***UPDATE***It looks like I *might* have cancer

[Kundalini-Mama]

I could be wrong of course. But I've had this lump under my arm for 2 1/2 months, and I just had it u/s today. Of course they can't tell me anything & I have to wait until they contact my homeopath w/the results. But, on u/s, the mass was dark black & looked solid. The u/s tech would not look me in the eyes after it was over.

My younger sister has breast cancer presently. My mother had breast cancer a couple of years ago. My mom's mom (my grandmother) had ovarian cancer and her 4 sisters all died of cancer--mostly girly cancer (cervix, ovarian, uterine), but one had brain cancer.

So, here are my beliefs & needs.

I do not want a mammorgram. I do not want a biopsy. I do not want chemo nor radiation. I would love to get the lump surgically removed-intact.

I feel that w/my history putting radiation on my already prone to cancer breasts is not a smart move. Especially b/c I'm pre-menopausal (30, to be exact). I was just strong-armed at the hosptial into accpeting a mammagram, which I denied. Which I denied on the phone the other day. Sigh.

I do not feel that inserting a needle into a cancerous lump and leaving a trail of cancer cells is a smart move.

I do not feel, *for me* that radiation, which causes cancer, is a good move, nor to I feel, *for me* that having chemicals added to my body that utterly destroy my immune system is a smart move either.

So this is where I am.

What am I looking for? Science to back up my intuitive feelings. A surgeon in my area, preferably at Dartmouth/Hitchcock in NH who will be able to remove my lump intact without spreading cancer cells into my body.

Thanks

[rachelmarie]

No advice here. Just thoughts and prayers for a healthy outcome.

[spero]

Oh, Amy!

No advice, sorry - but I couldn't just skip past this without offering my heartfelt prayers.

I'm still torn on getting future mammograms (I've had one) after reading some stuff here. There's a history of breast calcifications in my family (mom & aunt, so far) and I have REALLY dense breasts - mom's doc found hers on a routine exam, but she's got itty bitties.

Best wishes, mama. Keep us updated.

[mzfern]

Oh how scary. I'm sorry you're going through this. I hope you find some answers and peace soon.

[mykdsmomy]

no advice here but please know I'm praying for you......There are tons of super knowledgeable women here....I hope someone can give you some direction here

[LavenderMae]

You'll be in my thoughts. I don't have any real knowledge about cancer but the things you wrote make sense to me. Much health and peace to you!!!

[blessed]

I'll just toss in what I know as a surgeon.

Malignancies in the axilla are of essentially of two types. The first would be metastatic to a lymph node, meaning spread from somewhere else. Breast cancer is the most common example.

The second type of malignacy would be lymphoma. This is a cancer which starts, grows and spreads in the lymph nodes.

In either case, cutting out the lymph node would not be able to acheive a cure. If it's breast cancer, then there is a focus of cancer in the breast (the primary) which is seeding the lymph nodes under the arm. The cancer would still be present and untreated in your body after you removed the lump under your arm.

Similarly, with lymphoma the cancer isn't confined to one single node. So you have to treat the area, usually with radiation. Lymphoma has a very high complete cure rate after radiation therapy.

Taking out the lump is called 'excisional biopsy'. This is a reasonable approach and will allow your docs to make a definitive diagnosis of whether this is truly cancer or not, and what kind. The ultrasound may be read as 'suspicious for malignancy', but is not able to say if cancer is present or what kind. Oftentimes excisional biopsies are performed removing the lump and the pathology reveals a benign cause with no cancer present.

Given your family history, I would consult a surgeon who specializes in treating breast cancers. These are fellowship trained docs who do nothing but breast surgery. These people (usually women) are far and away the best at knowing about treatment options which are most likely to avoid unnecessary disfiguring surgeries and toxic therapies after surgery. They would most likely get you in to be seen right away.

Good luck, dear. Let us know. We're all hoping for the best.

[imgr8ful]

[mom2zsel]

No words of wisdom from me but I think you are in the right place to find some...

Sending hugs and prayers your way!

Michele

[scatterbrainedmom]

I went through something similiar a few years ago. I had a huge lump under my chin, one of my lymph nodes. I chose to have removed instead of a biopsy. It could have been one of 3; non-hodgkins, hodgkins, or just non-cancerous. It ended up non cancerous and they were surprised, because they really thought it would be non-hodgkins.

The waiting on results were really hard. to you

[vermontana]

Amy,
Your post brought me to tears. I am sending prayers of healing and strength your way.
I agree with your thoughts on treatment and what you want to avoid. I have a very similar family history, and I have spent a fair amount of time thinking this topic through. I wish I had some names of books/articles to recommend, but I do know that there are many women who choose to tackle their cancer with alternative means. Does your homeopath have any references?
My mother was at Dartmouth Hitchcock A LOT when I was a kid. (I feel like I grew up there). I will ask my Dad the name of her physician. I know my mom liked her and she was understanding (this wasn't too long ago, I bet she's still there). I'll let you know when I can find out her name.
While my mom was battling breast cancer, we had a lot of healing circles/women's song nights/etc, and I swear to you those times of concentrated healing energy did a lot more for her than her times of treatment in the hospital.
I think it must be very difficult to make an *alternative* decision in regards to cancer treatment, when everyone is urging the standard course of care. I also think that if you do choose to go the alternative route (IF it even comes to that), you will have to be prepared to expend serious amounts of energy into your healing, b/c a lot of it will be on your shoulders. Of course, going the standard route requires exhaustive amounts of energy, faith and perseverance, but if you are doing something *different*, it's going to be even harder.
Do you have a good support network of friends and family there? I hope you do, you deserve it, mama.
Have you ever read Anatomy of the Spirit by Carolyn Myss, or Love, Medicine and Miracles by Bernie Seigel? They're worth looking at.
be strong, and have faith that you CAN heal this!

[Planta]

Amy,

I am sorry for the bad news.
May I make a suggestion? Please consider the raw food approach to overcoming cancer. There are powerful accounts of recoveries due to, for example, drinking large amounts of fresh juice (carrot, grapes or wheatgrass). I know someone who recovered from colon cancer through diet after being "given" 6 months to live by the doctors. Our bodies are incredible, they can recover from almost anything if they are given the chance. Please consider this option - you can recover better health than you've had in years (or even decades).

[DesireeH]

I do not feel that inserting a needle into a cancerous lump and leaving a trail of cancer cells is a smart move.

I do not feel, *for me* that radiation, which causes cancer, is a good move, nor to I feel, *for me* that having chemicals added to my body that utterly destroy my immune system is a smart move either.

I agree with you 100%. I wouldnt want those things either. I might do what blessed suggested though the removal of the lump by 'excisional biopsy' and then have it tested and go from there.

Have you looked into Hoxsey treatment? My aunt did that as a last resort but her immune system was already destroyed by chemo and radiation. She did feel better while on it though and had much more energy than she did while getting mainstream treatment. If you need contact info, let me know. to you mama!

[MyLittleWonders]

Amy, no advice - though there are very wise women here - but I couldn't read and not give you 's and some healing fairy . We are all thinking of you - please keep us updated and know you can come talk, vent, and ask whenever you need.

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

Amy in this situation I'd take Blessed's advice, because what I know of you from your posts tells me you need to know exactly where you are.

Once you know, then you can make precise informed choices.

[sohj]

No advice, just a little

[Christine&men]

I hope you'll find an understanding doctor...

[annalily]

[Annikate]

Hi Amy,
I've thought about your post all day and wish I could find something to say that'd help. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this now.
Keep the faith.
:
~Terri

[Breathless Wonder]