**GOOD NEWS!!** -- OMG I found a LUMP!!

[schums]

YEA!!! The radiologist said that there is NO cancer!!! I'm to keep watching the lump and if anything changes to go see my doc ASAP. Otherwise go in for a breat exam in 3 months and do a follow up mammogram on the left breast in 6 months. The spot I found plus another on in the same breast showed up on the mammogram, but the doc couldn't find any traces of them on the ultrasound, which she said was a good thing. The mammogram tech said that the lump I felt was so little she couldn't believe I found it, and that it was round, no irregular edges and free floating, all of which she said were very good! I feel like a HUGE weight has been lifted off my shoulders today!!

Thank all of you for your support and ((hugs)) and BTDT stories. It really made the last 36 hours much better

((((HUGS))))) to you all!

-------------------------
It's in my left breast, practically in my armpit. I can't believe it. I'm too young for this!! I am totally freaking out and don't know what to do, besides worry and cry, that is. I'm trying to avoid doing an internet search, because I KNOW that will freak me out!!

A couple of nights ago, my armpit started hurting and I found a lump. I thought it was a slightly swollen lymph node and didn't think too much of it. I had a doctor appointment for today, so I mentioned it to the doc, who checked it out. It turns out it isn't part of my armpit, it's actually in the breast tissue. So now, I get a mammogram ASAP (it's Thursday morning) along with an ultrasound exam of the area in question. The doc says not to worry, it's probably nothing, just want to make sure, etc. If it's nothing than why the mammogram AND the ultrasound??

Any BTDT mommas who can get me through the next 36 hours?

TIA,

Sarah
Mom to Alex (3/02) and Catherine (8/03)

[trumansmom]

Deep breaths. I've not been there, but my SIL has. There are many different things that can cause lumps. Fibroid cysts come to mind, and I'm sure others will be able to give you other ideas. I'm sure your doc is just erring on the side of caution (as I'm sure you would want him/her to do!)

The odds and statistics are in your favor. Your quick action adn your doc's proactive testing are in your favor. If I were you, I'd try to find someone to watch the kids tomorrow, and go see a series of movies, get a manicure, or whatever it is that will help you keep your mind off of it.

(((BIG HUGS))) Keep us posted.

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[CiderLogan]

Try to stay calm. I have fibroid cysts, and the lumps are quite noticable. While I was in college and my MD found one, I was also scheduled for a mammogram and ultrasound right away -- it was just a cyst, but they treat these things really carefully and err on the side of caution. I was so young and they still treated it like that -- and I continue to get ultrasounds to monitor my few lumps, even though it's been proven they are benign. So do not stress -- although I know that's easier said than done.

Jenny
Mom to Julia, 8/03
...and another GIRL due 5/29/06!

[barbarhow]

Hugs Sarah-I know the anxiety you must be feeeling. It happened to me about 10 years ago. I was so scared. It turned out to be a cyst. The 48 hours of waiting were horrible. Take some deep breaths. The USG and the mammo are being done just in case.
Please keep us posted on how the tests go. and more hugs coming your way.
Barbara-mom to Jack 3/27/03, a Red Sox fan
and Anna 5/12/05, my little Yankee fan!

[Rachels]

Another vote for a deep breath. I found a lump a little over a year ago and nearly had heart failure, followed by an ultrasound and a biopsy. It was nothing-- they just were being very careful to be sure of that. You're doing the right thing checking it out aggressively. Try not to panic. I know how hard that is. Thinking of you, mama.

-Rachel
Mama to Abigail Rose
5/18/02
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_amethyst_36m.gif
Nursed for three years!

and Ethan James
10/19/05
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bf.jpg


"When you know better, you do better."
Maya

[jd11365]

Deep breaths! BTDT, just a few months ago, and I know how terrifying it is. Another fybrocystic gal here. Don't Google anything having to do with breasts, you'll have yourself diagnosed with all kinds of crazy things. As for the mammogram and ultrasound, it's just protocol. They have to be clear with these kinds of things. Keep busy these next few hours! Maybe a little Tylenol PM to help with sleeping. Hugs!

[bostonsmama]

Hugs! That sounds so scary. I second that your doctor is doing a good thing by aggressively & quickly getting you scanned. Doc sounds like a keeper.

No personal experience, but lots of thoughts and prayers coming your way.

Larissa

We're doing it! IVF orientation & consult scheduled for May 2nd!
Saline Sonogram--May 5th

Proud Aunt to Jack Dorian, born to my brother and SIL on 3/06
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/32719.jpg

[elliput]

I understand completely the feelings that you have, as this is definitely a case of where I have BTDT.

