A few concerning symptoms… worried!

bogo2923
bogo2923 Member Posts: 2
edited September 2022 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Hi all,

About two months ago I started getting this strange sensation in my right breast. It kept feeling like it was leaking or “letting down” but no fluid would come out (haven’t breast fed in almost two years). The sensation also feels tingly at times. Once this continued I started to notice that my right nipple is completely inverted now. It’s always been a bit flat but never completely retracted in.

Those are my two main concerns, but I also noticed my veins are a bit more noticeable on my chest and I may have felt a tiny pea sized hard lump… I feel like the lumps confuse me because my whole breast is a bit lumpy but this felt a little different maybe?

I plan on calling to make an appointment tomorrow but am just looking to see if anyone had similar symptoms and their outcomes.

Thank you!

Comments

  • K-Gobby
    K-Gobby Member Posts: 144
    edited August 2022

    Changes to your breast do not always mean bad things. Making an appointment to have fresh eyes and possibly a test is good. Symptoms or changes you described are mentioned on this site. What I know is that if it is an unusual change, get it checked out. Finding out whst it is does give some comfort.

    Please report back.

  • parakeetsrule
    parakeetsrule Member Posts: 605
    edited September 2022
    Hopefully you get some answers soon!

    When you ask for outcomes, keep in mind that everyone here had symptoms that turned out to be cancer. People who had something other than cancer aren't regulars on a breast cancer forum. So the best thing to do is get an appointment with your doctor!
  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,257
    edited September 2022

    bogo,

    As others have said, breast changes are not uncommon and most of those changes are not cancer. It is very early in your efforts to find out what is going on as you have not seen a doctor yet so don’t leap to the most serious conclusions. Virtually everyone here has been diagnosed with breast cancer so our outcomes would mean nothing in terms of your current situation. I know it is hard not to worry but try not to get ahead of yourself and stay away from the rabbit hole that Google can become. Make that appointment and take care.

  • bogo2923
    bogo2923 Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2022

    Thank you to everyone who replied. Great points in that most people here had symptoms that led to breast cancer and me asking about mine will just lead to more worrying. I did meet with my Dr and she checked me and referred me to a breast specialist. Waiting to hear from them to make an appointment but will update soon.


  • momoften
    momoften Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2022

    dense breast mammogram with “suspicious “ 4cm mass. Scheduled for biopsy next week. Freaking out a little. Read all the statistics. 20% biopsies are cancerous? Did anyone regret having the biopsy

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,257
    edited September 2022

    Goodness, no! I always like to know exactly what I’m dealing with. What do you think you might regret about a biopsy?

  • brinkofeternity
    brinkofeternity Member Posts: 181
    edited September 2022

    The clinical trial I was on required me to get several biopsies for research samples. They always healed just fine. It is a few sticks to numb the area and then bruising after, but nothing I feel regret over.

    I have a friend who had benign tissues removed and swears her breasts tingle whenever the microwave is on. It’s been 30+ years and still no issues for her. Hope this helps!

  • alicebastable
    alicebastable Member Posts: 1,946
    edited September 2022

    So, 80% NOT cancerous. And again, the members here had or have cancer. Biopsies save lives or at least lead to treatments that extend life.

  • parakeetsrule
    parakeetsrule Member Posts: 605
    edited September 2022
    Also keep in mind that "20% turn out to be cancer" doesn't take into account what's been seen on a scan. Something that looks like it's most likely benign is going to have a much lower chance of being cancer than something that looks like it's definitely cancer and the biopsy is merely to confirm it.

    There's nothing to regret about a biopsy! Either you get the good news that it's nothing, or you get the not good news that it's cancer AND you can now deal with it in a timely manner to preserve your health and life.
  • harley07
    harley07 Member Posts: 357
    edited September 2022

    Did I regret having a biopsy - yes. Did I regret having the mammogram that led to the biopsy - yes.

    I wasn’t going to get a mammo 2 years ago given the overall poor quality of healthcare in the U.S., Covid and resulting understaffing AND the fact that I’m in my 60’s. However, I decided to get one last mammogram. Big time regret. The regret is not that cancer was found, but that I do not believe treatment was needed. I do not believe my life span would have been shortened without treatment. But these are personal regrets. Breast cancer and healthcare in general is a big dollar industry in the U.S. Corporate profits depend on finding and treating cancer and other diseases, not all of which need to be treated. All too often we do not allocate our resources for the greatest need but rather for the greatest profit.

    That said, depending on your age and Birads score proceeding with the biopsy is probably the wise decision as long as you are comfortable with the quality and level of staffing at your breast care center.



  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,257
    edited September 2022

    Harley,

    Getting a mammo or biopsy just let’s you know if you have bc or not. It does not force you into treatment. Patients are free to accept, reject or discontinue tx at any time. No one is ever forced into tx.

  • harley07
    harley07 Member Posts: 357
    edited September 2022

    @wrenn - if you must know my feelings are due in part to the poor quality care I received which was at the height of Covid. I define poor quality care as biopsy mistakes (ie. Didn’t take enough tissue to make a diagnosis on the 1st biopsy; suctioned out the biopsy marker on the 2nd try and then biopsied the wrong area), BS was very dismissive at first visit (ie. You have ADH - how bad can this be?); when given the radioactive dye for SNB, after the doctor left the room the tech told me the doctor didn’t know what he was doing because they do very few breast surgeries at this particular hospital (cancer center for the county where I reside; RO told me the BS should have chosen another place for the excision and didn’t know what she was doing; had another patients information put in my records; RO’s nurse diagnosed me with heart disease based on a phone call (I don’t have heart disease).

    Is this enough info to satisfy your curiosity? None of this may bother you, but it scares the heck of out me.

    @exbrnxgrl - True. But I’d rather not know. Everyone needs to make the best decision for their situation. I no longer receive care for BC.

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,257
    edited September 2022

    harley,

    I can’t say I understand your not wanting to know but I respect your right to feel that way.