Help ive found a lump.

Shepster43

hi

Im new to the forum but have found a lump and need some advice. 

Im 43 and know i suffer from anxiety but my amitriptyline sorts that. For the past 18 months i have suffered from fatigue, muscle weakness, breathlessness and joint pain. My bloodwork seems ok, im not anemic but i do have elavated liver function test enzimes. I had a lung ct and liver ultrasound at the beginning of the year and they were clear. I also suffer from lumbar pain and especially knee joint pain in the last year. In the last few weeks i have had stomach pains and the doc thinks its ibs.

So my story starts a few days ago when i was in the shower. I was washing my chest when i felt a lump underneath my left nipple. I had never felt it before but also admit i had never checked as i didnt understand male breast cancer. The lump is fairly hard and around 2 cm long but feels like it goes quite deep as i cant get my fingers around it. doesnt hurt as such but i guess feels a little tender of i poke it enough and is situated just under the skin. I would say its location is just underneath the top part of my nipple but finishes outside of the nipple area for the last few millimetres. It doesnt move much but i cant decide if its attached to the nipple or breast tissue underneath. Its hard to put into words where it is but when i press both nipples in a can sort of feel tissue all around inside, well its the top part of that tissue where the lump is. I can feel the indentation on my right nipple and the start of the tissue but on this nipple its just normal tissue. Hope ive explained that ok.

I did a little research when i found it and am now freaking out. from what i can gather this cant be a cyst as its underneath the nipple and also cant be gynecomastia as its a lump and not central to the nipple.  i also had gynecomastia during puberty and this is definately not that. A few websites say its a possibility of cancer when its eccentric to the nipple which im assuming means slightly offset from the centre like mine. I am also now worried that this may be the primary to all my other symptoms for the last year especially the pains in my back and knees.

Could anyone please give me some advice on this. Is it true you cant have a cyst underneath the nipple?  I plan on getting an apointment with my GP tomorrow. The problem is im from the Uk and it seems to take forever to get things done on the nhs.

I plan on asking for a man a gram and a biopsy but as the nhs is stretched it may take a while. This is how the uk goes, you get to see your GP after a week, they arrange for you to see a specialist, so another 2 weeks, then you may get a man a gram, another 2 weeks. All this while potentially the cancer is growng.

Sorry for the long post, im just feeling very worried today.

Paul

1NippledBandit

Shepster43,

The location does seem suspicious but I would not worry too much about taking a few weeks/months to get it diagnosed.  Breast cancer in males is rare and it is usually something else (not cancer).  The CT and ultrasound would not be directed toward finding cancer so it is unlikely that it would be picked up (if it is cancer).  Be patient and try not to stress out too much (which looks like it is an issue).  Eat right and exercise.  That's all the advise I can give you.  Good luck my friend.  I hope that you get good results!

Shepster43

Happy new year abd thanks for taking the time to reply 1nippledbandit, i went to my GP  and she has booked me for a referral to see a specialist at the hospital so something is moving thankfully. Although this hasnt helped my anxiety at least i know things are moving along, She was a young GP, not alot of GP years behind her and i am the first male patient she has seen with this below 55. I guess when only 11 people in my age group 40-44 are diagnosed in the uk each year it will be a rarity. ( there are only 397 total and as you know they are mainly after 60 years of age)

The referral with the specialist is booked for the 13th january where i believe they conduct a manogram and ultrasound. Im not sure if they do a biopsy on that day or not. does a biopsy need special preparation? For the biopsy should i ask for core biopsy or FNA? Would FNA be good enough to find the cancer cells. 

I my GP could not find any enlarged  auxillary lymph nodes in my left armpit or collarbone. is this a good sign or does it not really mean anything? Did any of you notice your nodes were up when your lump was diagnosed. 

Im trying to stay calm, ive increased my amitriptyline (doc said it was ok)

The reason im worried more than anything else is that i have been having bad pelvic, knee and back pains for the last 6 months and im worried that this is the primary cause. I just assumed it was fatigue ir stress. 

