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sinashope
sinashope Member Posts: 9
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

Hi,

I am in need of some advice.

About 2 months ago I woke up with pain in my right breast.  I felt around and found a couple of lumps and I had a green discharge from my nipple upon squeezing it.  I went to the health dept. and they ordered a mammo and ultrasound.  It showed I had swollen lymph nodes in my breast.

They told me to see my regular dr. about the discharge.

I went to my doc and she did a smear, put me on antibiotics, and referred me to a surgeon.

I saw him and he was awful. Did the quickest exam I've ever had. He told me to come back in a month.

I went back this past Thursday and he was a little better but nothing has changed. He said to come back in four months with an ultrasound right before.

The only symptoms I have are swollen lymph nodes in breast and underarm.  I get this deep aching in these areas from time to time.  My breast is noticeably bigger than the left. I also have nipple discharge however, smear came back normal.

My question is this: Is it o.k. to wait 4 months or should I get a second opinion?  Has anyone had cancer that started out with swollen lymph nodes?  If I am worrying for nothing, please tell me so I can wait patiently.  Or if you think a second opinion would be wise.

I forgot to mention: I am 40 and I have been on HRT for 9 years.

I appreciate any help you might give to me.

Thank you

Sina

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Comments

  • erika-canada
    erika-canada Member Posts: 142
    edited September 2009

    Hi:

    As you well know, IBC is an extremely aggressive cancer (worst of all other BCs')

    Please, get another opinion A.S.A.P. Yes, 4 months is definitely too long to wait. Wish I would have done things different and been more persistent.

    Wishing you good results and please keep us informed.

    Erika

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  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited September 2009

    Sina:

    I agree with Erika please get a second opinion A.S.A.P.

    Hugs

    Laura

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited September 2009

    Sina ~ What kind of surgeon did you see -- a general surgeon (who does everything from gall bladders to melanomas), or a breast surgeon/specialist at a full-fledged breast center?  IBC is frequently missed by even very experienced doctors until the symtoms are so glaring they can't be ignored.  So, on the small chance that that is what you are dealing with -- and, of course, I pray it's not -- you need to be evaluated by an experienced, dedicated breast surgeon who will do all of the necessary tests.

    Also, the fact you have been on HRT for 9 years is a bit of a red flag to me -- not necessarily for IBC, but for bc in general.  There are many women on this website who had extremely healthy lifestyles (me included), except for the HRT, so I can't help but feel it adds to your potential risk.

    Definitely follow up now until you get a definitive answer with which you can rest easier ~  Deanna

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  • sinashope
    sinashope Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2009

    hi,

    He is a general surgeon.  I have no insurance and I am on the breast cancer care program. It is a program for free mammo's and other screenings for the uninsured. I do not have cancer. They referred me to him too.  There is a cancer center by me one with a doc that is a breast specialist and oncologist.  I used to work with him at a hospital in surgery.  (I was a surgical technologist.)  He is a great doc.  I just don't have the money to go see him.  I also feel that maybe I am worrying for nothing and I can't afford to pay for care that I possibly don't need.  I can probably afford the initial visit but, if he orders any tests, well...

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited September 2009

    sinashope ~ I understand your financial concerns, but there are many programs out there for the uninsured and underinsured.  This is not the kind of thing that you wait on, hoping that it turns out to be nothing.  You are better off having a consultation with the breast surgeon you know, and at least following through on whatever tests (maybe a punch test) he deems necessary.  You can worry about paying the bill later. Also many medical providers discount for patients who do not have insurance, so that you end up paying no more than you would if you had insurance and a 30% co-pay.  For example, a $5,000 bill becomes $1,500 when you don't have insurance.  I know because someone in my family is going through this with another health concern, and we've been shocked at this very common practice.

    Here is a list of resources put together by another member here:

    http://bb67.wikispaces.com/

    Perhaps there's a program or organization on it that could help fill in the gaps so that your symptoms can be properly evaulated.  The peace of mind would be well worth it.   Deanna 

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  • j414
    j414 Member Posts: 321
    edited September 2009

    dlb823 - that's a great list, thank you for posting. And I agree, you need to get a second opinion ASAP. Swollen lymph nodes are a huge red flag b/c lymph nodes swell when a problem such as an infection, injury or tumor develops in or near the lymph node. HRT has also been linked to breast cancer.

    (1) Please go through the resourses on the list and determine if you can use any of them.

    (2)  Call all of the hospitals in your area and see if they have services in place for people without insurance. I went to one of the top hospitals in Manhattan, all of my doctors were out of my insurance network (so I paid up front and my insurance fully reimbursed me) and I was sitting with women (when I was going through radiation) who did not have insurance, but they were being treated by my very expensive doctors through a pro bono program administered by the hospital.   

    (2) worse case scenario, GO BACK TO THE SURGEON and INSIST on a biopsy and if he hesitates then go for the tests somewhere else and worry about paying for them later. And if it is "something" - then find the best medical malpractice lawyer in your city.

     Best,

    J

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  • sinashope
    sinashope Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2009

    I thank all of you for your help!  I believe I will try and make an appt. in the morning.  I'm nervous.  I hope I'm not overreacting.  But, maybe I'll get some answers so I can have some peace about it.

    Thanks again and I will keep you all posted if that's alright.

    Sina

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  • idaho
    idaho Member Posts: 1,187
    edited September 2009

    Please get a biopsy done on the lymph nodes as soon as possible!     Tami

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  • sinashope
    sinashope Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2009

    For those of you who want to know, I have an appt. for a second opinion with a gyn/oncologist for Sept. 23rd.  Thanks again for your help in me deciding to go.  May God bless each and everyone of you.

    Sina

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  • j414
    j414 Member Posts: 321
    edited September 2009

    I'm so happy you got the appointment. Good luck and let us know what happens. Best, J.

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  • ibjennifer125
    ibjennifer125 Member Posts: 57
    edited September 2009

    see another Doctor NOW and demand a biopsy .....Do not put this off....you can pay them later. IBC is nothing to play around with. Keep us informed....

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  • sinashope
    sinashope Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2009

    Great News!  I just found out today that the breast cancer program has changed their mind and IS going to pay for my consultation!  Praise God!  I am so thrilled and thankful.  Just wanted to share because God is Good!

    Just a few more days and I go.

    Sina

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  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited September 2009

    Sina:

    This is great news good luck with your consult.

    Hugs

    Laura

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  • sinashope
    sinashope Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2009

    Hi all,

    Today is the day.  I go at 1:15.  I am nervous.  I just want to feel cared for and the Doc to be thorough.  I'll keep you all posted.  Thanks for letting me be a part of you all while I'm waiting for a dx.

    Sina

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  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited September 2009

    Sina:

    Good luck today.

    Hugs

    Laura

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited September 2009

    Sina ~  I know just what you mean about wanting to feel cared for and for the doc to be thorough.  That's what we all want, and you deserve nothing less.  Here's hoping the app't. will be just that.  Be sure to have a written list of questions, so that you don't forget anything.  Good luck, and I'll be thinking of you ~   Deanna

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  • sinashope
    sinashope Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2009

    Hi ev1,

    Well, It was a great visit. Dr. was caring and thorough.  He performed his own ultrasound (the dr. did it himself) wow!  He said everything looked normal.  The lymph nodes look normal.  So, I guess that's it. He said there was nothing to worry about.  I believe him.  Thank you all for your help and I thank you for what a blessing this site has been to me.  God bless all of you.

    Sina

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  • Caseysmom
    Caseysmom Member Posts: 507
    edited September 2009

    Sina:

    Thats great news!

    Hugs

    Laura

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