Timing Couldn't Be Worse

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flo1972
flo1972 Member Posts: 2
edited October 2021 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I honestly am trying NOT to stress, but I can't help but be a bit hypersensitive right now. My Mom was just diagnosed with Stage 2A IDC and DCIS in left breast. She underwent a double Mas. very recently and will be starting Chemotherapy soon. This isn't something that "runs in our family". This was completely out of the blue and came on FAST. She had a clear Mamo several months before finding a lump...then..here we are...grade 3 aggressive breast cancer.

About 10 years ago, I had a duct removed from my right breast due bright red bloody discharge that was diagnosed as duct ectasia. I remember the stress of the tests and the waiting. I have had bilateral multi-duct discharge for years and years that only occurs if the nipple is squeezed (that I'm aware of). It's always been sticky and yellowish except that one time in that one duct. It was "obvious blood". I remember having some "not normal for me" pain in that breast which is what prompted me to check and make sure nothing had changed. I remember how it felt like the world stopped for a second when I saw blood. Things went fast then, and my OB had me in his office the next day. I was sent over for a Mamo that afternoon then an U/S right after. He also expressed some of the discharge to be tested as well. Nothing "abnormal" was found on those tests, but he sent me to a breast specialist. She was great...straight to the point. Told me how we could try a bunch of other tests, etc..but the only way to "know for sure" would be to surgically excise the duct for biopsy. She explained the procedure, and I agreed with her. Surgery was fine, and I got the results within a few days. Just a case of duct ectasia. Shew...relief. FFWD almost 10 years, a breast lift and augmentation, and now a "family history" of IDC later...

I've noticed for a few weeks now some pain in my left breast this time...thought it was just some swollen lymph nodes...hormones..you know..the "normal stuff". My nipple is now really sore. Not so "normal" for me. Last night while getting ready for bed...I decided to do a thorough "check" given recent events with my Mom. I am now getting a dark brown discharge from one of the ducts in my left breast. It's not bright red like when it happened on my right side...but I'm pretty sure it's still blood...just "old brown blood". I literally just stood there thinking...seriously!!??? Now??? My logical brain is telling me that I'm fine given I've been here before...but my hypersensitivity right now is a little freaked out. I'm going to call my Dr on Monday and start the tests I know that will come and probably end with another duct excision surgery...but C'mon world...for real. I just don't need this now...of all times....

I'm not telling my Mom because I don't need her worrying about me when it's most likely nothing, but here "I" am...worrying about me, ya know? I mean...the odds would have to be astronomical for both of us to have Breast Cancer at the same time, wouldn't they?

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited October 2021

    Hope things turn out OK for you, but yes - PLEASE do not tell your Mom just now. She needs your full support going into chemo. By all means call your doctor, but try to take your mind somewhere else so you can be of use to your Mom.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2021

    flo1972, we're sorry to hear what you're experiencing. We truly hope that things turn out well for you, and also your mom. Best is one day at a time and try not to get ahead of yourself. You mentioned that it doesn't "run in your family" but did your mom actually do genetic testing? This may prove helpful to you and others in your family. Please keep us posted

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  • flo1972
    flo1972 Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2021

    Don't worry. I have been and will continue to be there for whatever my Mom needs. I am a 10 hour drive away, and I drove to be with her for the diagnosis appt, drove home to get things in order, and drove back to stay a week with her for her surgery. I cooked, cleaned, changed her bandages, managed her drains, gave her a shower...you name it. I just know she would go straight to "Cancer" if I told I'm having issues of my own...and she needs to focus on herself right now and getting well...not what might be wrong with me. I am a Mom...I know what we tend to do. I'm just frustrated that this had to come up "now" of all times.

    As for genetic testing, her surgeon mentioned my sister and I may want to look in to it...but she is the first on either side of my family. She has several sisters...with no known history. Though Colon Cancer and Leukemia apparently do run in her family. Her Father died of Colon cancer at 44, and one of her sisters was recently diagnosed with Chronic Leukemia while I know of several of her Cousins that had that as well. I have my own "theories" where her sudden onset came from, but I'll keep those to myself for now. Appreciate the encouraging words...

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited October 2021

    flo,

    I just wanted to say that only a minority of bc cases are connected to genetic mutations. Most of us develop bc simply because we have breast tissue. There really is not much rhyme or reason to it. That being said, current genetic testing looks at over 30 possible mutations, some of which can arise spontaneously. Speaking to a genetic counselor about your family’s particulars can help shed some light on your specific situation. Take care

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