CancerCompass message board discussion started by Hope4vr on 5/16/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,24093,0.htm Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/   I need some advice. I have fybrosistic breasts and it is very difficult to notice any lumps because they are already very lumpy, but I have been told that if it is hard and pea size to check it right away. My problem is that for the past year  I have noticed my upper right armpit with lumps. They get swollen and are painful 2weeks before my period starts. After they reduce in size and but do not completely dissaper. I have informed my obgyn and family physician and both give no concern about it, they can't even feel the lumps. They just say the same thing reduce your about of coffee and caffeine, but the lumps are starting to bother me more and more and I'm getting very scared. Please any advice would be appreciated. Hope4vr Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT If I were you I would ask to be reffered to a breast specialist and see what they have to say or what they may want to do to be SURE you are ok...Good Luck!! Lovemysquirrels Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I also have had fybrocistic lumps in my breasts, which I first noticed 20 years ago. It actually led to my having a biopsy in my early 30s and beginning to have periodic mammograms around that time. And that's how my cancer was found because it is of a type that does not form distinct lumps (ironic, really). I'm just pointing out that these things can have unintended benefits--I don't know that I would have been as faithful with the mammograms if it hadn't been for that original lump. But what you are asking is whether you should trust your doctors or your own instincts and I think there are a LOT of women on these boards who will tell you to go with your instincts. It may be nothing but if you feel like something is not quite right you need to persist until someone takes you seriously rather than dismissing your concerns. I suggest making an appointment with one of your doctors when you know the lumps will be swollen. If you still can't get them to check it out, go to a different doctor. If it is nothing to worry about (and it well may be) then you will have peace of mind and that is well worth the hassle. Good luck! Suzie M Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT One other thing: look for symmetry. As I said, I had lumpy breasts forever and I learned to look for lumps in the same place in the other breast. If you find symmetrical lumps, then it is probably nothing to worry about. So if you find a lump (and it does NOT have to be hard and pea sized to be cancerous) on the outside of your right breast, see if you can find one on the outside of your left breast. Also, regular self exams will help you recognize a new lump that might need checking out. Suzie M Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had the same symptoms that you decribe...I hab fibro breats (at age 28) and I too was told to eleminate caffiene...I did that and at 32 moved to t new city and had to find a new doctor...24 hours later I was having a biopsy and 24 hours after that I had a right mastectomy with 8 out of 10  lymph nodes that were also cancerous, so I had so had all nodes removed form under my right arm. I suggest a new doctor and insist on more aggressive measures.I was diagnosed as a stage 3 cancer with lymph node invovlement in 1993Thanks to a move to the city and a new female doctor...I am a 15 year cancer survivor i this October...Hope this sheds new light on the subject.Vicki325 Vicki325 Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT I also have fibrocystic breasts. Several years ago I thought I felt a lump, mammogram and  sonogram were negative. In Feb 08 my boyfriend found alump and absolutely insisted I have it checked out. Was I doing monthly self exams? No, couldn't feel anything except a bunch of lumps.. I did feel this lump after it was pointed out to me. I am 56, so I no longer have periods. I remember all the aches and pains I would have in my breasts especially nipples at certain stages of my period. . .     I had a simple mastectomy on Mar, 13, 2008. I am very fortunate that my cancer was estrogen +, hep -, neg lymph nodes. No chemo, just tamoxifin for 5 years.       kayatlanta Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT   Just  one more question. The lumps I feel change in size and are movable. When I am close to my period they hurt, but as soon as I start, the pain dissapears and lump/s get small, almost dissapear. Does this make a diffrence? Hope4vr Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT A possibility for the lumps could be something related to your hormonal cycle,  which  could mean it is just a normal variant in your body. Document size, pain, etc. over a cycle and if possible go to the doctor  when they are the most active. The most important thing is to  get them checked out both for your peace of mind but also your health and your life! kayatlanta Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT  Thank you for all of your responses. I have just talked to my pcp and have asked for a referral to have an ultrasound done..God willing everything will be ok. Hope4vr Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 5/16/2008 Hope4vr wrote:  I need some advice. I have fybrosistic breasts and it is very difficult to notice any lumps because they are already very lumpy, but I have been told that if it is hard and pea size to check it right away. My problem is that for the past year  I have noticed my upper right armpit with lumps. They get swollen and are painful 2weeks before my period starts. After they reduce in size and but do not completely dissaper. I have informed my obgyn and family physician and both give no concern about it, they can't even feel the lumps. They just say the same thing reduce your about of coffee and caffeine, but the lumps are starting to bother me more and more and I'm getting very scared. Please any advice would be appreciated.the other replies to your message offer good advice - get it checked out, cause is could be cancer.  I would like to offer some advice you may not have already heard about the fibrocystic problem:  fybrocystic disease interferes with drainage of lymph fluid from the breasts, and this complicates things quite a bit.  Lymph drainage can be facilitated by exercising  with a mini-trampoline (or otherwise known as a rebounder.)  You can get a 36" one at a discount department store for $30 - $40 that work perfectly well for anyone up to 250 Lbs.   You don't have to do any fancy exercise on it; simply standing on it and gently bouncing without your feet leaving the mat, for 3 minutes twice a day, will help remove the lymph fluid from around the cysts in your breasts, and it may also help reduce the size and pain of the cysts themselves.  I have both lymphedema and fibrocystic breast disease.  I started exercising with a rebounder 1 week ago, and the decrease in the amount of fluid in my arm, underarm, and breasts is amazing.  I am much more comfortable, and bouncing on the rebounder is fun, once your calf muscles get over being sore!   trehouse60 Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT