Cancer at 20?

mchenderson · Regular Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Hi, My name is Catie and I'm new to this site. I found this site today after my visit to the doctors. I found a pea-sized lump in my right nipple a couple weeks ago and finally got to the doctor to have it looked at. I have an ultrasound scheduled for Thursday morning and possibly a mammogram, but they said because I'm still young, I'm only 20, that it's difficult to see a lot on a mammogram because my breast are too dense. My lump in my breast is hard and can't be moved so the doctor told me he doesn't think it's a cyst, but he can't tell just from feeling it. He said a cyst would move at least a little bit. I know that family history only plays into so much of breast cancer, but both of my grandma's and mother have had breast cancer. After reading this site I did become aware of one thing though. A couple months ago my nipples started to peel and become really red. I was nuts about scratching them. I couldn't get enough with just a couple scratches. It was so bad at some points that I needed to leave a store because I was embarrased about scratching my nipples. They were also scaly like fish. I didn't really think anything of it at that point because it was the summer time and I thought my skin was just dry so I treated it with lotion. It's only returned once since then. Now, after reading about Paget's Disease I'm upset that I put off a breast examine. I'm just worried about the lump in my breast. I never thought at 20 I'd be having an ultrasound on my breast. I'm trying to remain positive, but Thursday couldn't come soon enough. My husband is deployed also to Iraq right now....we're newly-weds so it's even more difficult doing this alone. I can't even tell him what I'm going through because he is also facing a difficult time where he's at. I'm glad I found this site.

brainman · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 11:45 pm Post subject: Re: Cancer at 20?

Hi Catie. While it is highly unusual for someone your age to have breast cancer, it is not unheard of. You are doing the right thing by going to the doctor so quickly. The fact that you are so young does make it a little more difficult to identify. I hope the ultrasound will help diagnose this lump. However, as Nancy (Muttsmom) will tell you when she replies, if not offered, insist on a biopsy of the lump.

If it is cancer, check and see if your husband could come home. The Red Cross can facilitate this for you if the military channels do not work.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

mchenderson · Regular Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Thanks for the advice. You guys are all so sweet and thoughtful. After reading many posts last night I feel a little bit better about things. I'm very thankful for finding this site. I wish you all well in whatever obsticles you face on your life's journey.

In · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 5:16 pm Post subject: Re: Cancer at 20?

Hi, Catie.

I'm so sorry about your health and scare about cancer- But it is just that at the moment, so try not to stress. I would be sure and happy with what they tell you- and if not then get a biopsy. It will help you relax more, if you get it done- especially if they are unsure.

20 is Young- But it also means you are strong and fit and able to beat this thing- if it comes to that!

I'm sad that your Husband is fighting his own fight- and I totally understand you feel you can't worry him. Have you got a mother, or mother in-law.? Frinds or someone you can talk about with.

As from a Husband's point of view (thanks to matt- my hubbie)- If it is scary news, then let him know. He will hopefuly be able to come back. But at least he will know and share your pain. Pain or worrie devided by 2 or more lessens the amount. Wink

Good Luck and we are always here for you.
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

mchenderson · Regular Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Thanks again for your advice. I plan to let my husband know as soon as I do, but I just don't want to worry him if it's nothing serious. He worries about me a lot as it is....new house, new dog, new city, and alone....so I'd hate to add to that list.
My family all knows about the lump and are just as anxious about tomorrow as I am. We all just don't talk much about it yet because we believe that thinking positive sometimes makes a huge difference.
Tomorrow just couldn't come soon enough. It's crazy how slow a clock ticks when you watch it. I plan to post tomorrow after I know just because I don't want to leave you guys hanging. I've read a lot of posts on this site and hate never knowing what happens after a woman who discovered a lump and made an apointment never posts again. So, I'll be back to let you guys know the great news that the lump is a cyst and nothing to be concerned about. Again, you all are in my prayers tonight, and always...
Oh, and before I forget...If any young girl is reading this I can't express to you how important self breast exams are. I never would've discovered this lump without doing them. I'm only 20....Breast Exams are just as important as brushing you teeth, combing your hair, or anything else you do daily. In the time it takes you to send a text message you could be done with your breast examine.... so just take the couple minutes to feel your "ta-tas" haha...because it really could make a HUGE difference!

Muttsmom · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 7:25 pm Post subject: Re: Cancer at 20?

Hi,

I agree it's highly unlikely, but with cancer, it knows no boundries, so I'm glad you are being proactive and so is your doctor. I had no family hx and your doc is right about mammograms. I could feel the lump, but the mammogram came back "normal". I'm SO glad your doc is doing test and that way you can know for sure. Of course the only test that is 100% is a biopsy.

