pregnant and breast lump

[TracyK]

I'm 11 weeks pregnant, breastfeeding a 2.5 y/o, and I found a lump in my breast last night. There's a family history of breast cancer, so of course I'm a little freaked out, as I do regular self checks and have never found anything abnormal. I'm out of town and won't return until next week. I've already called the doc who said to just wait until next week, that most likely it's just associated with the pregnancy.

Anyone have any more info or experience with this? Other than some nipple soreness which has reduced, I haven't noticed any other pregnancy breast changes (like tenderness, enlargement, etc).

Thanks,
Tracy

[indigolilybear]

With my first pregnancy, I had a similar thing....I *think* it was later on in the preg. though. I imagine it is related to your pregnancy, but of course check it out.....
Just wanted you to know I had something similar and they said it was simply preg. related. Good luck.

[pamamidwife]

yeah, your breasts undergo many changes and it's quite normal to find lumps. :)

I would call and ask for a ultrasound if you're concerned. Or, perhaps your provider will tell you to just watch it over time.

[4under6]

Personally, I would not just watch it. I would go get it checked.
My mother had a lump (granted, she wasn't pg or nursing, but still!) and they said it was nothing, and to just watch it.
6 months later it was huge and cancerous, and she had a mastectomy and radiation. Thanks God she just had her 5 year cancer free anniversary!

I think it's idiotic how 35 is considered advanced maternal age, yet they won't give mammograms until you're 40.

[TracyK]

Thanks for the responses. I'm assuming that waiting 1 week wouldn't make much difference if it is cancerous, since both docs I talked to didn't feel it was necessary to return early. But on the other hand my first inclination is to get in asap. And I'm kind of paranoid about it since my mom had breast cancer when she was 43. So I think I'll ask for an u/s or biopsy either way, just to be sure.

Tracy

[Foobar]

Just get it checked out when you return. My breast tissue actually goes into the armpits and during my first pregnancy, the OB sent me to an onocolgist to check it out. Turned out to just be breast tissue and he said it was uncommon, but not rare for this to happen. This tissue is very lumpy...

[maybemom05]

I'm sure you're frightened, but if it makes you feel any better, a similiar thing happened to a family friend who was 5 months pregnant, and she turned out fine.

Her gp sent her to the breast health center, and the oncologist did a biopsy. There was a scary wait for about 3 days, but happily when they went back for follow-up, the news was good - the lump was evidently pregnancy related. Her oncologist scheduled her for 2 follow-up appointments, one for the week after she was due to deliver, and one for 6 months out just to be sure, but so far, it worked out well.

The Dr at the breast health center was great - very compassionate, listened to my friends concerns and fears in a thoughtful way, all in all a very class act!

Best of luck to you - you'll be in my prayers!

[TracyK]

My ob/gyn sent me to get an ultrasound of the lump to determine if it is a fluid filled cyst or a solid mass. The radiologist was so rude I couldn't believe it. He clearly looked like I had interupted him from something important, and said there's nothing there. (his exact words were "I don't know what she [the ob] thought she felt, but there's nothing there") He hadn't even looked at my chart, because he didn't know I'm pregnant and suggested that I check it after my next cycle or maybe have a mammogram soon. Then after he left the sonographer made some belittling comment to me which implied that I'm some kind of hypochondriac (maybe I'm exaggerating, but it was rude nonetheless). Oh my gosh, I've never had such a strangely rude experience at a doctors office.

Anyhow, before I even had a chance to get in touch with my ob/gyn, she called me and said she's sending me to a surgeon for a consult and a biopsy if necessary.

So, I'm still not freaking out yet, thanks in part to your responses. I'm sure it's probably just something related to the pregnancy.

Maybemom05, your friend had such a wonderful and positive experience with the doctors. That's the type of behavior I would expect from medical professionals, especially when someone is coming in with a potentially frightening problem. I guess some just forget about their bedside manner!

Tracy

[maybemom05]

Wow TracyK - I'm appalled by your experience - that's nuts. It sounds like your Dr. is on the right page, but some of her colleagues could use some help.

If you can find the time, I think you should right a letter to the radiology lab, and copy your doctor, and the Patient's Advocate office at the hospital. Just let them know that you were uncomfortable with the experience. Your doctor may have no idea what your treatment is like, but may know what steps to take to improve things. (or at least call it to the attention of higher ups!)

Keep us posted with how things are going!! Good luck!! Your still in my prayers!

P.S. I can definitely see holding off on the letter if you think you're going to have to deal with these folks for a while - but they have no right to behave shabbily, and the medical staff needs to know that others may be messing up your treatment.