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26 years old...unsure of what may brings

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Posted 9/29/2007 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

Found this website.

During my 1st physical examination, the doc felt a lump on my side of left breast. Perhaps my menses was coming and it felt swollen.

A week later, my insurance agent has requested me to do an ultrasound before his company can insure me on critical illness.

I went to a 2nd physical examination. The doc did a physical check and felt nothing. But because of my both grandmother (one from my dad and mom's side respectively) had breast cancer before, she strongly recommend me to do an ultrasound and/or mammogram if need to.

I went to the 3rd physcial examination, as referred by the 2nd doc. She started physically feeling my breast, she said she may be feeling a small lump. She did an ultrasound on me. If i did not recall wrongly, she said on my left breast has a 5mm lump, or fat tissue. and on the right, it seem to have a bubble-like stuff. She recommended me doing another round of ultra sound to confirm it.

That 'another round' will take place on this coming Monday, which is 1.5 days from now.

I cant help thinking negatively, cos after all my grandmas both had breast cancer. My mom just told me my aunt, 40 odd years old, seem to be having lumps in her breast as well.

I am always aware abt breast cancer since young esp since i knew both my grdmas had gotten it before. But i was never quite prepared for it. esp now.

Joeyx.

Posted 9/30/2007 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Whoa there! A lump doesn't necessarily mean breast cancer. The good thing is that you have three doctors who are concerned enough to make sure you are taken care of. Most young women hear, "you are too young to have breast cancer" and no one does a thing to make sure. Hopefully that fallacy is being laid to rest, there is no age limit on breast cancer, we have learned that here. I had a lump at 29 which was removed and benign. I had another lump at 49, also removed and benign. At 58 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, caught it early and all is well there. The important part is to make sure you have annual physicals and do self exams. I have two grand daughters who are grown young ladies and both their grandmothers have had breast cancer, too. I know they are concerned just like you are, and rightly so. Take care of yourself and don't let anyone back you down. Keep seeking the answers. And let us know the outcome of this, we care. Hugs Mary K.
Posted 9/30/2007 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Mary K,

your reply means so much to me. Really. Definitely I will be updating by tmr on my outcome of the 2nd ultrasound.

really appreciate your reply. Thank you.

Meanwhile, I hope the rest are you are all ok too.

Joeyx.

Posted 10/1/2007 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
MK is so right. The majority of lumps are not cancer. I had "lumpy" breasts my whole life. Never had any biopsied. I knew my lumps, though, and I know them well. So I hope this begins you on the path of self-exams, at least!

My mom died at age of 45, unknown origin of cancer, suspicion of breast cancer, in retrospect. I, too, always felt like I was fated to deal with cancer and an early death. I was not surprised, when I found a small lump that was unfamiliar, that it turned out to be cancer. I was 36, and I thought that was the beginning of the end for me. That was 13 years ago this fall, and life is GOOD!

Here's hoping you get a good report tomorrow. Take care, and let us know how it goes. We're here if you need friends like us...but here's to hoping you won't!

Hugs...
BEV
Posted 10/1/2007 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary and Bev,

Just went for the ultrasound. Similar results as the previous ultrasound session (apparently the one I just had is higher-end; but still dont know what is the diff), they still see a cyst/lump/bubble on my right breast. Left breast seem clear.

I will only know what it means on 17/10/07. I will keep you guys updated still. By the way, I'm from Singapore, a very small dot on the map.

Thanks for your replies, it means alot to me.

Regards,
Joeyx
Posted 10/1/2007 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Wow this is a first! Singapore!!!! We have had New Zealand, and UK women before but never Singapore! Maybe that is why you are getting such great care! And it does sound great to me. We will be waiting to hear on the 17th. Meanwhile if you have any questions we are here. Hugs Mary K.
Posted 10/3/2007 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
Are you hanging in there, Joey? Counting down the days with you, sweetie.

Hugs...
BEV
Posted 10/4/2007 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bev,

Yes, I am. Am trying to be positive before 17 Oct. Thanks for the support. i am thinking of you guys even when I am not online and that help me alot.

14 more days to 17 Oct. Quite some time to pass by with. Will still live fruitfully.

Keeping you updated....

Cheers,

Joeyx

Posted 10/5/2007 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome, Joeyx!  I hope, though, that you do not become one of our members here.  A positive attitude is so very important and I'm glad to hear that you have it!  Keep it up, even though it's hard to wait.  We will be waiting to hear the results of your appointment.
Posted 10/7/2007 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

thank kathy and you lovely gals for the encouragements. I guess to be apprehensive, uncertain or even fearful under such circumstances is only normal. I am trying not to be discouraged or disheartened that much especially from now till that 17 October.

So, Worry is normal and most important of all, there are ppl around me and everyone of you who care so we're never alone.

