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TERRIFIED beyond belief!!!

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Breast Cancer
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Posted 3/2/2009 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
My mom went for a physical yesterday and her doctor said she had a "fibrous
mass" in her
left breast. She is going in for her annual mammogram on Tuesday. She's had
annual
mammograms regularly for 15+ years and nothing has ever shown up.

My mom has never had fibrocystic breasts or anything like that before. She is 66
and has
been on HRT for many years (very low dose). I felt the lump today and it feels
like an oval, in
between squishy and hard, and it's on the left side of her left breast. I can't
tell if it's movable
or not. The strange thing is back in October of last year when she went in for
her annual Pap,
her Gynecologist didn't feel anything (and never had). She also does weekly
exams in the
shower and never noticed this lump. So basically this lump showed up in a 4
month span. I
don't understand??

My mom's sister and mother had breast cancer. My aunt was in her 50s and my grandmother was in her 80s. My aunt's was found on a mammogram as calcifications. My grandmother had a golf ball sized tumor removed. None of it spread. They were estrogen related, or something like that.

Does anyone know what a cancerous tumor feels like? I read that they're hard with irregular borders. Is this true?

Also, how can I prepare myself in the event I have to "hit the ground running?" Thanks.
We are very, very close. She's all I have. I am so terrified I can't see
straight. I don't know
what breast cancer lumps feel like, so I can't seem to get any relief and/or
calm down until
Tuesday. Can someone offer some advice or encouragement? Thanks.
Posted 3/2/2009 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
Why would you be terrified when you don't even know what the lump is? Let's take one step at a time. First the mammogram, then possibly a sonogram. Most likely a biopsy and a path report which will give the details if it is or isn't a cancer and type of cancer. Even if it is cancer, it can be removed and possibly radiation will be all that is necessary. Women of our age, I was 58 when cancer was found, rarely have aggressive cancer. I was really naive when I was diagnosed and told the surgeon if it was cancer showing in the frozen section which is done while the surgeon waits, to do a mastectomy. My cancer was the lowest on the scale of staging and I very easily could have done with a lumpectomy and radiation. So help her be informed. Don't jump the gun and make rush decisions. Come back and ask questions after the path report and we will share our experiences. Meanwhile chill out and be strong for your mom, she doesn't need you to be a basket case. It's your turn to support her. Hugs, MK
Posted 3/2/2009 8:45 PM (GMT 0)

Hi STC34

I think it's perfectly understandable that you are freaked out. Most people are very scared while they wait for more tests or test results. But do try to stay calm at least while around your mom. She needs your support and you can and will help guide her through this time until you know for sure what is going on.

My mother was dx at 69. Her lump was small enough that she couldn't feel it. It was found on her annual mammo. Fortunately her cancer had not spread, BUT she does have a very aggressive cancer. Just so you know....she is almost 4 years cancer free! :)  My sister and I are very close to our mom...like you. We went to all her appts and went armed with note pad and pen. We took notes and asked alot of questions. We were there every step of the way and my mom was grateful to have the support and extra ears and eyes during her treatment. I'm sure you'll be nervous until you are sure what is going on, but you'll get through it and so will your mom. I wish you the best and will keep you and your mom in my prayers.

Teresa

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