Should I Worry About This....

Approximately 6 years ago, I noticed a lump on my breast.  It's located almost under my arm and is more an elongated oval than a round lump.  I called the doctor, who just felt around my breast and told me that it was nothing to worry about.  Last year, since this mass (whatever it is) has not disappeared, I went to a different doctor (I moved to a different state about 3 years ago).  This doctor told me that most likely it was a fatty mass and that I should take Vitamin E, but that if I was concerned, she would order a mammogram.  Well, I was and she did and bottom line is, after 2 mammograms and 1 ultrasound, I still have no answers as to what this is.  It deforms my breast visually, although I don't think there is any "orange peel" effect that is common with IBC ( I just learned of this cancer today and did some research).  Over the years, I have experienced discomfort and some minor pain.  There is no history of cancer in my family, either side, that I am aware of and I have asked my parents repeatedly.  

 I have 3 children and I want to be around for them for the rest of their lives.  I just want to be absolutely sure that I have nothing to worry about.  If I do, I need to know who to turn to who is going to take my concerns seriously.

 

On 5/27/2008 lisa1120 wrote:

Approximately 6 years ago, I noticed a lump on my breast.  It's located almost under my arm and is more an elongated oval than a round lump.  I called the doctor, who just felt around my breast and told me that it was nothing to worry about.  Last year, since this mass (whatever it is) has not disappeared, I went to a different doctor (I moved to a different state about 3 years ago).  This doctor told me that most likely it was a fatty mass and that I should take Vitamin E, but that if I was concerned, she would order a mammogram.  Well, I was and she did and bottom line is, after 2 mammograms and 1 ultrasound, I still have no answers as to what this is.  It deforms my breast visually, although I don't think there is any "orange peel" effect that is common with IBC ( I just learned of this cancer today and did some research).  Over the years, I have experienced discomfort and some minor pain.  There is no history of cancer in my family, either side, that I am aware of and I have asked my parents repeatedly.  

 I have 3 children and I want to be around for them for the rest of their lives.  I just want to be absolutely sure that I have nothing to worry about.  If I do, I need to know who to turn to who is going to take my concerns seriously.

I had NO history of BC in my family either.  Just to ease your mind, get them to do a needle biopsy.  Don't expect them to take you seriously, I am so totally fed up with Oncologists.  One even had the nerve to tell me that "For heaven's sake it is only DCIS, not your heart".  Made me feel like an idiot.   I guess you have to be really cancerous to get their attention.  If it is a fatty tumor, then at least you have peace of mind. DO NOT LET THEM MESS AROUND with your life.  I am due for a check up, but probably will not go. It is not worth the demeaning attitude of these so called Dr.s.  

 

I'm sorry you have come across such arrogant doctors in your treatment of DCIS.  I had stage 1 BC almost 5 years ago.  I know a woman who was diagnosed with DCIS and after two attempts at removal they could not obtain clear margins and performed a radical mastectomy and she is disfigured at her upper chest and has a large sunken hole under her arm and is so uncomfortable wearing even a semi low cut dress or sleeveless.  So it is no joke.  What if it were his wife?? or daughter or sister, mother etc.  When I was deciding treatment a friend said to me to ask them what would they advise if it was their loved one so I did just that.  I must say my surgeon stopped and I saw his eyes ponder a moment and then he spoke.  Don't miss your follow up due to arrogant, non caring doctors when there are ones out there that do understand and care.  My team of doctors, an oncologist, a surgeon and my radiation oncologist are great.  I can call them anytime even 5 years out and they will get back to me ASAP.  I even contacted them when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a year ago and they got information for me so their  are caring health professionals out there.  You may want to deal with a breast surgeon or a female doctor in the future but definitely not the one who feels DCIS is of no significance.