Self Breast Exam Anxiety After Diagnosis?

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sayheysam
sayheysam Member Posts: 50
edited June 2018 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hi all,

So recently I had my second excisional biopsy at the age of 21 to remove more tissue after discovering my initial lump had ADH bordering on DCIS. Fortunately, the results came back clean, and I will be seeing my surgeon once a year (this year in November) to get a check up, and once I'm 25, I will be having MRI's on my breasts until I am old enough to have mammo's. I'm also waiting on genetic test results.

I was wondering if anyone else found it anxiety inducing to do self breast exams after your diagnosis? I know that they are encouraged because it can help with early cancer detection and treatment, but I'm wondering if it's worth it since I will be seeing my breast doctor yearly now. I recently did a BSE on my left side since my right breast is healing, thought I felt a lump at the top left quadrant, and inquired about it during my follow up with my breast doctor. She felt the area and shetold me that breast tissue on the outter part of your breast is generally quite lumpy, and that I'm fine, but if I do feel something before November, to come back and we can talk. My anxiety is so bad I keep wondering if she felt the right area, even though she's the expert and I'm not! Not to mention she is a FANTASTIC doctor and absolutely love her due to her compassion and patience.

I was just wondering if anyone else shared this anxiety about BSE

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Comments

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited June 2018

    I know it is anxiety provoking, but you MUST do your self exams. Do them on the same day every month so you never forget. My diagnosis came only a few months after a clear mammo and exam by a doc. It was discovered early because I found it while it was still pretty small.

    It is scary, so do something to reward yourself after each exam. Sorry you are having to do this so young. My daughters will likely be in your shoes in a few short years.

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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited June 2018

    Sayhey - after 4.5 years I still sometimes break into a cold sweat during BSE. Actually for the first year I couldn’t do it...I would feel things that weren’t there and drive myself looney. I was in my PCPs office so many times I swear they should have hung a sign in the waiting room saying ‘Egads relax, it’s nothing!’ Over time it does get easier. The one thing that helped me was to remember what Kbee said...if I do find something it’ll be early, which is the best possible thing. As women we were blessed with a ton of nasty necessary tasks (paps, periods, childbirth, vacuuming) but we were also given that golden gift of strength of spirit that rivals any man’s muscle! Basically we CAN do it because we are women. Deep breaths, dive in and lean on all that feminine strength you were born with...even when it makes us cry.
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  • sayheysam
    sayheysam Member Posts: 50
    edited June 2018

    Thankyou both for your responses! I appreciate it. You both are right- better early than too late. I guess I just don't want to be a hassle to my doctor because I definitely am the type of person to feel things, think its something, and have it be nothing. But in time, it will get better so thank you both!!

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  • DrDavid
    DrDavid Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2018

    This is very hard when someone for the first time listen this word and this makes you tense anxious

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