Breast lumps and ripples

Boo Boo Kitty · March 31, 2007

Hello,

I am looking for anyone that can help me. DISCLAIMER up front, I do not want anyone to be sorry for me. I appreciate it, but that is not why I am posting. I want to know if anyone else has had breast issues.

I found a lump about the diameter of the top of my pinky, and it is pretty long or at least feels like it. I have no pain, but decreased sensation there. Also it is like a divot and a ripple on top of that. It looks VERY weird.

I went to my Gyno yesterday, but after I got there they told me she was in surgery, so I waited over an hour to be fit into someone else's scheduale. The Dr did an exam, got no medical history, no family history. She said since it had only been there a few days, she thought we should wait it out. She told me I had my yearly in 3mos and if it was still there we should ultrasound it then. Then left on her merry way....no joke....

SO obvisouly I am going to go see someone else.

Yes, I am young but had she taken the time to do her job she would have found out that I have a family history, Aunt that died at 35 of bc.

Anyone else have this issue so young and not had someone taken you seriously? What do I need to do or say to MAKE sure I am paid attention to????

:angry

StephC · March 31, 2007

Boo you need to go to a breast specialist. Have you started having mamograms yet? I can't believe she wouldn't have ordered one - just to be on the safe side - find a new gyno. I have very lumpy breasts - I have since I was 16. I remember at the age of 16 going to get checked and in my case I just have alot of milk ducts. Remember me - cabbage boob at 45! I would call your pcp and find out who is a breast specialist in your area. ASAP

HarleyNana · March 31, 2007

Get a mamogram immediately, don't put it off. Please keep us informed as to the results.

Boo Boo Kitty · March 31, 2007

Thanks guys. I have never had a mammogram, but obviously I am going to now. I just don't know how to deal with Drs when they don't listen. I always cave, and what gets me is I am NOT a caving kind of girl. I have the biggest mouth ever. I don't know why I can't speak up about my health.....blah....

ReneBean · March 31, 2007

Find the local women's medical center - they will not blow you off. Based on a lumpy weird thing in your breast, they will mammogram, sonogram and or do a quick biopsy until they know what it is.

Even if you DIDN'T have a family history, I would recommend a second opinion. If you tell the women's clinic you have a lump, they will take care of you.

Hugs! Don't back down on something that could take your life.

Boo Boo Kitty · April 13, 2007

Hey guys,

Wanted to give you an update on me. I got an ultrasound from a 2nd Dr. Ruled out blocked milk duct and cysts. I go to a breast specialist on the 19th. I can't stand waiting, but they couldn't get me in sooner. The 2nd Dr did not want to do a work up. With my family history she felt it was better to send me to the breast guy rather than her do a work up, and then have to send me there anyway. I am still not sure if that is good or bad, but at least she took me serriously! I will let you all know how it goes!

WASaBubbleButt · April 13, 2007

Hey guys,
Wanted to give you an update on me. I got an ultrasound from a 2nd Dr. Ruled out blocked milk duct and cysts. I go to a breast specialist on the 19th. I can't stand waiting, but they couldn't get me in sooner. The 2nd Dr did not want to do a work up. With my family history she felt it was better to send me to the breast guy rather than her do a work up, and then have to send me there anyway. I am still not sure if that is good or bad, but at least she took me serriously! I will let you all know how it goes!

I've been wanting to ask how things are turning out but I was afraid to look like I was prying. I'm so glad you gave us an update.

Please, keep updating us as time goes on. (HUGS)

bitteroldhag · April 13, 2007

Get someone to look at it NOW. The dimple worries me. I have a big cyst in my right breast that I've had for about 30 years and it's no big deal. But dimples are supposed to be suspect. So get it checked immediately.

wavydaby · April 13, 2007

Does it look like the skin of an orange?

God knows, I dont want to scare you, but that is what my MIL's looked like, and yes it was BC.

I am praying for you!!!!

Boo Boo Kitty · April 14, 2007

Not quite like an orange, a little bit as far as that spot is tiny dimples. The area is quite big, and you can clearly see it just looking at my breast. Ugh...

