Does Breast Cancer Hurt - honest truth from bc patients
Comments
-
ChiSandy~Thanks for sharing...I'm so anxious to just KNOW so I can roll with the punches that lie ahead! benign or not I have to resolve this issue...and it seems like if its benign, don't get me wrong that's Terrific but it seems like in the medical field your left to figure out how to fix yourself: ( so I have, thankfully to this site been able to Speak louder, Voice my health concerns and make clear my expectations! I am so grateful to this New assertive me!
0 -
Hello,
Thank you for all the information. I was wondering if anybody has experienced sharp shooting pain as in nerve pain sensation where lumps are. I found 1 lump and my dr. found another. One is 1-2 cm and the other closer by at .05-1cm. I found the lump after I got off my period a week and a half or so. Got into to the dr and going for mammogram and ultra this week. Last night, I woke up to sharp pains where the lumps are and shooting out and up towards arm pit. I am now experiencing the nerve pains on and off. I know nerve pain from broken pelvis, 20 years back. My lumps do not hurt when touched. I'm 39, super healthy, no bc history in my family, etc. I self exam my breasts, but it has been a couple months.
Any information is greatly appreciated. I'm already prepared to follow through ASAP if it comes back w dx.
Thank you!
0 -
MB12 my lump was only found three days ago! My shooting pain starts near my armpit and shoots down to where the lump is; near the nipple and then the feeling of thousands of needles in the nipple area:/ Gyn didn't feel anything and a new PC Dr asked me where does the pain start and settle he found a small lump where pain settled so I'm glad he considered my pain as it was my first symptom and I didn't take it into account because well I'm always feeling some sort of pain...but the nipple discharge (clear for 3mo to bright red blood 3 days ago) was my reason to get things moving but it has been so slow until I checked in with this new Dr...
0 -
Hi Linda15,
I'm sorry you are going through that! Keep me posted on your follow up. BC and cancer in general is like the wild, Wild West. Anything goes. Ugh.
My pain stared at lumps and shot out. I thought it may be bc of the mammogram and me constantly feeling them for changes or if they have gone away. Hopefully, I get the mammo/ultra scheduled for Friday or Monday.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for positive outcome!
Michelle
0 -
Linda15 I am sorry that you have to go through this but I am glad you are being your own advocate. I am going through a similar situation. I began having breast pain at least a year and 1/2 ago . I am 36 with no family history of breast cancer. I began having pain in my left breast. It was a dull pain which I ignored as a pulled muscle. The itching was sporadic but the pain began to increase. Before I knew it I couldn't lay on my left breast at night. Still I kept it moving...no worries. One night close to Thanksgiving I was awoken with a swollen breast and shooting pain. I was a preemie who had some surgery as a baby to keep me alive. I have a scar on my breast that had been slightly indented but has been healed for over 30 years. My 30 plus yr old indented scar was red, swollen, and painful. My pcp said it was an abscess, take these antibiotics. Breast cancer doesn't hurt. I did and the pain continued. I continue to have pain so I continue to look for answers. The appearance of the scar is changing. I get a mammogram and a sonogram- we see a small node, it's not cancer but come back in 6 months. PCP says it maybe due to caffeine, high blood sugar. Sooo I cut out caffeine, and go on a vegetarian diet. 8 plus months later I go for follow up. I go back to PCP and ask for another mammogram & sonogram as well as a breast specialist referral. Sonogram tech and doctor at imaging place say no visible mass or tumour. That scar looks strange. I saw the breast surgeon yesterday. The breast surgeon looked at my imaging and said that she sees something that could be cancer and sends me for an immediate ultrasound guided biopsy. While I am leaving for her office for the biopsy I say that am I glad that I followed up on this pain. And she says" Get a good bra, take some Tylenol, breast cancer doesn't hurt."
-_-
I am waiting for my results. I am so grateful for all of you ladies sharing your stories. If I hadn't read these posts I may have continued to ignore the symptoms that are constant reminders that something isn't right.
0 -
Dear flowerfulloflife, Welcome to the community. Keep us posted on how things work out for you. We are hoping for a benign result. The MOds
0 -
Thanks Mods. I am really grateful for this board and the strong women who have shared their stories. The surgeon said my results should be available by Friday 10/30. I will definitely post an update. Thanks again.
