Sudden large lump 3 months after mammogram/ultrasound

[jennem1]

I am 39 years old. There is no breast cancer in my family. However, I have a very long history of fibrocystic breasts, as do all the other women in my family. I had an excisional biopsy at age 25—benign fibroid. I had a bad breast infection at age 29—from a cat scratch—that resulted in some scar tissue and cysts. Many other lumps and bumps that were diagnosed as benign via ultrasound and/or mammogram.

Because of the fibrocystic activity, I get yearly diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds. I go to one of the top 10 places in the country (just the luck of my location & insurance). I had a set in mid-June,  less than 3 months ago. The result was benign—cysts up to 11cm, stable/benign microcalcification that hasn’t changed in 2 years--come back next year as scheduled.

I am trying to get pregnant and just did a cycle of Clomid/follistim/Lupron this month. I was inseminated 8 days ago.

This morning I woke up and noticed a very large—at least 8cm—lump beneath my right nipple. It is in the exact same place, and feels exactly the same, as the lump from the infection 10 years ago where the scar tissue is. The skin, nipple, lymph glands, etc. are normal. No pain. The lump is smooth and oval, and it moves around within my breast. I called my doctor—didn’t see him. He is not concerned at this point. He wants me to have a pregnancy test on Friday since it could be hormonal changes. If the pregnancy test is negative, he wants me to wait until a few days after my period and see how the lump feels. If it doesn’t diminish then, he’ll send me to a surgeon for aspiration.

This all sounds accurate, but I am very freaked out. You’d think that after 15 years of multiple benign lumps and exams I’d stop freaking out every time! But nope!

Jennifer

[jennem1]

Thanks again!
I do have real panic attacks. And I do have medications to help. Unfortunately, because there is a 20% chance I could be pregnant, I'm not supposed to take them.
You are definitely right--I'm jumping ahead and thinking the worst, not only with little cause, but with much reason to not think it--age, symptoms, testing, family history. Digital diagnostic mammogram + ultrasound is only 91% accurate, but since I've had 4 in 3 years I think it ups my odds. Thank you again for that reminder.
I'm going to try to make it through the next week as calmly as possible!
Take care of yourself as well! I hope your LCIS has no ill effects in the long run.
Jennifer

[ncmichigan]

I can understand your fears. I'm 62 and  I've had long history of proliferative fibrocystic changes since my late 20's. I have a sister who died with breast cancer before her 51st birthday and my maternal grandmother also died from it. I've also never been pregnant and all of these put me at high risk for BC. I've had 3 biopsies of five different areas since Jan. '04 and was diagnosed with LCIS in Oct. '09, so now my risk is even higher.
I have mammos , exams and MRIs every six months and get anxious until I get the reports, so I can relate. But I don't let my anxiety get the best of me. I feel that I am a strong women who's handled many rough times in the past and I can handle anything. I try to focus on all the good things in my life and find joy in every day that I have. It's not always easy but it's what I have to do. If you're having real panic attacks maybe you need to talk with your doctor about that and see if there's something that would help you. I know it's scary waiting for test results but you don't have a diagnosis---you're just jumping ahead and thinking the worst. Please try to calm down, distract yourself with
things you like to do, talk with supportive family and friends, pamper yourself a little
and take one step at a time. You can't deal with "what if's" you can only deal with "what is", so wait until you know what is and go from there, OK?
Take care,
nc

[jennem1]

Thank you!

FWIW, the mammograms were digital and detailed. AND this new lump is not in an area that would be hard to see--it's closer to the nipple than the chest wall.

But then I read about ILC and other hard to detect cancers and I completely freak out. Despite my history, my hormones, the quality and recency of my breast exams, a doctor I trust (and most doctors are big on covering their rears right now)...I'm sure I'm one of the ones that slipped through the cracks.

I'm at work right now having a total panic attack. For at least the 10th time in 15 years for the exact same reason...

[ncmichigan]

Hi, Jennifer,
I know it's hard and we've all been there,  but please try to stay calm and positive. If your doctor is someone you trust and he is not concerned, I think you should not be  freaked out either. With your past history, it is mostly likely a benign mass. Hormonal changes certainly seem like a possible answer.  It sounds like he has a good plan for follow up with you and will get a conclusive answer for you in time. You''re fortunate to be able to go to one of the top 10 facilities in the country and I'm sure you'll get excellent care. Please try to be patient and take one step and one day at a time. Worry won't change anything and just wastes energy you could use for something else---like maybe being pregnant!!! I'm sure that would be fantastic news for you! Please keep us posted on what you find out, if you like.
Wishing you all the best and sending you a big hug (    ),
nc