Aa
Scared and confused
I went to my docs today as had thought I felt something unusual on my left breast a couple of weeks back. Anyway, I had prodded and poked for ages until breast was actually sore and so decided to go to doc. I took off my top and she instantly asked if my nipple was normally retrected (it isn't normally) and then she did a check.
Doctor said she did not feel any DISTINCT lump (not sure what she means by this) and that seeing as my nipple was slightly inverted she would prefer to send me on to the specialist for a scan and needle biposy to double check. I am petrified. I had a mammogram done by BUPA just last June and am worried to death now.
My question is can a severe poking of the breast cause a retracted nipple. The minute I got up and dressed my nipple was back to normal. But it seems to be this nipple thing that is concerning her.
Anyone else had a similar thing?
Doctor said she did not feel any DISTINCT lump (not sure what she means by this) and that seeing as my nipple was slightly inverted she would prefer to send me on to the specialist for a scan and needle biposy to double check. I am petrified. I had a mammogram done by BUPA just last June and am worried to death now.
My question is can a severe poking of the breast cause a retracted nipple. The minute I got up and dressed my nipple was back to normal. But it seems to be this nipple thing that is concerning her.
Anyone else had a similar thing?
The best advice I have for you and this is not the first time I have given this to many, many women is : STOP reading ! Very little, if any information you obtain in this manner will not apply to your particular situation. You might also stop this ?? obsession about the use of dye to identify your Sentinel Node. I believe you stated that either one or two nodes were removed at the time of your lumpectomy and also that there was no indication that the cancer had spread to the surrounding tissue. This of course would be noted in the Pathology Report which your Surgeon will no doubt discuss with you on the 24th. Staging is never done and complete until ALL the Pathology tests have been done. Best wishes with your upcoming visit on the 24th. Regards ......
Hi,
Spoke with BC nurse today and she was not sure why the dye had not been used on me but said it might have something to do with me being a type 1 diabetic too. She could not say for sure but said it was a question to check with surgeon when I go in on 24th May.
Far more important news today is that I had a shower!!!!!! I wrapped my breasts up in clingfilm and managed to get a good shower that did not involve too much water getting on plaster!!! Am thinking of using a bin bag tomorrow ....I may have to patent all of this!!!
Feeling much more himan today having had a full body shower.
Spoke with BC nurse today and she was not sure why the dye had not been used on me but said it might have something to do with me being a type 1 diabetic too. She could not say for sure but said it was a question to check with surgeon when I go in on 24th May.
Far more important news today is that I had a shower!!!!!! I wrapped my breasts up in clingfilm and managed to get a good shower that did not involve too much water getting on plaster!!! Am thinking of using a bin bag tomorrow ....I may have to patent all of this!!!
Feeling much more himan today having had a full body shower.
Hi Japdip,
Thanks for that response. I am adding qns to my ist each day. It seems the more I read the more I want to ask. I have so far had only a biopsy, whichi confirmed my cancer and type and a mammo, ultrasound and of course my operation. I am not worried at all about the dye not being used, just curious as to why he decided not to. Prior to me going in for op he came to see me and said, I might use it, but most likely won't. I should probably have asked there and then but was only 15 mins away from going in to theatre and it was last ting on my mind.
My friend's cancer was totally different from mine. Although I have not even been staged yet!!! But it is looking like a stage 1 A but even then I am not pinning hopes on this as have read stories of women going in with what looks like stage 1 from lab results to be told 2 or 3. I suppose I just have to trust in the intelligence of my surgeon and his tam and know that they will get to the bottom of this eventually.
More annoying than anything right now is NOT being able to have a bath and lie in it for ages! Most grumpy about this!
Thanks for that response. I am adding qns to my ist each day. It seems the more I read the more I want to ask. I have so far had only a biopsy, whichi confirmed my cancer and type and a mammo, ultrasound and of course my operation. I am not worried at all about the dye not being used, just curious as to why he decided not to. Prior to me going in for op he came to see me and said, I might use it, but most likely won't. I should probably have asked there and then but was only 15 mins away from going in to theatre and it was last ting on my mind.
