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New to forum - question about breast pain - please help!

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Posted 2/13/2006 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi-
I am having a strange feeling and was hoping you all could help.
My mom had breast cancer at 42, which returned at 49, and she later passed away. Only person in family to have any illness or die from anything other than old age.
I am 31, in good health, and went for a breast consult in December. While there, the P.A. squeezed my right nipple (I guess to check for discharge or lumps). I remember an intense pain, but thought that was due to her squeezing. In the past couple of weeks, I've noticed the same pain when putting on clothes that rub against the nipple, or hitting the nipple by accident. The pain comes if I bend the nipple down. It doesn't hurt otherwise. I do not have any pain on the left side or when doing the same thing to the left. I can not feel any lumps or anything different than the left side.
I am going for a mammogram and MD appt this week.
I would appreciate any insight you can give!
Thank you!
Posted 2/13/2006 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry - I guess my question is, I've heard cancer doesn't hurt. has this been your experience? Are there any things that may explain the strange pain in one side but not the other? thanks!
Posted 2/13/2006 9:30 PM (GMT 0)

First of all, it is a good thing that you will be having mammo done this week and seeing your MD.  I welcome you to the board and hope you stay with us through this time of questions.  It is a myth that breast cancer does not hurt.  Mine did and I know that others on this board will say the same thing.  Not all experience pain and not all pain is a sure sign of breast cancer.  Make sure you do research on breast cancer, signs of possible cancer, and what a mammo indicates.  If you have any question be sure to cover all of them with your MD.  Do not under any circumstances take an answer like, YOU ARE TO YOUNG FOR BREAST CANCER, BREAST CANCER IS NOT PAINFUL, OR IF SOMETHING IS FOUND IN THE MAMMO; THAT THEY INDICATE IT CAN WAIT.  You are not to young, it can be painful and you should never take a wait and see attitude about any cancer indication found on a mammo. 

You, the MD and the tests results must work together to determine what may be wrong and remember 80% of breast abnormal conditions are benign.  Hang in there and you will be in my prayers.  Please keep us advised.

Hugs,

Candy

Posted 2/13/2006 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
It could be changing breast tissue during your cycle. Mine are definitely more tender right before my period, so make a note of the days when it does or doesnot hurt. That may be helpful for the doc too.

Chances are that it is nothing, but as Candy said, don't just let them blow you off...
Hang in there and congrats for taking charge!
Lori
Posted 2/13/2006 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply! I have to admit, it was a little scary to read. I appreciate and agree with what you said. However, wondering if there are any benign conditions/reasons for pain? Also, if you've had pain, was that at the site of origin, or how far advanced was it? I know there is pain in later stages. Sorry, just feeling anxious and looking for some non-cancer reasons that could explain the pain...
Posted 2/14/2006 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
There are dozens of reasons that are benign that can cause pain. Many cancers don't cause pain, but there is a myth that if it hurts, it's not cancer. You may want to check out Susan Love's Breast Book, she has a whole section on benign conditions. She may have some of that on her website too. Fibrocystic breast changes, mastitis and just normal menstrual cycle changes are a couple that come to mind.

And pain is not necessarily associated with a stage of cancer. People with later stage cancer may have pain where the cancer has spread, such as the bones. Pain in the breast is definitely something to evaluate, but does not mean cancer and it does not mean benign. It is a symptom but it does not point to any one thing.

Lori
Posted 2/14/2006 6:32 AM (GMT 0)

Hello! First of all, try and not become to alarmed. As someone said, 80% of all breast abnormalities are benign. You have been given some great advice.

Here is what I will share with you. Take someone with you when you go for your appointment and when you have your mammogram. The extra support is wonderful plus you will have an extra pair of ears to hear what is being said. Write down any and all questions that you want answered - no matter how silly they may sound. And get the answers.

I am glad that you are seeing your MD this week. Don't be surprised if after the mammo they might order an ultrasound.

Hugs...Deb

Posted 2/14/2006 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for the support. It's just easy to get anxious as you all know. I'm trying not too. Unfortunately I had to reschedule until Monday the 20th. But they did order a mammo and ultrasound to be thorough. Sounds like they are doing the right thing. Thanks for all the insight, and I'll keep you posted! Please keep me in your prayers.
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