Breast Cysts and swollen lymph nodes- not diagnosed as cancer (yet?) Thermogram for further insight?

[Shelley_Amber]

Hello, my mother has stage 4 MBC and now my sister, who is 47 years old has a number of cysts in her breast and has had swollen lymph nodes in her armpits for months. The doctors aren't sure why and are just keeping an eye on it, but obviously we are concerned. If anyone has insight please share, or if you have used other therapies such as thermograms for early detection, or ways to reduce the swelling in the lymph nodes (ie compresses?). Thanks so much!

[luckysmom13]

I hope she's had a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound to evaluate this. Or a breast MRI? Is she just seeing her PCP or OB/GYN, or a breast surgeon specialist?With your Mom's history I'd be more inclined to do biopsies of the areas. (I'm an MD but not all an expert, so just my opinion.) There are definitely people with breast cancers that do not show up on mammo or ultrasound. I do not mean to scare you and your family, just want her to get the most comprehensive care!

Please keep us updated! I'll be thinking if you abd your sister.

Amy

[8576 in reply to luckysmom13]

I am wondering why they haven't done a biopsy? I would try to find out what the thinking is on this. Even if you could speak to the nurse.

Cheers, June S.

[luckysmom13 in reply to 8576]

Even biopy if the persistent lymph nodes would be important given the history.

[Shelley_Amber in reply to luckysmom13]

Thank you so much for your reply, I’m going to share with my mom and sister.

[PJBinMI]

Before I read luckysmom's post, I was going to suggest that your sister see a medical oncologist, preferable the same onc who is treating your mother! If that doctor is too far away, maybe your mother's onc would be willing to contact the onc your sister is seeing to share info about your mom's cancer cells. This must be a nightmare for your mother! Having bc is hard enough but also having a daughter with bc would make it so much worse!

[Shelley_Amber in reply to PJBinMI]

Thank you, that’s a good idea!

[BARBIE70]

Please get a second option and ask for biopsy .I had the same problem and nothing showed on mammogram or ultra sound and sadly it spread to stage 4 before they diagnosed lobular breast cancer .Also ask for MRI scan as that shows what’s going on ,

Wishing your sister all the luck in the world and please keep in touch .xxx❤️

[Shelley_Amber in reply to BARBIE70]

Thank you so much for sharing, and I am so sorry to hear that it was not diagnosed until that stage for you. I hope you are doing okay. I really appreciate the insight and will talk to my family about next steps, the MRI sounds like a wise idea.