My friend's cancer was totally different from mine. Although I have not even been staged yet!!! But it is looking like a stage 1 A but even then I am not pinning hopes on this as have read stories of women going in with what looks like stage 1 from lab results to be told 2 or 3. I suppose I just have to trust in the intelligence of my surgeon and his tam and know that they will get to the bottom of this eventually.
More annoying than anything right now is NOT being able to have a bath and lie in it for ages! Most grumpy about this!
After reading your posts it seems to me that when you go for your next appointment it would be a good idea if you would write down the many concerns that you have and address them one by one with your Doctor. I would also caution you that unless your friend is a Physician it's never wise to compare any two cases of Breast Cancer .... each is different in it's own way as is the treatment and also the results obtained. Another reminder too is that no test other than a biopsy with examination of the tissue in the Pathology Lab can determine if cancer cells exist much less if they have spread to other parts of the body. When your friend mentioned "other radioactive things" I'm sure they were referring to what is used when any of the various Scans are done rather than something used during surgery. Only your Dr and/or Surgeon knows your complete history associated with your particular issues can adequately answer any and all of your concerns. Make that list now and don't leave the office with any question unanswered. Kindest regards ....
Yeah, I am a little curious about this too. A friend who has had BC said that it must be because he is almost certain from mammo and US that it has not spread anywhere...I have also read that there are other radioactive things they use that don't dye you?? Ach, I will ask in next few days when I have follow-up appointment.
Oh...If your tumor was an invasive type, I am also wondering why a SLN was not done before removing 2 lymph nodes.
Please ask your Surgeon about this issue and I hope he/she gives you an answer that you'll be satisfied with.
All the best...
Please ask your Surgeon about this issue and I hope he/she gives you an answer that you'll be satisfied with.
All the best...
Sorry Zouzi,
I forgot to update you and tell you last week that in fact my situation is an invasive cancer. It was NOT DCIS. It is an early stage tumour, measurements are 1.5cm x1.1 and not spread into rest of tissue (according to mammo and ultrasound) and app not in lymph nodes either.
I was curious as to why he didn't do this dye thing as he defo went in and removed one or two nodes. It is not something that is making me worried etc but it just seems strange.
I forgot to update you and tell you last week that in fact my situation is an invasive cancer. It was NOT DCIS. It is an early stage tumour, measurements are 1.5cm x1.1 and not spread into rest of tissue (according to mammo and ultrasound) and app not in lymph nodes either.
I was curious as to why he didn't do this dye thing as he defo went in and removed one or two nodes. It is not something that is making me worried etc but it just seems strange.
Hi,
I think that since your DCIS tumor was very small and by definition not an invasive cancer, a sentinel biopsy (SLN) was not necessary in your case. A sentinel biopsy would have been indispensable though if your tumor was large or high grade or you had tumors in more than one location in the breast.
You could also ask your Doctor/Surgeon who is your best source of information about this issue.
Take care.
I think that since your DCIS tumor was very small and by definition not an invasive cancer, a sentinel biopsy (SLN) was not necessary in your case. A sentinel biopsy would have been indispensable though if your tumor was large or high grade or you had tumors in more than one location in the breast.
You could also ask your Doctor/Surgeon who is your best source of information about this issue.
Take care.
Hey,
One wee quick question I wanted to ask and see if anyone knew the answer to. On day of my op, my surgeon said he might use the blue dye on me when taking out SLN or he might not. In the end he did not use it. I was wondering why this was so. Anyone got any idea? I have been a bit confused as to why he would NOT want to trace my sentinel lymph node.
I should add that at the time of ultrasound and mammo, they said numerous times that there was no sign of cancer in the lymph nodes or surrounding breast tissue. Is this perhaps why the blue dye was NOT used???
