HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

G. Ann · 06-21-2006, 10:31 PM

Hi Tousled1,I have had many cysts in both breasts for over 10 years. I always had them drained at the next doctor visit if I had appt scheduled or made a new appt. In 2003 the OB/GYN suggested doing the mammo first rather than draining lump during my office visit, which was a different strategy. When I received the mammo results in the mail, it said "normal," I let too much time elapse, six months, before going back in to have lump drained... just got complacent and thought "it's just a cyst, like always." About three months after the 2003 mammo, I started to experience pain. I stupidly thought I remembered reading that cancerous tumors did not cause pain, only cysts, so wasn't worried, plus no BC in my family history, and besides my past experiences showed it was always a cyst/cysts. Also, my son was having his wedding, my father was in a nursing home and I needed to visit him 2000 miles away, Christmas was around the corner, etc. and I just dragged my feet. Believe me, I beat myself up for over a year after diagnosis. My friends reminded me that I was always good about going to check lumps out. If I ever hear of anyone delaying action, I warn them of risks because you never know. Any and every lump should be examined and in my opinion not just with a mammo.

Before BC in 2004, an ultrasound was never used, just the FNA once lump felt. Four months after chemo stopped, I had ultrasound done for one lump that I could feel on remaining breast--it showed three new cysts plus the one I felt and all were eventually drained, but it took several months, and lots of crazy making time. Last mammo in 1/06 showed "loosely clustered microcalcifications," and recommendation was to "wait and watch" for 6 mos (so easy for radiologist to say) as they are "probably benign," then do another digital mammo, which will happen in July. I did feel another lump 3/06, went to surgeon, and it was biopsied showing no evidence of cancer, but I still have the lump and it's hard not to worry that microcalcifications are getting tightly clustered, meaning BC again. The above is the reason why I have been pushing for MRI.

So my new plan is to get the remaining breast removed this fall since HMO will not perform the MRI. The surgeon agreed he would do it although doesn't think it is medically necessary at this time. Sorry to be so lengthy, but my frustration level gets me going.
G.Ann

06-21-2006, 10:31 PM	#11
G. Ann Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 78	Hi Tousled1,I have had many cysts in both breasts for over 10 years. I always had them drained at the next doctor visit if I had appt scheduled or made a new appt. In 2003 the OB/GYN suggested doing the mammo first rather than draining lump during my office visit, which was a different strategy. When I received the mammo results in the mail, it said "normal," I let too much time elapse, six months, before going back in to have lump drained... just got complacent and thought "it's just a cyst, like always." About three months after the 2003 mammo, I started to experience pain. I stupidly thought I remembered reading that cancerous tumors did not cause pain, only cysts, so wasn't worried, plus no BC in my family history, and besides my past experiences showed it was always a cyst/cysts. Also, my son was having his wedding, my father was in a nursing home and I needed to visit him 2000 miles away, Christmas was around the corner, etc. and I just dragged my feet. Believe me, I beat myself up for over a year after diagnosis. My friends reminded me that I was always good about going to check lumps out. If I ever hear of anyone delaying action, I warn them of risks because you never know. Any and every lump should be examined and in my opinion not just with a mammo. Before BC in 2004, an ultrasound was never used, just the FNA once lump felt. Four months after chemo stopped, I had ultrasound done for one lump that I could feel on remaining breast--it showed three new cysts plus the one I felt and all were eventually drained, but it took several months, and lots of crazy making time. Last mammo in 1/06 showed "loosely clustered microcalcifications," and recommendation was to "wait and watch" for 6 mos (so easy for radiologist to say) as they are "probably benign," then do another digital mammo, which will happen in July. I did feel another lump 3/06, went to surgeon, and it was biopsied showing no evidence of cancer, but I still have the lump and it's hard not to worry that microcalcifications are getting tightly clustered, meaning BC again. The above is the reason why I have been pushing for MRI. So my new plan is to get the remaining breast removed this fall since HMO will not perform the MRI. The surgeon agreed he would do it although doesn't think it is medically necessary at this time. Sorry to be so lengthy, but my frustration level gets me going. G.Ann