Bruise

[yousyous8]

Hi everyone,

I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions.

A couple of days ago, one of my sisters found out she had small cancerous cells in her breast. She doesn't know everything yet, whether it's genetic or not, how developed it is. She had a mammogram back in November and everything was fine. FYI, she's 40 years old and has 3 kids. Perfectly healthy otherwise. This comes as a huge shock as no member of our family ever had cancer.

So my first question is: How bad is it? It's obviously an early stage, but it can't spread quite rapidly no? I'm not well informed on breast cancer and a quick research on the net almost got me depressed. If you don;t mind, can you please tell me what she could be facing. Is it positive that she caught it early? Are her chances of "healing" better? Do we heal from breast cancer?

My second question is:
About 4 months ago, I found a tiny bruise on my left breast (almost near the armpit) it's really small and thought it was because of my bra. I've changed bras and forgot about it because, first all cancer never crossed my mind, and secondly there is no lump or bump or pain there. (I'm almost 23 years old). But since, the bruise is still there and I've noticed it gets a little painful (like a bruise is supposed to hurt when you press it) before and during my periods.
Upon closer examination, I've noticed there is a nerve under that bruise. Still no mass under it or anywhere else.
My question is: should I panic?? Could it be cancer?
I can't really go see a doctor right now as I've just graduated and currently unemployed. That would be telling my parents who have enough on their plate right now with both my sisters being sick.

I would really appreciate your input. I hope my questions are not too annoying.

Best wishes to you all.

[japdip]

A bruise is an indication that there has been some slight bleeding under the skin for ??? whatever reason. Unless there were a large tumor that was pressing on the tissue enough to cause small blood vessels to burst it would NOT be a sign of cancer as far as I know.  Good luck to all tomorrow.

[yousyous8]

Hey Japdip,

One again thank you so much for your reply. We should get more informations today hopefully, or tomorrow. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's getting harder and harder.

One last question, is a bruise a sign of cancer?

Thanks again. I'm most grateful for your help.

Best,

[japdip]

Early detection certainly does mean a better chance for "Cure" but so much depends upon how the cancer responds to whatever treatment is used. It also depends if the cancer is isolated within one area or if it has invaded the lymphatic system where it can be spread to other areas or organs. Testing for this is done at the time of the surgery to remove the primary cancer. It's a "one step at a time" procedure with many things dependent upon others. I know ... complicated ... but that's just the way it is when you are dealing with cancer. Advances in treatment are made very often these days but the risk of dying is still there although it becomes  more rare as time goes on.
You state mm as the size in your Sister's case and that's good ... the smaller the better; another factor is whether the cancer is hormone positive. This means that a cancer can be dependent upon hormones for growth which can be controlled even after the primary treatment to lessen the chance of recurrence. We should always think along positive lines and I'm glad you are going to have your problem checked out soon .... so many women "wait" for one reason or another .... not good. We are ALL guilty though, I've even done it myself.  Take care now and please don't hesitate to return with questions or concerns at any time. The only "foolish" question is the one that you DON'T ask.   Regards ....

[yousyous8]

Hello Japdip,

Thank you for your elaborate reply. I really appreciate it.

Yes she had a biopsy, MRI (didn't get the results yet) and some other tests (I forgot their exact names). It has been confirmed that it's cancer. There was a lump. They told her that it's measured in millimeters. She should hear soon about the treatment program.

This might seem naive, but what are the odds of a full recovery after treatment. Are there high risks of dying from breast cancer, even after early detection?

Also thank you for answering my second question. I think I'll go see a doctor soon and clear this matter up.

Thanks again.

Best wishes.

[japdip]

I gather from your post that your Sister has had a biopsy ... I'm not sure what you mean by "small" cancer cells. If she hasn't had a biopsy yet then there is no way to know if the finding is a malignancy. I would think that some form of surgery has been advised IF she has indeed had the biopsy. As far as it being genetic isn't really all that important except to you and any other sisters that you both have. I would doubt the genetic factor if as you say there has been no BC present in your family .. If there was no lump and this was discovered on Mammogram and appeared as calcifications then it would most likely be an early stage. Healing really isn't the word as there will be healing from the surgery but that doesn't mean that the cancer will be completely removed by surgery, radiation or drugs. All this will be determined following the excision of the area and all Pathology studies are completed and analyzed by the Oncologist who would formulate a treatment program for her particular type of cancer.
I see no reason to "panic" In your own case but I certainly would advise you to see the Dr. and have this checked out. You know there is NO excuse for not going to a Dr. or a Clinic when necessary. People seem to come up with many reasons why they can't go to the Dr. at the present time but none of these reasons are valid if you are truly concerned about a health matter. I have no idea how you could possibly "see" a nerve under this bruise that you have mentioned. Nerves are not visible by the naked eye from outside  the skin. I doubt that this would be cancer but you should ALWAYS see someone if you notice anything new/different involving the breast or any other part of the body for that matter.
Here's wishing your Sister all the best with whatever comes next in her fight against cancer.   Regards .....