fixed, hard bb type lump

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Jenn_1
Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I am 51. Numerous past issues with my right breast. Hormonal therapy for 24+ years.

Last mammo 2 yrs ago. Recent self breast exam I found on the lower right side of my right breast an odd thing. Hard, fixed and I compare it to a bb. I felt it yet it goes deeper than wide. No pain. , only if I manipulate it.

My right underarm pit is swollen with bumps in it going into my breast.

Has anyone ever had anything like this? Bb type lump ect.? Please advice me. Thank you...

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  • hightide1
    hightide1 Member Posts: 244
    edited January 2013

    Fiftyone



    Make an appointment tomorrow to see your PCP as soon as possible. Better to get information quickly. The exams/tests performed will either provide you with peace of mind or they will have you on a treatment path where sooner is always better than later.

    Hope all goes well.

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    Thank you for your reply. I will call and make an appt.

    I wanted to as you, have you ever heard or felt the fixed, bb type lump? I cannot find any info on it?

    I will keep you posted. Thank you for your caring.

    25+ yrs on estrogen

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    Hi 51, welcome to the boards, you''ll find lots of support and info out here! I don't want to speculate on your issue, but I've been having a variety breast issues since 2004 and if I found what you are describing, I would be at my breast doctor's office soonest, so don't delay with that appointment. Could just be a harmless compound cyst or fibroid, but you need to know from a physical and psychological standpoint. Breast issues can wreak havoc on  your mind, as you know. Sounds like your right side has been a problem already, so glad you're keeping on top of it!!

    Keep us posted, we're here for you :-)  Sending an understanding hug your way.

    Edited to add link: http://www.worldwidebreastcancer.com/what-does-breast-cancer-feel-like/

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    Called my pcp. No appts prior until 2-2-13. I wonder if the hard, bb type thing will grow by then? Maybe I should let it go. I mean if the Dr. is booked maybe I'm going just fall through the cracks. Estrogen now 25 yrs given by Dr.'s, only family history of brain cancer unless my cousin counts for bc? I could not fight like women here. I'm not strong enough.

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    Take the first appt and just keep an eye in it to see if it changes? You are stronger than you know- we all are!! At least find out what it is- you can make follow up decisions on surgery, treatment, wait and see, or whatever. Also consider insurance issues with care- it might be something simple and easy to take care of now, but gets more complex over time?



    "The devil you know is better than the devil you don't"! I hope that makes sense.



    I am sure someone needs you and wants you around for their life events, right? :-).



    Have I convinced you to go on the 2nd and get on a list in case of earlier cancellations?



    Sending you lots of understanding hugs. I am 47 and think there is much left in front of me so that is how I approach life :-) My bucket list is long, how about yours?



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  • hightide1
    hightide1 Member Posts: 244
    edited January 2013

    Fiftyone

    Do not minimize this. Lets pray it is something benign but if it isn't you want to get attention very soon. Are there partners you could see or maybe get a recommendation from a friend and try a new doc?

    You are capable of more than you think when it comes to dealing with a tough diagnosis.

    I bet most of us don't feel tough. We are just playing the hand we were dealt.

    There was no cancer in my family. We typically die from heart disease.

    Don't want to make you anxious but I was told not to worry...it was very bad advice.

    Be safe. Find someone you can trust. Try calling the offices of breast specialists. They will understand more quickly. Be sure to tell them about the lumps in your armpit.

    Just take it one step at a time. First step is getting answers.

    Big hug. No one expects you to be strong.

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  • hightide1
    hightide1 Member Posts: 244
    edited January 2013

    Carpediem19 is right. Take the first appt. but see if they can be pushed to something sooner. The lump won't go through major growth by then but you do not need the worry while you wait and it gives you time to talk yourself out of the appointment. At some point your alarm bells turn off and it gets easier to dismiss the lump. This is what I did and it is definitely something I regret.

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    At what age did you get your diagnosis? Were you on estrogen replacement therapy? Would you mind sharing your expierences with me?

    Right kidney lost , 1998. Brain surgery 9-11-12 for Trigeminal neuralgia, suffered 13 yrs .Two family members both had rare form of b/c.Mother has end stage copd & alzhiemers.