One wee quick question I wanted to ask and see if anyone knew the answer to. On day of my op, my surgeon said he might use the blue dye on me when taking out SLN or he might not. In the end he did not use it. I was wondering why this was so. Anyone got any idea? I have been a bit confused as to why he would NOT want to trace my sentinel lymph node.
I should add that at the time of ultrasound and mammo, they said numerous times that there was no sign of cancer in the lymph nodes or surrounding breast tissue. Is this perhaps why the blue dye was NOT used???
Congratulations!
I am so happy that everything went so well for you!
Wishing you a long happy life free of worries :)
I am so happy that everything went so well for you!
Wishing you a long happy life free of worries :)
Hello, Just had my lumpectomy done today. It was easy peasy. I live in Edinburgh and attend the Western General Breast Clinic. The Prof who did the job was outstanding. I have a beautiful breast with nipple saved and pert again (it had been retracted) a wee bit of bruising but wow it was done with such ease and calm staff who were superb the whole way along. I cannot thank these people enough from the young doctor who did my pain free biopsy on day 1 of diagnosis to the Prof who reassured me and went in and removed it today. How fabulous that life throws up these amazing and extremely clever individuals who we all benefit from. Western General you are fab and an amazing example of what the NHS is all about. Free excellent care to everyone at the point of need.
You are welcome!
Yes, DCIS is stage 0.
Ductal Carcinoma in situ is the earliest form of breast cancer. It means that the cells are within the duct and technically do not have the ability to spread anywhere. As a result, DCIS is highly curable.
Take care...
Yes, DCIS is stage 0.
Ductal Carcinoma in situ is the earliest form of breast cancer. It means that the cells are within the duct and technically do not have the ability to spread anywhere. As a result, DCIS is highly curable.
Take care...
1 Comments
Thank you so much.
Hi again,
No, it's not invasive if you were told that the tumor is "contained".This type of cancer, DCIS ( Ductal Carcinoma in situ) means that the cancer cells are confined to the ductal structures of the breast. The usual management plan in a case of DCIS is lumpectomy, plus radiotherapy to the breast to kill any cancer cells that remain in the breast, chest wall or underarm area after surgery. Depending on your final pathology report, radiation to the breast might not be needed if the DCIS is considered to have a "low risk" of recurrence.
You will need hormone therapy ( Tamoxifen or other similar drugs) only if the hormone receptor status comes out to be positive.
Rest assured that your Surgeon will explain everything to you when you’ll see him next Monday.
Sending positive thoughts your way and good luck!
No, it's not invasive if you were told that the tumor is "contained".This type of cancer, DCIS ( Ductal Carcinoma in situ) means that the cancer cells are confined to the ductal structures of the breast. The usual management plan in a case of DCIS is lumpectomy, plus radiotherapy to the breast to kill any cancer cells that remain in the breast, chest wall or underarm area after surgery. Depending on your final pathology report, radiation to the breast might not be needed if the DCIS is considered to have a "low risk" of recurrence.
You will need hormone therapy ( Tamoxifen or other similar drugs) only if the hormone receptor status comes out to be positive.
Rest assured that your Surgeon will explain everything to you when you’ll see him next Monday.
Sending positive thoughts your way and good luck!
1 Comments
Thanks so much for this. It has helped hugely. I have looked up a lot on this but there are so many types and so many bizarre names etc...that I get mixed up. This is clear and understandable. Many thanks. My doc said that obviously I would have to wait on biopsy results, but that most likely treatment would be lumpectomy and either Tamoxifen or Herceptin, this is what made me think it was DCIS.Nobody has said DCIS but ductal was mentioned and so I am going by the info they gave as in it has not moved anywhere into breast tissue or lymph nodes. Is DCIS the one that they say is stage 0?
Hi,
Thanks for the update!
