High Risk and with Fibroadenoma at 22

kbeyer30 · November 2011

I've always been somewhat concerned BC since my paternal grandma was diagnosed at the age of 46. She battled it twice and is still living a healthy life. When my mom was diagnosed 2 years ago, we knew that both my sister and I had a real cause for concern. Now that she's gone (passed away 5 months ago), I'm more worried than ever.

While my mom was still fighting, I found a lump in my own breast but didn't have time right then to worry about myself. After she passed away however, I knew I couldn't ignore it anymore particularly with my family history. Just a few weeks ago, I had the doctor check it out. I got an ultrasound and then a biopsy which showed that it is a fibroadenoma (non-cancerous tumor). I wasn't surprised at the results... based on my research, it was exactly what I expected but I am still worried...

My mom was the picture of health and had no previous family history. Now that she's gone and BC is on both sides of the family, I'm scared. I feel like a ticking time bomb... just waiting for a lump that I'm not so lucky with. I'm doing everything I can to be proactive but am not sure that it'll be enough. All I know is I don't want to go through what my mom go through... and I surely don't want my kids to have to live with what I'm going through now

I scheduled my sister and I a "risk evaluation" at a local breast care clinic but am not sure of what it even involves. What questions should I ask? Does my fibroadenoma make me even more at risk?

I hope to find some women who have had a similar experience or can relate in some way. Any advice you can offer?

BritValarie · November 2011

Hi kbeyer30,

I'm sorry no one has answered your post. But, I've been where you are! My maternal grandmother died of breast cancer at 47. My mother died of BC when she was 38.

I have had several issues/biopsies/surgeries and now have LCIS - Lobular Carcinoma In Situ, Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia and Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia. All three are considered pre-cancerous or pre-cursors to breast cancer. So, because of my family history and my issues I am scheduled for a propholactic double mastectomy on December 7th. I am 49.

Hopefully, at the breast care clinic they will advise you to get genetic testing. I am assuming you are much younger than me If so, ask about getting annual MRI's and of course, mammograms.

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother!

Take care,

Valarie

Blessings2011 · November 2011

Hi, kbeyer30 - I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I know this must be a very emotional time for you.

I had a benign fibroadenoma removed from my right breast when I was 18 years old. I was pretty ignorant of breast cancer in those days, and I figured it wasn't hurting, so why do anything? When I got to college, the campus doc immediately sent me to a surgeon, who removed a golf-ball sized tumor. Regular mammograms after that showed nothing.

Now it's 43 years later, and I have been diagnosed with DCIS and IDC (a combination of non-invasive cancer and invasive cancer) in my left breast. It is very slow growing and was caught very early. It was not related in any way to my fibroadenoma.

Having a "risk evaluation" sounds like a smart thing to do, if only to put your mind at ease. There are amazing diagnostic tests and treatments these days. Make a list of the questions you do have, and if you forget any, I'm sure you can call them back later.

Best of luck to you and your sister...

Lyssa5778 · November 2011

Hi there

I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. My own mother passed away in 1997 when I was 19. My mother was the 3rd generation on that side to develop BC. I am 33 and underwent a high risk evaluation almost 3 years ago.

Definitely get it done! I underwent genetic testing (thankfully negative) and learned that there are so many factors involved that can or cannot involve your genes. It is important to know your risk (I am at a 35% lifetime) so you can better take care of yourself. It sounds like you are doing all the right things. I will warn you though, because you are young you may encounter a lot of "false positives" when you undergo mammograms, MRI's, etc. Like you, I do not want to go through what my mom went through, and I also don't want my daughter to have to go through what I am going through now. Since I got my first mammogram my life has been a whirlwind of mammo's, U/S's, MRI's, biopsies and worry. But, the positive thing is everything so far has been benign. And now that we have a pretty good idea of what my "normal" is, my testing has become much less invasive and less stressful.

I found a lump this past September, and like you, turns out it was Fibroadenoma. I am seeing my breast surgeon on Monday for my yearly exam and mammo and am going to ask him to remove it as it is close to my ribs and gets stuck inbetween them when I dance or teach my Zumba classes.

Sorry for the rambling, guess I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone, I understand your situation and wish you the best.

When you go for your genetic testing, the more detail you have about your family the better. I brought my dad with me as I was younger when my mom was diagnosed and it was so long ago. Plus he had better information regarding my aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother's diagnosises. Whoever you can bring with you for support and/or help with information would be helpful. I find it is always helpful to have either my husband, my dad or a friend with me at most of my appointments to help ease my anxiety and also help me retain information. I also find it helpful to request copies of all testing that I have undergone as well as the pathology reports. Also, given your age you may run into some Dr.'s who will still send you away until you are 40, regardless of your family history. Keep going, find someone who will see you and take you seriously.

Best of luck to you, both you and your sister will be in my thoughts.

Please let me know if I can help you with anything else

-Melissa

ellieg · November 2011

Hi, I'm very sorry to hear about your mum. I would just like to mention that in my case, my first breast cancer was diagnosed as a fibroadenoma (by mammogram, ultrasound and fine needle aspiration) and the surgeons advised me to keep it under observation. After having the lump for 2 years, it was removed at my request because I felt uneasy about it. The surgeon said its a good job that I'm stubborn as the lump unfortunately was cancer. My second cancer in the opposite side, a year later, was diagnosed with the same methods, as a fibrolipoma. This one turned out to be more nasty. I've almost finished my chemo and will be on Herceptin for the next year. I had lumpectomies but I'll be having double mx soon as I feel it will ease my mind a little and hopefully avoid any further new cancers.

I have a few relatives who've had breast cancer and I'm going for genetic testing next week, as I have a daughter and we would rather know if there is an increased risk in the family.

In a nutshell, my personal opinion is that the best place for a lump, even if the tests show benign, is in the pathology lab, to be sure. I was unlucky to have two sneaky cancers but I've heard similar stories from other people. I think genetic testing is very wise and also, people should go with their gut instinct for peace of mind. I hope you find reassurance and get your test. I think you are sensible and I wish you well. Best wishes xx

LISAMG · November 2011

kbeyer, I am sorry for your losses and yes, u have every reason to be concerned for yourself and for your sister, especially given your significant family history. My best advise is to seek genetic counseling to determine if genetic testing is warranted. You could potentially have a BRCA mutation originating from both sides of your family. Anyone else on your Mom's side of the family with BC or OVCA?

Take a look at www.bebrightpink.org an organization devoted specifically for young women at risk for an invaluable resource. Best wishes.

High Risk and with Fibroadenoma at 22

Comments

Categories