Another mammogram dilemma.....?!

[lindalu]

I’ve got to make a decision on having a diagnostic (more thorough than a screening) mammogram scheduled for tomorrow.

I have had some unexplained health problems and developed a bit of a health anxiety this past year or so.  One thing that has been going on is a bit of pain and discomfort in my right breast only.  It just feels different than my other breast – if that makes sense.  This feeling extends to my underarm area.  There is a small area of increased lumpiness – but nothing that has concerned docs-

I saw the breast expert doc in my area a year ago.  He did an ultrasound of the lumpy area and ordered the mammogram (which I still have not done).  I did a thermogram 8 months ago– which he does not consider.  The thermogram showed no abnormalities – the areas of heat were considered consistent with a lactating breast.

Yes, I am still nursing a now 4.5 year old – not every day and usually only once a day when I do.

This breast and underarm is also often itchy.  I notice it very often.  Two days ago, I did a search on that symptom, and was floored by the people talking about breast itchiness being an early symptom of their breast cancer.  This has really scared me when I partner it with the other symptoms in this breast.  I panicked and scheduled mammogram.

I keep reminding myself that the thermogram showed nothing that looked really suspicious – but they hesitate to say much as they prefer you to wait until not lactating for a baseline thermogram.

This fear has prompted me to schedule the mammogram – something I don’t really agree with – the risks vs. benefits, etc.  But, I know I can’t go back to consult with breast doc without having one done.  I want to put this fear away for the moment – am so worried mammogram will show something to cause more worry – I know there are lots of false positives – and my breasts are perhaps denser due to lactation.

I cannot afford another thermogram at moment.

Your insights or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Health history:

1^st child at 39

2^nd child at 40

Have been nursing for 6+ years.

I did use birth control pills for 10+ years quite a while back.

Regular drinker, non-smoker.

A bit overweight and not exercising currently.

Have not used antiperspirant for years – do use “natural” deodorants.

Rarely wear underwire bra.

No history of breast cancer, but mother dealing with what is likely ovarian cancer (they aren’t 100percent sure where originated.)

Have had one mammogram – baseline at 35 (would not have with knowledge I have now-)

It is crazy how what I believe in gets skewed in face of fear.  There is much about mammograms I do not like – but I feel trapped in wanting some reassurance about what may be going on or not-

I just feel something is not right with this breast and am worried to ignore.

(Then again, I had a bad bout with interductal yeast in this breast 3+ year ago – and have to wonder if this might be yeast related?)

Advice please- thanks.

[AdinaL]

I think if my gut said something was up, then I would get it checked out. If it turns out to not be anything, then that's great! But if you catch something early, that's better overall.  I would probably stop googling symptoms though.  I say that as someone who is a compulsive consulter of Dr. Google. 

[amcal]

I agree.  You know your body better than anyone else.  If you think something doesn't feel right, get it checked.  

I don't love mammograms either but, I believe they do have their place.  If I felt something was not quite right, I'd have the test done.  

[cameragirl]

I realize your appointment has passed, but what about an ultrasound? I had to have one after a scare while I was nursing my daughter. It won't replace a mammogram, but it can help them get a better picture if nursing is making the mammogram hard to read. I personally rotate between mammograms and breast mri, but only because my mother had breast cancer at 32 and I have very dense tissue.