Women's Information Network
Against Breast Cancer

Welcome to the WIN Against Breast Cancer message board. WIN ABC is pleased to provide an opportunity for you to have some of your concerns addressed. Please be aware that your questions will be directed to other visitors to this site. Medical information posted may not have been submitted by a healthcare professional specializing in breast health and breast cancer care.

If you would like to direct specific questions to the staff at WIN ABC, or are in need of one-on-one support and information, please complete the Personal Profile Form, send an email to mail@winabc.org or call us at 626-332-2255.

Please take a moment to read our Privacy Policy.

Re: Hard Lump

[ Followups ] [ Post Followup ]

Please submit only once, then click "reload page" to see the updated board. Thank you.

Reload Page

Post Message

Message Board

FAQ

Posted by Betsy Mullen on 4/1/2000 from 205.188.195.27:
In reply to: Hard Lump posted by Bethany on 3/28/2000 from 152.163.206.187:
Dear Bethany:

I know that under the present circumstances, this can be very challenging, but keep thinking positive! The majority of breast lumps turn out to be benign. I am sooo glad to hear that you do not smoke! Practicing proper and regular monthly breast self-exams, weight control, healthy eating and exercise are important for all of us to maintain as well as stress reduction and plenty of sleep in maintaining healthy bodies and minds. You have put your life in your hands by examining your breasts – kudos! Here is a favorite quote of mine: "A key to protection is early detection." When caught in the earliest stages, breast cancer is curable.

Your question regarding surgically removing a benign lump is very valid and should be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon on Monday. If you reside in California, there is a state-mandated booklet that discusses your biopsy options. We have summarized the information in the Breast Cancer Basics section of this site.

The following are some specific information/questions you can discuss with your doctor(s):

1. What does your specific family history of breast cancer mean with respect to breast cancer risk to you? (I am very glad to hear that your aunt is doing well!)

2. Do you have any known risk factors?; Do you know what some of the breast cancer risk factors are?

3. Do you know how to do a proper breast exam? You can receive this information and register for monthly breast self-exam reminders right on our web site (www.winabc.org)

4. How old are you?

5. Was your current mammogram compared with previous mammograms?

6. Did you receive a copy of the radiologist’s report/findings from this last mammogram?

7. Have you ever had a breast biopsy prior to these findings?

These are all things to think about and discuss with your health care team. We would be happy to send you educational materials, free of charge regarding breast self-exam, breast health, understanding breast changes, questions to ask your health plan about exemplary care (found on our web site under help yourself – 10 key questions for women to ask their health plans), breast cancer myths and much, much more depending upon your needs.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDER: It is very difficult to render an opinion without knowing all the facts of any one particular case. But one strong recommendation we would like to make is that you pursue your question(s) with your own physicians. You should feel fully empowered to obtain a satisfactory answer and feel free to seek a second or third opinion. We have some great tips on partnering with your health care team and key questions to ask your doctors, communication tips and informed decision-making tips to help you get the information you need. There is a special form on our web site that you can fill out and e-mail to us to help us best meet your needs and you are also welcome to call us at (626) 332-2255. Your information will be kept confidential.

I will close with this thought and a saying of mine: "When in doubt, check it out." You know your body well and your state of mind well. You are your own best advocate. Pursue any concerns with your health care team. If you think that you will have better peace of mind if the lump and a margin of tissue are removed, discuss such feelings with your health care team. If the surgeon recommends you "wait and watch", with re-checks over a 3 –6 month period of time, for example, can you deal with that? It is important to keep in mind that in the majority of cases, breast cancer is a slow-growing disease. As a rule, you have time to consider all of your options – although it may feel like it, making treatment decisions, (which includes decisions about a biopsy) is not an emergency. We have a great decision-making checklist right here on this site. I am also a strong advocate of second opinions.

I hope that his information is helpful to you. Please let us know how your consultation with the surgeon went and how you are doing.

Betsy Mullen
President/CEO
WIN Against Breast Cancer