Pmr and breast lumps

[Kaaswinkel]

Hi all. 4 yrs into pmr on 3.5 mg prednison since one yr ( hard to taper) i noticed a few lumps/ swelling in the left breast. I booked in to consult GP of course. Anybody else experienced this and would you share the outcome of your doctors assessment. I ?? I am seventy end of year. Thanks all.

[SnazzyD]

Hello. It’s always terribly worrying to find any lump and it is good you’ve booked to see the doc because it’s always better to get them looked at sooner rather than later, if only for peace of mind! However, I would say that asking what others’ outcomes were is very not helpful for you. You will get a range from, “it was nothing” to “it was a nasty” and a whole range in between. You have no idea what yours are and won’t be able to tell what they might be from answers from anybody else from their case. I do understand the not knowing is terrible as I know from experience. At our local breast unit they started with a manual exam and then worked along the line from mammogram to ultrasound to biopsy as they saw fit all on the same visit. How long do you have to wait for the appointment?

[Kaaswinkel in reply to SnazzyD]

Appointment with gp straight away which is amazing. And no I am not worried, one way or the other it will work out. I am though interested IF their is a relationship between PMR and breast cancer, if anybody of the moderators knows. Thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Kaaswinkel]

There was said to be an increase in diagnoses of a range of cancers in the first year after diagnosis of PMR/GCA but it didn't appear a direct connection, it was put down to the increased medical awareness in that period and frequent medical appointments. There is a discussion of it here:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

which concluded GCA patients are not at an increased risk and one might assume it isn't that different for PMR. Of course, certain cancers can have a polymyalgic presentation and that should be part of the differential diagnosis but that is at first presentation.

A Swedish study found a reduced rate of BC diagnoses:

jrheum.org/content/early/20....

"The overall risk for cancer after the GCA diagnosis was not increased (SIR 0.98; 95% CI 0.81 – 1.17). However, there was an increased risk for myeloid leukemia (2.31; 95% CI 1.06 – 4.39) and a reduced risk for breast cancer (0.33; 95% CI 0.12 – 0.72) and upper gastrointestinal tract cancer (0.16; 95% 0.004- 0.91). Rates of other site-specific cancers were not different from expected."

[Kaaswinkel in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much... i could nt find much myself ..and hoped that you people would be better informed than me....

[SheffieldJane]

Wishing you well Kaaswinkel. Let us know.

[Songbird69]

There is a link between inflamed breasts and GCA. Not cancer. It happened to me but no one made the connection. It is rare apparently.

[MrsNails]

See what your GP has to say & let us know, are you going today/tomorrow?

There are Guidelines that the GP has to follow re Breast Lumps.

Best of Luck & let us know how you get on 🍀🌺

MrsN

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you I will do..

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

My Reply to all you marvelous people who advised me yesterday.

I was seen by a GP today I had nt seen before. She was very efficient, was “ not too worried” about the lump, but followed the protocol as described by Mrs Nails and others. I am pretty sure outcome is going to be good, if NOT I will let you know.

Although I am not worried, It gives me great comfort to share my “little worries” with other women who are knowledgable and are interested in PMR. We will see how it unfolds!

[MrsNails]

Please let us know either way, don’t panic if you get a phone call for your appointment as it is/was a very fast turn around Service. My GP asked me for my Holiday Dates so l thought I’d be waiting ages but l got a call the following day to be seen in two days time......

Good Luck 🍀

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you, I will.😊

[Kaaswinkel]

The mammogram and US were performed promptly (13/5) . The conclusion was : suspicious lesion left breast, R4 ( no idea what that is, but I will look it up) . Referral for further assessment recommended.The radiologist told me he would like an “ urgent biopsie”.

Just a “tip” ....initially the lesion was not on the mammogram. After a lot of poking around the lesion was found on the ultra sound (11/6/6 mm). After that they performed yet another mammogram because the lesion was out of the scope of the “ standard” mammogram.

So make sure Friends, “ they” include the spot...

The staff was exeptionally amazingly kind and caring...THAT made me cry, just a little, felt sooo validated and so cared for......

. I asked for a copy of the report which I got today. As I said before I am not worried and will see how it unfolds. I will keep an eye on my medical centre though, who have been highly disorganised. I do understand I am not the only client but I will absolutely take care this is followed up and stress to any of us to take full responsibility for that for themselves, for ourselves. Don t leave it to your GP s. Some are great, some are not, you can t rely on them I accept that. Thank you all.

[MrsNails in reply to Kaaswinkel]

Hi, when are you going for the biopsy?

MrsN 💐

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

Don t know yet. I will ring public health breast clinic tomorrow. Thanks.

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

Had the biopsy 2/6/2021 in public health, again excellent approach and treatment. Asked "them" to send the report to my GP and asked the GP to send it to me which she did immediately which was great. Yes the small spot is a cancer spot. More "news" will be given in an appointment in two weeks. Because of the professional approach my anxiety is minimal. Thanks for your interest in this matter!