I have fibroid cysts. I didn't know until after DD was born and one enlarged right under my areola. At my six week follow-up my OB/GYN had me schedule an ultra-sound at the breast center right away, as a JIC measure, and since I was breastfeeding I was unable to do a mammogram. The ultrasound tech was very kind and explained what she was seeing on the screen. She showed me where a second cyst was that I couldn't feel. Cysts are very, very common which is why your Doctor said it was probably nothing.

I, too, was freaked out before my ultra-sound - all the worst case senarios going through my head, as my paternal Grandmother had a mascetomy and eventually passed away due to cancer. I also knew that my Mom had fibroid cysts that were agrivated when she tried to breatfeed - which she didn't bother to tell me about until after DD was born.

The treatment of breast cancer has come along way in the past 20 years since my Grandmother had her mascetomy and chemo. A good friend recently had a mascetomy and had her breast completely reconstructed using belly fat. Yes, she got a boob job and a tummy tuck! My friend also went through chemo and her prognosis is great.

The next day and a half will be a bit nerve racking. I remember being pretty out of sorts, but the odds are in favor of the lump not being cancerous.

Good Luck and keep us updated!

[karolyp]

BTDT too, about 8 years ago I found a lump in my L breast. My mom had breast cancer so the dr wanted it removed vs having it biopsied (sp?). Anyhow, it was also a just a cyst and nothing more, but it was hard waiting for the results to come back in.

I'm sure it's nothing either, but please try not to panic. I'm sending lots of hugs your way and let us know what happens.

[buddyleebaby]

Just wanted to send you (hugs).

[HannaAddict]

How scary, I'm sorry you are going through this. I don't have any BTDT advice, but did want to say I am glad your doctor is taking a proactive approach and I will send good thoughts for you to be okay. Take care!!!

Kimberly

[pb&j]

Hugs. My sister had a lump in her armpit a long time ago that turned out to be a cyst.


-Ry,
mom to Emma, stillborn 11/04/04
and Max, 01/05/06

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/32812.gif
http://b1.lilypie.com/aKGqm5/.png[/img] ([img)

[Mamma2004]

Sarah, I *know* how scared and confused you are but all the PPs are right - deep breaths and NO research!!! Mine turned out to be a cyst but I was in grad school, lived alone and was terrified of what they would find. Funny to be told in the end that I just have "lumpy breasts" when you need a magnifying glass to find them!

Please realize that far more lumps are benign than otherwise. Your doctor is just being proactive (and responsible) by ordering both the mammogram and the ultrasound.

I know it sounds impossible but please try to relax or, perhaps easier, just keep really busy over the next day and a half. Enjoy your family and know that you will soon have answers.

Hugs to you!
Stephanie

[ribbit1019]

How scary! No advice, but you are in my thoughts!

Christy
My Waterbabies
Maddy born 6/9/04
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040609/3/4/0/-5/.png
&
Jarred born 3/8/06, 11 lb 14.5 oz 24" @ 6 wks, a happily breastfed babe.
http://b1.lilypie.com/KH1pm5/.png
Co-Owner Ribbit Baby

[brittone2]

I'm sorry you are going through the stress of this right now. My mom has VERY fibroid cystic breasts and has been through her share of scary mammograms, ultrasounds and even a biopsy or two.

Your doctor sounds like s/he is doing all of the right things to make sure you are okay.

We'll be thinking of you and I hope it is just a nasty little cyst.

[almostamom]

First, deep breaths. Second, do not google anything. My first thought is that you have a great doctor who's really on the ball. Hang in there, sweetie. We're thinking of you. Please keep us posted.
~Linda~
DS 11/9/04

[megs4413]

another fybroid cyst here. I had a lump that my doc actually found and it was a bit painful. She also ordered an u/s immediately bc she's a GOOD doctor. That's what your doc is doing---her job! Try to stay calm. The fact that it is painful is actually a good thing. Cysts are usually painful while cancer is usually not. I don't know why. Try to relax. I know it will be difficult but you will know more after your tests. And please--don't google a thing!

BIG HUGS and prayers tonight....

[dr mom]

Sarah, I know this is a terribly stressful time, waiting and wondering. Statistically it is probably a cyst or a benign fibroadenoma, both are way more common than breast cancer.

You're having a mammogram and an ultrasound because breast tissue tends to be denser in younger, pre-menopausal women, making the mammogram a little more difficult to interpret. The ultrasound will help clarify whether the mass is hollow, like a benign cyst. Sometimes during the ultrasound exam, if a cyst is found, the radiologist might choose to drain it - or they may have you see a breast specialist to do this.

