Risk of cancer?

[drz]

Warning: Whine mode on:

Got some reassurance that the mass and lumps in my arm pits and breast do not appear to be cancer or at least any type of cancer that they recognize. They gave me several reasons why they don't think it is breast cancer or lymphoma which was nice to hear. BUT they also had no diagnosis to explain what these masses and lumps are, what caused them, or why they hurt, especially when they push on them. And they didn't seem interested in trying to find out or suggest any referral to someone else who might have more knowledge about such symptoms and some answers.

I felt frustrated as it reminded me of the years I spent searching for answers to my roving joint pains, nasal crusting, fatigue, weight loss, and other symptoms before Wegs almost killed me. No one had any answers then either as to why the pain. No one offered any effective relief for these symptoms, just did tests and exams to rule out what they weren't.

I think the most frustrating part is no one that I have seen close to home appears to have any interest either in finding any answers, just like it was with Wegs. I don't think these symptoms are typical for GPA and don't know if they are side effect of my treatments, but feel I will have to consult with those specialists at larger clinics to see if I can get a referral to someone there who may try a little harder get some answers for a diagnosis and treatment plan instead of just saying I don't know what is wrong but we can re-check you again in three months anyway to see if it gets worse or turns into something we recognize and know how to treat. I did let them know that wasn't helping me much with current pain even though it might reduce my anxiety a little, only a little cause I know too many people who have died from failures of medical staff to recognize their medical problems in time to offer effective treatment,

[mishb]

drz, I don't know what your lumps are like but I'm so sorry you have to go through all of this.

I also have lumps in my breasts but I have had them pre diagnosis (2009) and they did a biopsy and thankfully they were not cancerous, but they are tender to the touch or very sore when the doctor pushes on them.

I actually had an ultrasound 2 weeks ago (just as a follow up) and they found 12 more lumps in my breasts and 3 under my armpits....I think at last count was 21 in one breast and about 15 in the other.

My GP tells me that they don't need to biopsy any of them this time because they would still be non cancerous and are only fibroadenoma's and are nothing to worry about. (This is the same doctor that kept me hanging around for over a year without sending me to a specialist, so I do worry about her response)

I'm no longer seeing Oncology since they ruled out any lymphoma's or blood cancers in November last year, so maybe I will just mention it to my Rheumy when I see her in March......just to be on the safe side.

I hope you can find someone to give you some answers soon drz.

Take care of yourself and ............

[Sangye]

drz, they are most likely due to the hormone changes caused by pred. I suggest you see a naturopath about getting hormone levels tested via saliva sample, and possibly using progesterone cream. The most likely hormone imbalance is estrogen dominance (men get this also), which left unchecked can lead to cancer. That's one of the causes for the huge increase in women with breast cancer.

[Al]

drz, they are most likely due to the hormone changes caused by pred. I suggest you see a naturopath about getting hormone levels tested via saliva sample, and possibly using progesterone cream. The most likely hormone imbalance is estrogen dominance (men get this also), which left unchecked can lead to cancer. That's one of the causes for the huge increase in women with breast cancer.

Great call, Sangye. To this, I would add only that other drugs and physical activitty (or lack of it) can also affect hormone balances. But the pred is surely the most likely culprit. And, as you note, that non-malignant growths can and do sometimes become malignant, so it is important to keep an eye on them.

Al

Al

[Lightwarrior]

drz, they are most likely due to the hormone changes caused by pred. I suggest you see a naturopath about getting hormone levels tested via saliva sample, and possibly using progesterone cream. The most likely hormone imbalance is estrogen dominance (men get this also), which left unchecked can lead to cancer. That's one of the causes for the huge increase in women with breast cancer.

drz, before I started tx for Wegs I had nodules through-out my lungs and in my breast. I also had swollen lymph nodes. They cleared with treatment

[Psyborg]

Sorry to hear your having problems DRZ. I hope they can find the cause for you soon...will keep you in my prayers.

[Sangye]

And, as you note, that non-malignant growths can and do sometimes become malignant, so it is important to keep an eye on them.

Al

Al

It's not that the actual lumps are more prone to become cancerous, but that the underlying hormone imbalance sets the stage for the body to develop cancer. I just wanted to clarify that.

[marta]

drz, I'm sorry to hear that you're having one of those frustrating moments of dealing with the medical system. I can so relate. I ended up crying this week at our health clinic because there was something pretty serious and they just kinda threw up their hands and said, 'well, that's all we can do'. I was so frustrated and started to tear up, I think I might have stomped my foot afterwards when I said "no, you don't get it, this can kill me and I need you to do something". I wasn't going to go until I had some sort of resolution, but apparently tears seem to move people into action. I am not one to cry. I think I've cried less than a handful of times since the beast and I met, but I find it so, SO frustrating having to battle with the people who are supposed to have our best interest and are the professional health care practitioners. It's such an energy drainer and we have limited spoons as you all know. I was wiped after that event on Monday. I've been going back every day and today I can say that I think I have the solution I wanted. I'm still not out of the woods, but we're moving forward in a positive direction and now it's just a matter of crossing some fingers.

As usual I'm going on and on to try and make a simple point. My point - question authority, do what you feel comfortable with while being assertive in getting the answers you need. I know that this disease has really taught me to go beyond my normal comfort level in demanding (in a very polite and respectful way) that I be treated like a human being and not just another 'case'. I have a family that I love and loves me, just like the doctor who is treating me - and sometimes I have to remind them of that. So do what you have to to get your answers. It will aleviate the associated stress and bring back the quality of life you're accustomed to. In the meantime (and afterwards of course) you'll be in my thoughts and I'm sending you all the white, healing light I can muster. Take care friend.

marta