pain in other breast

talbrig13
talbrig13 Member Posts: 488
edited November 2017 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I am 10 years post breast cancer....I had my annual mammogram in March of this year. About 2 weeks after that I noticed my "other" breast was sore, but I just thought maybe I bumped it or something.

Fast forward a month later it is still sore. It feels bruised, and I can feel "fullness". I am postmenopausal so it is not cyclical. I had my family doctor examine me and she is sending me for an ultrasound.

Of course, they cannot get me in for another 2 weeks. Not sure what to think. Dr. mentioned a possible blocked gland/duct, but how does that happen in someone who is 18 years post menopause?? 10 years ago, my Oncotype test came back at high risk for recurrence at 47.

I know you cannot diagnose me, but just needed to tell someone/vent.

thoughts, anyone?

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Comments

  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited May 2017

    gosh, sorry you're going through this. I hope all turns out okay. keep us posted.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited May 2017

    Odd that nothing showed on the recent mammogram. Was it done using the newest 3D technology? An ultrasound is a reasonable step at this point, perhaps followed by a biopsy if something is seen. Maybe you can get in earlier by inquiring about a waiting list in case a cancellation occurs.

    Depending on what they find, I would also ask about an MRI before allowing any further, more invasive procedures. It's amazing to me that so many go into surgery without a full assessment of what might be lurking.

    Hopefully it won't come to that, there could be just an inflamed or benign swollen lymph node due to a low grade infection like mastitis for which an antibiotic can be prescribed, and you will soon be on your way to another decade of non-recurrence!

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited May 2017

    I had pain with my right breast diagnosis. Periodically I have had pain in remaining breast, but so far okay. Glad you are getting checked!!!


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  • talbrig13
    talbrig13 Member Posts: 488
    edited May 2017

    I did have the 3d images in March. So I had the most up to date mammogram. I am trying to stay positive and think that it is a gland or something clogged. The breast is not warm as I imagine a more severe infection would be. As always, waiting is the hardest part of all of this.

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  • talbrig13
    talbrig13 Member Posts: 488
    edited June 2017

    So....I had an ultrasound and they say it shows "normal breast tissue". Ugh...I still have pain/tenderness and a "thickening". I can't really call it a lump, just a spot that is swollen. I asked my primary doctor about getting an MRI and she just said to call my radiation onc. So I called his office a week ago Thursday...no one has called me back yet. I don't know whether to just calm down and forget about it (pretty hard to do) or push for more testing. I know it is unlikely to be a recurrence from the other breast, but what would cause this? I haven't menstruated for over 18 years, so it can't be hormonal. What would you do?


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  • talbrig13
    talbrig13 Member Posts: 488
    edited July 2017

    So I called the rad onc who orders my mammos and he sent me to the breast surgeon for a "survellience check". I saw her PA on Friday who said she would def order a MRI...she could feel the "lump/thickening". Well, today I find out my insurance has declined the MRI. So now a battle with insurance begins. I still have pain and now I am worrying. This has been hurting since the beginning of April. If it was caused by a "rough" mammo, I would think it would be healed by now. The mammo was March 20th!

    Thanks for listening...just venting.

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited July 2017

    Sorry for your stress. I had my insurance company deny my post chemo MRI initially. My BS had to talk to them and do some peer to peer review to get it cleared. He did this without me even getting involved. If I didn't get a letter in the mail with from the insurance company the initial denial I would Nit have even known. Perhaps your BS office can make some calls for you. I did keep fighting them though.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited July 2017

    Uugh. Hoping they approve it soon so you get answers. Hoping it is benign

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  • talbrig13
    talbrig13 Member Posts: 488
    edited July 2017

    Well. back to square one...Aetna denied the MRI even after peer review. Calling the breast surgeon tomorrow. I hate it that the insurance companies have so much control. I still have pain. It has been 4 months since the mammogram. going to ask for repeat of mammo and ultrasound. Something is not right.

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  • talbrig13
    talbrig13 Member Posts: 488
    edited October 2017

    Never updated this post....had a follow up with surgeon. Not my original one, but another. Did repeat mammo & sono...nothing showed up other than "dilated ducts"?? I still have pain, not dissipating yet. It has been since the beginning of April. I did not like this surgeon or how she treated me. Like I was crazy. "what do you want me to tell you" she said. And, she is a cancer survivor. I am thinking about going out of the UPMC system for another opinion. This is just crazy.


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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited October 2017

    Yes; I would get a second opinion. How frustrating that you were treated like that.

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  • Liz06
    Liz06 Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2017

    I happened upon this thread tonight. One possibility that I hope it is not, is inflammatory breast cancer. I had that 2 years ago and my symptoms were swelling, a fullness, and thickened skin. IBC doesn’t necessarily show up as much on mammograms and ultrasounds. Only the thickened skin showed up on mine You could ask for a skin punch biopsy? That’s how they found mine.

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