I hope these next few hours will pass quickly for you, and you'll be posting an update tomorrow that everything was totally normal. :)

[deenass]

HUGS to you, I hope everything goes well this week.

[newnana]

You have gotten great advice, and I don't have anything to add. Just know that we are all thinking of you. I would like to emphasize one PP: pain is good, cancer typically doesn't hurt. You have all sorts of things in your favor, and it sounds like a good doctor is helping you. Hang in there Mama!
Michelle

[annasmom]

No btdt, but wanted to send you big ((((HUGS))))! My mom is very "lumpy" and has to go literally every year for a biopsy, she has been clean every time. I will be thinking of you, and sending good thoughts your way on Thursday.

[schums]

Thank you all soooooooo much! I knew that this board would help alliviate my fears. We'll keep very busy today so hopefully I won't worry too much about it, and tomorrow is the mammogram/ultrasound, so hopefully I'll have answers then. It's good to know that there are so many people where this turns out to be just a cyst. It seems like every time you hear anyone mention a lump (especially in the media) it turns into cancer.

I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again for the support and all the hugs!

Sarah
Mom to Alex (3/2002) and Catherine (8/2003)

[Sillygirl]

Coming late to this, but wanted to chime in with my support. Also, mammograms can be kind of uncomfortable. My mom (a breast cancer survivor, so she gets a lot of them) finds it helpful to take some tylenol or motrin before she has them done.

[o_mom]

Just so you don't get too excited, you probably won't get any results at the mammogram/ultrasound. The mammogram will have to be read by the radiologist (usually within 24 hrs) and the ultrasound will depend on if there is a radiologist present or just an ultrasound tech. Techs usually can't give you any info, they just send it back to the docs.

[TaChapm]

I hope everything goes well. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tara
Mommy to Jackson 11-10-02
Tyler William 6-9-05
OMG!!! It's a GIRL!! Due September 5, 2006!

http://b4.lilypie.com/gzWfm8.png

http://b1.lilypie.com/kLMem8.png

http://bd.lilypie.com/UEZ3m8.png

[KBecks]

No experience, but I want to applaud you for acting on it right away and getting it checked out thoroughly. Definitely make sure you and you doc do whatever you need to do to know for sure whether it is cancer or not.

My former co-worker had an issue in the armpit area, but her doc blew it off at first, but she made it an issue because it didn't go away and found out it was cancer. Treatment seemed like quite a project (and they went into debt for a while), but it's over and she's doing good.

Anyway, there are tons of breast cancer survivors, and whatever you find out, stay strong. You've reminded me that I need to keep doing monthly self-exams (which I never do). I think I'm immune because I'm so flat-chested, but my brain knows that's not how it works.

Take care and take it one step at a time. But be diligent about being your own advocate for making sure you get thorough analysis and treatment if needed.

[mamato1]

Repeat after me... I will not Google this. Trust the BTDT mamas here that it is most likely nothing. I am sending you good thoughts!

Chris

Mama to Brendan (aka Boomer) 01/04


http://b3.lilypie.com/FnI6m5/.png

[TraciG]

good luck I hope it's nothing !

[calebsmama03]

How scary! Hugs and good thoughts your way for an uneventful us/mamo!!
Lynne
Mommy to C 3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]
And Miss Purple, 5/05

[Globetrotter]

I've had a couple of scares, too, which turned out to be nothing serious. LIke PP said, keep in mind that MOST lumps are benign. They would be remiss to ignore it, however.. it's their job.

HUGS to you. Try to keep busy.

Kris

[jayali]

Just wanted to let you know that I will be thinking about you tomorrow. Post and let us know that you are OK. Sending good thoughts your way.

[Babywhite]

This past summer I think I pulled a muscle under my arm -- it was swelled in my armpit area. I went to my GP, and she noted the swelled area, but she didn't feel any problems. The swelling went down within a week, but then I noticed that the area under this arm was thicker than the other underarm. It could have always been this way, but I wasn't sure. I had another GP check it, and my OB check it at my yearly. While there wasn't a specific lump, we did have special views taken at my mammogram. (I am having them early due to family history of breast cancer.) The radiologist at the mammogram center did not see anything, but he recommended having an ultrasound. I had it last Monday. I am fortunate that the ultrasound radiologist also did not see anything.

