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A couple of questions

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Posted 3/10/2007 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
This is my first time in this forum, hope you don't mind. I normally post in the Crohns, UC & Arthritis forums.

In any case, I have a couple of questions and thought perhaps I'd ask here first before totally freaking out!

First, I have always had pretty "lumpy" breasts, but could always tell what was supposed to be there. The past few months I've noticed that something isn't quite right. I've come across a few rather large "somethings" in both breasts. I noticed tonight in the shower (where I always do my exams) that the "somethings" are pretty noticeable. They're not squishy nor are they rock hard, but they sure hurt. I haven't panicked yet since I was under the impression that lumps that 'hurt' aren't things to worry about.

Second, (and this is going to sound really dumb), do your breasts change as you get older? I'm 51 and haven't even started peri-menopause, let alone menopause. I have regular periods and I've noticed that my breasts seem to change every month right before my period. Lately, I've noticed external as well as 'internal' changes. Is this normal or something I need to discuss immediatley with my doctor.

I have a mammogram scheduled for May 1 (I am horribly overdue) -- do I need to change that to something sooner? I apologize if my questions are dumb but I'm kind of concerned and really appreciate your input.

Thanks so much for your time. You have a wonderful forum here.
Posted 3/10/2007 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
Personally I would have been to a doctor within a week of finding something new. Yes, our breasts change all the time, especially with age. When you are young your breasts are firm, as you go into menopause, there is a big change in that the firmness gets very soft. I don't know but I am guessing those milk glands are realizing they will not have a job to do anymore. So wonder what happens when a woman takes fertility drugs to become pregnant after 50? Hmmm. At 51 surely you are seeing changes that have to do with menopause. I know we are all different, but I saw changes at 42.

I would not wait until May 1st for a long overdue mammogram. Why is it so far in advance? Around here you can get an appointment within a week easily. I sure hope you see your doctor and move yours up. Come back and let us know what you learn.

Good luck, Mary K.
Posted 3/10/2007 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Starrnr

I agree with Mary K you should try to get in alot sooner than May. Whenever you have changes that last for more than a few days you should have the Dr look into them. Wheb you said external changes what did you mean?? That comment concerns me more than the others. I would call your Dr to at least have them do a breast exam and then they can get you into a mamogram alot sooner. Please keep us posted, we care.

L&H
Bernadette
Posted 3/10/2007 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Starr-
Better safe than sorry...it is probably nothing, but it is well worth getting the "probably" turned into a "definitely". Kudos to you for being a regular self examer, that is the best way to catch things early, to know the landscape and be aware when something changes. Routine mammos are usually scheduled way out there, but if there is something to examine specifically, they can usually move it up.

Let us know, and don't freak out at this point...
Lori
Posted 3/11/2007 4:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for your comments. What I did notice is that my breasts change dramatically when I'm ready to have my period (the new "somethings"). I wonder if those are just hormonal thingys and that's why they hurt. I mention this since I did my exam last night in the shower and started my period this morning and since I've been working out a lot lately, I didn't get my normal "warning" cramps. I scheduled the mammogram about 3 days before my annual pap test. That way the doc has time to look at the report and we can talk about anything at my pap. If I need to go in sooner, I can.

Brnadebt -- I'm not sure how to explain the changes, I just know they look different on the outside. Granted, I'm sure gravity (and age) may have a hand in this, but it's not those exact things. Wish I could draw a picture!

By the way, with regards to my age and having periods -- according to my doctor, my hormone levels are well within the normal range (which really irritated the heck out of me) and as long as my estrogen is above 50, I'm going to be regular as clockwork (which I am). It's absolutely amazing to me that I'm still regular - at my age!

I think I will call Monday to move up the date of the mammogram. I'm a bit more concerned now.

Thanks again ladies, I'll keep you posted.

Sherree
Posted 3/13/2007 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello i am also new here yeah i am 34 years old and i have very lumpy breast and i was told the same. I now have had a modified radical mastectomy, 19 lymph nodes removed !! I under went 6 months of gruling chemo and if i could turn back time i would.... I went to my Dr. about 2 years ago and he said i was fine. He has left his practice and i really wounder why but it couldnt change nothing... My advise to you is. Please get them ALWAYS checked and get a mamagram done because it was to late for me but maybe not you . I finished my chemo in dec/06 and i am doing not to bad now and just starting to get around now. They told me so many different stories that its large glands and it because i was due for my period which i didnt have because i had at the time my uterus removed and i said no i dont get them no more!!! I am now with out overies as well and in menopause. I am not trying to scare you but please listen to your gutt on alot of things and you can go for a second opionion ok....Let me know how your doing. And yes as you age your breast do change...
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