, espically after knowing my husband has noticed the shrinking, but almost like - well here is just another step in the process. But knowing me the "FREAKING OUT" is not far away.

1Cathi

I am not sure and truthfully fearful many of you wonderful ladies who have helped me are not around with all the new changes, I sure hope you are here, and for all of us who had our 9/11 appointments hope they went well. I am feeling very optomistic and finally in over a year - have a good feeling about a doctor.

He was very tactful in his expressions about past care / doctors, but as he said -your here for an opinion -thats what I have to give.

His first big concern was the actual lumpectomy and only having 6 nodes taken  - no sentinel node tested, said standard no less than 20 nodes removed.

He is not overly concered about the boob shrinking  - have had 6 procedures on it and since I am small chested to begin with removing that much tissue in a yr could be cause -but ordering MRI. Also wants his own mammo & US - not impressed w/equipement @ other facility.

We taked about bilat, was very open to it, if I am 100% I am 99% right now. He has given me a referal to plastic doc. I see him Oct 11. I had seen one my old surgeon recommended when I was discussing option w/her, he said he could do expanders. New surgeon/onco - says usually not done  has I have had rads to left breast.

Anyway I could go on and on -but I won't bore you all. I just feel good about it all right now, with the testing he wants to do, MRI, etc, see plastics, and he says he has to do sentinel node biopsy if all good results we could do bilat Jan/Feb.

I hope all of you have had good Doctor visits - you are all in my prayers - and I hope there is still someone here!

XOXOXOXOXOXO

breast.

marshakb

Cathi, don't worry, some of us still here.  This Lobular thread is not very active but I always check it cause when I was first dx'd I had NO info on lobular and the women here are so helpful.  Don't worry, we are here for you and SOOOOOOOOOOO glad to hear you feel better about this doc!  Hugs, Marsha

1Cathi

Hi Marsha,

 I thought everyone had departed, I look around daily looks like not much activity. Didn't you have an appointment on 9/11 in Orlando?

conniehar

I'm still here too Cathi!  I'm soooo happy that you feel more comfortable with this new doctor.  You went through so much with the last go round, you needed a break.  His comment about the shrinkage does make sense.  Glad you are getting all your tests redone!  Keep us posted and good luck to you!

Lynn12

I'm still here Cathi, so glad your appt. went well..let us know how the tests go.

1Cathi

Thanks everyone, hoping you all are well.  Seems like so many just hate the new format, those who have been here alot longer than I,  I was still getting used to the old one, I spend sometimes 18hrs a day working on computer -yet I still am not a wiz.  I have to admit I liked some of the old stuff better, and I was like what the heck when my username was totally changed but thats all ok now. So i'll just go with it and stumble my way through. I really wish they would change the first post back to what it used to be - Just a better way to start for someoone new coming it instead of clicking onto problems & complaints. Oh well just my thought.

So I have a real question have any of you had reconstruction w/exanders after you had already had rad's?

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Lynn12

Hi Cathi,

I was told by both BS and PS that implants after radiation has a 40 - 50% failure rate.  My PS won't even do the implant surgery on me (I did have radiation), therefore I'm having DIEP in December.  I wasn't an implant fan anyway, would rather my own tissue...but that's me, we're all different.  I suggest you discuss with a plastic surgeon and get a 2nd opinion.

Anonymous

Count me in...I too was a victim of the shrinking and dimpling boob - prior to my dx of ILC. I think rule of thumb: any changes are abnormal and should be taken seriously! Best wishes to you!

1Cathi

Thanks Lynn - The new BS has me getting a second opinion from A PS  on 10/11 - the last thing I want /need is more complications - the original PS my old surgeon sent me to said he thought my breast tissue was fine for expanders - but I have had so many probblems W/past doctors not sure I trust him he was refered by my old surgeon after all. He said he did not think I had enough stomache,  I have thought about no reconstruction at all -basically out of fear of complications,  but I am pretty sure I would not be happy w/that decision down the road, I have never been well endowed small B - but it is nice having something - so I guess I will see what the second PS says and go from there.  XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

marshakb

Hey Cathi, thanks for asking, I had a routine F/U appt with the rad onc on 9/11.  Everything looked good to him so don't go back until January!!  I have my prophy mast on Oct 1.

I am not even talking to anyone about the recon yet.  Decided to be flat chested for a while and see how I like that.  Who knows?  Might just like it alot.  LOL  I was a big B not quite a C but am small boned and thin so am thinking maybe it won't even be that noticable.  A padded AA bra might just work fine.  Marsha

1Cathi

Marsha -my thoughts, prayers & love will be w/you on 10/1. I have been wondering myself about no reconstruction for awhile - but right now I have B-cross on Cobra which will end next December and I fear that perhaps when I get new insurance I could be refused reconstruction if I choose it @ a later date -right now I have approval for everything.  So many decisions,  I think a good padded Bra would work for me also as far as outward appearence - the thought of healing longer or more surgery & complications really puts me in a state -I know for sure the mastectomy is the right move  -just not sure about reconstruction.

jessica0927

Did you ever determine what was causing the shrinking??  My mom is a 10 year IDC survivor and she has suddenly noticed shrinking in the treated breast.  I am worried what it may be.  She had a normal diagnostic mammo last week.  Any help??

anmu

Hi,

Before 1 year I noticed that my breast started shrinking and its unable to produce milk I went to a lady doctor for chekup. she checked with her arms and said that nothing to worry number of people will face this problem nothing is there. But at present I am getting pain in it when my husband touches  it I am getting pain I am getting pain in my hand too. fearing that what will happens. But i didn't found any lump in it.