Found a lump and am scared - Cancer: Breast Message Board

******** · 10-10-2004, 08:28 PM

Tonight, while showering, I was washing my armpit and felt a lump in my breast, on the side near the arm pit area. I felt on the other breast to see if I had one over there, but no. It is tender and sore. I had my husband feel it and he said it felt like muscle. I am near my period and usually get a little tenderness. I am wondering if I should wait until after my period and the tenderness goes away to feel for it again. I am 40 years old and feel totally ignorant asking these questions. I had a mamogram several years ago for a lump. I was on a lot of fertility drugs at the time and the mamogram showed nothing, nor did a ultrasound of the area. They attributed the lump to the fertility drugs. Any advice?
Thanks
Amy

BioAdoptMom3 · 10-10-2004, 09:38 PM

I know its scary (I went though something discovered on a mammogram a few months ago which in the end turned out to be nothing to worry about, but still, I know whats going through your mind!)! In most cases a lump is nothing to worry about. The soreness could be an indication of a lymph gland infection. Are you nursing by any chance? It could also be related to that. At any rate, I would call the doctor and have it checked out, but try not to worry because most likely its nothing serious.

Let us know what you find out!

Nancy

******** · 10-11-2004, 04:41 AM

I am not nursing and my youngest child is 3. Do you know if it is best to do a breast exam after you have your period or this not a factor? I know the last lump I found was due to the fertility drugs I was on at the time. It too could be a swollen gland, but I am not sick at this time. Thanks for your response and I will let you know how it goes
Amy

shlllbybaine · 10-11-2004, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ********

I am not nursing and my youngest child is 3. Do you know if it is best to do a breast exam after you have your period or this not a factor? I know the last lump I found was due to the fertility drugs I was on at the time. It too could be a swollen gland, but I am not sick at this time. Thanks for your response and I will let you know how it goes
Amy

The doctors really say that when you do a breast exam it should be done the same time every month, whether its before or after your period just depends on when you start doing it, you could wait till next month or if its really bothering you i would have my doc check it....Most of the time i have always heard that woman get a lump before or during period and then it goes down and reappears again the next month, its really up to you on what you do as far as having it checked.......
Take care, keep us posted!!

******** · 10-11-2004, 05:55 AM

Thanks for your response.
I am probably over-reacting. I am a bit cancer-phobic (but then again who isn't) My grandfather died from cancer and my father has cancer now and just had major surgery to remove it. But I will follow up on it. I will check it again after my period and see if it is still there. If it is, I will go to my doctor. I know early detection is the best.
Amy