I've done more inspecting and still think its 2cm to 2.5cm but its hard to tell if its round or not as it seems to follow the edges of the ducts in the upper quadrant of the nipple and infuse into the breast tissue. It doesnt feel like its grown into the space directly in the centre of the nipple. What other causes are there other than cancer for this? Whenever i type growth or thickening of duct all i get is MBC. 

Thanks

Paul

1NippledBandit

Paul,  

That is good to hear (about the scheduled appointment).  I had my mammogram and ultrasound on the same day, but the biopsy was done separately.  I am not sure if an FNA would be sufficient or not.  I had a core biopsy done.  I did not prepare for the biopsy at all.  I thought it would be a very simple procedure and I would walk out.  I guess when they did mine, they hit a vein because I lost a lot of blood and felt dizzy when I sat up (something that never happens to me).  It was quite a bit more painful than I imagined.  I do not react normally to novocain or lidocain.  The doc told me that he used 3X the normal amount.  It still hurt quite a bit.  Not having enlarged nodes is a good sign.  Having bone pain is not.  The bone pain could simply be that you are getting old.    My cancer did not spread, but the only thing that I noticed was that I was tired a lot more often and I was getting sick more often as well.  I was 37 at the time.  I am 41 now and I am also having bone pain, but it is because I've been hard on my body for a long time.  I worked as a house framer and general contractor for years.

I don't know what else could cause this.  I am hopeful that it is something simple.  Best of luck and keep us posted.

robsp

Shepster43,

I am 41 and I found a lump in my breast last year , end of September,   and unfortunately in my case was breast cancer. I know that is not easy to control anxiety, but cancer normally  does not grow fast. I made my surgery about 40 days after my first ultrasound exam and the cancer size did not changed between this interval.

You will have to wait the result of ultrasound  and mamogram before the biopsy, in my case was vacuum assisted breast biopsy, although the doctor specified a core biopsy. Sometimes image exams can show that you do not have a cancer or a very low probability that you have a cancer. 

Shepster43

hi robsp,

Thanks for replying. Sorry about your cancer but seems it was sorted nice and early. Was chemo ever discussed regarding the affected node?

Was the manogram easy? I wonder how they will get the small amount of breast tissue imbetween the two plates? 

Could you feel the affected node or was it not enlarged or visable?

I wonder how long ive had this lump.  Due to side effects of amitriptyline i have developed manboobs so didnt really notice the lump. I have been at the docs for at least 3 years complaining of fatigue and joint pain and was told it was anxiety and was only when i failed a spirometry test at work i got an xray and ct on my lungs. Clean thankfully but no answer to why im so breathless. I literally am out of breath going up the stairs. Now theres the bone pain too, also blamed on anxiety as they just wanted me out of the gp office. Theyve tested for diabetes and anemia over the years but each time my cbc have been fine.

Ive said to my wife that i knew something else was wrong, having to stop 3 times when mowing the lawn, and i just havent felt myself for a few years and now hope i havent found the reason is this 2cm lump.

Thanks

Paul

1NippledBandit

Regarding the mammogram... the lady doing the procedure will take great pleasure at taking whatever breast tissue she can grab and stretch it beyond the limits of human skin elasticity!  Don't bother complaining... that only makes her smile and then she will lay into you about how you now have a glimpse of how painful it is to be a women.  Just keep quiet and endure.  It won't last too long.

ziggypop

Paul - " You get to see your GP after a week, they arrange for you to see a specialist, so another 2 weeks, then you may get a man a gram, another 2 weeks" - This is about the time frame in the US too - in fact it took me two weeks to get an appointment with my PCP and another 2 before I got in for an ultrasound ( and my tumor was 9cm and didn't show up on mammogram). Cancer doesn't grow all that quickly. (I'm female BTW). The symptoms that you describe don't actually sound much like breast cancer unless it's spread elsewhere in your body & if it has it would show up on bone scans etc. They may do a biopsy the day of your ultrasound - and what type they will do depends on what they see. The anxiety of waiting is there for all of - the best thing to do is to try to focus on other things, movies, getting some exercise (probably just walking given your shortness of breath), etc. 

robsp

"Thanks for replying. Sorry about your cancer but seems it was sorted
nice and early. Was chemo ever discussed regarding the affected node?"

