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Against Breast Cancer

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Re: if lumps are painful sign that is not cancer?

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Posted by Betsy Mullen on 4/9/2000 from 152.163.204.189:
In reply to: if lumps are painful sign that is not cancer? posted by Pam on 4/8/2000 from 152.163.204.204:
Dear Pam:

I know that under the present circumstances, this can be very challenging, but try to think positive. The majority of breast lumps turn out to be benign. Pain is very subjective, and it is difficult to say with certainty that all painful lumps are not cancerous. From what I have read, that does seem to be the rule (not all, but the majority of painful lumps). Very often painful lumps turn out to be benign cysts that can be aspirated (fluid drained with a needle). With respect to the bloody discharge from your nipple, you are certainly doing the right thing in seeking medical attention. It could stem from a clogged milk duct. However, I am not a physician and your question as well as your own physical condition need to be discussed with your health care team. I am sorry that your health care team has been giving you the run-around and am glad that you are seeing a new doctor that will hopefully responsive and sensitive to your needs.

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

I am sorry for your untimely loss of your mother. Did she have breast cancer?

1. What does your specific family history of cancer mean with respect to breast cancer risk to you?

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. Have you had a baseline (first )screening mammogram before? If so, has your current/most recent mammogram been compared with previous mammograms?

5. Did you receive a copy of the radiologist’s report/findings from all of your mammograms?

In addition, you may also want to discuss your hormone replacement therapy with your new physician.

Please check out the Breast Cancer Basics Section of this web site. I think that you will find it informative. Here are a several questions taken from this section:

Commonly Asked Questions about Breast Biopsies:

1. Do you think I need to have a biopsy? If not, why?

2. What type of biopsy do you recommend? Why?

3. How soon will I know the results?

4. What will the scar look like after the biopsy and after it heals?

5. Do you suggest local or general anesthesia? What are the advantages of each?

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." Everybody is different and every body is different. You know your body well and 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 your new physician on April 12th went and how you are doing. You are certainly welcome to call/contact us prior to that appointment.

I wish you good health and look forward to hearing back from you.

My warmest regards,

Betsy Mullen
President/CEO
WIN Against Breast Cancer
www.winabc.org