BJean · April 14, 2007

I have a family history of breast cancer. Lost my mom and my closest sister. I have some dimples on my breasts that I was VERY concerned about. I'd always heard that any indentation should be looked at. Well mine seem to be as a result of just lumpy tissue. That is very different from the orange peel kind of dents that someone else asked you about. My sister had that.

First of all, a true breast cancer lump is usually very hard. Like a rock. However some normal breast tissue can get in front of a true cancer lump and keep you from feeling deeply enough to get to the dangerous lump. That's why there is so much emphasis today on mammograms. If we do monthly self-exams properly, we are much more apt to catch a lump early than if we wait for yearly mammograms. However very few of us really know how to do a thorough self-exam.

There's a very good chance that you may just have a benign condition. Having one aunt with breast cancer isn't a very scary family history. Even with my mother and sister having had breast cancer doesn't give me very accelerated odds for breast cancer, as most people would have you believe. Only about a 20% increase in likelihood - not a done deal, by any stretch.

The breast cancer that causes the orange peel surface is hormone related and is definitely something that should be cause for concern. Most people who deal with breast cancer will not think you're an alarmist because you are worried. They will treat you with respect and get to the bottom of it. You should hang in there with as many doctors as it takes for you to feel comfortable with the diagnosis. No woman should have to walk around very long with the worry that is associated with the possibility of having breast cancer.

I will be thinking of you and hoping that you're like me, just dimply skin because of lumpy breast tissue. I hope you'll keep us posted and that everything turns out very well for you and you'll soon be exhaling a big sigh of relief.

Boo Boo Kitty · April 14, 2007

Thank you BjJean. I am glad to hear that even having a mother with bc doesn't raise the risks. I had always thought otherwise. I am looking forward to finding out that I am just a worry wart. I am trying to change my thoughts on this, and not feel like I am doomed.

Thank you to all of you for your thoughts and words of wisdoms. Hugs to all. :kiss2:

BJean · April 15, 2007

Wow, Boo Boo Kitty, I noticed your fabulous weight loss. You're awesome! I've hit a bit of a snag and I'm having trouble getting back on track. You're very inspiring in the weight loss department, that's for sure. I'm impressed.

I think I should tell you that I may have led you a little astray with what I said in my earlier post. Having a mother and sister does increase the chance that my genetic makeup could increase my risk to get BC, but it is only by a small amount - 20%. Most comments that people make give you the impression that if you have some family history, you are practically bound to get it, and that's not right. I used to be really scared and before I did more research and spoke with numerous doctors, I even considered prophylactic removal of both my breasts. Not one doctor thought that was a wise plan of action.

I check myself and get yearly mammograms, but I do not obsess about it or worry anymore. I'm doing what I'm supposed to do and confident that if I should get it, I will have a much better chance of survival than my mom and sister did so long ago. Neither of them had mammograms or even doctors who did yearly exams, plus the medical profession is better educated about the treatments today.

You're doing just what you're supposed to do by getting good answers and not letting someone dismiss you just because you are so young. Chances are very good that everything will be just fine, but you're smart be proactive about your own health!! Try not to worry too much and please know that my thoughts are with you while you're in the process of getting it all checked out. In any case, you are not doomed!

Boo Boo Kitty · April 15, 2007

Thanks BJean. That is actually EXACTLY what I thought that if your mom had it, you arwe just waiting to get it. I feel better because 20% more chance isn't huge, but I know you still have to be aware. I appreciate the support, I need it! Somedays I can handle it, other days I freak out. I think mostly when I see it I get freaked all over again. So now I shower with my eyes mostly closed.

Thanks for the kudos. I am trying to work away my fat. I was so huge before. Good god...lol... Good luck on getting back on track, I know you can do it!

BJean · April 16, 2007

Thanks, Boo, I've done a little better today and yesterday. I want to get that great feeling back where you just can't wait to get on the scales every morning!

I will look forward to hearing from you sometime after your next doc visit on the 19th. I wouldn't worry too much because of the response you got from that doc who didn't even feel she needed to do a work up. The latest one is being careful, which is what you want though. Hang in there darlin'!