I need some advice

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LfromCan
LfromCan Member Posts: 19
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Hi there Canadian sisters. I have a few questions I need some help with. I live in Guelph, Ontario and I am 38 years old. I have a painless lump in my left breast: outer upper quadrant. I had an U/S on it 4 yrs ago and again a year later. Back in may 2012, i had my gyno check it again because it has changed. I had a 3rd child 20 months ago, so I figured that might be cause of change. All I know from May U/S is no sign of irregularities. The gyno sent me back for a mammo. I did not hear back, so I left things alone. End of Aug. i noticed a painless lump in my left armpit. I also feel as though my left breast seems bigger than it used to be, but wonder if I imagining this. I went to family doc. He thinks lump in breast is likely a fibradenoma. He saw all of my imaging results. He referred me to a breast surgeon and sent me for a spot compression for Sept 17. The spot compression was clearly stated on my requisition form. I went to imaging centre. Tech did U/S not a spot compression. I said the lump in breast must be a cyst then. She said my prior imaging does not show a cyst. She only imaged breast lump. She would not look at lump in my armpit. All of results were to be sent to breast doctor. I have not heard from breast doc at all. I called breast doc in late october to find out what was going on. Receptionist said he wasn't worried and would call over next 3 months to set up appointment. I still haven't heard from him. The lump in armpit is still there. I figured if an infection it would go away in time. It hasn't. Both lumps do not hurt. I had mastitis after 2 nd child when I tried to nurse. I engorged and had the massive golfball type lumps in armpits at same time. I had a bb pellet type lump in armpit years ago when i reacted to deodorant. This lump in armpit is nothing like any of that. It feels thick. I researched fibrodenoma lumps and because Im over 35 the usual course of action is examination, imaging and FNA or excise of lump. Why havent the docs done at least an FNA? I know in Canada we are triaged through our care. Since Im not presenting with any problems that warrant further investigation, Im stuck. I know docs have to watch costs by moving people through the system when they can justify it only. When i went to see family doc in sept. the lump in armpit had only been apparent for 2 weeks, so I think I was given the brush off because he thought more likely an infection that would clear than an actual indication of a possible serious problem. I see my gyno on nov. 19. The lump in my breast has never been explained to me. Lump in armpit seems a little bit bigger than when I found it almost 3 months ago. In passing, by imaging techs, I've been told I have very dense breast, likely age related, is my guess. How do I convince my gyno to take me seriously and have these issues addressed? I know 80 to 90% of lumps turn out to be benign, and my age also makes BC very unlikely; however, I need answers to my questions and certainty everything is fine. If my gyno refers me, he will likely be referring me to the same breast doc. I still haven't heard from. What can I do to get the system to help me?

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  • rozem
    rozem Member Posts: 1,375
    edited November 2012

    hi there

    please do not let anyone tell you because of your age that BC is unlikely, yes statistically it is much more likely as you get older but just a quick search on these boards will tell you PLENTY of women under 40 get BC.  Are most lumps benign? yes, however no medical professional can tell simply by "feeling" it.  Dense breasts are very difficult to image and mammos and ultrasounds dont work as well on us (i had very dense breasts aswell)  the fact that you are presenting with a lump and are concerned about it is the ONLY reason you need to push to get testing done

    I would INSIST from your primary care doctor and/or your gyn to refer you to a different breast surgeon, preferably at a center that specializes in breast cancer. NOt because you may have BC but because you will get the proper imaging/tests done on your lumps.  If you have very dense breasts MRI's are the best imaging for you.  At this point you should insist on a ultrasound and an MRI.  This will tell them if the lump is suspicious for malignancy and if it is then they will perform a core biopsy.  And yes, if it is a fibroadenoma they should do an FNA ( i had one years ago) to rule out malignancy aswell.  Sometimes they will recommend removal even if it is a fibroadenoma.  You cannot be denied proper treatment and testing.  I live in Toronto and I know Sunnybrooke has an excellent rapid diagnostic center where they will send you for imaging, and if you do have a biopsy you will know the results in 2-4 days.  If you are willing to travel it may be a good option for you.  I am not familiar with breast clinics in Guelph

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  • Luah
    Luah Member Posts: 1,541
    edited November 2012

    I second what rozem said. The odds are certainly in your favour, but I have come across several young women in my BC journey who were told they were "too young," or they just had babies and were told it was a nursing issue etc. It certainly may be, and often is, something very benign - but you deserve to have other more serious conditions (i.e. BC) ruled out. Insist on an U/S and breast MRI. You are right to ask questions and advocate for yourself. 

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  • LizSei
    LizSei Member Posts: 15
    edited November 2012

    And another vote for more action out of all your doctors (GP, Gyn, Breast Surgeon) or a new breast surgeon.  Princess Margaret also has a rapid diagnostic centre ..... let us know what happens.

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  • LfromCan
    LfromCan Member Posts: 19
    edited November 2012

    Thank you for all of your great advice and support. I'm tapped out on worrying. Life is too busy at the moment to waste my energy in that way, but I would like piece of mind, so I don't end up with any regrets later. I will definitely advocate for help from the system and suggest Sunnybrooke and Princess Margaret as options. I will keep everyone posted about what happens.

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  • LfromCan
    LfromCan Member Posts: 19
    edited November 2012

    I went to see my obgyn today for a pap test and to deal with these breast issues. I read my reports from back in May. Negative U/S and negative Mammo for lump. Nothing is showing up. The doc. checked lump again in breast and agrees he can certainly feel it. He checked lump in my underarm and thinks it is musle tissue. Im so confused. He is setting me up with a surgeon. This is good and overall, I feel a lot better about everything. Thank you everyone for your support.

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  • Rdrunner
    Rdrunner Member Posts: 309
    edited November 2012

     I would insist on getting an mri. Some BC can fool mammo and US especially in younger women. Lobular which is the type I have gets missed on mammo and ultra often.  It most likely is nothing but I would have it checked out.

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