0 -
Flowerfulloflife~sorry to hear your current situation! Say what I've been saying PAIN is Not Normal it should NEVER be a Norm for anyone and if and God willing it's benign Expect a Plan of Action to Resolve whatever they say it is😉 Stand Firm in This and they can't turn you away because it's their job to explain how to resolve your medical problems! Before my current health situation, pain was a Norm for me and it consumed too many years...I was only diagnosed with Fibromyalgia three years ago after a 20+ years of Chronic pain and now that I finally got that under control I don't want to allow myself or any PC to dismay my concerns. I feel the Medical Industry is the only business that legally robs people of money, time and stress and to your face! They simply know that whether you continue with them or not they remain in business so Pay a Copayment continue to pay your insurance and they can dismay your concerns with being Hormonal, Stress, Diet, Weight! Even if so...suggest they get blood test, check your thyroid, perform a Stress Test, Sleep test Just make them Plan to Help you RESOLVE the issue! I don't mean to sound Negative and Thankfully there are those that do the do but it's just been my personal experience and the worst part is I would except what they said to be it and not Question them at all! So that if anything my current scare has been a Huge Blessing: )
0 -
hi there,
Having a meltdown. I dont usually over react to these things but google has me gone insane.Found a grapesized lump 7weeks ago just left of my nipple.
I had been feeling pain in the area and while having a feel i felt the lump as clear as day. Booked an appointment & doctor said its probably hormone related & to come back in 6 weeks if it didnt go away. Well it hasnt gone away, i feel it aching almost all the time & now my armpit is gone quite tender. I wake up lying on the side of the lump & it feels like a rock is in there!
While pregnant with my 2nd child 3 years ago I was bleeding from the nipple but ultrasounds all came back ok. They wouldnt do mamo as I was pregnant
Im only 28 so I know statistics are on my side but having seen a 20year friend recently pass away from cancer Statistics mean nothing to me anymore.
I couldnt get another appointment until this wednesday. I cant even talk to my husband about it thats why i posted here... but just have the most sick feeling in the pit of my stomach all the time.
Just praying Im over-reacting & its nothing..
Thanks for letting me vent.
0 -
Hi Linda15. I totally agree. We have to ensure that our questions are answered. Did you get an appointment with the breast surgeon for your lump? I am glad you got a new pcp.
0 -
Hi SophieBell. I am sorry to hear about your pain. What kind of appointment did you get for Wednesday? Is it a mammogram or a sonogram, PCP appt?
0 -
Hi Flowerfuloflife, yes my breast surgeon appt will be Thursday 29th! I've been a bit nervous but mostly keeping busy with Kids school (I volunteer) during the week and family on the weekends. How about you, your on the waiting side of the results...How are you feeling?
Along with the on&off pain in my Rt breast I've been having constant pain in my back (between shoulder blades) and in my breast bone & rib area it hurts to have a bra on! Anyone else feel like this or had similar symptoms related or not would love your feedback I mention it and I'm looked at as though What does that have to do with your breast?!? I'm also experiencing tenderness/swelling chest (under collar bone) and both underarms:( (I'm also posting so I don't forget to mention at next appt) hehehe~
Hi Sophiebell, think of what you want to get out of your appt and make it happen! Don't shy away, question their response...ask them to show you for certain that it benign if that is their response, ask that they check your hormone levels, if they say mammogram Ask why not MRI of the chest (considering your age your breast are going to be the denser side) will that be a better approach to getting a clearer diagnoses? If they look at you Crazy You did Good:) lol but if they still are Egotistical about their answer Seek a change in PC and let that PC know Your there Seeking 2nd Opinion!!! and repeat until someone can Show you and explain with certainty that it is benign, what to expect and how they plan to resolve your current medical situation!
