Question about possible BC

[vharrison]

I have a question for anyone that can give any information. I’m not sure where to turn and found this site. If it’s not the appropriate place to post I will delete it. My story: left breast pain on and off for years. Over the last 3 years it seems to be worse and more frequent. I have had mammograms and ultrasounds. My GYN and Breast surgeon feels it is all due to fibrocystic breast disease and my Rheumatoid arthritis because I have had this for so long with no mammogram changes. My left breast swells but doesn’t not stay swollen all of the time, it can be painful or very painful to the point of making me nauseated, it feels hot at times but no color or skin changes noted. My armpit will even be sore and feel swollen. I’m super scared because I’ve pretty much been in pain since August and haven’t went back to my Dr because I saw them in May and had test then. Has anyone had this? Can BC symptoms come and go throughout the day or so they stay around. Again I hope it’s ok to ask this here. If not, I apologize. Just need help.

[bones-bones]

Hello. You don't generally get pain with bc. If your gynae and breast surgeon say it's fibrocycstic disease I would stop worrying .

[vharrison in reply to bones-bones]

Thank you for responding. I just worry that with all of the cyst from the fibro maybe they are missing something because of my dense breast. I hurt so bad that I get nauseated. I just wondered if maybe I need to push for some other kind of test that I am not aware of. I had a friend who had breast pain before the lump was found. Again thank you for responding. I appreciate all advise.

[Haven44 in reply to vharrison]

Obviously many of us on here aren't medically qualified although may have a great deal of knowledge around our own cancer! I did have some pain with my bc but there was definitely a lump and it was thought that this was causing some oedema which was causing tenderness. Also, as it was due to the sizeable lump the pain was constant rather than intermittent. Your symptoms may well not be related to bc but what I would say is that regardless of what's causing it you shouldn't suffer from such pain and worry and I would seek medical help to try to get to the bottom of it so that hopefully you don't have to suffer from such debilitating symptoms. I would have thought that going when you are having a flare up would be a good thing as it gives them something more solid to work with. Whatever your decision I wish you all the best. K

[vharrison in reply to Haven44]

Thank you Haven. This pain seems to be more constant now. I’m going to be and waking up with it. I emailed my GYN this morning and have requested to be seen. She did a 3D mammo in May for these same reasons. Because I have fibrocystic breast I feel lots of lumps and it’s so difficult to know what I’m feeling. Thank you again for speaking to me. I do appreciate your kindness.

[carolinenailsea]

haven has given you good advice I believe. Keep pushing until you are reassured. The usual BC tests are mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. They also do MRI. Not sure if there is anything else. Not sure what the genetic testing I have heard of is about. Your pain sounds very debilitating and I would hope they could do something to ease the pain. Best of luck Caroline

[vharrison in reply to carolinenailsea]

Thank you Caroline. I just emailed my Dr requesting to be seen. She did a mammo in May for this same reason. Results showed normal lymph nodes and beign calcifications scattered. Because of my Fibrocystic Breast I feel like I need to stay on top of it. The pain seems to go from light to intense but is now hanging around all day. I truly appreciate you speaking to me.

[blue_sky1]

BC does not usually cause pain, and your GYN and surgeon are probably right. My (advanced) BC was 100% painless but I had a lot of pain in the other breast (which I subsequently had removed and reconstructed as I hated all the worry after my diagnosis and treatment on the other side). They tested the tissue and there was no BC present at all. Don't be scared. It is unnecessary and you are only hurting yourself for no reason. Research how to treat fibrocystic breast disease naturally. Best of luck! xx

[vharrison in reply to blue_sky1]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I truly appreciate it. I hope my Dr will call me tomorrow. I need a plan to help with this horrific pain. It’s hard to function, hurting. Prayers for all of you !

[Noramea in reply to blue_sky1]

I had full mastectomy chemo & radio therapy 2017 prior to this I had pain often quiet intense in breast, it would dart strongly throughout the day and then go away, on that basis I didn't get checked for 18 months. I had no visible ump only puckering. I always thought you would have a lump and no pain. How foolish was I ! Good luck to all you very lovely ladies. You are all inspirational.

[blue_sky1]

I think that is very helpful Noramea as my experience was very different. And that is the power of a community like this - to share real experience. Thank you.