Does Breast Cancer Hurt - honest truth from bc patients
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Pain is never good and should always be checked on. I didn't get pain until, after I noticed the first one. Going for biopsy next week. Right now ultra sound has it at a Bi-rads 5. They didn't tell me that and I forgot to ask. Picked up the report and films today to drop off at another hospital for biopsy.
Hope everybody is hanging in there!!
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Thank you, Mods, for your welcome.
It's wonderful to have a place to visit and where everyone can understand the kind of frightening thoughts that bring us here even before we've received results. I, too, was always under the impression that cancer doesn't announce its presence with pain; boy were we given a load of bull-crap for too long!
I guess I'll know more on Wednesday.
In the meantime, I wish everyone the very best...best results, best care and best days always. LinD
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So an update from my appt on Thursday...I did not have a biopsy:/ my BS couldn't read my scans because they were completed by outside network! So frustrating to find out that my ins provides me with a location for imaging and they can't even see the darn things!!! (sorry Rant over)
BS concerned and feeling that my breast issues and subclavical lump may be related! However, he stated that he would need to order new CT images (this time of my chest Thur 5th) to see what is going on with that lump.
With regard to my Rt breast he said he would not be able to order a biopsy, since he didn't feel a lump nor any images stating abnormalities! He said "not that your pain & symptoms, aren't cause for concern" but that protocol for Ins requires him to note exactly what will be biopsy:/ (and he has to get approval for MRI but again with conditions) I was so bummed...then he says "Why don't we schedule surgery on the duct that has the discharge, and await pathology report" Genius😍 He found a loop hole for me to get some answers! He wants answers too! He ordered a breast ultrasound (Friday 13th)
If scans are clear... (and there's no indication that lump on my neck relates to my breast) I can still proceed with removal of the duct. and he will refer me to a neck and head specialist they will be able to order biopsy based on timeline and symptoms!
So that is the initial plan, we'll see what happens after the initial meeting: )
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Rant away, Linda. Good for your slick BS for finding the loophole. Here's hoping it's nothing.
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Thanks Trvler!
MB12- How was your appt., are you doing okay?
~Linda
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Isn't it just so scary, though? The not-knowing...since my painful mammogram last Friday the pain has continued intermittently and I'm also feeling so "spaced out", if you know what I mean. I usually have a glass of wine while watching my NFL games, but today I feel like I've already had a few! I still can't feel any lump, pea-sized or pumpkin-sized, so that's pretty good, I think....so why the call-back? My head is literally swimming with possibilities and most are not very helpful.
I hope taking a T3 or two would be okay for my next mammogram and ultrasound on Wednesday (I can't take Aleve) because if it was so painful in that one area a week ago, I'm pretty doggone sure it won't be a walk in the park next week.
Linda, ranting is therapeutic. I hope! So rant away! :-D
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Hi Linda15,
I'm glad you are going to get answers! So great to hear doctors listening, advocating and concerned for their patients!
Thank you for checking in on me. 😘 I have biopsy scheduled for Thursday in SF. Missed the window to get in on Friday due to office hours from the pcp. I'm in LA, now. I am going to call in the am and get all my paperwork started, since I am uninsured. Super stressful! Work is on track thank goodness! I've had some burning sensations and aches here and there. I've been reading everything I can to find out about all options, etc. After, I get the biopsy I will make decision on where, when and what I am going to do. Mass was 2x1x2.3cm. I'm just praying that whatever the outcome is that my eggs don't get damaged and it is an easy treatment. I've been a little nauseous and fatigued. Got mad, but I feel better. Working through the motions.
I hope the lump in your neck is unrelated to breast!🙏
Michelle
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Hi Michelle,
Sorry you have the added stress with regard to insurance...I know too well, what it's like:/ I'm also doing a lot of reading!!!
I'm sure when you voice your concern about your future family plans that will be the first thing your doctor's address:) with all your busyness find a moment to jot down new or worsening symptoms or Post them here! Just as reminder to review/recap with Dr's...I find it's easy to forget while waiting for appt date to roll around😣 or maybe that's just me! lol stay safe during your travels😘
Keeping all you ladies in my thoughts & prayers
Linda xo
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Ultrasound Guided Biopsy results- Benign... I am extremely thankful and very happy. Pathology report says lipoma which I think is just fat. I am a little peeved that I received no information in regards to my pain or my strange looking indented left breast. The BS advised that I needed to come back in 6 months. I am still having pain but I have decided not to stress and just try to reach my optimal health through eating and exercise.
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Flowerfuloflife
That's great news!!! Stay on top of the follow up and if Pain persist after lifestyle changes then call or email BS.