I say this because likely and God willing it is Benign but you (we) should have peace of mind when it comes to our Health and should not live in Pain or fear of something we so Tried to get answers on! Stay positive and read this over again to truly make a switch in your brain that no Matter their Degree they can't know for certain without asking how your feeling! What you say leads to their next question and test! So be Firm, Expect a Plan of Action, and Question everything! Payers and Hugs your way:)
0 -
Hey Linda15
I am glad you are keeping busy and staying positive. I am having pain in my back and left shoulder blade behind my trouble breast. I also have some itching. My indentation appearance has changed a bit from the biopsy. I haven't been having any bad pain. It's been pretty bearable although I have been sleeping in my bra. I have a 6 year old son in cubscouts. We are getting ready for a harvest festival which will be boys decorating pumpkins. Soo I am staying busy with that, home, work and etc...I am a little nervous. If it comes back as cancer in a late stage how that will effect everything. Did I wait too long? I did!!! I should have demanded a referral to a breast specialist 6 months ago! Last year!! I should have been more proactive. I am soooooo angry at myself. She looked at my sonogram and knew I needed a biopsy in 20 mins. However yesterday is gone and every day is a new beginning. I can't go back in time so I can't worry about that now. I have faith and I believe that God's Will is going to prevail and either way I will remain faithful and continue to do what is best for my family.
0 -
Sometimes doctors can be very black and white as well as insensitive. I am learning that if the doctor is not open to listen and discuss whatever is happening then it is time to find a new doctor. I have always used that approach with my son's doctors however I haven't applied the same guidelines for my own doctors. When you know better you do better. Nobody's gonna fight for you like you.
0 -
Hello Flowerfuloflife!
Your absolutely right in thinking in the today:) I used to think in the "if onlys" in my life and It is truly a waste of Thought...because although we can think of what we could have done differently we still don't have control over what the response or others would have done nor what they'll do;)
All we can do is Be proactive Now, Ask until we're Blue in the face...and then Question some more until we know in our gut~ because who can Understand CANCER!
0 -
Flowerfuloflife~ Biopsy question were you ok to drive after? I have to drive out nearly two hrs away and wanted to go alone! Is that a bad idea?
0 -
Hi Linda15 I took my husband with me. The hospital is about 30 mins away. The doctor said to use a cold ice pack for 30 mins on the area and not to lift anything over 20lbs. I think committing yourself to a 2 hour drive may be pushing yourself. I took 2 Tylenol and worked for 4 hrs. I have an accounting job so I sit and type on the computer all day. I was tired after work and luckily I didn't have to drive(I could have). You will probably be able to but you may not want too. Do you know what type of biopsy you will be having? Did the surgeon discuss it with you? Some are more invasive than others. Will you be awake? Will they be giving you an anesthetic?
0 -
Also Linda15 I think some people can get results within an hour if you have the fine needle aspiration. If this is the case and the results are that it isn't benign you don't want to have to drive for 2 hrs with that heavy burden on your mind.
0 -
hello all
Im so glad to have found this thread.i was diagnosed 4 yrs ago after 18 months of pain,2 mamos and an ultrasound later!!!! Guess where my 2 tumors were found bang on the spots where the pain i was told was most definately NOT cancer,cos pain is not a symptom of breast cancer.so so tired of hearing this.
In feb/march this year i started to get the same pain in other breast but because of reactions from docs last time i have been very hesitant about going to doc . My app with my oncologist was last monday and i said it to him and fist thing he said was pain not a symtom!!!! He did exam and found something hard but doesnt think its anything sinisterbut will send me for ultrasound to make sure,its next monday2nd nov.hopefully he is right but it drives me so mad that they are so blinkered about pain.
Thought it was funny too when he said that as im still young enough that tissue is dence that mamo might not pick up anything (which clearly was the case last time)you would think that an ultrasound would be standard every year too. ( i was 39 diagnosed am now 43)
I think they all need to have a conference with women of all ages and LISTEN to US .
Anyhow that my tupennce worth hopefully all will be well and my gut feeling is wrong.
Xx
0 -
I am trying to figure out this pain thing. It's gone from a sharp shooting pain and up to lower armpit to a short throbbing pain and shot up 12 o'clock. Totally varies and has an ache every now and then. It didn't hurt at all yesterday and has been acting up today. Almost felt like acid burning for a minute inside. Have not touched it hardly at all over the weekend.
