Family History

[averyms]

I have a family history of cancer that didn't occur until recently.  My Mother  was diagnosed with stage 2 Tongue and Throat Cancer at the end of  2005.  Soon after my Father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer at the beginning of 2006 and passed away in April of the same year.  My Mother is in remission now Thank God.  My Uncle (Father's Brother) diagnosed with Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer and passed away one day before the election.  Both of my Aunts (Father's Sisters) have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  One Aunt has had it metastasize to her bones.
I have had a small lump for 1 1/2 that has doubled in size and is painful.  I am very tired, have no energy, and a cough I just can't get rid of.  I go next week for tests because of the abnormal uterine bleeding and pain I have.  I have had cysts and fibriods removed from my ovaries but the bleeding hasn't stopped and in fact seemed to increase where I would be off for 7 days and on for 10 then be off for 12 days and back on for 21.  I'm not afraid to die I just want to know if I am.  I am scared only about leaving my Mother, Sister, and Husband.  I can't have children because of the PCOS.  I know it is impossible to make a diagnoses via computer but if anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.  I have never felt this kind of fatigue before and often feel so tired that I feel like I could go to sleep and fade away.  A friend suggests that I get this looked at right away especially because of my family history and so does my Mother.  It is a hard lump about the size of large jawbreaker and hurts to touch.  Pain seems to radiate down my arm.  I have had milk secretion since I've had a period but it seems to be more than usual.  I just want to know if I should be alarmed.

[Jaquta]

It's natural to be concerned about a lump.  I expect you would feel extremely relieved.

I'm a little curious as to why you left it so long to address.  Perhaps it's been a low priority or perhaps you procrastinated due to your fear??

Waiting can be extremely stressful and difficult.  Waiting seems to be a common theme on this forum.  I don't mean waiting for responses but waiting for test results, appointments, etc.

Wednesday is only a few days away.  As it been there for one and a half (?weeks, months, years.  I thought you meant years, perhaps I'm wrong) it could possibly wait.  Keep a close eye on it though and if you notice any more changes, etc then perhaps you need to get it checked out sooner.

Investing money in your health is never a waste.

I believe everything happens for a reason.

I'm sorry I'm not able to provide more emotional support, especially as it sounds like you need it, but I feel too tired and stressed out myself to be able to give it.  Sorry!!

It sounds like you need an action plan, etc so that you can keep everything in perspective.
I hope you get answers on Wednesday.  That at least will relieve some of the stress.

Best wishes

J

[averyms]

Thank You for your comment.  I have an appointment on Wednesday with my primary and I'll let her feel the lump and whether or not it's going to need to be biopsied.  The strange thing is that I don't have any pain in my breast only under my arm.  It feels like a a hard ball under my arm and it's painful.  It, like I said, is about the size of a large jawbreaker and feels as hard too.  I keep asking friends what they think because I'm stressing over it now but of course they aren't medically trained.  I don't like having to wait all the way til Wednesday.  I considered going to urgent care but don't want to waist my money.  I have a high deductible plan and can't afford to get sick which is why I am more scared.  Money is the issue right now because we just saved our house from foreclosure.  After the death of my Father we not only lost the best man on the planet but a much needed income. I know everything will work it's way out.  I just want to be able to leave my Family with something.  I wish I could pay off the house and my student loans.  So much to think about I couldn't get a wink of sleep last night.  I will feel very foolish if this turns out to be nothing.  

[Jaquta]

Yes, you should be concerned.  Pain is a symptom that lets us know that something is going on or not quite right.  A discharge is always something that should be checked out too.  As is a lump.

Of most concern to doctors is immediate family.  Having a mother or sister or even a grandmother would place you at higher risk.

I think the fatigue could be related to blood loss.  You could also be very anemic.
The cough could be due to a lowered immunity.

I'm extremely sorry for all the losses within your family.  I wish you all the best for your tests, etc.  I hope they are able to resolve the bleeding and the pain and that you get answers re: the lump.

Take care.

J