:o) .... 11 more days to go

Regards,

Joeyx

Posted 10/16/2007 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,

I am going to get my results tomorrow. Will let you guys know then. Take care everyone!

Regards,

Joeyx

Posted 10/16/2007 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Joeyx! You are in my prayers for good results tomorrow!!! We will all be waiting to hear from you. Try to enjoy your day today, I know it is hard when you are waiting.
Hang in there!
((((HUGS)))) Gail
Posted 10/17/2007 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hello!

Thks to Mary, Bev, Kathy & Gail and those who have been reading and following this.

I have got my results. Well, at least for now I will read as good news.

The doc says it SEEM harmless. I still have a 5mm of lump visble in my right breast, which explains why when I did my Self breast examination, I can't feel it. In the medical report, it says that it is LIKELY to be begnin, but due to no available comparision can be made, she recommend me to do self examination monthly and also come back 6 months from now to re-check it. I did ask her how can she determine bu looking at the scan that the lump seem harmless. Her reply was that usually a lump should be odd shaped and jagged, unlike my oval-shaped lump. Hmmmm, is it true?

Well, I can't get any confirmed answer in the doc's words nor in the medical report that I am ok.

Any advice on what I should do now or do I just wait for the 2nd ultrasound in April 2008? Also, how does a doc determine it is truly a begnin and yet not cancerous because she claimed that no technology can 100% determine that. She did say that if I want, I can operate to get it out but there is no guarantee it will not grow back. Also, how to get the begnin out? Do they slice open a small section of the breast to remove it and then sew it back? Sorryif I ask too many questions, or any good site I can gather these info?

Anyway you guys are REALLY great and thanks for 'listening' and thks for the great support. Will still visit the site here.

Regards,
Joeyx
Posted 10/17/2007 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi joeyx! To be TRULY sure it is benign or not, the only way is through biopsy. In my opinion, I would want the biopsy. CHANCES ARE IT IS BENIGN, 80% of lumps are, but the other 20% should not be overlooked or delayed for 6 mo. We have had ladies here who had both results after a 6 mo wait. So, for me, I would ask her to take it out. It is on outpatient surgery, and really not that hard. With your family history, I would not want to guess. This has to be your decision sweetie. I am sure others here will chime in also. Please let us know what you decide to do. I know thie is hard, we are all here for you. Try not to worry to much till you have an answer.
(((((hugs)))))
Gail
Posted 10/18/2007 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
I just do not understand why doctors are so hesitant to get the biopsy done right away instead of waiting six months. A biopsy is no big deal. Waiting six months could be if they made the wrong decision. Yes, you can tell a lot by the picture of the lump but you can not be absolutely certain. I would push for a biopsy or at least get my records and get a second opinion preferably by a breast specialist. I agree with Gail wholeheartedly. I am not wanting to frighten you, but waiting six months would be more stressful to me than being sure right now. Hugs, MK
Posted 10/18/2007 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Gail and Mary,

Thks for your reply. I know my docs have the pics of my ultrasound but she did not give me any pictures to keep. Also, medical report was not given to me automatically until i asked for it cos my insurance company needs it. Yeah, I will ask another doctor's opinion abt it with the medical report. I will let you guys know cos I am going to ask my insurance company if they have a list of breast specialist I can go to. The doctor I had was based in a hospital and not a clinic.

Also, i read biopsy is something like poking a needle to the breast. Is it instantly taken out or how is it like? Is it very painful? I mean I don mind the pain if need to, but maybe an idea of it will set my expectation. I will also check on the cost of doing an biopsy.

Let me go get this information ready and I will update you guys.
Posted 10/22/2007 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys,

meanwhile i attached here is what teh medical report has written:

"Both ultasound of the breasts were performed. Bothe breast tissue shows raised and heterogenous fibroglandular echotexture, with fat globules interspersed amongst the dense fibroglandular tissues. There are two hypoechioc leisons with circumscribed margins seen in the (R) breast at 12 o'clock position, which are subcentimeter in size. These 2 hypoechoic lesions do not show significant posterior acoustic shadowing, internal vasularity or surrounding architectural distortion. They are likely to be begnin such as fibroadenomata. Howeer, du eto lack of previous comparison study, close interval follow-up is recommended to access for stability."

I have wrote to the hospital to ask for a 2nd opinion, they shld get back to me within 3 days. I keep u updated guys. Meanwhile, take care :)

Cheers,
Joeyx.
Posted 10/22/2007 3:01 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Joeyx,

  Your posts have been a help to me, as I was told to wait 6 months as well, and tomorrow I am calling my dr to tell him I am not  comfortable waiting. It is encouraging and inspiring when I read about what others have been through.. Kudos for taking control of your  health. I hope all works out well, and I look forward to hearing how everything is going. Please take good care :)

Posted 10/27/2007 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys,

I am scheduling an appointment with another specialist in another hospital on 7 Nov. I see what he says. Will keep u updated then!