I will begin my chemo January 15. I will need radiotherapy and hormone therapy, full cancer treatment. I did not catch my cancer very early.

"Was the manogram easy? I wonder how they will get the small amount of breast tissue imbetween the two plates?"

It was  not very painful to me. See this video to have an idea of the procedure. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxDTNodgv8c

"Could you feel the affected node or was it not enlarged or visable?"

No. I had one node affected but had only 3 mm cancer. Detected during surgery. 

See the site below to learn more about male breast  image exam.

http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/p49a3cce262026

Early stages of breast cancer normally presents symtoms in your breast, in my case was lump and little pain.

Shepster43

Sorry robsp, i misread when you were dx. I Hope you have recovered from your op ok. thanks for the images link. Its hard to tell which of the examples feels most like my lump. The first IDC image in that image link seems to have a diffise line going across the lump which seems the closest to mine. I guess each lump is different, mine feels less rounded than many of the images, like it is more oval. 

I had a liver/pancreas ultrasound today. Although i do have fatty liver my liver is tumour free so if the breast  lump is MBC then so far the liver is ok. Just hope my bone pains are anxiety related.

Paul

Shepster43

hi ziggypop, thanks for replying.

Yes im keeping myself busy with all sorts. Movies, reading books and all types of tv. I also have 2 teenage daughters who keep me busy. Importantly i have kept away from dr google.  Im back at work after my christmas holidays so at least my days are being kept busy with that. Im an accountant so year end is the busiest time for me. I am going to bed with a sleeping pill and get up early so i dont get time to dwell and start worrying as laying in bed is when im most anxious. 

Its a strange feeling as i want the 13th january to arrive quickly to get the tests done but im also nervous about the outcome so im trying to savour each day just in case i get bad news and i am diagnosed. 

One thing im finding hard to do is not to think too far ahead. Keeping the "what if" demons at bay if proving hard for a health anxiety sufferer like myself. My wife has been my rock, she has kept me grounded and calms me when i get over anxious. 

Paul

Bren-2007

Hi Paul,

I'm glad your wife is a rock and helps keep you grounded.  I get really anxious as well and it was very hard to stay calm in the beginning.  I was grateful my surgeon prescribed some anti-anxiety meds for me in those early weeks.  It got easier as the treatment went forward.  I felt like I was actively doing something and that really helped.

Wanted to wish you all the best,

Bren

Shepster43

hi bren

Yes i agree, i think once i get news, whether good or bad i can start to move forward. If the lump is bad, then at least we can work on a plan to hopefully get things sorted. At the moment im just in limbo with my mind going into overdrive. My problem is im a pessimist and a "the glass is always half empty" type of guy so always fear the worst. Ive been on amitriptyline for 5 years now, but have recently doubled my dose (as per doctors advice) to try and calm me in these troubling times. 5 years ago i was prescribed amitriptyline to help with palpatations and headaches and as they worked so well ive been on them ever since. 

Paul

Bren-2007

Hi Paul,

Glad to hear you've got some meds to help you through this time of waiting.  Waiting is the hardest part of the entire ordeal.  I also had to up my anti-depressant medication for a while.  I understand about the glass being half empty ... but maybe it isn't about half empty or half full ... it's about finding a tiny bit of hope to get us through. I found my feelings were so hope-less it just made everything worse.  Finding a bit of hope would be a good thing ... if you can.