    I wish I could know what this is while checking it myself. Did any of you just know it was cancer? Thank you...Jenn



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  • weety
    weety Member Posts: 1,163
    edited January 2013

    Does your healthplan provider have a breast clinic?  At mine (Kaiser) I called right in to the breast clinic and they saw me within a few days.  I did not have to see my PCP first.

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    {{{51}}} Hugs

    You've already been through so much. I know the great ladies here will answer all of your questions and we'll all be here for you through this stressful time in your life!!

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    I phoned the Knoxville comprehensive breast center. I was told not to wait on an exam. They will need to call me back with an appt.

    I also called locally where I have had my mammograms, (many) ultrasound,aspirations, and breast m.r.r. The strange thing is I cannot remember the reports?? The tech would not give me any info other than I need it checked and not to wait. My Dr will need to order a diagnostic exam.

    I'm trying. It's Friday afternoon , back at square one.

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited January 2013

    Aint it awful how it seems stuff comes up on Fri PM?  Not surprised that they will not say much on the phone but take the earliest appt you can get.  Now, stay busy till your appt.  Yeah, the screening mamo will tell if any thing found and then the diagnostic one will be with more images

    go take a hike!  Really, stay busy, you have done what you can today

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    Ugh, glad you made a little progress. Don't worry about not remembering the reports -I am military and my records have been lost, including the pathology from breast surgery I had a few years back. My doc always says it would be nice to have but, "it is what it is" right now and that's what we'll treat. Try to relax, eat well, sleep - look at stress as an enemy to your body and just get through the long weekend and back at it Tuesday. Sending you a hug!!

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    I have an appt w/ Knoxville comprehensive breast cntr on Wednesday @ 12:30. First my mammo, then ultrasound, mri and biopsey. The Dr will be involved everyone of the way. Turn around for biopsey results is 24-48 hrs. Everything is done same day.

    I have a question, what is a clarification? Thank you for being here for me. I will keep you posted. The 24th promises to be a very busy day for me. Jenn

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    Calcification. ? Sorry, mis-spelled.

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    Hi again, the Wed appt sounds perfect, that is amazing, truly.

    Here is the best website on calcs I've ever seen! It should answer every question.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/p4793bfde0ed53

    Hope times goes by quickly for you until Wed.  Maybe do some closet/basement/garage cleaning, movie marathons, shopping, whatever helps time pass by for you!!

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  • spiritdeep
    spiritdeep Member Posts: 19
    edited January 2013

    Hi fiftyone, I've felt a bb size lump for at least 6 months now and just recently had my diagnostic mammogram/ultrasound.... waiting to have a core biopsy. The good news is that my bb lump ended up being nothing however the radiologist saw some things in a different area of the same breast. Good luck with your appt. :)

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    With my race.t trai. Surgery in September, my husbands skin cancer removal the day after Christmas and my husband being stressed for two days to the point of being sick, I asked him why. Money & me. Nice to know.

    The nodes are large, going into my breast ect.

    I'm not going to the appt. All day poking, prodding ect. I do not care any more.

    I leaned forward, graded the band felt a large mass connected.. Oh well.

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited January 2013

    Even though things feel horrible (hard bb lump-possibly more to it-and swollen lymph nodes) you still don't know if you have a serious problem until you are examined and biopsied.  You, at least, need to know what you are dealing with.  If you still chose not to follow through, then that is your choice (and you can still chose not to go there, as well).  It sounds like you are worried, though, otherwise you wouldn't have posted.  You are probably stronger than you think you are.

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    Hi - just my two cents worth here, but since you mentioned your husband - don't let anyone else make you feel like it doesn't matter what happens to you!  If they are miserable, that is their choice! 

    You are only 51 and I am sure there are many more things you want to do in your life?! This could be something simple and easy to take care of now, or something that gets more complicated and debilitating as time goes by.  Why not find out what is going on and then decide the course of action? 

    Some insurance companies are fussy about covering things later if you've blown off a recommended diagnostic appointment, just more food for thought as you decide.