I am sorry to hear that you have breast cancer… but like many of us I am sure you’ll be able to beat this disease successfully.
I am glad to know that you have your family and friends to support you and that you have found a great Surgeon to guide you and decide what treatments are best for you. Ductal Carcinoma, (even if invasive) is the most common breast cancer and when found early it is indeed highly curable.
I wish you well and hoping that your surgery will go smoothly and that you will convalesce quickly.
Best wishes …
Thanks for the update!
I am sorry to hear that you have breast cancer… but like many of us I am sure you’ll be able to beat this disease successfully.
I am glad to know that you have your family and friends to support you and that you have found a great Surgeon to guide you and decide what treatments are best for you. Ductal Carcinoma, (even if invasive) is the most common breast cancer and when found early it is indeed highly curable.
I wish you well and hoping that your surgery will go smoothly and that you will convalesce quickly.
Best wishes …
1 Comments
Hi, I was told that the lump very small and was contained and had not spread to any other tissue or to the lymph nodes. Is this still invasive ductal? From my reading it seems to suggest something else?
Hi There,
I went to docs yesterday and was in for hours. Had Mammogram, unltrasound and they have diagnosed it is breast cancer. I then had a needle biopsy. I have to say, none of the tests hurt in any way whatsoever, and so any women out there going for these tests should be happy knowing that these tests were fine and not too bad.
According to the mamm and u/s, my lump is very small and the radiologist even congratulated on me managing to find something so small! They have not given me measurements or anything like that and to be honest I was a little upset and tearful so might not have paid too much attention. But they have said it is very early cancer and therefore very and extremely treatable. I feel some comfort from this.
I am going in to hospital on Monday to see my surgeon about treatment. I am lucky enough to have one of the greatest guys around in this field, think he is maybe even world famous in BC...again pretty happy about this and it has made me feel so much more confident. He was on his way out to airport when he caught me and assured me that after our meeting on Monday we would discuss the 'tweeking' out of this wee thing and then treatment options thereafter. It has been suggested that I have a lumpectomy followed by maybe 5 or 10 years on Tamoxifen if it is the sort of cancer that requires Tamoxifen.
I am not sure how I feel about all of this to be honest. I am up and down. I have excellent family around me and great friends too who have all been very supportive. But It scares me that I am going to have to keep my eye on this all my life and that it could possibly return at any time.
I will know much more on Monday when they are able to tell me what type of cancer it is. Anybody have any ideas as to what sort of cancer I might have? The nurse used the word ductal...
I went to docs yesterday and was in for hours. Had Mammogram, unltrasound and they have diagnosed it is breast cancer. I then had a needle biopsy. I have to say, none of the tests hurt in any way whatsoever, and so any women out there going for these tests should be happy knowing that these tests were fine and not too bad.
According to the mamm and u/s, my lump is very small and the radiologist even congratulated on me managing to find something so small! They have not given me measurements or anything like that and to be honest I was a little upset and tearful so might not have paid too much attention. But they have said it is very early cancer and therefore very and extremely treatable. I feel some comfort from this.
I am going in to hospital on Monday to see my surgeon about treatment. I am lucky enough to have one of the greatest guys around in this field, think he is maybe even world famous in BC...again pretty happy about this and it has made me feel so much more confident. He was on his way out to airport when he caught me and assured me that after our meeting on Monday we would discuss the 'tweeking' out of this wee thing and then treatment options thereafter. It has been suggested that I have a lumpectomy followed by maybe 5 or 10 years on Tamoxifen if it is the sort of cancer that requires Tamoxifen.
I am not sure how I feel about all of this to be honest. I am up and down. I have excellent family around me and great friends too who have all been very supportive. But It scares me that I am going to have to keep my eye on this all my life and that it could possibly return at any time.
I will know much more on Monday when they are able to tell me what type of cancer it is. Anybody have any ideas as to what sort of cancer I might have? The nurse used the word ductal...