Keep us in the loop as to what is happening with you ... we really do care.

hugs,

Bren

Shepster43

well i went to the see the specialist yesterday at my local hospital. After seeing the specialist and being examined they conducted an ultrasound on the lump. No managram - when i asked why they said they wouldnt be able to get a good image due to lack of breast tissue so the ultrasound is better. I should have demanded they try for a manogram but didnt i trusted them. After the ultrasound i was told they believe its lumpy breast tissue possibly caused by my amitriptyline as thats also caused increased breast tissue. They want to see me again in a few months to see if there has been any change. i was initially pleased that they were stating it was just lumpy breast tissue but the more i think about it im not sure i have the full answers that i want. Surely they could have got a managram picture of my breast, i can grab a section so im sure it could have been sandwiched between the plates. I also hope that a radiologist worth their salt can tell a cancerous lump to something benign so i am inclined/hope they are correct. But why do they want to see me again in a few months, that doesnt fill me with optimism that it is definitely lumpy breast tissue. What is lumpy breast tissue anyway? The other thing is i dont think she properly checked directly behind my nipple area which is quite sore and i feel also is slightly raised with something directly behind it (i can sort of grab it with the nipple) This would have been picked up with a manogram. I feel its my fault for not kicking up a big enough fuss. 

So Should i believe them, breath a sigh of relief and carry on with my life or should i press for more answers? Should i press for a biopsy or a managram? Im now in limbo as The nhs is a great free service but we are at the mercy of the doctors as to how we are tested. 

I was also sent for a blood test to check my hormone levels. I couldnt read his writing very well but could make out testosterone and estrogen as well as 3 other tests. What will this tell them? 

Thanks

Paul

Bren-2007

Hi Paul,

Not sure why the blood test to check hormonal levels.  If you had cancer it might be to see if Tamoxifen would work for you. When do you get the results?  Will your doctor go over them with you?

I think I would press for the mammogram.

It's good that they want to do a follow-up with you in a couple of months.  I wasn't aware that amitriptyline caused breast tissue to change.

Please keep us in the loop about what's happening with you.

hugs,

Bren

Shepster43

hi bren

Yes it can be a side effect, i am quite a slim person with little fat except for these silly man boobs. This is why i am a little annoyed with the hospital as there is plenty of moob to get between the manogram plates. I was completely flat chested before the amitriptyline though it has been 5 years. 

I was confused about the hormone blood test but went ahead with what they were telling me. Maybe one of the other  tests was to see if i have that brca mutation? Im unsure to be honest. 

When the radiologist was conducting the ultrasound she didnt seem to stay in the lump directly behind my nipple for very long at all.  I dont feel they have given this lump directly behind the nipple much consideration to be honest and thats why i am so tense. Last night my nipple felt weird, sore all over and when my nipple got erect the whole areola sort of sticks out too with a definite lump behind it. so much so that i can easily grab it. This is separate to the other lump which is just at the side of the nipple (which they think is lumpy tissue)  When i test the right nipple it doesnt have that lump behind it like my left one and the nipple itself on the right pertrudes out from the areola more, the left one doesnt stick out that much due to the areola sticking out aswell.

My anxiety is shot and i have to wait until i get a letter from my doctor (which i know will state i have lumpy breast tissue and no problems) before i can go through the channels of getting to see the specialist again. And even then i may have a problem getting the specialist to agree on a manogram!!! Im actually considering paying  for  it myself and pay a private clinic to have a manogram done. Even though i pay rediculous taxes to fund the nhs. 

I dont have any discharge or inverting just this lump. Bren, was your lump directly behind your nipple?

Sorry for venting my frustrations here but i feel i dont have the answers because the manogram wasnt done. 

Paul

Bren-2007

Hi Paul,

Geez .. you have been through the wringer lately.  I can imagine that you passed beyond anxiety a while back.  All these medical issues cause so much stress.  And it's as if the doctors are speaking a completely different language than non-god-like humans.

When do you think your letter will arrive?  Might want to wait and make a decision about the out-of-pocket mammogram until you know for sure the doctor is indicating "lumps and no problems."  I would really really want to know what those lumps are.  They could be cysts or lipomas, which are benign.

