So worried and it is taking so long

badeb

Hi everybody,

I have been noticing that my left breast is definitely larger than the right. I first noticed last winter when wearing a sports bra. It is much more evident in the sports bra as my breast sort of hangs over the top whereas my left is normal. In addition, I occasionally have sharp sort of shooting pains in that breast that can be so strong as to wake me up. These occasional pains have been going on for a very long time, perhaps 15 or 20 years. Back then I went to a PA for an OB/GYN who thoroughly felt my breast and was able to emit some fluid from the nipple which she said looked normal. I have very dense breasts and my mammos have been okay other than once I needed a follow up ultrasound which seemed okay. I do have occasional itching of the breast. I have no other symptoms of IBC, at least that I've read about. I had an annual mammo about a month ago that said the usual, that I have dense breasts and there was nothing evident but to talk to my doc about the density. Tomorrow I go to my family doc and right now I am so worried about IBC that I'm not functioning too well. Does anybody know of any other reason one breast would be growing larger than the other at age 67? Would so appreciate any response or info.

Kicks

There are MANY possibilities! Only your Dr(s) can rule anything in or out with tests/scans.

Remember that IBC is rare - only between 1% - 5% of all DXd types of BC. It is also aggressive and rapid in presentation - often literally overnight. It was 24 days from when the lymph node enlarged overnight til I started neoadjuvant chemo.

We are each unique and do not react exactly as anyone else does. I was 63 when DXd and now 69.

Moderators

Kicks is correct. Really all sorts of things come into play. Your physician should examine your breasts, and that, along with tests, will help to provide a complete picture of the situation.

badeb

Thank you so much. I know better than to hit the internet but it is a bit worrisome. Especially since I can't find any reason for a woman my age to have one breast "grow". It sounds as if you must be doing quite well, Kicks. I wish you the very best. So kind of you to respond.

Also, thank you to the Moderators. I suppose I am in for a lot of tests. Do you think my family doc can order the tests or will I have to go to a GYN?

Kicks

I am doing GREAT - loving and living every day to the utmost. I am an very active 'outdoor woman' and can 'out-do' many much 'younger in body'.

Your PCP (or Gyn) would probably be the best to start with. They can get you to any others if they are needed. My PC is a fantastic PA and has been my PC for 20 yes. She was immediately on getting me where I needed.