Hi Jazzy1, hope all is well for you too.

Thanks everyone for sharing and support, there is one song by Elvis - 'If i can dream' to share with you guys. Chin up...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEisdOzJ1LM

Regards,
Joeyx.
Posted 11/16/2007 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Gals,

sorry for the late update.

I went to seek a 2nd doctor's opinion. He is the head specialist of the breast center in a women's hospital.

He is against me doing biopsy and told me he highly believe it is a begnin. He won't opt for biopsy unless the shape of the lump looks odd or thesize is too big. he advised me to do another round of ultrasound in 6 months time. I will be taking that advcec then.

Meanwhile, my insurance has rejected in insuring me of the 'critical illness' coverage and will only 'consider' until there is a 2nd ultrasound/followup done. Just relaised that this form of rejection is the worse form of rejection I ever felt in my 26 years.

anyway, I will chin up and move forward. Keep you guys updated yeah!

Meanwhile, take care and thanks for the support.

Regards,

Wei Li

Posted 11/30/2007 9:38 AM (GMT 0)

Joeyx said...
Hi Mary and Bev,

Just went for the ultrasound. Similar results as the previous ultrasound session (apparently the one I just had is higher-end; but still dont know what is the diff), they still see a cyst/lump/bubble on my right breast. Left breast seem clear.

I will only know what it means on 17/10/07. I will keep you guys updated still. By the way, I'm from Singapore, a very small dot on the map.

Thanks for your replies, it means alot to me.

Regards,
Joeyx

HEY JOEY!

haha. Sorry. I'm just excited when I saw that you're from Singapore. :P Cause I am too!

Well, I'm usually on Anxiety and Panic Disorder. But today, I thought I'll just look at this part of HW. (: Anyway, maybe I'll just tell you a bit about me. Haha, some random person who popped out from nowhere. :P

I'm actually 15 years' old. I'm very interested in Biomedical Science, so I read a bit about some human anatomy. My ambition is to be a gastroenterologist or cardiologist. (: I found this site because I was extremely stressed during the period from end May to end October. Recently, somehow, I found back my optimism and stuff, saved some friendship that I lost during the period of time when I was stressed, etc. :D

Since I read about human anatomy and sometimes diseases, I may just be curious. Looking at the symptoms of different diseases may make me think that I may have contracted that disease, etc. And now, I'm thinking about breast cancer. :O All right, I know some people say, "you're so young, you won't have breast cancer!". Well, I know that that's not really true. There ARE possibilities, right?

Anyway, of course, I learn to do the self-examination thing and tried it. I admit that at this time, I still don't know if 'that' is a lump or it's normal. Haha. So, sometimes, I'll be thinking that I felt a lump, then ending up scaring myself with it. =X

Now, maybe I'll like to ask some questions. (: Note, I'm just curious, all right? (: The nipples felt odd recently, like it's bruised or something. =X Then, I've been having this for the past years, I think. Sometimes, my breast skin itches, then it'll turn a little reddish, like the 'pinkish-red' colour you get when you scratch slightly on your skin due to irritation. Yup. Just like to ask if these are common and has nothing to do with breast cancer.

My apologies about the poor description. =X

lots of love,
jaslyn. ((:
Posted 12/1/2007 1:18 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Jaslyn,  glad you came here to ask questions. You may want to start a new thread, though, as many members may not check out your post since it is attached to an older one. Starting a new one will guarantee all will see it! While you are young, if you are noticing any changes I would encourage you to get them checked out. Do your nipples get sore around your period?? Are you still "developing"? Do you have really dry skin?? There could be many reasons for the itching and soreness, and not all "bad" ones. If you are concerned, see your dr. Believe me, it will put your mind at ease. Please let us know how you are, and how everything is going!! Take care,

Jen  :-)

Posted 12/1/2007 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jen,

Thanks a lot! I will start I new thread. (: But I shall reply to you here. :D

I don't really know what is considered 'sore', but I don't think mine is 'sore'. The 'developing' thing, I'm not too sure too. o.o I don't have really dry skin. I noticed my skin is still soft, even when it's pinkish-red or what colour you call it, due to irritation. I don't know. I suppose I have sensitive skin. I had eczema. And, I get this redness thing at other parts of the body sometimes, like my arm. It just come and go. So, the irritation could just be sensitive skin right?

love,
jaslyn. (:

Posted 12/1/2007 5:02 PM (GMT 0)

Hi again....yes, it could be sensitive skin, especially since you've had eczema, and you've noticed it on other areas of your body. Like I mentioned, if you are concerned, please get it checked out. You will feel tons better!!!! Take care Jaslyn!

Jen  :-)

Posted 12/2/2007 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hey (:

thank you! I'm just hoping for a full body check-up. But then, I don't know how to tell my mom. =X
And I have started a new thread. (: You can reply me there or here. :D thanks!

lots of love,
Jaslyn
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