If you can't get your doctor to refer you for more testing after you get the letter, I think I would take some action to get a second opinion.  You don't feel comfortable that the ultrasound was very thorough and it does sound like the tech could have missed something.  I've found that the "squeaky wheel" really does get results.  So go ahead and be a pain in the ass at your doctor's office and get him to explain what he thinks all those lumps are.

hugs,

Bren

Shepster43

hi bren

Yes i have been through the wringer. my mind is all over the place at the moment. Im just so annoyed with myself for not kicking up a fuss. I think when they said it was lumpy tissue i was so elated that i wasnt thinking straight. I was happy and left.  It was only when i got home and took stock that i realised what a poor diagnosis it had been. No mention of the lump beneath my nipple, no manogram and a half arsed ultrasound. You would think the fact that mbc is so rare, especially at my age, that they would have taken their time with me but i got the feeling it was the opposite. 

You are right bren, i think i need to wait for the letter, see my gp and take it from there. I had the blood test on tuesday morning so i would think i will here something next week. with all the bone pain im getting you can imagine how nervous i am. Even though im dreading what the outcome could be, the waiting is much worse. Also, if i do have mbc, the sooner it gets treated the better.the chances. 

Thanks

Paul

Shepster43

hi 

Ive rang the hospital and explained to the specialist's secretary that i am a little concerned with what has happened and she very nicely read what he had put in his report. She said he had written it was retro gynecomastia in his report. Now i always thought male gynecomastia has to be directly behind the nipple so that gives me the impression thats what they believe  the lump behind the nipple is.  Now i agree one lump feels like its part of the nipple but its only about 1cm where as gynecomastia is usually over 5cm. And one of the lumps isnt directly behind the nipple is slightly above and the ultrasound radiologist said to me it was breast tissue. The secretary was really nice and said it would probably be middle of february before they could get me back in as they are really busy. She also said she would speak to the specialist and explain my anxieties over the diagnosis and ring me back next week. She was a credit to the nhs. I have a feeling the specialist wont be happy with me questioning his diagnosis but i dont believe they have done enough diagnosis to come to that conclusion. the lump attached to my nipple is small, it doesnt even fill the areola so can that really be gynecomastia? Hopefully they will call me back for a manogram in february, i am worried sick with what they will find especially as i have bone pains too. 

One last thing, the secretary said the ultrasound was much more accurate than a manogram. Is that true?

Paul

lintrollerderby

Hi Paul,

I'm sorry that you find yourself in this holding pattern; it really is a very difficult position to be in. 

I think that the doctor ordered hormone levels be drawn because of the gynecomastia. I know you mentioned that you don't think this lump is caused by gynecomastia, but that term is just used to describe the abnormal growth of breast tissue in men rather than to give the reason for the growth. A number of things may cause gynecomastia, such as the amitriptyline, hormone imbalance, cancer, thyroid issues, etc. I think the doctors are, in your case, not trying to decide IF you have gynecomastia, but rather WHY you have it. They very likely want to see what your hormones are doing so they can see if there is an obvious correlation between those and the breast enlargement and the lump. Conditions like andropause (the male equivalent of menopause), elevated estrogen levels, deficient testosterone levels, the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, the hormone that is detected by pregnancy tests), liver disease, adrenal disease, thyroid disease, and testicular cancer can cause male breast enlargement with a noticeable and palpable lump--and these conditions will likely show a skewed level on the hormone tests your doctor just ordered. 

Please understand that I am, by no means, trying to discount your fears. I urge you to get the answers you need. While the chances of your having male breast cancer are quite low, there is always that chance. I have come out on the wrong side of every statistic each time in this breast cancer process, so I know that statistics, however much they may be in your favor, mean that someone has to be the one that falls on the unlikely side--and I know what it's like to be that someone. 

I hesitate to even mention this because I do not want to add to your worry, but have you or your doctors given much thought to it being a testicular issue--there are several possibilities, but of course cancer is one. Testicular cancer, because it affects the testes, causes hormone disruption, and is known to commonly cause breast swelling and a lump. Swelling in the regional lymph nodes frequently causes lower back pain. It can also cause shortness of breath in some cases. On the whole, it has a much better prognosis than breast cancer. I mention it because if my husband presented with your symptoms, I would also want his doctors to rule out the possibility of testicular issues. 

