Asymmetry, now worried

Well dear, my breasts have been asymmetrical ever since I could remember. Heck, they still are. I don't think too many people, men or women, have symmetry anywhere in their body.

In my base, I have fibrous cysts in both my breasts (and yep, they hurt like a bugger!) and I've been called back for repeat tests because the cysts and calcification were so dense.

It's not uncommon. Depending on the breast size, genetics, tissue health.....oh there's lots of reasons.

I wouldn't worry about it at this time. The doctors just want to make sure they can see as much of that tissue as they can.

It doesn't necessarily mean anything horrible, so you can relax, wait for your doctor and the next test, and let them explain!

Hang in there.

If you want to talk, let me know.




M.

Personally speaking, my breasts have been changing shape since,.....well, let's say, for a while now!

All sorts of things can cause asymmetry, so before you worry yourself, take some deep calming breaths.

Post back any time you want to, and please let us know how you make out on Tuesday, okay?

We are here for you!!



M.

One step at a time.

Remember what breast tissue is made of. Throughout out entire lives, the shape, density, consistency, appearance,....all of that will change many times.

Check with your doctor and see what he has to say, and as I mentioned, post back and let us know how you make out.

In my own personal experience, if I got a bra to fit one cup, inevitably the other one wouldn't. C'est la vie.

So now I wear sports bras and you can't even tell.

But let your doctor know in advance of your concern and see if it's something he feels he needs to take a closer look at.




M.

You're doing a great job! Give yourself a lot of credit.

Also, please rest assured that the tests they are asking for, and the order in which they are asking for them, is perfectly normal. You are doing fine, you really are!

I know this can feel scary. It's the unknown.

Many women have cystic breasts, and they can occur (like in my case, they started when I got my period and just got lumpier and moved around ever since then). It is not uncommon.

Sometimes if they can identify a particularly hard or painful cyst, they'll aspirate it, or drain the fluid out of it. This doesn't hurt, and afterwards, things feel better because the painful lump isn't there anymore.

Cysts can refill with fluid, which may or may not need to be drained again, but you'll know what to expect

The MRI is fun (sarcasm) because you lay on your tummy and your breasts hang down so the machine can capture images. But really, it's not that bad. A little noisy but it doesn't take all that long, and it provides a lot more information than the mammogram and ultrasound.

You're doing the right things, so be proud of your accomplishments!



M.

I currently do have breast cancer.

But bear in mind, I am 50 years old, and I spent many years having my lumpy, cyst-filled breasts monitored. Most of the time, they don't turn out to be anything more, so I want to reassure you.

You hang in there, and we can talk if you'd like to, okay?




M.

Thank you Makenna, I appreciate that. I've learned that the HW community is pretty darn powerful in the prayer department, and I'm a big believer!

I want you to keep in mind just how many times these things turn out to be simple matters, but it's always due diligence for the doctors to double and triple check, for us to do the same, to really exhaust resources and make sure we've dotted all the "I's" and crossed all the "T's" so to say.

I remember feeling what felt like grapes in my breasts, or marbles, and they'd change in density and size....I was a wreck for so many years.

So I was thorough, and I'll admit, I needed a lot of reassurance.

Also know that whatever your dominant hand is,-- for example, if you're right handed,-- that breast will tend to be smaller.

A lot of the time the asymmetry is more noticeable to us than anyone else. In our entire body, each side is slightly different than the other! Everything!

So you just stick to your guns and let us know how things go, okay? We're with you!




M.