concerned

lwjames

HI - I am writing because I am scared.  I found an area on my breast (areola) that looked liked excema.  I was not at first concerned because it was itching, felt like just and irritated spot that soon healed and went away.  about a month or so ago, it came back - but painful this time.  it looks like a patch of excessively dry skin, sort of flakey and raised.  it almost looks like a second nippled, as scary as that may seem.  My mother had breast cancer and died from pancreatic cancer in 2007, since that time, i have gone for mamograms, ultrasounds and even an MRI.  Today, because of this new problem, my doctor sent me for an ultrasound and mamogram.  They scared me todeath!  first i was in there for 2.5 hours!  Secondly, the radiologist mentions that she was trying to focus on an area behind the nipple she called a density - however it was there in 2007 and had not changed so she was not concerned.  she did however suggest that I go to a surgeon to have the spot outside of my breast checked.  Nothing showed on the ultrasound, i dont believe.  They would not really tell me much, only that my doctor would have her summary by tomorrow and that I will probabaly go an see a surgeon.  I am concered about pagent's and the possibility of DCIS - I am not sure what type if breast cancer my mother had - but she did have a masectomy and a lymph node removed from her right arm.  can anyone tell me how to get thru the next couple of weeks without freaking out! 

chrissyb

Hi Iwjames, so sorry you are here but glad you found us.  The nervousness and fear that you are feeling is very normal.  To get through the next couple of weeks, my suggestion would be to try and take just one day at a time and try not to think of the future.  Keep yourself busy doing the things you love best, it might be window shopping with a friend, going for picnic in the park or just a coffee and a chat.  The idea being that if your mind is occupied, you are less likely  to ponder on things that are as yet unknown.  If you are still feeling very stressed, take a big deep breath and go and ask your doctor for something to calm you.  I hope everything turns out well for you. Please stay in touch and let us know how you get on.

Peace, strength, love n hugs.  chrissyb

lwjames

Hi - peace and blessings!  I had a good result - the surgeon says that the position of my legion is not  characteristic of pagents disease and my cyst is very small and considered simple - he is not going to aspirate unless it is painful.  I have to have a bilateral ultrasound though to conclude the study of both breasts.  he says my breasts feel soft to him and normal (whatever that means) and not to dense  He relieved my mind though because he does want to get another look just to be sure.  Thanks for your concern and support.  I pray all goes well.  

lwjames

Here again but not for myself.  My younger sister just found out she has breast cancer.  She is in shock and petrified.  I am trying to remember all the things i read in this blogging site when I was investigating my lump.  I told her to put a note pad by the phone, because the doctor will be calling her tomorrow with the names of the referral oncologists.  I also told her to write things down as they tell her because she may have multiple appointments and some lab work that will need to be done.  What other things should I remind her to do?  Of course I told her that we are going to fight and till we win this thing no exceptions....if any of you can remember what questions she should be asking please let me know.  I also sent her the site address, so hopefully she will join.