Fibro anxiety

Gigi27

I am 27 and I have a breast lump diagnosed fibroid I found myself 15 months ago. a few weeks ago it began causing me anxiety. I have pain that goes up into my armpit Which comes and goes Thats been very noticeable for the past few months on the side with the lump I even stopped laying on that side because it causes pain. There is also a change in skin color and an area that seems to indent on side of breast near armpit this has been new and persistent for the past month that I've noticed. My general surgeon say it's nothing without an exam I just move my sports bra to expose the area slightly. i know this is something that's changed and I wish I knew why. I also notice difference between the appearance of my nipple and a prominent vein near lump. There are also 2 red marks that look like stretch marks only longer thicker and darker that sit directly over the lump that seem to have become longer. I've had multiple doctors dismiss my concerns without an exam. I had a biopsy 9 months ago that showed areas of giant and white blood cells no neoplasm and an intredepartmental consult was needed and was told to return for a u/s 3 months after where I told the radiologist of nipple changes but was told it was nothing. I had an u/s 2 weeks ago which showed the mass may have shrunk to 2.5x2.3x1.4 from 3x1.7x2 (was breastfeedingI was very happy to hear this but still I feel unsure because of the persistent pain and changes in one breast I am told I could not remove or rebiopsy the lump and I am having trouble being referred for another opinion.

MsTori

Hi, read your post. I was diagnosed in 1993 with fibrocytic breast disease. I never gave it much concern or thought as my breasts have always been rather dense and cystic. my advice would be to continue to fight and find a good OBGYN, that will take the time with you to do a proper and thorough exam. There is also another test, besides mammograms and u,trad lungs that can be done. But insurance will not cover it. It's called thermography. You can google that and learn all about it. A friend of mine was diagnosed via this test. And it's becoming more prominent as of late, to check for breast cancer amongst other things.

But, a good word of advice....you know your body best, and when you know or suspect that something is not right, fight to get answers as hard as you can. Even if it means researching doctors and or via word of mouth by others for a good referral. Take control of your body, and don't let doctors or surgeons give you the rub off. It may mean that you will have to see several doctors to find the right one, but a very good OBGYN that works with women's from the neck down is a good place to start. And check into thermography.

Best

MsTori

MelissaDallas

Actually, thermography is contraindicated by the FDA for use for breast cancer screening/diagnosis. It is ineffective.

Gigi27

thank you so much for the thoughtful and sincere advice MsTori I will continue to seek more answers to my concerns. I was surprised to find I do not have the option to remove the mass after all the changes and I'm just not ok with leaving it. Lately I notice my nipple folds down lol hard to describe not all the time but it's new and has nvr happened on other side. I was sick w HG (hyperemisis) while pregnant last year I was hospitalized every month and needed zofran/cytalopram/gravol cycled every 8 hours and was still terribly sick. I wish the lump wouldn't have appeared, I was 6 months pregnant and sick then I was terrified when I found the lump. For 15 months my fears have only lessened never disappeared and at times when there is pain or changes the fear is strong and I know I can't ignore these changes

Gigi27

correction not cytalopram it was Pantoprazole or something

Cowgirl13

here's some info on thermography

I wanted info on thermography about 4 years ago so I asked Beesie.

Here are her comments to me

"I did a bit of reading up on thermography a couple of years ago when there was discussion on the board about how it's supposedly better than mammos at detecting BC, and safer too. The info that I found at the time somewhat contradicted that - it said that thermography, although around for a long time, is unproven as a breast cancer screening tool. I just dug around to see if there is anything new, and what I'm finding seems to suggest that not much has changed. All the "official" sources do not recommend thermography alone (although some are quite positive on thermography) - if thermography is recommended, it's suggested that it be used together with mammos. Here are a few links to some of what I've found:"

FDA Safety Communication: Breast Cancer Screening - Thermography is Not an Alternative to Mammography

Breast Cancer Thermography - Good, Bad or In-between?

A Comparative Review of Thermography as a Breast Screening Technique