Bad Mammo-Scared w/ ?'s

Diseases & Conditions Breast Cancer
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Hi Everyone,
 
I am 38 yrs old & just recvd a letter telling me that I need to come in for diagnostic on my left breast after annual mammo. I am freaking out to say the least. What do you all think? Is this common? Maybe good news - a cyst or something? My maternal grandmother had bc in her 40's (smoker), paternal grndmother colon cancer, aunt bc, 2 cousins with Liver & non-hodkins. So this is looking pretty sucky for me on the gene side. I am so scared. Couldn't get another mammo for 8 days! I have 3 kids (10,7 & 4). I am trying not to jump to conclusions, but I am scared to death. Thanks for the vent - guess my real question is - How common are call backs on mammo's & what's the stats on bc diagnosis. (also - I have had pain/burning sensation in that breast when I sleep on my stomach - for don't remember how long). Just realized yesterday I had mentioned this to my husband
:~(Just coincedence?)hopefully
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Hi Jules....sorry you are going through this right now. You might want to check Dr Susan Love's breast Book, which talks extensively about benign breast conditions and what to expect when going through the diagnostic process. But what I know is that the stats suggest 80% of breast lumps are benign, so odds are in your favor. Only 5-10% of breast cancers are "inherited", and not all types of cancers are part of that factor. And I think it is very common to get called back for another view, it may be nothing more than a shadow or movement (it is hard to stay still when they squish you like that!). Also, pain can be from anything, including cycle-related. Pain is not necessarily an indicator of cancer, not does it mean it is benign. Just that you need something evaluated, even though it could be nothing.

Don't let the doctors tell you it is nothing until all avenues have been pursued, and don't settle for them to shoo-shoo you because you are too young. Hang in there, and try not to worry till you have more to worry about...
Lori

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Thank you Lori!

For your kind words & reassurance. You are right about the mammo - now that I think of it. The left one was giving her more problems than the right. I'm kind of on the big side 38 C, & it just wasn't cooperating! lol. In the past they have also said I had fibroid tumors, so it could be that too.  I'm trying to keep positive, but you know this is a woman's worst nightmare along with the pap results. I will try to keep praying & hope for the best.

Thanks for the support! It really did help. yeah Jules

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Jules, I had two benign tumors before being diagnosed. The first I found after losing weight and was obvious. After I knew it was there it hurt like crazy, but there was no pain or even feeling before. I figure it was my mind working over time. You do have a lot of cancer in your family, but I think today almost everyone does. Of course you are scared to death, we all were and still are if we receive a call back, which I did just recently on my remaining breast. But a callback does not automatically mean there is a problem. It means they need to take another look. I am known for saying, "Don't worry until you KNOW you have something to worry about." It doesn't help anything to worry. Just come here and talk to us and vent. We have good women here who will help in any way we can. Hugs MK


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Thanks MK. You are right about the cancer in my family. I didn't even mention my Father dying of lung cancer (smoker) baby cousin - 20 months dying from stomach cancer & Mom already having non-evasive cervical cancer. So the big "C" word is like a nightmare for me. My lifestyle in the past hasn't been great to say the least either, so I always worry! Ughh! Yes - you sound like my husband (whose mother has battled & WON! Hodgkins & BC in both breasts, 2 mastectomies & stem=cell transplant). She is 73 yrs. old, still works as a nurse at a nursing home! ha! She is my hero. He always says "don't worry about stuff until you know for sure, it is wasted energy". I am such an emotional person, it's hard to heed his advice. Thank you all for your support. You are ALL very brave.
Yours, Jules
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Wow your mother in law sounds like quite the woman!!!! I am about five years younger than she is and have not been able to work since I was 61 due to some extra benefits from surgery gone awry with infection. I managed to get some sutures that were contaminated at the plant and recalled only the word didn't get out as well as it should have. Long story and yes I was part of a lawsuit but got nothing much out of it. So I could have worried myself silly about breast cancer, but that is not the problem I live with. But as I tell everyone, at least I am living. The infection could have done me in. We do have some young women here who have far more serious problems than I do and they are real jewels. Please feel at home and let loose. We all do what we have to do. Hugs Mary K. MK for short. LOL


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Hi Jules! You have received some great advice. MK is our cheerleader for tellling us not to worry until there is something to worry about! She is absolutely correct. But, I have to tell you that it is perfectly normal and human nature to worry. I can remember how frightened I was when I heard the word "breast cancer". You have a wonderful role model in your mil. Wow, what an extrodinary woman! Don't be afraid to go to her for support. I am quite certain that she will be able to understand your fear and emotions. Don't let the drs. put you off. If you feel what they say isn't right, then get a 2nd opinion! Go with your "gut feeling". Come here if you need to talk. We all know how you feel and what you are going thru.
 
Hugs...Deb

 

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Many thanks to you all for your swift replies. How great is the internet huh? I do know that if this turns out to be not good, my m-i-L will be my biggest support. Not only is she VERY brave & wise, but kind to me as well. I am lucky enough  & know it, to have a wonderful mother-in-law (Ginny). I will keep you all posted. Hopefully after the tests (6/15) the results won't take to long. Ginny always said the waiting on test results was always the most grueling, now I understand. Have a Happy Weekend!
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Will be praying on the 15th for GOOD NEWS!  While I have had bc twice, my s-i-l has been called in twice after her annual mammos and there was nothing wrong.  But, it's good that they actually were diligent when they saw something unusual.  Unfortunately, they read my mammo as normal in Jan. 2004 and then blood work in Feb. 2004 showed elevated tumor markers which eventually led to tests that confirmed recurrence.  Don't worry, too much, until you have something to worry about.  It's hard to do, I'm a die-hard worrier but it doesn't change the outcome or make things any better so enjoy each day and then after the test - hopefully, you can go out and celebrate the GOOD NEWS!!!  LET US KNOW!!!

Teresa King

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

(NIV)