They should want to help with pain issues although Benign is Positive and wonderful... consistent Pain is not and should be treated!
Congrats again, hoping for same results: )
Linda xo
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Hey Annie 88! I had an ultrasound and diagnostic mam. This came back Birad 5. I am going for a biopsy in the morning and I'm scared. The pain is what got me to my doctor. I am having constant pain in the breast and under my arm. Your post is the first I read and I'm glad. Is it normal to have so much pain?
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Greenwillow-My MO says that most patients do not have pain associated w/BC. Years before I had pain and a suspicious mammogram, but there wasn't anything at second mammogram. Hopefully yours will be clear, so you will not have to deal w/ all of this. Keep us posted
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Thank you Annie. Take care
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Update - I just got back to St. Louis and going to get my biopsy at 9:30am, tomorrow. Should have the results by Thursday.
New pain symptoms noted this weekend. I had one day and did not feel anything on Friday. Yesterday, I felt an aching or throbbing on the underneath of the mass. It felt like it was in my chest wall. My mass is in posterior. This happened 3 different times during the day. Today, Its ached on the mass, around it, radiating from it in the armpit, but there was a new direction straight up to my collar bone and down my bicep. This has been consistent on and off all day from 11am pst until now @ 11:32cst. Sometimes it feels like pinching my nerves and the burning is always in the mass and shooting out an inch or so. The aches/throbs remind me of cranks. I will say that I'm just having funky pains in and around the chest area and behind. Each week has been different and further out from mass.
I'll update when I get the results. Sorry, for being short. I'm tired, stressed and crabby.
Hang in there everyone!!0 -
Hi Linda15,
I wanted to check in and see how everything is going. I got my results from biopsy back and it is IDC w a medium grade. We are waiting on margins and I have an appointment on Tuesday to follow up with treatment plan, etc. I did have a melt down last night, but I am back on track, today. (Got no time to be crying.💪💃)Thank you for checking in on me and all your kind words! I'm praying for good news on your tests and keeping all the other ladies in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm making a documentary on this journey. Cancer can hurt. I'm so impressed w all of the nurses/staff checking in on me from SF. 4 different facilities all concerned and caring working together to make sure I followed through w biopsy. Excellent nurses, dr and staff in Lake St. Louis giving me info and just being there for me. Amazing!! So thankful for all of them and the ladies here. We are stronger together👭
Now, It's time to get this show on road! Boom🙌
Michelle
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Hi Michelle,
So sorry for such news...but as we've seen through the many that share here; there Truly is No Rhyme or Reason to this Beast! I'm all for a Cancer Can Hurt Documentary😍🙌💪😎
I know I have yet to get results, my 2nd ultrasound is tomorrow however this time I'll be speaking with the radiologist as well. Do to how I've been feeling I'm expecting ILC with affected lymph nodes...I. know I shouldn't think that but all I've been doing is research on every type of bc and I feel awful
but know in my gut, kinda just want to know how to get better but who knows~my guts can be wrong😝 Thanks for checking in😘 I'll post any news tomorrow...
Linda xo
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Hi Linda,
Ugh!! I hope your gut is wrong🙏. Yes, I think the confirmation takes a weight off your shoulders bc it's certain and then, we can move forward. (At least it did for me.) Still going to send prayers and positivity for good news!! Hang in there and Lmk how it goes😘
(I'm very a serious about that documentary. Glad you agree! 🙌 We know our bodies. I will start a new forum next week to get feedback and support.)
Michelle ☀️
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Hi Ladies,
Hope everybody is off to a good week. I'm playing catch up with work. 2 weeks until surgery. Hopefully, submitting the app to Apple over the weekend. I'll work from the hospital bed. 😁. It's kind of ironic and funny that I bet we go live right around the time I have surgery. 😉
Quick question - How many ladies had arm pit pain and the had cancer in the lymph node/nodes?
I have arm pit pain and I'm a data geek. These forums have guided me in the right direction along with my body. Please, comment and Lmk. 😘
Linda - how did everything go? Hope you are ok!!
FYI-I started documenting this adventure and 200% on board to bring awareness to cancer causing pain amongst other things. I have already started the ball rolling for this new project. I can create awareness through my network. We can create awareness together! Change is needed!
Cheers,
Michelle xo
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I had axillary pain and it turned out to be two positive nodes. I also had nipple pain before I found my lump.
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Hi Molly,
Thank you for the feedback. 👍
I was wondering if you did chemo in LA and if so, any spots close to VB, SM or MDR?
Thx!!