Thank you. I am sick with worry. But thank you very much for your kind and reassuring words.
You are welcome!
Of course there are many things that could cause a nipple retraction… Breast inflammation, abscess, sudden weight loss, breast sagging etc... As for cold temperature being the cause, I would say that an inverted nipple may protrude and not retract when cold or aroused.
Your Doctor is taking very good care of you and if she referred you to consult a Breast Specialist, rest assured that it’s not unusual and a very good medical practice. A second opinion is always very valuable. For now you don’t know what the Breast Specialist will recommend after examining you.Surgery or even a biopsy might not be in the picture at all.
Take care …
Of course there are many things that could cause a nipple retraction… Breast inflammation, abscess, sudden weight loss, breast sagging etc... As for cold temperature being the cause, I would say that an inverted nipple may protrude and not retract when cold or aroused.
Your Doctor is taking very good care of you and if she referred you to consult a Breast Specialist, rest assured that it’s not unusual and a very good medical practice. A second opinion is always very valuable. For now you don’t know what the Breast Specialist will recommend after examining you.Surgery or even a biopsy might not be in the picture at all.
Take care …
Thanks for answering this so promptly. I think more than anything today is that I am very confused by what I was told.
I went into room and stated that I thought I had felt a lump but was also aware my period has only just arrived and so lumpiness can be caused by that.
She then asks me to lie down and she comment on retraction which freaked me out, says she felt no lump but then says that maybe all lumps will disappear after my period!
She also said that unless the retraction was permanent, instead of coming and going like mine does, then it was most likely nothing to worry about. However, I am going on idea that THERE WAS NO WAY I wa getting out of that surgery without a referral as they will not just pass this sort of thing over?
I am worried and quite tearful as I have always checked and always had mammos every two years.
Can't inflammation of the breast cause retraction? Or even just cold temp?
I went into room and stated that I thought I had felt a lump but was also aware my period has only just arrived and so lumpiness can be caused by that.
She then asks me to lie down and she comment on retraction which freaked me out, says she felt no lump but then says that maybe all lumps will disappear after my period!
She also said that unless the retraction was permanent, instead of coming and going like mine does, then it was most likely nothing to worry about. However, I am going on idea that THERE WAS NO WAY I wa getting out of that surgery without a referral as they will not just pass this sort of thing over?
I am worried and quite tearful as I have always checked and always had mammos every two years.
Can't inflammation of the breast cause retraction? Or even just cold temp?
Hi,
First of all, I don’t think that poking at your breast would have caused nipple retraction. Of course this physical change can be concerning but it could also be a normal occurrence as a sign of connective tissue aging. Please try to stay calm and not worry so much! It’s a good indication that no swelling/bulge was detected and that the indentation disappeared soon after your breast was examined by your Doctor. Since you are feeling something unusual in your left breast it’s important to consult a Breast Specialist as your Doctor recommended, because any change in the breast, nipple or surrounding area, needs to be examined clinically to make sure that everything is fine. The doctor will examine you and, if need be, order some type of tests. Depending on the results of these tests, he/she will let you know if a biopsy is necessary or not.
Best wishes and we hope that everything turns out fine for you.
First of all, I don’t think that poking at your breast would have caused nipple retraction. Of course this physical change can be concerning but it could also be a normal occurrence as a sign of connective tissue aging. Please try to stay calm and not worry so much! It’s a good indication that no swelling/bulge was detected and that the indentation disappeared soon after your breast was examined by your Doctor. Since you are feeling something unusual in your left breast it’s important to consult a Breast Specialist as your Doctor recommended, because any change in the breast, nipple or surrounding area, needs to be examined clinically to make sure that everything is fine. The doctor will examine you and, if need be, order some type of tests. Depending on the results of these tests, he/she will let you know if a biopsy is necessary or not.
Best wishes and we hope that everything turns out fine for you.
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