Please help me!

snowlady
snowlady Member Posts: 8
edited June 2014 in Young With Breast Cancer

I am completely lost and horrified!  8 months ago I found a lump, my doctor told me it was probably nothing and to check it once a month.  I have since moved to Colorado and went to a clinic to have it checked.  I was told I needed to have it checked into right away. I had an ultrasound and a surgical consult through the Komen Grant, because I have no insurance.  The doctor I saw barely spoke English, told me it was probably nothing but if I wanted to be sure I had to have it removed.  He said I couldn't have a biopsy because there is no liquid.  He then left the room while I sat there and cried and didn't know what to do.  A month later, I found another lump, right above the first one.  I was kind of scared before, now I'm terrified!  I am 26 with a family history of breast cancer, I have no insurance, I am a full time student so I live off my student loans(very frugally).  I can't find a doctor to see me.  I refuse to go back to the same one.  What am I supposed to do?

Comments

  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited March 2011

    Hugs!
    I hope everything turns out ok for you, but the only way to know is to have a biopsy. Will that be paid for through the Komen Grant? I apologize, as I know little about resources for this sort of thing. I am sure that someone will come along soon with some advice. I know the American Cancer society has resources on their website... check that out.

    Remember - 80% of abnormalities will turn out to be benign, so you have a good chance of yours turning out to be something like a fibroadenoma.

     Good luck to you, I hope you are able to find some help!

  • JanetinVirginia
    JanetinVirginia Member Posts: 1,516
    edited March 2011

    Just get on the phone and start calling & explain your situation- try American Cancer Society, get back in touch with Komen. Do you have health services at your college/university?  If you are anywhere near a NCI center, contact their breast cancer program.  Most have programs for high risk young women and they have resources who can help with the finances (like a breast navigator).  Here is a link to centers to find one.

    http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/map-cancer-centers.html

  • Beeb75
    Beeb75 Member Posts: 325
    edited March 2011

    Definitely keep pursuing this and get it biopsied. Not sure why your doc said it couldn't be biopsied. If it wasn't fluid-filled on ultrasound, it's true that it can't be aspirated like a cyst (with fluid taken out by a needle) but it can definitely be biopsied -- probably a core-needle biopsy would be best. Is there a different doctor you could see at the clinic you went to? Otherwise, I agree with Janet to try calling organizations like the ones she mentioned. You might also try calling this organization which can point you to low-cost or free health care in your area.

    http://covertheuninsured.org/content/resources-uninsured

    It most likely is nothing but normal lumpiness, BUT, it's so important to know for sure. If it is cancer -- you want to find out ASAP and get it taken care of.

    Best of luck! 

  • shiramg
    shiramg Member Posts: 186
    edited March 2011

    i'm sorry to scare you, but i am 26 and was told via my ultrasound it was probably nothing but still got a biopsy, and it was cancer.  private message me - i have family in CO who had breast cancer, i will get her to help you out.

  • snowlady
    snowlady Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2011

    Thank you all so much!

    To answer/respond to your questions, the Komen grant won't pay for a second opinion for another two months.  There's only one other doctor in the area that works with Komen grant, they are booked until June.  The American Cancer Society won't help me bacause I am not between 40 and 65 years old.  JanetinVirginia, the website takes me to the research center at UCD.  I spoke with them last week, they will not do diagnostic care for self pay patients.  Beeb75, the website you gave me took me to a insurance application through the state, I filled that out, hopefully will hear something soon!  Shiramg, that it why I am so worried.  The same thing happened to my Aunt.  They told her it was nothing for almost a year and she had cancer in both breasts. BTW, I love your video! and you are so brave for sharing your story, I am following your blog now!

    Thanks again ladies...will keep you updated.

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