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MB12~ Positive vibes and prayers as you approach your surgery. I would consider your work load a blessing...and know you're going to knock Apple's socks off with that app;)
I have no diagnosis...I did not get to speak to the Radiologist as the tech specified there was no need!?! I truly do not understand and never will the reason behind Assumptions!
especially in the medical field!!! Anyway my Neck&Chest CT scans were filled with enlarged lymph nodes and now I have a nodule in my left lung, go figure! I have surgery to remove a duct from right nipple due to discharge and since I have no palpable lump my surgeon figured this would be best since he can send to pathology, but that is not until the 23rd:( I'm in so much more pain now to the point it hurts to raise my arms. My chest & and underarms (not just the armpit) is slightly swollen and sore all the time and I can't even sweep my living room without becoming exhausted and feeling out of breath! I'm afraid my guts are right! Breast surgeon seems to be more concerned with ruling out Lymphoma than Bc...I'm meeting with my PC tomorrow and he has already mentioned referral to head&neck specialist for biopsy.
More waiting....
Keeping you ladies in prayer and if anyone has had similar symptoms or can relate please share no matter your diagnosis; I just need to know how or where to go from here!
Thanks xoxo ~Linda
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Hi Linda,
Thank you for the positive vibes! Surgery went well. I'm in pain but I'm managing. I have to go back and get all my nodes removed and my right nipple bc they found more cancer, after the surgery. Hoping To Avoid radiation n go to chemo. I'll keep u posted!
I am sorry that you have all these issues going on. Im praying that you receive good news in your journey and get fast results!!! Let's all stay positive!!!
Michelle xo
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Update:
Finally, had the ductal excision done yesterday afternoon! I will have information no later than Tuesday (crossing my fingers) I have strung my nerves out this far hopefully I can keep it together until then😖 so Glad to be returning to work on Monday as I know that will help😁
MB12- Michelle, how are you doing?
Praying for the health team we currently have to be given the knowledge and healing hands we all need! Love you all for your support 😚
~Linda xo
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I just received the results to my annual mammogram . I still have "extremely dense" breasts and now have calcifications , benign looking. Just wondering , should I keep following up on what type of calcifications they are ? TY
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Hi Linda
How are you? I hope you are doing well and have good news for me!
I'm well. Made it through 2nd surgery and have turned into a pro w the routine. 😉 2 more left. Started lymphedema therapy and it's going great. Fertility in Feb and chemo directly afterwards. Meet w MO next Wednesday and then, back to SF/LA for a week. ☀️ Cannot wait! Onco was on the border of high risk and ki67 has me a high risk reoccurrence. I'll feel better after pet scan. Focusing on my health and exercise. Good to be back!💪
Thank you for checking on me! Sending positive vibes to you and all! 😘
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my tumour only hurt when I lied on a bed to go to sleep, by that time it was large and felt like a rock underneath my skin. I knew thingsweren't right, I just knew..
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Yes!! Both of my breast were itchy and swollen before my tumor appeared and became palpable and painful. My gyn and gp thought I was having fibrocyctic changes in my breasts due to me being young.
Surprisingly, cancer can be hard to find in some patients because the providers really aren't suspecting cancer in the first place!
This is why I tell people to push for imaging; MRI, CT/PT Scans when nothing is palpable and docs aren't sure.
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Before my diagnosis I did notice slight itchiness and subtle swelling/thickening in my left breast.
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I am hoping you all can help me ease my mind. I have been having sharp pains in my left breast especially shooting down toward my nipple. I noticed it is bigger than my right. I have never noticed it before. It also feels like pressure is weighing it down. I did my yearly mamogram. I was called in because they seen something suspicious on the left breast. So I went yesterday for a much more painful mamogram on the left breast. I was already hurting. She asked if I was tender to mamograms. I said no I have been sore for a while. Then was asked if they pressed hard enough on the first one. I said I thought they did. So she took it again and it brought tears to my eyes. I have never felt like that before. This isn't the first time I have had this done on this side. It was also done about four years ago. I don't remember it hurting that bad. Then the radiologist read the pictures. Well decide to have a ultra sound. OMG why could that be done in the first place. Any way they gave me a note and see they want me to come back in six months for another to make sure it has not grown. That is not probably cancer. Should I be worried? I am up in arms.
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Dear katmandu1964, We are sorry that you are having pain and worry about these changes in your breast health. Perhaps you can follow up with your doctor for an explanation as to the findings on the Ultrasound and to help you with your distress. It is not clear as to whether or not the pain that you are feeling is associated with the suspicious finding on your mammogram. Regardless, it would be helpful for you to find out what is causing the pain and how to manage it. Here is a link to information on our website about Breast Cancer symptoms. While breast pain is listed as a possible symptom, pain can also be caused by other benign conditions and perhaps your doctor can help you to explore what the underlying cause of the pain is. The Mods
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