Keep us posted.
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

mchenderson · Regular Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Hi All,
I said that I'd update this after today at my doctors so I wanted to share the news with you guys. I went to see the radiologist this morning and they ran an ultrasound on me. The radiologist spent nearly 40 minutes looking at the black and white image on the screen before even muttering a word. The outcome....the lump is not fluid filled so he said he ruled out the likihood of it being a cyst. He believes it's a tumor. The radiologist said that because of it's location that he doesn't want to needle biopsy it and would prefer doing surgery to remove it. The radiologist said that he isn't positive that it's not cancerous, but that most tumors are benign. I'm waiting for my doctor to call me back to set-up a surgery. I'm hopeful that it's benign, but still concerned. It's been an emotional day. My husband happened to call today so I told him about my news. He is concerned and wishes he could be here with him, but I hope everything works out. I'll continue to update you all when I know more. Thanks for listening.

brainman · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 5:10 pm Post subject: Re: Cancer at 20?

Catie, I am glad that at least now you have a partial answer to your consern. I just wish for your sake that your husband could come back at least for a little while... to help you through the upcoming surgery. Have you contacted his chain of command yet to ask about this possibility? Regardless if it is or is not a cancer, it is important for him to be here with you. If need be, he can be in the US in 2 or 3 days.

With the surgery, you are looking for two words: "benign" or "clear margins". I am glad they are not just doing a needle biopsy. In the long run, it is best just to remove the lump. Ask them if they are going to do a "sentinel node biopsy" as well. That procedure is often done to check to see if the cancer has spread outside of the breast without removing a lot of nodes.

You are still in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

mchenderson · Regular Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

It's not very likely that they'll send my husband home for this. If it turns out to be cancer then they'd probably send him home, but he is considered "critical" to what they're doing. He's not been gone very long either. My mom plans to be down here when they do remove my lump. I'd love to have my husband home, but not at the cost of cancer. I know it's important for him to do what he's doing so I can't be selfish asking for him to come home.

Muttsmom · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: Cancer at 20?

Hi,

I'm so glad you have such wonderful docs that are taking you seriously and not blowing you off like mine 1st group did me. 75% of all lumps are B9, but it's so important to catch it early if possible. I'm with Jim. I don't like the needle biopsies because they aren't reliable. I had my tumor removed and then you know what's going on.

You're in my prayers. Thanks for keeping us posted and please continue too.

Hugs and praying for B9
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

mchenderson · Regular Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Thank you Nancy. I'm glad my doctors are acting on this quickly too. The military doctors have been really sweet about it too. I wouldn't have taken no for answer anyways.....I want this out because it shouldn't be there period.

In · Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 3:10 am Post subject: Re: Cancer at 20?

Great attitude to have!!!! (get the sucker out Wink

Most people who have had anything removed feel relief and know excatly what they are dealing with. That is most of the worry in itself. So why not suffer a little pain to remove the more pain later on.....

Good Luck- Hope all goes well
_________________
Thinking of you Inica

*Administrator*

~Nose Cancer~
~Car Accident- Broken Back, Ribs, Spleen
Sternum~
~Continous Cervical Cancer~

My Story-
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=6731

Smile

9 Lives and still kicking Smile

Cindy · Senior User Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 155

Hi Catie. I just popped in and saw your post. Just want to send prayers and hope that everything turns out fine. Just remember that 80% of all tumors turn out to be benign. My sister had one in her teens. It was benign. I'll be checking back to see how things go. Many blessings.
_________________
Where is the cure???
www.truefacesofbreastcancer.org
www.diepbreastreconstruction.org
www.bcsisters.org/forum
www.mybreastcancerstore.com

mchenderson · Regular Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Hi Guys,

I went to the doctor again today and they scheduled a lumpectomy for Wednesday. My surgeon hopes that it'll heal without too much scarring. His only concern is that I might never be able to nurse a baby on that breast because the tumor is so close to my milk ducts. I'm really not concerned with that now though. Thanks again for the prayers. I'll update this after Wednesday when I know more....has anyone else had a lumpectomy around the nipple area?

brainman · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 9:13 pm Post subject: Re: Cancer at 20?

Catie, will I am certain in favor of breast feeding, there are other options. However, there is no other option in terms of dealing with that growth in your breast. I know that not being a woman puts me at a disadvantage in really understanding how you are feeling about this lumpectomy. I do understand that it has more implications to a woman than it does to a man. Even though men can get breast cancer, our breast do not have the same self-image impact on our lives. And we men never have any expectations of breast feeding our children Smile

. Nevertheless, I do think you made the correct decision... for whatever my opinion is worth.

I will definitely be thinking about and praying for you on Wednesday.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

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