Some good news

Hello ladies,

First let me say you have my condolences on your loss of a friend (Chris). 

Now on to my news, and thanks for asking btw.  I got the results of my spot compressions and us.  They see a density that wasn't there on my baseline, but can't tell what it is. They had my Dr. feel me up again and he couldn't feel a lump.  So... now the plan is for me to go off my hrt (hormone replacement therapy) for a few months and then do spot compressions again.  My last hrt shot was June 5th, so I will go back sometime in Sept. and get the new spot compressions done.  My Dr. seems to think that since it is not a cyst or calcium it is the hrt making the density.  He said that after being off it for a while the next spot compressions will show it has either shrunk or dissolved completely. *cross your fingers*

If not then form  a new game plan and most likely biopsy.

Thank you so very much for your concern and for giving women like us a place to ask questions and vent.  Hope you all doing well.

Hugs,

Mel

I too had my hysterectomy 5 years ago. Makes you wonder eh?  I guess this is the end of hrt for me.  It is kinda tuff going with the hot flashes and night sweats but for sure the lesser of the two evils. I will certainly let you know next time I am in Azle.  My sis lives in Oak Harbor is that close to your house?  Good to know about harris NW.  Thanks for everything.

Hi, Mel. I, too, find it worrisome that the doctor would think HRT would cause such a density on a mammo. I don't know how much you know about breast cancer, but they usually do a test to determine whether or not a breast cancer is sensitive to female hormones or not...a hormone receptor test. You can be Estrogen/ Progesterone Receptor Positive or Negative (ER/PR + or -). If you are positive, that means that the cancer is, in a sense, feeding off of female hormones. So, if you have breast cancer, hormones are not a good thing to be taking. Some women have really good results from non-hormonal therapies for menopause. Some of the SRI's (anti-depressants) in very small doses give really good results. I use effexor, "baby" dose (take 37.5 mcg a day; my husband takes the same drug as an anti-depressant, and he takes 4-6x that). Other women have success with other SRI's, such as Paxil, Wellbutrin, etc... and have good results. I tried three others with no relief and gave up trying, so I was a skeptic...my onc finally convinced me to try Effexor...I could tell a HUGE difference within days. So if you're going off HRT and find that you are terribly bothered by menopausal symptoms, you might discuss an SRI as a possible remedy.

Now, as far as not "feeling" a lump...not all breast cancers (and there are several types), appear as a "lump." They can feel like a slight thickening in an area. (I'm sure your doctor knows this, but doctors don't always tell us what we need to know) This is why regular self-exams are so important. You don't just feel for lumps, you look for any changes in the way your breast feels. So keep in close touch with that area, and if it starts to feel different, let your doctor know! I don't tell you this to upset or worry you, or to "second guess" your doctor, but to encourage you to be aware of your own body.

September is just around the corner, so that is not a long time to wait. I hope the spot disappears (fingers crossed!), but if it doesn't...please insist on a biopsy. It's the only "guarantee."

And let us know how things turn out in September, okay?

Hugs...
BEV

I agree,
THe self exams are what matters.
My mammo, did not show my lump.....we felt it, and then seen it through the ultra sound...but the mammor never showed anyhting.
Kinda scarry!
I am still waiting on biopsy results errrgg...waiting is the worse, the not knowing!.

I have told my mom, sister, friends, everyone I know HOW IMPORTANT SELF EXAMS ARE