indentation

hi everyone! i posted about a month ago regarding some problems i was having. now i have a new one. i found a small, pea sized lump on my left breast. i had previously (a few weeks before) had my mammogram and it only showed an asymmetrical density, which i was told was not a concern. i really liked the dr.(breast specialist)  she could feel the lump, but said that it did not "feel" like cancer.  the specialist said that because they could not see it on he scan, a biopsy would have to be surgical. she suggested a sonogram and said unless the sono shows something, then lets check it again in 3 months. i had the sono and it showed nothing.

last week, as i was getting out the shower, i saw an indentation just above my nipple on that same side. that is pretty close to where the lump is. also, my skin looks just slightly bruised there (just above the arreola).  the indentation is only noticeable when the nipple is erect.

any guesses on what this may mean? i have not called the dr yet, as there has just been too much going on and i have not had time to call.

my mother was a 2 times breast cancer survivor~

One more thing-the radiologist made a notation on the mammo report that because of the family history, i should have an MRI. i was scheduled to have one, but it was subsequently cancelled because i am allergic to the contrast.

thank you in advance for your NICE replies~

[japdip]

Hi again .... I remember your previous posts. The indentation may well be from the lump; this happens when the tissue is pulled inward by something deeper in the tissue. I stand by my previous statement that Breast MRI CAN be done without contrast. Depending on your allergy any reaction to the contrast material can also be controlled by medication. If you're concerned you should give the Dr. a call and have this checked out OR wait the 3 months recommended.   Regards ....

[texasgirl150]

I called the dr and am waiting to hear back. Does it matter that the indentation is only noticable whn the nipple is erect?

[japdip]

Not really but that would change the skin surface some. When you do breast self exams you should raise your arms and then bend over so that the breast tissue appears differently; often an indentation will only be noticed when the shape of the breast is changed for some reason. Keep up posted, OK ??

[texasgirl150]

Ok~ I'm supposed to get a call back from the breast specialist tomorrow.

[texasgirl150]

Breast specialist is gonna work me in on Monday. Hurry up and wait!

[texasgirl150]

I went today. Sh could not see the indentation. As I mentioned above, it is only noticable if th nipple is erect and it was like 80 degrees In there. The radiologist again recommended breast MRI on my sono from the end of February. Dr said it was my call on the MRI although based on my visit with her today and her exam, she does not feel It is necessary. I have a lot to think about and am not getting much support from my family. Dr said that MRI has a lot of false positives and may not be worth it. She did say that I could be premedicated bc of the allergy to the contrast. I feel very conflicted right now.

[japdip]

These indentations occur when the tissue is pulled inward for some reason; it could be that when the nipple is erect it is pulling the tissue and causing the indentation. If it can't be reproduced by holding your arms up overhead orleaning over and moving from side to side I don't think I'd be overly concerned at this point. It is true that Breast MRI does produce false positives but this is going to be your decision and I can certainly see why you are conflicted about it.

[texasgirl150]

I have an appt Monday with a surgeon. I'm having this lump removed. I cannot stand worrying about it anymore and now I'm feeling something else under the nipple. I still have the indentation. Wish me luck!!

[japdip]

All the LUCK of course ..... good move I think since you have been so conflicted about this whole thing; get it settled once and for all and this surely will help to ease your mind. Please let me know the results, OK ???   All the best .....

[texasgirl150]

I sure will. Appt is Monday at 11:30.  Gonna pick up all my mammos and sonos fom 2007 forward and take them with me.

[texasgirl150]

Well...... I went and saw the surgeon yesterday. My husband went with me. He was not overly concerned about the lump, but slightly concerned about the indentation.  he spent about an hour talking with us about all the possibilities etc... He would like to see me get the MRI rather than the biopsy first. He said that he felt comfortable that if the MRI did not show anything, then we could hold off on a surgical biopsy. He went on to say that if I am going to still want the surgical biopsy, regardless of the MRI findings, then not to bother with the MRI. Soooo, I'm again conflicted and need to make a decision.  He did say that he got a call earlier yesterday morning from a radiologist that is starting a clinical trial for a new contrast material. Dr. said he would get more information  and if i am interested, the clinical trial would pay for the mri :)  we talked a lot about genetic testing. he would like to see me to do it, however i cannot really afford it, unless the insurance company is going to pick up 100% of the cost. further, i might go literally crazy if i tested positive, so i do not think i really want to know that information. my husband agreed that the mri was probably the better route right now, which i think is what i will be doing. thoughts?

[japdip]

IF the MRI is going to be paid for due to the Clinical Trial then I would say YES .... Ins. will usually pay for the Genetic testing if you have a 1st degree relative that has had BC .... and you do. I personally wouldn't want to know either but that's MY feeling and shouldn't influence anyone else's opinion. Keep in mind that MRI does show false positives fairly often. Another strictly PERSONAL thought would be to have the biopsy or have the lump removed completely .... MRI would mean (to me) more time to worry and you still would have the lump and not know what it is. Please know that these are just thoughts and not recommendations.  Take care and keep in touch....

[texasgirl150]

I appreciate your thoughts and recommendation. It has been very difficult for me to go through all of tbs without my mom. I'm 33 and have 2 young sons to think about and mom would know exactly who I would need to go to and what I would need to have done. Thank u for all of your advice!! It has meant a lot to me the past few months!

[texasgirl150]

Hi all!! I'm finally scheduling my MRI. Let's
hope the insurance co will cover it!! Another loved one was diagnosed with cancer in mid February so I have been focusing on that.  The indentation/dimpling seems to be widening so I think I'm going to half to start taking care of myself now. I'm very nervous but know it needs to be checked out and settled once and for all.  

[japdip]

Great ....  be sure to keep in touch when you get your MRI results. You're right ..... concentrate on YOU but diversions are good too. Best wishes to your family member also; I know you can offer great support to them.   Take care .....

[texasgirl150]

I'm trying to offer as much as I can, but emotionally, it has been very hard. She is my dads girlfriend and has been diagnosed with stage iv lung cancer. It is all just a little to close
to home for me. She is a wonderful woman and my dad loves her dearly. I try my best to there when I can handle it, but it has been VERY difficult. In addition to everything else, I learned
that I have fibromyalgia. I work full time
and my husband is a fully time student. Let's
just say that xanex is my new best friend!!

[japdip]

WHATEVER IT TAKES ...... YOU'LL MAKE IT .... YOU CAN DO IT ..... I KNOW YOU CAN !!!!

[texasgirl150]

Thanks!!! Insurance IS going to
cover it-yeah!! I Have to be off my estrogen for 2 weeks and then they will do it~

[texasgirl150]

MRI set may 14

[japdip]

I'll mark my calendar and I'll be waiting to hear the results ...... Thanks