Of course, you could be having a combination of issues, such as adrenal fatigue, normal degenerative bone issues, and a hormone imbalance that is causing the breast lump. The hormone level blood draw is not to test for the efficacy of Tamoxifen if you indeed have breast cancer, as they would make a diagnosis by biopsy of tissue and then look at that tissue for the presence of hormone receptors. The BRCA testing would be in conjunction (usually and should always be, in my view) with genetic counseling to determine your family history of cancer. Plus, it is not optimal to test a person who is undiagnosed with cancer unless there's no choice. I am a BRCA-1 mutation carrier (again, the wrong side of a small statistic) and I feel very sure they did not test you for that. You mentioned having elevated liver enzymes. The testing of your testosterone and estrogen also helps them because if your testosterone is being converted to estrogen, it can be a sign of an underlying liver or adrenal issue, which also can present with breast lumps. 

I am a strong supporter of pushing your medical providers until you are satisfied that they've reached the correct conclusion. I was dismissed repeatedly because of my age and lack of family history, so I will always tell people to be their own best advocate. Dig until you feel you've been given the correct diagnosis, but please know there are a number of reasons for a tender, palpable breast lump in a man.

I hope this helps some. Best of luck to you!

Shepster43

thanks lintrollerderby

you have given me lots to think about. You havent worried me at all. 

So do you think the specialist will have received the hormone blood tests back to have decided it was gynecomastia? 

Surely the radiologist will have checked the lump attached to my nipple as its the main place but i truly cannot remember if she did. I did point out the other lump so i hope sge checked both. 

After the ultrasound i went back to his office and he stated it was just breast tissue so he seems fairly certain its not mbc. When you stated a number of things that may cause the gynecomastia, one being canncer, i assume you mean cancer from a different region such as testicular cancer. I did have a cyst on my testicular tube removed around 8 years ago but havent noticed any other lumps but i have heard they can be deeply hidden. 

Thank you taking the time to write back, i really appreciate it and has goven me plenty of other avenues to consider. Like you say, its better that i am satisfied with a full diagnosis especially with my anxiety. 

Thanks

Paul

lintrollerderby

Hi Paul,

I'm not sure how quick the turnaround time is on those tests. You could always call and see if they have the results back from the bloodwork. If they rule it as gynecomastia related to the amitriptyline, you would probably feel better pushing them to explain why there is a firm lump as well. Hopefully, the blood work will yield some answers.

Given the fact that there are prior testicular issues, I would ask them to explore the possibility that there is a connection.  Yes, I was referring to testicular cancer; however, diseases (not cancer) of the liver, thyroid, adrenal glands, and kidneys can cause gynecomastia. I will say that hormone disruption and imbalance is a frequent cause of breast problems in women and men, so I'm hoping that the results of your hormone levels will give them a real clue. 

As always, keep going until you feel satisfied. It's your health.

Shepster43

hi lintrollerderby

Thanks for replying. 

Yes i think i will ring them next week and see if the homone blood tests are in. I was told i would get a letter with all the results but unsure how long that would take to get to me. 

Do you think im being harsh on the docs? Do you think they are possibly right about the diagnosis? i mean they are professionals and know infinately more about breast cancer than me. I just worry that they just dismissed me more due to my age and gender as the odds are so slim (statistics show 11 male breast cancers in 2010 in my age group of 2.3 million guys in the uk, meaning when i convert to the number of guys in my age group in my hometown its like 1 case in 20 years they will see at that hospital). Surely they will have checked behind the nipple as well as the other lump as thats where the breast ducts are so maybe theyre correct and the lump and breast enlargement is benign and like you say possibly being caused by something else. 

The bone pain is a little worrying and seems to be in worrying places.

Due to lump being small If im laid down i can hardly feel it even when i press on it as it falls into the small gap behind the nipple in my chest. it also almost feels like it is part of the areola and nipple as when i grab them its part of them. I just hope during the breast exam the specialist didnt think it was just nipple.

Is an ultrasound a reliable diagnosis tool on its own? 

Thanks to your advice ive started looking at other causes gynecomastia and quite a few people report amitriptyline as causing this.

I will certainly be asking more questions when i next see my gp. 

