Imuran and swollen lymph nodes within the breast

[CurvyGurl]

Hi.

I am 36. I had my first Mammogram today after finding a lump and telling my dr. They shot several different views of the breast and focussed in on the lump a couple of times.

Apparently the lump i felt was really 2 swollen lymph nodes within my left breast (sorta in the cleavage area - sorry I don't know the correct term for where it was other than in the breast centre, to the inside). The radiologist said I had to come back in 3 months to have another ultrasound to see if there was any change in the size, and things would go from there.

Here is where I am a lil confused. Firstly - I had only heard of lymph node involvement used to determine the stage of the cancer. Secondly, I had no idea I had lymph nodes within the breast tissue (other than under the arm!). Thirdly, and most importantly to me, I am on Imuran for Crohn's Disease. I thougth Imuran would stop the body from having any immune reaction to anything in my body. So I thought that meant in addition to not getting fevers, and colds that last two months long, i thought that I could not have any swollen nodes/glands.

** The radiologist told me that often before a cancer appears there may be lymph nodes swelling in preparation. **

Because the lump I felt was actually a swollen lymph node, does that increase my odds of it being cancer?

I realize in retrospect how much I owe my breasts - for my daughter's nutrition when she was young (she is 10 and i still lactate a lil bit) and also owe them for very un-feminist reasons, such as getting service first when waiting at the Future Shop.

And while I may have thought about how nice it would be if I could sling these babies up and have a breast lift, I would much rather keep my sagging E cups the way they are than have any surgery on them.

Can someone with some knowledge in this area please help me out!?!? I left the Breast Screening place without making the next appt and I have not told my fiance sleeping next to me, as I don't want to worry him.

I think if there is a greater chance of Breast Cancer due to the Imuran, that I will be keeping that secret until anything has been determined.

Thanks for reading my question. I am afraid I am having trouble focussing on other things while my mind wrestles with the Imuran/immune response query, so I appreciate your time and feedback.

I want to keep my Curvy Gurl standing as all natural, the way I was sculpted :D

[Okuno]

i think you should try a holistic therapy. my daughter (who was diagnosed with crohns disease) was very satisfied with the outcome since the whole treatment process would not require any form of surgery or steroids.

Godspeed!

[Beth1240]

I too have just found out that I have 3 intramammary lymph nodes in my left breast.  I had a mammo, ultrasound and MRI.  I have seen a surgeon and he feels that it is probably benign.  He to wants to wait 3 months and do another ultrasound and look for any changes.  My mother had BC twice at ages 43 and 50.  I am 44.  I want the surgeon to remove the lymph nodes.  If they are benign great. I do not care if there is a scar on my breast I just don't want to worry about them anymore.  If they come back possitive for cancer then at least I was proactive in my case.  I too am large breasted DDS.  My health is much more important to me than my boobs.  Yes I would miss them if they were gone but my 5 children would miss me more if I  were gone.  Talk to your fiance.  It is surpising how supportive men can be when it comes to this.  Good luck and let us know what happens.

Beth