Severe Anxiety

Alingading

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Hi everyone, I'm not quite sure where to start. I'm 38 and am worried sick that I may have breast cancer. I have large implants and have capsular contracture in my left. It has been manageable since I got my implants in 2011. I also have fibrocystic breasts.

In July, I lost a good friend to metastatic breast cancer at 38 years old. I had never really done any breast exams prior to that but have done a great deal of massaging due to the capsular contracture. I decided to do a self exam and was horrified to discover that my left breast has several small lumps in various locations, tons of ropey tissue, and about 3 larger lumps (lower outer quadrant, upper outer quadrant, and upper inner quadrant) that feel like maybe they could be angry lymph nodes, which I know isnt a good sign either. My right breast does not feel as ropey and has only a few of the smaller lumps.

I freaked out and decided to get a baseline mammogram done. It was 3D and came back benign with BI-RADS 2 and a notification that I have extremely dense breast tissue. I was told to follow up with another mammogram when I am 40. This concerns me because they were not able to get my entire breast on either side because of the implants... I could tell by looking at the screen in the room after they were done.

These lumps have become painful and sometimes my armpit hurts... both lumps and armpits are more of an ache than a stabbing feeling. I am unable to stop messing with them and I am basically obsessing. This is all consuming in my life right now. I cant sleep, am not eating well, and am making myself physically sick. I have an appointment on 12/3 to see my primary care doctor. I'm sure she will want to schedule an ultrasound. I feel like I have so many things against me... capsular contracture, fibrocystic breasts, dense breast tissue. My husband is getting annoyed by this... he would never say so but I know that he is. Did anyone experience anything like this only to find out that everything was OK? I know that everyone is different but Googling is stressing me out even more. I just need some feedback (good or bad) from real people with real experiences. Thank you so much.

dtad

Hi there. So sorry you are going through this. Although I don't know much about implants, I do think you should ask for a MRI.Its the best screening tool for dense breasts. Good luck and keep us posted. We are all here for you.

christina0001

Googling is the worst! It's totally reasonable to follow up with your doctor to consider what follow up may be appropriate.

It's easy to say but, try to remember, worrying about tomorrow will only spoil your todays. Take time to take care of yourself and do the things that help you de-stress.

Alingading

I was able to get in to see my OB/GYN last week. She said the the lumps felt like normal lobular breast tissue. But, she could see that I am concerned so I go in on Christmas eve for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. I am really trying not to mess with anything but my armpit still hurts. Can you make your lymph nodes angry by messing with them? If so, how long does that usually last for?

WC3

If you have extremely dense breast tissue, I would see a breast specialist and have more imaging because the mammogram alone is not very telling and the radiologist is more likely to miss things.

Alingading

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WC3, I have a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound scheduled for the 24th. If both of those come back as negative, I can still request an MRI but it will likely not be covered by insurance. So I will need to cross that bridge when I get there. The anxiety, in the meantime, is seriously life altering.

LoriCA

Yes you can make your lymph nodes angry by messing with them. When we were monitoring mine for suspected reoccurence I was warned specifically not to give in to the temptation to keep feeling them for that very reason. It's also important to remember that swollen lymph nodes alone are rarely a sign of breast cancer, they are more likely caused by your body fighting off a bacterial or viral infection like a mild cold or flu (which is why my MO didn't want me jumping to conclusions even though I'm metastatic).

Try to not touch them for a week or so and see if they improve.