<p>checking in after being away. so I hear the not so good news to the much better news. so glad for you. Sixties!.</p>
<p>Some women in my yoga class were having a BC discussion. Since there are so many here who have gone through the process, a big question you may be able to answer arose.</p>
<p>In retrospect, did any of you feel anything different in your breast with cancer? Pain? Tingles? Fullness? Soreness? Oddness? </p>
<p>In the way that ovarian cancer symptoms are often mistaken for digestive issues, is there a similar symptom of breast cancer that can be felt but is usually ignored or chalked up to monthly cycle sensations?</p>
<p>I did not feel any different. First time I was breastfeeding. This time no, usually swell and pain with monthly cycles.
What is so important is to know your anatomy, look and feel. If it feels different to you have it checked out. It may be nothing, but you need to check, and have the screening. mammograms and MRI. Knowing your body in all things is so important.</p>
<p>I did not feel anything unusual prior to my diagnosis. However, my close friend who was diagnosed shortly after I was felt what she described as a thickening at the surface of an area of the breast. This turned out to be cancer. She had had a “clear” mammogram about 10 months previously. I was surprised to learn that it is quite common for certain types of breast cancer to be present yet not detected via mammogram. For that reason I would advise anyone who senses something odd in the breast to have it checked out, rather than dismissing it due to a recent clear mammogram.</p>
<p>The first time I had an obvious, visible lump (and because I had lumps come and go over the years, I willed this one to go, too, and put off having it checked out longer than I should have). Nothing showed on a mammogram 2 years prior or found in the physical exam 1 year earlier, but it was over 2 cm by the time is was removed. It was at the edge of breast tissue and actually hard to capture when I went in for a diagnostic mammogram. No sensations or anything else odd other than this lump.</p>
<p>The second time was found on routine mammogram. No clue and no reason to suspect anything. No palpable lump. A second primary. Again, towards the edge of the breast and I was fortunate to have a tech who diligently worked to get as much breast tissue on film as humanly possible (ouch, yes, but my attitude is I’ll deal with the discomfort for the sake of a good picture). This one was caught early and that makes a HUGE difference.</p>
<p>the one I am dealing with now is not a distinct lump but more a thickened area. It is not on the skin, but defiantely different. I noticed it in the shower, and only when turned a certain way. Had a mammo 7 months before, thorough exam by breast surgeon 5 months before gyn two months before. thats why it is important to do self breast exams, and to be familiar with what your breasts feel and look like. and do not delay.
Ladies I am starting to get panicky, not one to ask but need those positive vibes and prayers now -surgery in 6 days. actually I am learningto ask more now- not easy, but this is not easy…</p>
<p>Ps this one (alien thing) not usually picked up by mammo-didn’t know would have insisted on an MRI. MRI way to go for dense breasts too.(not my problem) LOL</p>
<p>downtoearth, I am sending loads of positive energy your way. Be sure to keep calling on those around you and let them know what you need. Take care.</p>
<p>Dense = fibrocystic?</p>
<p>DTE- thinking of you every day and sending positive thoughts!</p>
<p>dense is not necessarily fibrocystic. not sure I think it’s multiple reasons. Like younger people have dense breasts, my breast tissue was considered dense the first time as I was breastfeeding,not so much later. My sister has dense breasts ? because she has never had kids.</p>
<p>thanks for the thoughts. It is jsut comforting. I definately believe in positive thoughts/energy not to change things but to help with coping.</p>
<p>DTE-My thoughts are with you. It’s so hard waiting for answers. I didn’t feel anything and thought I had missed this but they said I couldn’t have felt it. Had MRI yesterday, just part of the pre-surg process but I could never have another one and live quite happily. I have fibromyalgia and lying in the same position with my arms above my head for 25" wasn’t great. It was reconfirmed by my radiation oncologist that this is very small. I have two options for radiation so I’m researching them. I’m also taking names for a new primary care dr. Honestly, I can’t imagine what she was looking at when she called me. If she was looking at the wrong report that’s awful but if she was looking at mine and didn’t know what she was seeing that’s more than awful.</p>
<p>Many years ago my son had a pre op check up for a tonsillectomy. I received a call from the pediatrician who said, in a controlled voice, “Please bring …in for a repeat of the blood test.” The white cell count said leukemia. </p>
<p>The lab mixed up my son’s test and/or results with someone else’s results. My son was fine.</p>
<p>Why am I relating this? Because there are times that a lab sends the wrong results to the doctor. (And yes, there are times when a physician is an alarmist so that they can look to be the hero.)</p>
<p>DTE,
Sending prayers your way. May God be with you on this journey.</p>
<p>different cancers behave different ways. The type I had is usually felt, because of the way it grows. I think more easily detected on MRI too.
as a health professional, I don’t think you should put up with any doctor who treats you poorly. Sometimes you can have a doctor who you just don’t relate well too, that is ok too. The point is to be comfortable, it becomes a relationship.Quite honestly even if the cancer HAD been a bad situation , that is very bad bedside behavior and not a way to speak to anyone. ELLEBUD- moral to get repeat test for something like that very scary.doing better today just spent too much idle time home yesterday, need to keep busy. distract distract toooo much thinking is not good.</p>
<p>home from surgery went well.</p>
<p>Rest, try to relax and treat yourself well.</p>
<p>I’m already frustrated, hate to be tied down, but someone suggested a good book and I bought it, so that is what I will do between naps. How is sixties?</p>
<p>downtoearth, glad to hear you’re home and doing well!</p>
<p>DTE, glad you’re home. It is hard to relax at home when all around you are things to do. I have a guilty secret. I’ll be having my lumpectomy sometime this month and I bought Lego as a treat for when I get home. My youngest son (19) and I love Lego. I use the excuse that it’s good for the osterarthritis in my fingers. Whenever H says something about the quantity of Lego in our home I tell him the grandkids will love it. I’m fine, the MRI the surgeon ordered just to be cautious was fine, nothing new found. Take care.</p>