I have just been to GP on a non-bc matter and mentioned an ache I have had in my right [good] breast.I have lost 2 stones lately[on purpose-Weight Watchers] and gone down 2 bra sizes so assumed that was it.She examined me and said she could feel a ‘thickening’ and wanted me to bring forward my surgeon appt from October.I have one next week now.Has anyone had any experience of ‘thickening’ with no lump?Very glad of either reassurance or information.I will be 4 yrs post dx on Oct 6th.
Thanks
Valx
Oh, Val, how horrid for you. What sort of bc did you have previously? I think some types of bc can show as thickening rather than a lump, eg lobular, which I had, although I did have a lump. However, I think there are also benign conditions which can cause thickening, like Fibrocystic disease. Have you spoken to your BCN?
I do so hope it turns out to be nothing to worry about.
Ann x
Thanks for reply Ann.Mine was IDC grade2 triple neg with no node involvement.I rang bcc helpline and she said it could be normal breast tissue but best to check.Lobular was what came up when I googled.I suppose it could be a completely new different primary but I am hoping like crazy that it is benign.
Valx
Hi Val - i’m sorry to hear you’re worried. My cancer was ductal with no detectable lump however there was also a widespread area of thickening which turned out to be pre-cancerous cells - hence the MX. i hope all turns out well for you.
Lynn
Mine was lobular, didn’t present with a lump, I had also lost 2 stone in weight and had PMS like symptoms in the breast which didn’t go away for a few months, and the area just felt different. Turned out there were two lobular tumours grade 2 > 7cm and widespread highgrade DCIS. I hope you can have it checked out soon, it must be a very worrying time for you. Good Luck.
Thanks-I have an appt with my surgeon for 25th[Wed next week].That is a private appt and I am also on an ‘urgent referral’ request for NHS clinic.I will take whatever is first-possibly both.
Does ‘recurrence’ normally come in same breast as original dx?Would the other side be a new primary or spread?Does anyone know any benign causes for ‘thickening’?
I feel so worried-that’ll teach me to start to feel more relaxed.
Valx
Hi Val
Sorry I have no experience of ‘thickening’ but just want to let you know I’m thinking of you and do hope it turns out to be nothing. I hope you get it checked asap to put your mind at rest.
Love Anne x
Hi Horace,
I’m 44, was diagnosed with BC last June had my op mid August, started chemo in September followed by rads in March 10.
I’m sorry to say that I also had a thickening of my breast, my Dr just dismissed me telling me he wasnt worried and to go back after my next menstrual cycle, 6 weeks later I went back and he still wanted to leave things as he wasn’t concerned. I dug my heels in until he agreed to refer me to the breast clinic; albeit as a non urgent case.
When i eventually went to the breast clinic the consultant also said he wasnt clinically concerned and that he believed it was a thickening of the breast tissue. He did a fine needle aspiration and it wasnt until the results came back as suspicious that they took me seriously. I was called in for a mammogram and US 2 wks later, I felt The rest is history.
Big Hugs & good health to all.
Stella
P
Hi Val,
Sorry to hear of your latest concerns, do give the helpline here a ring if you need some added support. They’re here for you.
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator
Hi Val
Just seen your new post - just what you don’t need - worries after doing so flipping well…I’ve everything crossed for you, which makes typing a bit difficult, I can tell you.
Really do not want to minimise your concerns - until you get an answer, I know you will not settle, rightly so. But, just a thought - that 2 stone loss (cracking effort, by the way!) and the loss of breast tissue = to 2 cup sizes, may be that you are just feeling the normal structure of the breast in a different way, if that makes sense? Underlying muscle, that you might not have felt before the weight loss? And, I’m sure, that even if your GP thought it was OK, she would still refer you urgently, due to history and the importance of getting you peace of mind.
Oh Val, just don’t know what else to say, wish I could give the Old One a whopping big hug right now! Which she would brush off, with a muttered, “Stop your fussing”!!
Love
Lizzie xx
Thanks again everyone.Jo I did ring the helpline straight away and as usual they were marvellous.From what you are all saying I had better prepare myself for a new dx whilst still maintaining my hopes that all will be well.The thing is I cant feel any difference at all in breast-it was just a bit achey.The GP seemed certain though-she is very good and I trust her absolutely.She said it was probably ok but it was definitely there and imperative to have it checked quickly.I’ll keep you informed.
Glad the helpline helped, Val. Thinking about you,
Lizzie xx
I’ll PM my number - ring me if you need a chat xxx
goodlick for today val,thinkin of you xx
Hi Val,
We seem to follow the same pathway!! I’m triple neg, diagnosed about same time as you, and I have also been bothering my GP with worries over lump in other breast! But again, I have been told it is just thickening, and not to worry. But I do!
Hope you get it checked out properly. I am going to wait until I see my onc in a few weeks time (I think…) unless I get too edgy and go back. I will wait and see what you are told.
It really is a never-ending worry isn’t it? My thoughts are with you,
Best wishes,
Jax
Hi all, I was diagnosed a year ago and recently had my first follow up appointment. Since surgery (WLE and SNB) I have really lumpy breasts and was really concerned that the cancer had either spread or recurred. I also wasn’t sure what I should be looking at when examining myself. What is a lump and what isn’t? (I found my original lobular tumour).
So, even with a clear mammogram (my first mammogram was also clear - didn’t show the cancer), my consultant had a good feel and thought it was just lumpy breast tissue. I asked for an ultrasound to see what was going on and she agreed. The radiologist gave me a guided tour of both breasts by ultrasound, showing me the scar tissue from surgery, and the differing thicknesses of breast tissue which made it feel lumpy. No cancer there, thank goodness.
So, finding lumps is not necessarily a sign of bad things, but you are right to get it checked out immediately.
Good luck
Helen
Hi Val
I’ve spoken to you on here before, I was also grade 3 triple neg in 2005 and that wasn’t a “lump” I’m sorry to say, but an area of thickening. I then had another primary in July last year just 4 years later, but ER/PR + this time (at the site of the previous lumpectomy) which then resulted in a right mastectomy last Sept 09. This was a new primary not a recurrence of the original triple neg. Much smaller so didnt need chemo this time. But don’t think the worst…and even if it is another…hey I’m OK and doing well and having my recon in a couple of months! I’m just relieved that the mammogram picked it up so early and I’ve met countless other women in the same situation.
That said, I do hope it’s nothing in your case and will be keeping everything crossed for you.
Good luck!
Love Bev xxx