Help! 6 PAINFUL fibroadenomas in 2-3 months!

Lacu

24 years old. Toronto, Canada

2-3months ago I had severe pain in my left breast. I did a self exam and found a lump. Went to the hospital and family doctor and specialist and eventually they came to the conclusions that ithe was a fibroadenoma. Since the first lump I now have 5 more. I am in constant pain. I cannot work out, wear a bra, and showering and wearing a seat belt is painful. I can barely make it through a full day at work because the pain is so terrible and exhausting. My family doctor is reluctant to opt for surgery.
I am worried about the rate that these are popping up. Going from no lumps to 6 in 2-3 months seems extreme. I am worried that if it continues at this rate they will be able to preserve very little breast tissue if I have them removed.

Will OHIP cover reconstruction if I am left deformed from removal of the fibroadenomas? Or will I have to pay out of pocket?

These have changed my lifestyle completely. I am extremely depressed and the constant pain is really taking its tole.

Tomorrow I am trying Reiki. My aunt does it. So it's kind of a last resort.

Does anyone have any advice? I cannot live my life like this!!!!

Moderators

Hi Lacu, we're sorry you're having such a rough time... but glad you've found this wonderful community for information and support. Until you get responses here from other members, we wanted to ask you: Have you considered going for a second opinion to discuss your situation? Asking another breast specialist may help you learn more on different treatment approaches, for example. If it helps, here is a link to our main site on Getting a Second Opinion.

Anyway, we hope Reiki works well for you! Please let us know hoe you're doing.

Best wishes,

The Mods

barbe1958

Are they saying fibroadenomas or cysts?

Lacu

they are saying finbroadenomas

barbe1958

Well that's a good thing as they are always benign. Cysts can sometimes hide tiny cancer cells inside. Having the fibroadenomas does not raise your risk at all for future breast cancer but is pretty annoying for sure! I hope you get some relief and soon. Please keep us posted.

Gracejoy

Lacu, have you had the painful side biopsied? This way you can make sure it is benign fibroadenomas or not.

Lacu

thanks Gracejoy. Not yet my GP is reluctant to send me to see a specialist downtown or surgeon to discuss options.

I have a Dr. Appointment next week where I hope to get a referral. I am bringing my mother in law to ensure I get the referral I need.

I was told it is unlikely that it is cancer since it is in both breasts. But I do plan on getting a biopsy.

Thanks for your reply!

Lacu

update: took my MIL to the appointment. And got the referral for a different general surgeon. It was like pulling teeth to get my GP to agree. Not sure why.

Anyways the appointment is next month and I'm going to ask for a biopsy. Has anyone else had issues getting them to agree to a biopsy. And should I have one done on each lump? I'm having trouble even distinguishing 1 lump from another now. I think I have swollen glands in my armpits. 1 lump in each and painful to touch not sure if that means anything.

Also has anyone had them removed? Did they come back. This pain has just taken over my life. I can barely make it through a day at work and can't wear a bra...

BluegrassCinderella

Hi Lacu,

I have a similar situation as yours. I've been dealing with a painful fibroadenoma for about 8 months. It's large, is about an 8 on the pain scale and I can't go without a bra or gravity will take over and that isn't pretty! After much deliberation and getting several opinions I am actually doing a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction in about 6 weeks. This is most definitely the most extreme route to go but my mother was diagnosed and died of breast cancer within a year when she was only 44. I had a hysterectomy 7 years ago due to extreme fibroids and endometriosis that had me bed-ridden and anemic. Perhaps in my mind I've already made peace with losing my reproductive organs and so breasts don't seem like such a huge deal. I am DEFINITELY not advocating this route for you as I don't know your family and personal history but I do want you to know that you are not alone and your options for treatment run the gamut of observation and Aleve all the way to my choice. I hope you can get some relief very soon. We are all here for you!

Lacu

thanks Bluegrasscinderella.

It's good to know I'm not crazy for considering mastectomy at this point. I know there only 6 weeks left for you but I have been wearing sports bras instead of regular and it does lessen the pain without the underwire. Or I wrap them in a tensor bandage.

We're any other treatment options really discussed with you. As i would like to keep my options open. Also, are you nervous about how they will turn out with the reconstruction. I have seen pictures of great reconstructions but the idea still makes me nervous. have you already had them biopsied? I'm becoming slight concerned by my swollen lymph nodes in the armpits.

Any more info about you experience is greatly appreciated!!

Lacu

UPDATE:

Saw my new surgeon today. New ultrasound revealed that the lump has "changed". Larger, but looks different? Who knows what that means.

Biopsy scheduled for next Thursday. Very nervous to be awake for such a procedure.

Any advice and comments are welcome

MTwoman

Lacu, changed means it looks different in some way from the last ultrasound. Without other clarifying or distinguishing words, we have no idea how it has changed. Biopsies (except for excisional) are always performed awake as general anesthesia has higher risks. Either fine needle or core biopsy are routinely done with numbing and no problem. If you don't want to watch it, then just close your eyes and breathe through the procedure. It'll be done before you know it. You can use ice on the sites and take some over the counter pain meds (Tylenol or advil) and be just fine. Good luck!