    You are worth it, you need to take care of you! {{{ hugs }}}

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    I rescheduled appt for the 31st. I can expect to be there 3 hrs. Guess this way I will know and then make any decisions.

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    That's awesome and we are all here for you!! We've all been down these same roads!!

    Keep us posted and we're here if you need to talk in between now and the appt.

    With breast issues, I've found there are people in our lives who will try and make it all about them. These are "closet drama queens" that you don't suspect until something goes bad in your life and they show up! Either one upping your problems with theirs, avoiding you so as to avoid the "problem" or pain, etc.  Or you have well meaning people like my mom, who adds me to the prayer chain at church and calls all of her friends to talk about my breast! UGHH! I started getting "hope you feel better" cards from complete strangers! Breast issues are private, ya know?! Anyhow, just take control back.  If hubby is worried about his problems and money, then tell him to keep it to himself.  YOU take care of YOU!  I love my spouse but frankly, there are times when I love (and like) myself more. 

    So I have really gone underground with my breast issues. After so many biopsies, a surgery, mammo call backs, etc I think that I will only tell people what is going on if I have a malignancy.  I have my 6 month appt next week and no one knows! Being out here helps, it is an anonymous way to get support from a great group of ladies who will be your sisters through this journey.

    I'm here for you!!!

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    I have a question I need answered. The fixed area and nodes don' t move. Is it possible when leaning forward and grabbing this area in my breast, from below, inside my breast, is it possible to roll that area or get that to move somewhat? I am confused. Thank you for your answers?

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    http://breastcancer.about.com/od/risk/a/lump_overview.htm



    Here is a website about lumps. It says that if the lump moves, it is impossible to tell if it is moving or if the healthy tissue around it moves. I personally wouldn't keep feeling and manipulating the lump for fear if doing damage, maybe just wait for docs to take a look!

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    Today I went to my local very rural hospital to gather all mammo, ultrasound reports.

    Through six yrs I seem to have solid modules growing near chest wall. Unasperated, aspired modules that were blood tinged and discarded and dilated breast ducts. Hmmm. Five yrs ago bi-rads3? This place is known as a band aid hospital.

    Hoping Thursday to get info from the breast specialist. Should blood tinged fluid ever be discarded after breast aspiration? I don't think so.

    Best for last, said I should be watched at age 49 for breast carcinoma!

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    Today I went to my local very rural hospital to gather all mammo, ultrasound reports.

    Through six yrs I seem to have solid modules growing near chest wall. Unasperated, aspired modules that were blood tinged and discarded and dilated breast ducts. Hmmm. Five yrs ago bi-rads3? This place is known as a band aid hospital.

    Hoping Thursday to get info from the breast specialist. Should blood tinged fluid ever be discarded after breast aspiration? I don't think so.

    Best for last, said I should be watched at age 49 for breast carcinoma!

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    Oh my gosh, your last line was stunning. Ugh. I am so glad you have that appointment next week!!!

    I've had problems with my records and now I get hard copies of everything after every visit. It is truly amazing that I get the cheery "everything is fine, BIRADS 3, see you in 6 months" letter at home, and then get the radioloigist's report and find out there are increasing calcs, increasing density, et al. 

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    What bothers me is the fact these Dr's take an oath, Do no harm. Even if my towns population is 1500 people. Waiting for my appt and learning to ask more questions and being my own best advocate. Best to you. Hope to talk soon and keep you posted. ( report on 3-5-05 @ age 49, now 51 yrs, 52 in March!)

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  • SarahsMom
    SarahsMom Member Posts: 1,779
    edited January 2013

    Exactly - do no harm!  Maybe some docs take that to mean don't tell the patient things that might scare them, but I like to be very well educated on my health issues - to me, that reduces my anxiety!

    Hope you have a good weekend, maybe do some projects that will keep you busy like cleaning out closets, etc!

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  • Jenn_1
    Jenn_1 Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2013

    I thank you for your kindness and your willingness to listen and to help me.

    Please let me know how things go for you next week, I'll do the same.

    I have found swollen lymph nodes below my collar bone.So I think you're right, maybe bake & spring clean.

    Have a great week end, Jenn

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