DU ladies: I need your support right now

[bicentennial_baby]

Hey gals...I have been experiencing scary and awful breast problems for about 8 days now, and I could use some moral support. I was diagnosed 3 years ago with a fibrocystic breast condition, which seemed to be exacerbated by my bc pills. I eventually stopped them, and the symptoms went away for the most part. I had my period at the end of May, beginning of this month, and from the end of my period to now, my breasts have been swollen, painful, tender, heavy, sore, etc. I am going to the doctor tommorrow and I'm sure I'm in for another round of mammograms and ultrasounds. I'm only 27, so the mammo usually doesn't work very well on me, the tissue's too dense. I'm too scared to check for lumps myself right now, since I'm going to the Doc tommorrow anyway. I don't have insurance, I'm on full free care at the local hospital, but I'm terrified. I can't eat or sleep, and I'm crying every five minutes. If y'all could send some support and love my way, it would be greatly appreciated. :scared: :scared: :scared: :cry:

-heather

[La Lioness Priyanka]

1. during your period you are bound to be lumpy

it does not mean anythign...which is why you check for the bumps not during period week...

on edit: i am still that you are nervous but i am pretty certain you will be ok...let me know if theres anythign i can do for you

[bicentennial_baby]

2. No, it's after my period

The symptoms came after my period, and they have'nt gone away in 8 days. They are somewhat better than they were last Tuesday, but still here to a degree.

[nini]

3. the pain and swelling are most likely the fibroids

I have the same problems where my breasts can hurt like hell during that time.

the fibrocystic problem in itself is not a huge problem.. painful yes, but not cancerous.

but if you're that concerned you should go the doc and have that confirmed.

take some anti-inflamatories to help with the pain.

Good luck
:hug:

[Bertha Venation]

9. off-topic -- tell me about your Chick Hearn photo!

I loved him, even though I abhor men's basketball. I vaguely remember a saying Chick had about the refrigerator . . . . ???

[nini]

11. chick was the best.

His sayings at the end of games when the Lakers had it in the bag were:

the egss are chillin, the jellos jigglin and the butters getting hard.. he definitely had his catch phrases.. I miss him :-(

I 'think' this pic was in a L.A. Times article on him.

I love this pic and frylock posted it for me a while back.

[Bertha Venation]

12. Thanks. I miss him too --

just miss hearing his voice in snippets when I'd be at my sister's house -- her husband's a big Lakers' fan.

[Bertha Venation]

4. you've got it

:hug: I'm sorry you're scared. Mrs. V. would know how you feel. Hopefully she'll see this thread & be able to offer you some words of comfort.

All I can say is that we'll be here. :hug:

[wryter2000]

5. {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}

It sounds like you're in horrible discomfort, but that doesn't mean this is a really scary condition. It could be something that's going to be a real drag for you but not a threat to your health or life.

:grouphug:

[nini]

6. also - another type birth control pill may help

perhaps a different dosage will keep the pain and swelling to a minimum

[Gingersnap]

7. (((heather)))

Sending calming, healing vibes your way. DH is an ob/gyn and says breast cancer is extremely rare in women our age, whereas the fibroid thing is pretty common. You may want to try another bc method--like vaginal ring or cervical cap, which some believe have fewer side effects than the pill. And cut back on caffeine, chocolate and other things that can irritate the cysts.

Best of luck,
Ginger

[Political_Junkie]

8. Sending good energy

your way, hon. :hug:
I know it's scary, but you'll make it through.

[TexasBushwhacker]

10. Have you cut out caffeine?

I've heard that if you eliminate caffeine, you'll have fewer lumps and sometimes they'll go away entirely. I know it's scary. I always have lumps and I've never had a normal mammogram. I always have to get ultrasounds and they always say they're cysts.

If you don't have any close female relatives that had breast or ovarian cancer, your chances of having breast cancer so young are very very small. Kick back, eating some chocolate and watch a chick flick.

BTW, I lost my mom to BC in January and I've educated myself about it alot. If you want to PM me, feel free.

[Lorien]

23. And dairy

I've had the same symptoms as you've described, and won't have a mammogram for the same reasons (density, and I'm rather buxom). I did some research and read that dairy products can cause trouble-even potentially cancer-because of all the artificial hormones used on the cattle these days. I've cut out all dairy products and use soy instead, and no longer have symptoms. It's worth a try.

:hug:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

13. I'm not a lady but I'll support you anyway, so there!

Hmpf! :hug:

(from here it looks like everything's going to be all right. Breath deeply and calm down... have some herbal tea)

[eileen from OH]

14. Heather - I have a cystic breast condition

("disease" is really a misnomer) as well - runs in my family (sister and mother) yet none of us have developed cancer. About 10 years ago I had biopsies (as outpatient, but was put under) of both breasts and both were okay. I have to due the annual mammogram and go to the hospital for it, rather than a clinic, cuz they can do a "deep" mammogram. Everything has been fine, every single time. As I understand it, it's a benign condition but because of the density of the tissue, mammograms aren't as effective at diagnosiing - hence, the attention/caution with which doctors approach it.

As a side note - having this kind of condition does have it's upside (and forgive my humor here) - I'm over 50 and my two pals have no sag - still pointing north!

