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Kimber
Kimber Member Posts: 384
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer
Need to vent...
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  • Kimber
    Kimber Member Posts: 384
    edited December 2007

    I'm scheduled for a surgical wide excision of two spots in early Jan. Needle biopsy showed PASH of one spot, that is usually benign, but I have a strong family history (sister, mother, aunt. mother died, sister 8 yr survivor) and very dense, very fibrous breasts. The surgeon wants to make sure the PASH spot isn't hiding anything and then biopsy another spot that he thinks is either a cyst or scar tissue.



    Here is a question for anyone out there. In the past 2 years I have gone from a C cup to a DD. My left breast where the suspicious spots are feels weird - to the touch and just in general. It feels like a big mass of bumps that I can move around, and when I lift my arm up it feels tight and "funny" on that side of my breast.



    I have not gained any weight, my breasts have only grown. In pictures I look like I am going to tip over. I don't have very wide hips - size 4 on the bottom. I am 43! I have never given birth. I do not understand these growing breasts and I hate them. Before my period they hurt so bad and are so swollen I am sure I am up another cup size. Bras are impossible - I have about 100 and none of them fit correctly. Does this "fibrous" tissue put me at greater risk? I have considered genetic testing, but my breast specialist says I may not test positive as there are so many mutations out there.



    Any help or advice is appreciated! I am so disgusted right now, sorry. Thanks for listening.

    Kimber

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited December 2007

    At 43 you are likely in perimenopause. The hormone swings associated with that can cause breast changes. 

    Have you been fitted for a bra by a professional fitter? Usually they can find something that works, and that can be a big help if you have big pre-menstral changes.

    Congradulations on no weight gain! It's very common for women in their 40's to put on weight. You're doing good. 

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  • msannie57
    msannie57 Member Posts: 84
    edited December 2007

    Kimber-I encourage you to read the section on this website about genetic testing.  The logic that your breast specialist is using for you NOT to have genetic testing doesn't fly.  It's true that you may not test positive.  But if you do, then you can make decisions that might help you avoid a diagnosis.  With a family history like yours, particularly if some of the diagnoses were in premenopausal women, I'm surprised testing isn't being suggested. 

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  • lisaemc2
    lisaemc2 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2007

    December 17th 2007



    Today I awoke to an unforgiving blue sky shimmering with the blinding crystals of last night’s storm. Truly a day to indulge in winter amusement, not a day to slush, slip & trudge to a doctor’s appointment. I so love the snow. I so detest the wind. I so don’t understand motorists that speed up to you & honk for you to get out of the way when the light is red & you pass them even though you’re slipping & sliding. “Kiss my ASS!!!” I say with all the decorum that a runny nose will allow.



    I recently celebrated my 40th birthday. I was met with a surprising number of people willing to come out & say; “I’m glad you were born.” That, I will NEVER forget.

    Thank you Klaus, Martin, Idil, Stephi, Liz & Chris Cugini & all the other people who showed up whose name I cannot remember coz I was intoxicated by that point. Which brings me back, my point is that I just turned 40. Health is a major issue for everyone. I truly didn’t think I would live past 18. Yet here I am, 22 years later & the only thing that has changed is the way we communicate & how much I drink. It was imperative for me to get a mammogram. They found nothing but very firm breasts. I could’ve told them that. I know it is very important for women to get tested. I am suggesting to every woman who reads this to go to Cambridge Hospital. They are VERY thorough. I am still sore. But whether you are in the Commonwealth or elsewhere, go do it. Make your appointment today. It could just give you a sigh of relief.



    After schlepping (HA spell check approved that word!) back to my apartment I built a fire & hung out with my cat. Cheezits & That 70’s Show. I know I need to start exercising & eating right but life is short, right? I have to remember all the women who came out of that office with less than encouraging news.



    But for the Grace of God go I.



    I have no family to cry for me but I do have friends, as was so evident on the night of my birthday. We all make a difference & affect the world in which we live. Make an appointment at Breast Imaging or your Proctologist. I beg of you.



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