tiny hard lump

[wondering1719]

Hi all,

I could use some moral support.  I saw a breast surgeon a month and a half ago, and a follow-up 2 weeks ago, for concern over pain and lumpiness in my breast.  She was so nice the first time, but when I received the report in the mail that she sent out to about 5 other doctors of mine, it was a scathing diatribe about how overly anxious I was, and that my problem is about seeing too many doctors for every little thing.  Well I know I am overly anxious, it began when I received several life-threatening diagnoses in a row last spring, which were disproven, then I was sent to many specialists  by my family doc still trying to figure out what was wrong--he insisted something serious was underlying my symptoms. 7 months later, most symptoms are better and only vague abnormalities have turned up, indicating yes something is amiss but we don't know where.  Even the lab values are generally getting better.  But yes, this has left me very concerned when I have a new symptom or worsening one.  Anyway, I felt so shamed about my anxiety and my multiple doctor visits I am embarrassed to see anyone.  However, I recently discovered a new, tiny--half a grain of rice--hard lump in my breast.  And extra lumpiness in that armpit.  I know I need to see someone, but whom?  The lady who seems to ridicule my need for reassurance or knowledge?  The GP who sent me on a wild goosechase?  My OB, who may ask why I didn't follow up with the expert who was closely following my situation?  Somebody new entirely (though there are only 2 breast specialists in my town, and--get this--I heard the other one was mean!! =0)  seriously!).  There is a surgeon I could see, not a breast specialist but knowledgeable and kind.  Would he be as good a resource?  What would I tell Dr. _______ at my follow-up with her in 2 months, about why I saw "yet another" doctor?  (She mentioned in her report she scheduled a quick follow-up with me in order to try to prevent me from seeking the opinion of "yet another" provider.)  What should I do?  My other docs treat me dismissively since they received her report.   I know I have a problem with anxiety, but for heaven's sake, who ignores a hard new breast lump?  How long can I wait and watch it?  I just discovered it.

BTW, I just had diagnostic mammos of that breast in September.  Dense, normal, one tiny cyst (not in location of my lump).  Ultrasound also normal.

You all are great.  Thanks so much.
wondering

[wondering1719]

hi jadpip, thanks for your response.  why do you say that about seeing a surgeon?interestingly, the ob-gyn i saw about the previous issue (a cord pulling the skin in toward my breast) said she had never seen anything like it before and referred me to a surgeon (because i'd had an axillary biopsy on that side and it could have been a complication of that biopsy even though she'd never seen cords like that on all the biopsies she'd seen).  i went to my pcp specifically to get him in the loop because he did have all my history, and he had no clue and sent me to the breast specialist who was kind to my face but insulting in her report.  (she said the cord was mondor's disease.)  

is it better to go to a primary than the ob-gyn who does my mammograms and such?  why no surgeons--do they just always want to biopsy?

thanks again,
wondering1719

[japdip]

I certainly would NOT see a surgen ... you need to always start with your Primary Care Physician who would do a clinical breast exam and order any testing that he/she might feel necessary to determine the exact nature of whatever complaint (in your case this new lump) you have. I do know that seeing several Dr.s is usually not a good thing ... it's the old "too many cooks spoil the broth" type of situation. If each were a specialist for a specific problem then it's OK but only for that particular complaint. It's always best to start with your PCP because they have your complete medical history and are better able to assess the situation.  Regards ...