Family history of breast cancer

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Smriti
Smriti Member Posts: 8
edited April 2018 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hi..

My name is Smriti aged 29, and i am new to this community. I have family history of breast cancer, i had 4 aunts in family and all are diagnosed with breast cancer. One aunt died 3 years back, So i am little worried. I have pain in my left armpit so i went to the doctor, doctor advised me for ultrasound, I have done my ultrasound and found 2 lumps in both my armpits sized 6*2mm in left and 3*2mm in my right armpit. Doctor told me that there is nothing to worry about as your lumps are very small( less then 1cm) but do regular ultrasound in every six months and gave me a pain killer for the pain. But i am little worried about it as I have family history of breast cancer. Can anyone help me or give me some suggestions.


Thanks,

Smriti

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Comments

  • Icietla
    Icietla Member Posts: 1,265
    edited July 2017

    Welcome, Smriti. We are sorry about the concerns that have brought you here, but we are glad you found us, and we are glad you have been to the Doctor and had an evaluation from Ultrasound. Your Doctor is watching out for you and having you checked out appropriately. I suggest keeping your hands out of your armpits for now, because that can make the tissues there sore and thereby cause you more pain than you would have otherwise. Continue with your monthly self-examinations, though, and if there are any concerning changes, inform your Doctor. Make sure your Health Care Providers are aware of your family history of breast cancer. If the armpit pain is not improved after some time, let your Doctor know so it can be investigated further.

    I understand your concerns. There was breast cancer in my family too. My regular screening for breast cancer started when I was age 28, but it was only annual checks. My breast cancer did not make itself known until I was nearly twice that age. Your Doctor is very thoughtful to have you monitored with more frequent checks.

    There are other possible explanations for the lumps in your armpits. Of course we hope the cause of yours is nothing serious.


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  • Smriti
    Smriti Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2017

    Thanks for your reply and concern icietla, I have two more issues but i don't know is it related to the lumps or not. I am suffering from frequent and severe headache and my menstrual cycle is also disturbed as I have only one and a half days of cycle and the color of blood is brown n thick. Is these problems are related to the lumps?? Kindly help.

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  • Icietla
    Icietla Member Posts: 1,265
    edited July 2017

    About the headaches -- probably no connection. Try caffeine, pain relievers, darkness, and quiet -- all of them together, of course. But make sure your Doctor knows about the headaches.

    Some women have menstrual flow like that when they are near menopause. There may be some disorder in your reproductive system. I urge you to contact your Gynecologist about the nature of the blood flow, and of course, make sure your Gynecologist is aware of all your concerns and your family history. Do not be alarmed, but do have it checked out promptly.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited July 2017

    smriti, I would suggest getting the BRCA genetic testing done and go to a genetic counselor, if you are concerned about Breast Cancer because of family history. You may also want to ask your family members if they have had genetic testing done as it may relate to cancer. Best wishes


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  • Smriti
    Smriti Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2017

    I had visited gynaecologist and gone through all the medications but no improvement in menstrual cycle. And I will do genetic testing. Please be in touch. Thanks.

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  • Smriti
    Smriti Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2017

    Hi...

    I feel sudden severe pain in my right hand... I cant even lift my hand up and move my fingers... can anyone help me out if it is related to my lumps or not?? Thanks..

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited August 2017

    smriti, the hand pain is most likely NOT related to your lumps, unless they have changed in some way (gotten larger?) signaling infection or some other inflammatory process. You should certainly call your doctor to report any new or concerning symptoms, but bilateral armpit pain, without any evidence of lumps in your breasts, are most likely something other than breast cancer.

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited August 2017

    I would definitely consider having the genetic testing done, with your family history. And not just the BRCA testing. Get the expanded testing if you can. There are several other more rare gene mutations that can cause breast cancer and if you have one you will need closer surveillance.

    I have a truly terrible family history of breast cancer, and other cancers. 32 in my first and second generation families. I had initial BRCA testing which came up negative, so we had a party and celebrated. And then the expanded testing came back and I had not one, but TWO gene mutations that cause breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and others. So, now I am being monitored by several doctors.

    I thought I would be more upset about having these gene mutations. The only thing I'm really upset about is the fact that I gave them to my beautiful daughter, who is only 24. But otherwise, it doesn't really change my life. I have more frequent examinations and colonoscopies. But in a large way that is very consoling.

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  • Smriti
    Smriti Member Posts: 8
    edited August 2017

    So what should I do now?? Coz I had increased pain in armpit lumps and i guess it is spreading in my shoulders and hand.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited August 2017

    You should call your doctor to report any new or concerning symptoms!

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  • Smriti
    Smriti Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2018

    Hi

    I had pain in my left arm and shoulder 2 days back and i am experiencing tickling pain in my left breast from morning. Can anyone suggest me is this connected to my lumps in armpits??

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  • Smriti
    Smriti Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2018

    Hi

    I had pain in my left arm and shoulder 2 days back and i am experiencing tickling pain in my left breast from morning. Can anyone suggest me is this connected to my lumps in armpits??

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited April 2018

    I don't think anyone on this board can tell you what's going on with pain and tickling sensations, and whether the are related to breast lumps.

    What did your doctor say about all this back in August?

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  • Smriti
    Smriti Member Posts: 8
    edited April 2018

    He hold that nothing to worry about the lump as it is not more than 1cm.

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