Skip to content
Forum IndexForum: Waiting for Test Results → Topic: feeling markers?
« Forum: Waiting for Test Results: Biopsy, mammogram, CAT scan, PET scan, ultrasound, or other tests.

Topic: feeling markers?

Log in to post a reply
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 114
  • Posted on: May 10, 2008 08:01 pm
mtbmom wrote:

I have been diagnosed with LCIS.  My family history is strong.  I've had 3 biopsies on the r side, and go in Friday for the left side.  This past week I noticed a hard small lump (about the size of a bb) on the r side, and am not sure if it's a prior titanium marker.  The question is, after starting tamox, is it common to notice the prior markers?  Should I bring this up on my biopsy on Friday?  I've never felt it bfore, and it seems to spread up into the aerola area (starts at 7 o'clock, and spreads inward from there).  Or is this a common side affect of tamox as it seems to deflate the boobs?.  Please, any advice!  hugs-Denise

When my time comes, help me leave behind some reasons to be missed- C.B.
Dx 2/18/2008, LCIS, 2cm, Stage 0, Grade 2, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR+
Posts 1 - 5 (5 total)
AnneW
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1990
May 11, 2008 10:36 pm AnneW wrote:

Those titanium markers are barely 1mm. They are so tiny that no one should feel them. I'm not sure what's causing what you're feeling, but maybe it's just scar tissue? I would not assume it's the tamoxifen. Bring it to your doctor's attention.

Anne

2002 IDC stage 1, grade 1, rads & AI
Dx 9/18/2007, ILC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
mtbmom
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 114
May 12, 2008 12:51 pm mtbmom wrote:

Thanks Anne- I wasn't sure.  I just found this during my SE, and didn't know what to think.  It feels very different from any of the other fibrous tissue I have.  I don't think it's scar tissue-it's not near my excision site at all, but I can't be positive.  I plan on showing to my Radiologist on Friday when I go for my biopsy. Thanks again-Denise

When my time comes, help me leave behind some reasons to be missed- C.B.
Dx 2/18/2008, LCIS, 2cm, Stage 0, Grade 2, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR+
Kimber
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 213
May 12, 2008 07:51 pm Kimber wrote:

Good idea, Denise, have the radiologist take a look. Tamox does seem to "deflate" so maybe you can feel things that you couldn't before.
Let us know!
Kimber


Dx 1/15/2008, LCIS, 6cm+, Stage 0, / nodes, ER+/PR+
awb
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1791
May 12, 2008 08:06 pm awb wrote:

denise---while I've never heard that tamox "deflates the boobs", I have heard it may possibly make them less dense and easier to image (radiologist says mine are very clear and easy to image with mammos--been on tamox over 4.5 years). The marker placed during a biopsy is extremely small--about the size of a grain of rice according to my radiologist--and really shouldn't be felt by anyone.  But I would definitely mention the area to the radiologist when you go.

Anne 


Dx 9/5/2003, LCIS, Stage 0, 0/0 nodes
mtbmom
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 114
May 22, 2008 06:14 pm mtbmom wrote:

Hey everyone!  I'm sorry I've been out of touch.  Have company, and had my biop on the left side on Friday.  At my biop, I told my radiologist about the new "lump" on R side. It was the marker!!!! Apparently it has moved close to the skin, and has some scar tissue around it, I guess making it really noticeable.  (it feels so different from my other lumps!) This marker is from my biop 2 yrs ago also.

I don't know if it's the weight loss from the tamox, or just it doing its job, but my boobs do feel like deflated balloons with lumps! How sexy is that :(! 

Now, I'm just waiting for "the phone call" with results, and it sucks.  They wound up going into 2 areas, and took about 8 samples from each.  At this point, I'm not sure I care what they find, I just want an answer and just to move on. UGHHHHHHH!!!!!.

When my time comes, help me leave behind some reasons to be missed- C.B.
Dx 2/18/2008, LCIS, 2cm, Stage 0, Grade 2, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR+

© 2008 Breastcancer.org. All rights reserved.