I feel like my head is making this up (phantom pains) bc I felt no pain until after the lumps were found. The 2nd and smaller lump feels as it may be attached to the larger more rooted lump. Hope to get mammo/ultra and biopsy, if needed, all on Thursday's appointment.
Has anybody had these symptoms or heard of these with cysts only?
Should I do the fine needle as mentioned by flowerfullo?
Thank you so much for his thread!! 😘
Hang in there ladies!!
0 -
Flowerfuloflife~ Thursday will be my first appt with breast surgeon! I'm taking along all my recent images but I'm expecting an MRI with contrast to be completed to determine if breast biopsy is needed,(since the noted dense breast on my mammo report) I'm also expecting that they do a culture of the discharge I've experienced from my Rt nipple as well as any needed blood work.
However, I also have a subclavical lump (4-5mm lymph node) and that I want a biopsy done for sure;) it was noted by my PC and he even suggested it be done...so he affirmed my Gut feeling of a needed biopsy! I was looking forward to my drive there as I've been feeling a little more anxious lately and driving, listing to music and singing along (where no one is pained by my voice) is very relaxing! However, I didn't consider my drive back:/ you made a great point; thank you:) I'll definitely have to reconsider this part of My Action Plan!
0 -
Noddyneevy~Thank you for sharing...I certainly will pray that you will not be going through a second round! One thing on your side is being able to Say Listen Up this is what I want done to rest assure:)
Your absolutely right about having the women who have gone through and experienced the symptoms, testing and treatments be the ones to have a larger Say about how Research, teaching/training should be done!
xx
0 -
Hi Michelle~You described my (what I call) radiated pain! It's what wakes me up at night or keeps me for going to sleep...I too hope to haveanswers on Thursday or soon after my appt with my breast surgeon!
As for the type of biopsy, I would ask which one would be best option for your tumors! I know Dr usually like to go with the least invasive option first but if they know it's going to lead to a second type that would have been the best option not necessarily least invasive then Personally I want the best option!
I'll definitely keep you all posted on Thursday and will be checking on your progress:)
xx
0 -
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your help. Yes, radiated pain. I just realized last night when I woke up to stress eat that the burning pain reminded me of anesthesia..how it burns when it first goes in your veins and it definitely was nerve pain at different times. It's crazy how it has been a few different types of pain.
I will keep you posted and be sending positive vibes your way, also!
Michelle
0 -
Hello Friends,
Ok, here is my first report. Went and got the mammo and ultra. Highly irregular, abnormal, suspicious, very concerning, etc. are adjectives all used. 2 centimeters at 11 o'clock and looks like a blob of black paint splattered on the floor. 3 tech/doctors all looked at me very sympathetic, whispered in low voices and I could feel their empathy. They were all great! They were not concerned with the 9 o'clock at this time. Referred me to breast cancer counselor, biopsy, options for treatment facilities and told me that I'm in good hands and we can move fast w this after the biopsy confirms. That they will work w me and wherever I decide to go. So, scheduling biopsy, tomorrow. I saw the images and it concurs with cancer diagnosed images that I've seen. Just saying.
I'm not scared. I'm pissed off at the timing of this as my app is launching in November and I'm commuting from SF to LA to STL. I'm a boss and get shit done. Take the bull by the horns kind of lady. Not to mention my 12 year old daughter is homeschooled this year and we move to Venice after Thanksgiving for 3 months and are to travel for work. This is the worst possible time. Oh, and I held off on new insurance bc in healthy and I got quotes for business and employees after we launch. We got delayed w launch and thought, I'm healthy, I can wait a couple months and enroll in January. They denied me in 2014 because I took Xanax 8 years prior that. One prescription. Also, tried getting coverage in CA and MO. Way harder after Obama care went through. Told me to wait and reapply. I've worked my ass off to get us here over the last 3 years. Nothing will stop this launch. Also, I'm a health junkie. I take all sorts of superfoods, anti-cancer fighting free radicals agents, herbs, exercise, watch my sugars, eat non-processed foods, etc. I'm not perfect, but I'm on it w diet and exercise. Plus, I eventually want more kids and had planned on freezing some of my eggs. I'll have to check into that at a faster rate, now. I'm totally venting. I know there is no good time to get bc and I still have to wait on biopsy for proper diagnosis. I just know that burning pain/aches that I felt is not normal. It's like anesthesia shooting in your veins and nerve pain. Also, I have been forgetting a few things as in short term here and there when my memory is exceptional. I've had some fatigue, dizziness, light appetite over the last couple months and may have dropped a size, but i work out and I've been hitting abs more frequently. Just thought it's the stress of the app launch and commuting. I'm actually the happiest I've ever been and in the very, best time of my life, right now.
