Should I seek further input for breast cancer symptoms?
Hi, All - I am AnnaBNana712, and I'm visiting this forum because of some disturbing symptoms I've had recently, and also, because of what I think was less than 'optimal' mammogram / ultrasound testing this past week.
The only BC history in my family that I know of, is my paternal Aunt, who had it. However, in 2014, I had endometrial cancer (grade 1, stage 1a, although lymph nodes were not removed or examined). After removing my uterus, ovaries and tubes, that was it. No radiation or chemo needed. I feel blessed to be coming up to 5 years after my surgery.
I also have a pituitary tumor (benign) that causes the production of prolactin, the hormone that produces breast milk. I've managed it with drugs (cabergoline) when I was diagnosed with it, years ago, and the tumor shrunk. Now, my prolactin level is slowly rising again.
How all this relates to my left breast is that I have had a lot of trouble with it over the years, including a stereotactic biopsy in 2003, which was benign. I also had a FNA of my right breast a couple of years before that, which showed a benign cyst. This past March, my breasts were very sore and 'full' feeling. I squeezed the left one, as it seemed to be the worst. Granted, I did squeeze a bit 'hard,' thinking I might be able to express some milk, due to the prolactin issue. Instead, blood came out. Red blood, a few drops. And only that breast, on squeezing it. Got nothing from right side. (This happened 2/3 times.)
I also have a nipple that goes 'inward,' especially when manipulated. the duct appears almost as a straight line, in that instance. Finally, I went to my PCP, and she felt a lump at 5 o'clock on the left breast. She said, "it's still there." (I'd had an earlier diagnostic mammo of this breast last May.) I didn't even know I had had a lump before, as my results, then, just came back 'normal' - benign,
I had a new diagnostic mammo (was supposed to be bilateral, but they only did one side) and an ultrasound this week. The US tech couldn't find it, until at last she felt what she called a 'clump' of lumps. My PCP had said a 1 cm. lump. People I've talked to have urged me not to be satisfied with this exam. The computer wasn't working right for part of it, and no one came to discuss any results after, or an of my symptoms - I just got a paper telling me to come back for screening mammo in September, although the tech said they 'didn't see anything.' Am I over-reacting here? Several people have urged me to seek an MRI.
I don't want to sound as if I'm a 'drama queen,' but I do want a conclusive answer. I have emailed my PCP as well and told her this, but have not heard from her. She's hard to get ahold of as she teaches, as well, and rounds with residents, etc. Should I accept these results and move on? With my history of OCD and anxiety, I'm not often taken seriously by those in the medical field. All thoughts welcomed and appreciated. Anna
Comments
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Dear AnnaBNana712,
Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that you find yourself here with breast symptoms and the worry that comes with them. It sounds like you are doing everything possible to find some peace of mind. Hopefully others will offer their thoughts here. You may want to check out this page with resources for Common Questions for those who are Not Diagnosed but Worried. Keep us posted on what you learn.
The Mods
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Hi there....this is your health....so whatever YOU need to do to feel comfortable, you need to do. If something is inside of you and no one has given you an answer with the exception of a form letter to say come back later....that is not an answer. If your doc is not accessible....not sure about that....especially as you age....I mean for a twenty something that typically needs a physical, pap, and some flu meds - sure that might not work....but prevention is the key to everything when it comes to health...so it takes an active available medical team at an office to provide that kind of care....I would think about what you need to sleep at night (results) and go after that....your health is about you....and you are not being a drama queen- you are being your own protector....hats off to that!
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Why have you not obtained copies of the actual radiology reports to see what they really say? Radiology results don’t say “clump of lumps.” They say what they see, the differential diagnosis and what the recommendations are. Start there. If you have more questions, insist on discussing them
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unless or until you receive an answer that satisfies you, the answer is yes, seek additional answers. Your history of anxiety does not negate your right to medical care. Plus, your history of cancer and breast issues does would make anyone legitimately anxious. Keep pushing. If it isn’t cancer (and It’s probably not) what is causing your symptoms and how do you address them? It’s clearly something
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Hey, Peace... Thanks for your supportive post. I appreciate the stance that it is my life and I have to do what I need to do. My PCP, whom I emailed, said that if she thinks it is warranted, after viewing the actual mammo results, which she hasn't gotten yet, she'll refer me to a breast surgeon, rather than go straight to an MRI. I am hoping to work with and through her so waiting to hear. Anna
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Hi, Melissa - thank you for your response. I have not "obtained copies of the actual radiology reports to see what they really say," as yet, because my doctor hasn't even gotten them. I do plan to do so, however, as I mentioned in my reply to peacetoallcuzweneedit, I did contact my PCP and she said she will review the mammo and if she thinks it's warranted, send me to a breast surgeon. I like and trust her, so will wait for her input. I realize how important it is to be one's own advocate, and while I advocate for a living (I'm a lawyer), and have advocated for care for family members when needed, it's different when you face this yourself, as I'm sure you know. I also have a gyn-oncologist who is still in the picture for check-ups after endometrial cancer, and am going soon anyway, so if I don't like what my PCP says, I may seek his advice. Thanks again for replying to my post. Anna
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Hi, Kber: Thanks for your informative and honest reply to my post. As I mentoined to others who have responded to me, I have contacted my PCP and she said she would review the mammo and refer me to a breast surgeon if warranted,rather than jumping right to an MRI. I like and trust her, so believe it's a good first step. If I'm still not satisfied, I can seek my gyn-oncologist surgeon's input. I see him at a women's cancer center, and given my history, he might well have me seen by a colleague. Appreciate your strength - Hope all goes well for you, and yes, it is something, even if just a cyst. Anna
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