Seeking advice..

cdc1682

A little about me first- I'm 37 years old and have three kids. My youngest is 14 and that's important because after having her, I received the Mirena IUD and haven't been to the doctor (PCP or Gyno) since. My periods stopped and I haven't had any issues. Until now, 14 years later.

I am overweight and at the beginning of the year did Keto. I lost about 30 lbs in 2.5 months and started having a light cycle. Very light. Mid-month for 3-4 days I'll notice a slight pink/brown color discharge. I read that fat loss causes an increase of estrogen which can cause issues with cycles.

In April, I felt a lump in my right breast. No pain, but a smooth, round/oval, firm lump, about the size of a ping pong ball that seemingly appeared overnight. I think it's moveable, but I have large breast so it may be healthy tissue moving.. I'm not sure but it feels it like it moves about an inch or two in several directions. I attributed it to the keto/estrogen changes and stopped the diet, hoping it would go away on its own.

Fast forward to current day, the lump is still there. Some days it feels larger than others, but I don't know if it's just my mind playing tricks on me. I'm still having the pinkish discharge 3-4 days out of month regularly and recently noticed that my nipple (which has always been pretty flat) feels "squishy" and my breast seems to be retaining fluid. For instance if I press a finger into the breast tissue then release, I can still feel the indentation where my figertip was. My other breast (without a lump) also does this, but not to the extent that the affected breast does. Don't know if this is related to the lump or not. Could also be sodium intake as I know I do not eat correctly. I just don't know. The only information I can find says swelling occurs with IBC, and I don't think that's what I'm dealing with, bc there is no discoloration and no rash or odd marks, no pain.

The lump still feels smooth, still seems to move, and is still firm. Breast shape has changed a little bit, but no changes in the appearance of my skin. If you press hard on the lump, it feels like there may be smaller smooth cysts or blisters surrounding the hard knot. I can't find any information on what that may be.

I've googled myself to insanity and pretty much convinced myself I have breast cancer. I fully intend to get this checked out, however I'm trying to wait until the first of the year due to insurance changes. I'm a single mom and the only source of income for my three children and financially, the new insurance plan that takes over on Jan 1 will cover much more of the expenses.

My question is this (and I realize noone can answer this definitively without imaging and testing) but does the new fluid retention mean that the issue is progressing and needs to be handled now? Ultimately I know money isn't the most important thing, but I also live pretty much paycheck to paycheck so any expense is a major burden and with my current plan, I'll be paying completely out of pocket due to high deductibles.

Other than the lump, I have no other symptoms and actually feel pretty good.

Thanks. I apologize for the long post. Any information or advice is very much appreciated.

Moderators

cdc1682, Sorry you are here and worried about those changes in your breast, but wanted to say welcome!

First of all, please keep in mind that most breast changes are not related to cancer, so we would recommend that you stay away from internet searches, sometimes it's really scary! We are sure other community members will chime in soon with their thoughts and advice, but our general advice whenever someone has a change like this is that you see your primary care doctor or your gynecologist as a first step. Also, reach out to the Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-CANCER) or American Cancer Service (ACS) for tips on low or no cost diagnostic mammograms. You may also want to call your local hospital to see about options. Planned parenthood is also an option - try giving them a call and see if they can manage a pap smear and perhaps a different contraception. The Mirena is meant only up to 5 years.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing, and we hope you can get it looked at!

The Mods

MamaAvery

If your Mirena is still in 14 years later, it could be failing since they’re not typically meant for that long of a time period and that could explain the bleeding.

I would call a gyno and set up an appointment for the first of the year. They could be booked out past that if they’re anything like my office. The few weeks shouldn’t be a huge impact on any diagnosis.

MinusTwo

I agree with MamaAvery and the Mods. The first thing you need to do is get a GYN appointment. Maybe January 2nd if you can get in, but likely it will be the end of the month before they have a slot. You didn't add your city to your name, but the references from the Mods are great. But really - a GYN appointment right away and first. That doc will be able to tell you more about your breast issues also.

cdc1682

Thanks everyone. I will definitely schedule an appointment with the GYN doctor and have the old Mirena removed as soon as my insurance changes over. The only reason I mentioned that was that I think the lump maybe related.. like maybe my hormones are all over the place?! It's odd that all these changes happened at once. Do cancer tumors typically pop up that size literally overnight? My breasts are not dense. It's just so strange. I feel like a cyst would hurt and this just doesn't. Then the fluid build up has me almost more concerned than the lump does at this point. What does that mean?! No lumps in my armpit or collar bone area. Ugh- it's just scary not knowing what is going on.

My mother had breast cancer (diagnosed at 60 years old- Triple negative, caught early, no lymph involvement and doing well 6 years after mastectomy and precautionary chemo.) We were told that her cancer wasn't genetic so hopefully that's not the case but I think that's why I'm so worried about it.

I guess I'll schedule appointments for the beginning of the year and pray the swelling isn't a sign of anything getting worse. I started watching my caffeine and sodium intake today to see if that makes a difference.

Getting older just stinks. Thanks again.

Beaverntx

Totally agree with the comments above. Step one is to make a GYN appointment. As a new patient, the first available appointment may well be after the first of the year, if not you can request one in January as this is most likely not an emergency. Second step is to avoid dr.google. Much like the person who represents himself in court is considered to have a fool for a lawyer, using dr. Google to diagnose one's self is likely to lead to a wrong diagnosis-- remember medical students tend to have symptoms of almost every disease they study, without having any of the diseases, of course.

Hang in there and try to have a good holiday. Please do keep us updated.