Thanks

Paul

Bren-2007

Paul ... Wow!  You got some great information from LintRollerDerby.  I'm really glad to see you got another response.  I really didn't have much advice to offer, just best wishes for you.

hugs,

Bren

Shepster43

hi bren

Yes superb advice and very concise and well written. this is why forums like this are amazing and essential. I would have never have thought of all those avenues to consider. 

Paul

Bren-2007

Hi Paul,

Thought I would check to see if you had received any news re your blood work.  Surely your doctor should have the results by now.

Hope all  is well with you,

Bren

Shepster43

hi bren

No results yet. I saw to my gp last friday regarding tapering off my amitripyline and starting on a new anxiety drug with less side effects. During my visit i asked him about my blood test results and he hasnt received anything and neither have i. I am going to ring the hospital and find out whats happening. My gp hasnt even received any written notification about my breast ultrasound results. I also mentioned to the gp that if the hospital is stating gynecomastia then i want to know whats causing it. He said he wants to see the ultrasound results and homone blood tests and then we'll take it from there. 

My knees and left hip have been really aching this past week. I also seem to have 30 second episodes of pain every few hours in each. Naproxen seems to be working but im a little worried whats causing the pain in so many areas at once.

Paul

lintrollerderby

Hi Paul and Bren,

I'm sorry I've missed your posts; it didn't show up in my notifications for some reason and I just happened to see this thread in the Active list.

I'm sorry that you haven't yet received any results and I think you should definitely call and see what's going on with your bloodwork and ultrasound. Ultrasound is a good tool, but it won't give a very definitive answer. It's better at discerning whether the lump is solid or fluid filled. I can certainly understand your worry about things even if they are unlikely. I think you'd be better pushing the docs for your results because your anxiety is not likely to improve until you know what you're dealing with. As for your earlier question: I don't think you're being harsh on your doctors. I think you have every right to know what's going on with your body. I'm sorry to hear that you're still having pain. Definitely mention that when you call. 

Sorry again that I didn't reply. I'll try re-adding the thread to my favorites and hope it will notify me like it's supposed to when there's a reply in this thread.

Best of luck!

Shepster43

hi

I finally got through to the breast clinic about my blood test. It turns out it was sent to the wrong doctor with the same initials. Aparently my testosterone and SHBG are out. The secretary didnt say which way, high or low. She actually used the term "deranged" for my results which is a strange way to say it. She says i will probably be sent to a different specialist. What does this mean? Should i still be worried about BC or should i now add prostate, testicular and adrenal cancer to the list too. 

Its been a rough few weeks pain wise. My left hip is definitely worse and i cannot sleep on that side anymore. My back and knees still hurt and ive also developed pains in my right hand (thumb) and also my jaw has started hurting near the joint and clicks when i eat. I seem to be falling apart pretty quickly, surely all this is too quick for anything metastatic with all these in a matter of a month. I have to admit im really worried about these bone pains, it cant be blamed  on anxiety like all my other ailments and there are just so many bones involved now. 

Thanks

Paul

Shepster43

just to keep everyone informed ive managed to finally get a 2nd appointment at the breast clinic. The nhs is free in the uk but its really hard to get a 2nd opinion on things. What the first doc says goes and god forbid questioning it. When i say nhs is free i mean after they have bled me dry with taxes to pay for it. Rant over. After bugging my gp many times that it felt like it had changed shape he finally made me an appointment. The lump feels rounder than before. I am going to ask for manogram too this time. Theres plenty of man boob to get between the plates. 

The pain in my lower back and left hip has got worse, its now a constant  ache 24/7 but he still wont send me for a scan yet even though paracetemol, ibuprofen and naproxen havent done a thing to ease it. Its strange because it doesnt hurt more with movement or how i lay, sit or stand.  He says i have quite low vitamin d levels so has put me on these tablets for a month or two to see if the pain is caused by this. Then he says he'll send me for a scan if they dont do anything. 

The testosterone level thing seems to have been a red herring. My gp says its only moderately low and cant see it being the problem.  Was hoping it was, better than a bc reason. 

Thanks

Paul