My word of advice...
I explained to the tech at the ultrasound center how anxious I was. (It was obvious...) I told her that I had a babysitter and my husband was with me...and we could stay all day if someone would please look at it that day. She actually got the radiologist to review it, and he came in and watched her perform it again. In fact, after our discussion, he even performed it again on both underarms. This really helped me a lot!!

It never helps to ask...maybe they can read it tomorrow to help you feel better...

MANY hugs and prayers......

RW
SC

[mcdonald29]

Good for you for getting it all checked out ASAP! Your doctor is being great and doing the right, routine thing. The best part about getting the mammogram is that you will have a "baseline" to compare as you age and get them in the future.

Let me take this opportunity for a public service announcement: you're never too young! My mom had breast cancer (and masectomy) before she was 30. I'd really like to echo what PP's have said about how cancer treatments have changed; I wonder how things would be different if that happened to her today. Breast cancer awareness is everywhere nowadays. Maybe it's my weird family, but we never even talked about it. (She did successfully breastfeed me for a couple of months, stopping only b/c she went back to work.)

Due to this history, I grew up being paranoid about breast cancer and my two lumps, same breast, were treated fairly aggressively (I was 21 and 24). First one was removed via full-fledged anasethesia surgery, second one was ultrasounded, needle-aspirated, then removed via general anesthetic (kind of interesting to see what the lump actually looks like). Neither were cysts but turned out to be benign- the most common outcome as many PP's have said. I haven't had anything since, although breastfed for +/- 20 months so am due for another regular mammogram (will probably have to be in another 2 years or so).

I *think* another thing they say is that if the shape is regular (i.e. more round, like a ball, than irregularly shaped) that too is a good thing- although I know it's hard to tell with just fingers.

Sorry to be so long-winded! Hoping to hear nothing but good news tomorrow!

[newnana]

Good luck today, we're thinking about you!
Michelle

[karolyp]

Woo Hoo....that's WONDERFUL new!!!! Thanks for the update!

[Sillygirl]

So glad for your good news, Sarah.

[annasmom]

GREAT news Sarah!! I am so relieved for you!!

[ribbit1019]

YAY! Sarah that is really good news!

Christy
My Waterbabies
Maddy born 6/9/04
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040609/3/4/0/-5/.png
&
Jarred born 3/8/06, 11 lb 14.5 oz 24" @ 6 wks, a happily breastfed babe.
http://b1.lilypie.com/KH1pm5/.png
Co-Owner Ribbit Baby

[calv]

FANTASTIC NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[The Review Mommy]

Thank Goodness!

Bless your heart :)
Rebekah

[Babywhite]

Praise God! I'm so happy for you! :)

R.W.
SC

[mommyoftwo]

That's great news. I'm so glad it all worked out for you.

[brittone2]

Celebrating the good news with you!!!

I hope that you are breathing a huge sigh of relief and feeling MUCH better. What a stressful experience.

I hope that you'll be able to enjoy a wonderful weekend with your family now that you are feeling more at ease.

[elliput]

What great news! It is a wonderful relief, no?

[newnana]

Great news! What a relief! Go do something else for yourself today, you deserve to celebrate,
Michelle

[trumansmom]

Congratulations! That's wonderful news!

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[Mamma2004]

Fantastic news, Sarah!!!! Thanks so much for the prompt update!

Stephanie

[almostamom]

Wonderful news! I'm sure you're quite relieved. Thanks for updating us. I've been thinking about you.

~Linda~
http://lilypie.com/pic/060427/fDdc.jpg http://b2.lilypie.com/qW3mm7.png

[buddyleebaby]

Hooray! I'm so glad everything is looking good. Get some well deserved reat- I bet you've had a rough couple of days.

[jennifer_r]

So happy to hear the update!!!! You must be feeling so relieved!

I guess it's a great reminder to do monthly self-exams.

Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_rosequartz_3m.gif[/img][/url]

[mamato1]

So glad to hear the good news.

Chris

Mama to Brendan (aka Boomer) 01/04


http://b3.lilypie.com/FnI6m5/.png

[jayali]

Woo Hoo!! Great News. I think you should celebrate with a big bag of chocolate and some wine (when the kiddies go to sleep!)

Congrats!!!

[Globetrotter]

YAY!!! I'm so glad to read your update. I know how relieved you feel right now :)

Kris

[megs4413]

SO happy to hear it!

[hez]

Phew! I'm so glad to hear your good news. Hope you're relaxed and enjoying freedom from the anxiety!

[calebsmama03]

Great news!!!
Lynne
Mommy to C 3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]
And Miss Purple, 5/05