[MrsNails in reply to Kaaswinkel]

Keep us updated Kaas, there are a few of us on here who’ve had BC either before or during PMR/GCA & are happy to help or support you in anyway we can, recently we made a small private group of buddies for a lady & she found it invaluable. You sound as if you are taking it in your stride, hopefully you have family & friends to support you.

Good Luck 🍀

Best Wishes

Angela 🙏🏼

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

Thank you this is really very reassuring. Being able to share with "been there done that" people if needed is marvelous. So far all is very manageable due to the expert care.

[Kaaswinkel]

Thanks Mrs Nails for your interest. Visited public hospital today after biopsie 2/6. Grade 2 breast cancer lymph nodes don t seem to be effected. Good prognoses, most probably. Surgery, lumpectomy incl one lymph node for assessment 17/7. Radiation after that if what they find is what they expect. Again excellent care. Could have been a whole lot worse. Husband came with me which really was very good. All the best for all. Aroha...we say in NZ. / Aotearoa! Lots of excellent info on line.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Kaaswinkel]

All the best

[MrsNails in reply to Kaaswinkel]

All the Very Best, sounds like they’ve got everything in hand! You know we’re here if you need us 💗 there’s several of us been there, done that, got the T-Shirt 💗

And, We’re Still Standing!

Good Luck 🍀

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

Wonderful to receive such lovely support from people I don t even know personally. It really does help! Love to all.

[MrsNails in reply to Kaaswinkel]

If you have any questions which maybe of a more personal nature do feel free to PM (Private Message) anyone of the girls who’ve replied. We made a Buddy Group on PM earlier in the year for a Lady who didn’t have much Female/Family Support so don’t forget.

Good Luck 🍀

You Can Do This 💕

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

Yes, I can do this. So many of our sisters go through the same “ thing” my motto is “ I am always lucky” . The mind is soooo important...

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

Hi there… not sure where I should put my “ new information” but it is meant for the ladies who know about breast cancer/ been there done that.

So here we go….my small lump is a triple negative breast cancer, which is aggressive and not easy to treat ( does nt respond to hormone treatment) so after the lumpectomy I had 15/7 there will, most likely, be chemo. That is what I want because beside surgery chemo might nip possible metastasis in the butt (well breast!).

I think we got it “ early “ so with a bit of luck we got it! Yes, I am taking it in my stride and really only mix with people I like a lot, like my husband and a few others. The fact that others have been there Nd done the triple negative cancer before me is comforting. The care has been and is outstanding. Especially If you have had the same cancer I would love to hear from you. Never mind…everything passes and this will too!

[MrsNails in reply to Kaaswinkel]

Hi Kaaswinkel

I too had TNBC - Aggressive little 🤬 - l had Chemo - they usually put all your details into Scoring the Risks before they decide to put you on Chemo but truthfully it’s our only option. I’ve just cleared 6years in Remission 🙏🏼

What we’ve done previously is set up a Private PM Group with our Ladies who’ve had BC & now have PMR/GCA so you can have a chat, ask questions but generally to keep in touch. If you’d like to do this l can round up the girls & make us a group, we’re here if you want or need us & it can be about anything not just want you’re going through. I’ve got lots of Chemo Tips which I’m happy to share with you, so let me know which would suit you.

I’ve made it this far & mine was growing scarily crazy!

Hang in there 💗

MrsN

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks for yr reply….AND sooo great you are there to tell the tale(s)!,,also…you are Caucasian.. and not as young as the usual 3 negative cancer “ patient”…Love to hear the “chemo tips” I am not so much interested in the non triple negative stories..” ours” is a class apart I understand…

AND only pass yr tips on if it feels OK for you…I can just imagine you want to move on from this say “ challenging” period in yr life…..

[MrsNails in reply to Kaaswinkel]

Yes we are unique in having TNBC as it’s a disease of younger women & they are usually surprised we have it. I know there’s a time difference, we have our little grandaughter here, she stayed over night so pretty busy this morning but l will PM you with some Hints, Tips & Advice.

Take Care

MrsN

[MrsNails in reply to MrsNails]

Kaaswinkel - l’m having an Away Day Today so will write up that info tomorrow when l’ll be having a Relaxing Day!

[Kaaswinkel in reply to MrsNails]

You are most generous to share those tips with me….there is absolutely no rush, any time is fantastic for me. It will be a while before the chemo starts…I .hope you had a lovely grandmother time!!!

[Songbird69]

All the best to you. I had breast cancer when I was 40, with lymph node involvement. Still here at 67 to tell the tale!

We are here if you need us. xx

[Kaaswinkel]

Thanks songbird...well done!! Glad I got a warning...and good treatment. Thanks for being there, I will absolutely write if I need some help or advise. Great.

[Cats64]

I had a breast lump, but it was after knocking myself and getting easly bruised because of being on steroids. Diagnosis was good because i went to the breast clinic and was told it was just a fatty lump causes by the bruising.

[Kaaswinkel in reply to Cats64]

Good on heah to check it out!!! All the best and thank you.