So, I'll get biopsy and go from there. Keeping this under tight raps w my family and work. Not until, I follow through w my backup plan that is already in place as in where I'd go for treatment in CA. LA/SF. They will all throw in their opinions and I have quite a few family/friends that are dr/nurses. They'll try and suck me in to staying in STL and there is no way in hell that is happening.
Not to mention it could cause issues on our fundraising round. We are a company that believes in full transparency. We are a global app. We travel. It's the job. Geez. Thanks for listening. Praying for a miracle or an easy, fast cure and praying for all of you ladies!!! 😘 I'll update after biopsy. It may not be the dumb BC. Tysm for listening!!!! 🙏Michelle xo
0 -
You have Inspired me!!! To have so much on your plate be faced with unanswered health issues and awaiting a biopsy, you were managing your huge opportunity and travel plans and homeschooling a 12yr old😅 You are seriously one bad a** lady and I mean that with the utmost Respect!
Linda
0 -
Hello. This is my first visit here and I've read so much, here and whatever I found 'googling' and, well...I received a call-back from my mammogram on Friday (that was Monday morning) asking me to come back for another mammogram and an ultrasound. I didn't know about the ultrasound until I received the letter today. To say I'm scared is an understatement.
I've been called back once before (I have a mammogram every 2 years, I'm 66 years old), but this time something was different. Although mammograms have always been 'uncomfortable', this one had me in tears! I wasn't crying (not a wimp, doncha know
, but tears were streaming out of my eyes with the pain I felt on the outside of my left breast. The technician, bless her heart, was so sympathetic as she started the compression, counted down the seconds and released the plates immediately and apologized for hurting me! Poor kid, I must have scared the dickens out of her...I just said, wow, that hurt and left it at that, no dramatics, lol, no hysterics. And it hurt the rest of that day and into the next. Even now, when I try to find a lump, I feel a pain quite deep inside and that scares the bejeegers out of me. I have a follow-up mammogram and ultrasound on Nov 4th, next Wednesday.I thought I was being quite calm after I received the phone call, but somehow this letter with the addition of the ultrasound threw me for a loop. Thank goodness my dear Hubby hugged me and said that no matter what happens, we'll get through this, and also reminded me that I do get regular mammograms, so IF anything is there, it's at early stages.
I'm so very pleased...well, in a warped sort of way,
, that you ladies have confirmed to me that something could be amiss if I have that kind of pain. I'm minimally terrified, but not obsessively so...but honestly, the thought that this could be cancer just pops into my head unannounced and I have to fight to keep from tearing up again.Sorry for the long story, I just wanted to thank you all for being here, for supporting each other, and whether or not this turns out to be a brand new adventure, I'm happy to have found you.
0 -
LlinD-
We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO! We're sorry for the worry that brings you here, but we're glad you've found us. You've come to the right place for support!
Good luck on your mammo and ultrasound next week, we're hoping for benign results! Either way, just know that you are not alone, and we're here for you!
The Mods
0 -
Pain in my left breast is what prompted my mammogram. Then I was sent for a diagnostic and ultrasound and they said it was birad 5. I have an appointment with an oncologist next Wednesday. I am having so much pain and it radiates to my underarm, feels heavy and it hurts around the nipple. What will the oncologist discuss on Wednesday
0 -
The pain was in my breast and radiated to my arm. It was 8 months since my last mammogram, which was clear. I was reassured that it was probably nothing, however after a biopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed. The pain alerted me and saved my life. I have no family history, which seemed to be focused on often. In the past I have had irregular mammograms, but no biopsies. It is been scary at times, but I have managed through the ups and downs.
0
