I have already posted about what the doctor called fibrocystic breast tissue and a painful underarm lump which I was told could be an infected lymph node.

Well, today I felt a lump in my breast about a half inch from the nipple. It feels like buckshot. It is on the same side as my swollen lymph node. When you pull the skin taut you can see it. I wonder if the lump is cancer that spread to the lymph node? Or if the two things being on the same side is just a coincidence?

It doesn't hurt, but the underarm node does. I also feel sore, achy and tired all over. I freaked out and went to the hospital when I found the lump. All the doctor did was confirmed the lump, said it felt "shotty" and told me to see my regular doctor or OB-GYN for a mammogram.

I am only 29 and I have had quite a bit radiation exposure over the past few years. Chest CT, Brain CT, sinus xray, back xray, several chest xrays with the most recent being two days ago. I am scared about getting a mammogram because of the radiation but I don't want to let something cancerous linger. I don't know what to do. I heard too much radiation can cause cancer.

Does this sound like an infection? A cyst? Cancer? Nothing at all? I still need to schedule the appointment with the doc or OB and I'm wondering about how long is safe to wait. I can't always get in right away. I don't want to worry myself sick, but I cannot help it.

I am desperate for input or advice!

Thanks,
Angela

Hi Angela-

It is rare but not unheard of that someone so young developes breast cancer.
The odds are in your favor that it is somethingelse, as 80% of lumps are benign. Nevertheless, I would DEFINETELY get the mammogram. -You can never be too careful about these things.

As I understand it today's mammograms give only a fraction of radiation, that the old mammos gave. It really is better to be safe than sorry and to know for sure what you are dealing with. Are they going to do an ultrasound too? Sometimes these catch things, not seen on mammogram.

I am one yr out form stage 1 breast cancer. - Mine was caught on a routine mammogram. I am much older than you, 48 at diagnosis.

Best of luck, and please go have it checked out.
Leea