dense breast tissue

[hofstra]

I am 44 years old. I had my first mamogram. I was told by my doctor both breast mamograms were abnormal. The dense breast tissue was the issue. I have very large breast and the are always tender, and I can feel lumps, on the outter sides. My doctor recemmended for me to have another mamogram in 6 months.I now have to wait 6 months to have a piece of mind. I suppose to self exam myself to detect any changes. What is your professional advise?

[Kwsty]

I'm blessed in that I only need a 7-week radiation treatment.  They believe they removed all the cancer during my lumpectomy, and both my margains and lymph nodes were clean.  This is only in one breast; and I tested for the gene but came up negative, thank goodness!

I agree with Japdip that only a biopsy can confirm or deny breast cancer, but without the need for that, a breast MRI is another check; after ultrasound, mammo, etc.  I am always of the belief that the more information the better, and ultimately, I am the one who is responsible for my healthcare - not anyone else.

Good luck to you!

[hofstra]

Thank you for your advice. I will schedule an appointment with my doctor after Thanksgiving.Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Hofstra

[japdip]

Just to add one comment but no exam can detect breast cancer; a biopsy is the only method to confirm that a cancer is present. Did you get the report of your mammogram and discuss the report in detail with your Physician? I'm sure there was a recommendation by the Radiologist as to what additional test might be appropriate in your case. I'm not aware that we can order our own MRIs and you Physician may not think one is necessary. with the description (tender, lumpy breasts) it would lead one to think first of Fibrocystic Breast Condition which is fairly common and is related to the hormone levels in the body.   Regards .....

[healingwell62]

Hi Hofstra and Kwsty,

I read your exchange with great interest.  I've never had the experience of having either large or dense breasts, so I appreciate Kwsty's answer to you, Hofstra.  That's the beauty of this community.  There's always someone who's been there before you with a word of advice, a kind thought, or a shoulder to lean on.

For either of you, if I can do anything for you here in the breast cancer community, please don't hesitate to ask!

Warmly,

Chris
Healingwell62
Breast Cancer Community Leader

[hofstra]

I thank you for taking the time to respond back.I agree I think I will try to schudule an MRI. I am very sorry sorry to hear they detected Stage 1 cancer,in you. What treatment are you under going? I  I know nothing about breast cancer. Is yours in just one breast.I will pray for your sucess in conquering this.

Hofstra

[Kwsty]

Not the professional advice your asking for, but I thought that I'd tell you I'm the same way.  First mammo at 41 was abnormal..additional screening proved hard to see due to dense breast tissue (larger breasts like you).  My doc suggested I "watch and see"; but I read that an MRI is a better detector for dense breasts than ultrasound or mammo.  I went to another specialist, did an MRI and (in my case only - not yours) they did detect stage 1 breast cancer, which I'm now starting to treat with success.  Moral of the story - if I would have waited - my situation could have been vastly different.

I tell you my story to only state that if you'reuncomfortable with waiting, ask for an MRI.  You may be just fine, but knowing is sooo much better than guessing.

Good luck to you!

Kristy