Don't be scared until you have something to be scared about, okay? Worryin' ain't gonna change anything. Deep breaths, read a book or watch a good movie to get your mind off of it.

Sending you best wishes, Heather!

eileen from OH

[Mrs. Venation]

15. I Know You Are Scared To Death

I had a breast cancer scare back in 1996 after a change in my yearly mammogram. I had ultrasound after the mammo, then a biopsy. The day of the biopsy I was terrified. I didn't know what to expect, and I was feeling very alone.

The biopsy procedure wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, and everything was fine. I have 3 fibroadenomae in my left breast, and now I get a yearly comprehensive mammogram instead of the usual screening mammogram.

If you have a good friend, take her or him with you tomorrow. It helps to have someone hold your hand. I'll be sending you the best karma, positive energy, and I'll throw in a prayer, too.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[ChickMagic]

16. I had fibroids removed when I was in high school.

They are usually not malignant. As for the swelling and soreness, that's just hormonal changes. When my hormones were going crazy I couldn't stand in an elevator without making my arms into a barrier. Symptoms of breast cancer are usually not painful. It's good to get checked out in any case.

All my good vibes are headed your way. :hug: When you get a mammo, you might want to ask about a ductal study. Have you had a rash "up there"?

Take care!

[supernova]

17. (((((Heather))))

Most masses that feel lumpy or that show up on mammograms are benign.

Try to use relaxation techniques until you can get your mammogram done and interrpreted. IOW, try not to worry until you know whether there is something to worry about.

Actually, you might calm yourself if you do a self-exam. Then you'll know what the normal lumps feel like.

[TNDemo]

18. Could you possibly be pregnant?

Those enormously swollen and tender boobs were my first clue.

[bicentennial_baby]

19. I don't think so...

You can't have your period when you're pregnant, can you? I had that thought too, b/c my boyfriend and I had unprotected sex abt. 6 weeks ago. I just had my period though, so I assumed it could'nt be that.

[eyesroll]

22. It's possible to have early pregnancy bleeding and mistake it for

a regular period, especially if it's light. A very early miscarriage (which, if right around when you'd expect your period, could go undetected) also can make hormones go nuts.

(((heather)))

Hopefully, the doctor visit will put your anxieties to rest. Lumpy breasts are pretty common among young women, and anything more serious is exceedingly rare. Good luck.

[havocmom]

28. my mom had 9 regular periods while pregnant with my brother

the human body can do some strange things. Get a pregnancy test too.

[nofurylike]

20. for the pain, and to decrease fibrous cysts:

"At night, apply a paste made from 1¼2 teaspoon of yellow turmeric (an antiinflamatory, available at grocery spice rack. good to eat some every day, or as often as possible) and 1 teaspoon of warm castor oil to the area of the breast where the cysts (or the pain) are, says Vasant Lad, B.A.M.S., M.A.Sc., director of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He adds this caution: Turmeric can stain skin and clothes, so cover the paste with something that you won’t mind staining. Any discoloration should wash off your skin in about two weeks, he adds."

that, and some other excellent dietary and supplement breast care info here: http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/21/103.cfm

maybe also pick up the book *Our Bodies Ourselves* at your library.


hang in there! so many here really care!!


peace

[latebloomer]

21. calm down, honey

I'm quite sure breast cancer does not cause physical pain.

This sounds like a pain in the ass-- I mean, tit-- not a life-threatening condition.

You'll be fine, honest.

:hug:

[buddhamama]

24. dear Heather

I have been there, sweetie. I was diagnosed a few yrs ago, and remember vividly the first lump i found; being scared,etc.

There could be many reasons why your breasts are more swollen, painful and sensitive now; Stress, caffeine, etc., etc.

Do you drink coffee? Hormonal fluctuations, which stress can also be a factor. If the cysts are benign but are causing you pain, you can ask for them to be drained...

It is scary, and i'm sooo very sorry.

You have my love and support. :pals: :hug: :loveya:

I'll be around...

i'm here for you
and please keep us posted.

[SiouxJ]

25. First off, pain in both breasts pretty much rules out

cancer. That would be almost unheard of. Also, breast cancer rarely causes pain except in the late stages. Relax. It's very likely fibrocystic pain. If it fluctuates with your cycle, you can almost bank on it. Just relax as stress can perpetuate the situation. Meditate, or take a warm bath, listen to music but think about something else. Other tips people have given here, about watching caffeine etc. are good too. Don't worry, you'll be fine :-) .

[Pithlet]

26. Sending you some good vibes and positive thoughts.

It doesn't sound like anything scary but I know it's no fun. I hope you feel better soon, and that your doctor can put your fears to rest. :hug:

[jus_the_facts]

27. I don't have any personal experience to share but I will send ya some.....

...{{{{{good vibes and karma}}}}}} an a :pals:

[flamingyouth]

29. I'm so sorry, Heather

I'm holding good thoughts for you that all will go well. I have known lots of people who have been through this with good results, as I hope it will be for you. Please keep us posted because we care about you. :hug:
Lisa

[bicentennial_baby]

30. Kick

Thanks to all who have responded so far :hug:

:kick: