Lumpy breasts

pandora1962

Lumpy breasts

pandora1962

Hi everyone, my aunty died of breast cancer and my mom had a malignant lump removed. After I found a lump in my breast (about the size of an egg) in 2004, I saw the doc/hosp and it was found to be a cyst. It "went away" for a couple of years, but I was forever worrying what would happen each time I got a new lump. Over the past 18 months the cyst has reared its head quite a few times, so I spoke to another doctor who referred me to hospital and the Family Unit. This now means that each year, I will get recalled automatically, have a scan and a mamogram. But still, I get the discomfort and worry, this is much worse when I am due on - it's not like the normal heavy, lumpy pre period tenderness I used to have years ago. I know there are people out there coping with Cancer and I don't have Cancer, but the worry is plaguing me. In the past when I was married, I moved round so much with my husband's job, I never really had any friends I could talk to about this. I guess I am clutching at straws, but I am wondering if anyone knows of a help group I could talk to? Thank you

angelaw

Hi, Pandora:  Good for you to be getting medical care for this lump.  With a family history of breast cancer you need to be more vigilant than most.  As to the worry, I can understand that.  You saw your mom and aunt's progress with breast diseases.  My two sisters had breast cancer so we all got tested for the
BRCA gene.  Even before my sisters got breast canceer I had the DREAD of breast cancer.  That is because it wa always our family story (aunts, grandmothers, cousins). We were tested for BRCA. Somehow, knowing if our family cancer story included the breast cancer gene helped.  Getting information is what helped me diminish my worry.  The women on this site will respond with information and emotional support.  Get as much information as you can because that makes you feel in control of your health and your life. Good luck to you and I pray you have continued positive outcomes with the doctors.

pandora1962

Hi Angelaw, thank you so much for your kind words

Gitane

Hi Pandora,

It sounds to me like you are a strong person, and ahead of the knowledge curve in many ways because you, and people you care about, have dealt with BC before. That gives you a place to start. I believe, we should protect ourselves from BC in every way we can. Each of us makes hard decisions about that. We want to be able to look back and say we did our best, and look forward knowing that is the truth. That said, I think it's important to remove any guilt from our thoughts. We are all human. Knowledge is power, but getting the knowledge we need isn't easy. This knowledge exchange board has helped me with that. I wish there wasn't so much uncontrollable uncertainty, but that's the way it is until we conquer the BC beast. Good luck to you.

After writing all this, I realized I said nothing about helping you find a group. I was able to get referrals from my oncologist's office, and I bet if you called any local BC oncologist's office you could get the same.

VBG

Hi Pandora,

I too had very "lumpy" breast, in fact after my breat MRI the radiologist's report said innumerable cysts!  I too was always worried about the cysts but the cysts themselves are actually no considered a risk factor.   I developed a great many more cysts in my 40s.  I also have "dense" breast tissue which is a very significant risk factor. 

My biggest recommendation to you is to insure you are getting the best possible screening each year.  Be sure to get an ultrasound with your mammo and if you are able to get your Dr to sign off ask for a breat MRI since you would be considered high risk due to your family history.  Perhaps a clinical trial is available in your area for breast imaging?  The best situation is always to be in front of cancer and find it early.  I did and my prognosis is good.  I was vigilant in getting screenings and requesting tests. 

Do contact your local hospital and see if they have a women's health center or breast cancer resource center to help with questions or concerns!

Good luck.

pandora1962

Hi Gitane, many thanks for your reply to my e-mail. I will definately follow your advice and contact my consultant

thanks

pandora1962

Hi Valerie G, it is helping me so much by people just commenting on my e-mail. I feel very inspired

thanks

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