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Left Breast discomfort and swelling

pds
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Hello everyone! 

I am 33, no kids. In November I felt some left breast fullness while on holiday wearing a bikini. I had avoided wearing a bra for years and have big sagging breasts now. Feeling alarmed I got an ultrasound that showed normal. Got 2 OB/GYNs to look into it, they did a clinical exam and said all good. Suggested Vit E and Prim Rose oil. Got 2 more opinions in December by senior breasts oncologists who said that left breast has more tissue, including axillary and these are hormonal changes that I have heightened awareness of. They are common in women of 30s with late pregnancy as “breasts haven’t matured”. Blood work was ok except severe Vit D deficiency - taking supplements. I got my 10th doctor opinion in NHS just before Christmas who did a clinical check. Nothing. Ultrasound found a 2cm simple benign cyst on left but slightly enlarged lymph nodes on both sides. Said probably “reactionary” infection. Called me for another follow up end of January. I’m worried. 

From last check up to now, breasts feel lumpy, heavy especially worse during and before periods. Left breast is worse and feels bigger. I’m diagnosed with health anxiety too. Have taken opinion of almost 10 doctors now. Wondering what is happening. Getting severely stressed. 

Thanks! 

Parents
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    Also regarding the lymph nodes, it showed a 4.4 mm thickened cortices. Interestingly though my left breast was giving trouble, the lymph nodes with thickened cortices were on both sides. I asked my family doctor in India who said that there’s nothing to be terribly worried about as the measurements seem insignificant but a follow up is a thorough routine process which is good. 

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    Also regarding the lymph nodes, it showed a 4.4 mm thickened cortices. Interestingly though my left breast was giving trouble, the lymph nodes with thickened cortices were on both sides. I asked my family doctor in India who said that there’s nothing to be terribly worried about as the measurements seem insignificant but a follow up is a thorough routine process which is good. 

Children
  • Offline in reply to pds

    Hi Pds,

    Many don't get given a follow-up, so you are lucky to get it and hopefully, it will give you the reassurance that you need.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you Jolamine. 

    Yes, I agree, the NHS radiologist and in breast surgeon have  been thorough including their notes. I went to the GP twice and then got referred 2ww as I was worried sick and my symptoms hadn’t improved (could be benign, but I didn’t know what it was). I was wishing for a endocrinologist referral (and maybe musco-skeletal too) but in hindsight I realised that the standard rationale of a breast clinic is start by elimination of cancer risk first. I appreciate the fact that they want to catch things early and leave no stones unturned (though invasive procedures like biopsies can cause worry and some level of infection risk). I also empathise with the many who have to wait weeks to get much more urgent and critical appointments. 

    I’ve gone private too and a senior oncologist thought it was fine. Then I got my NHS appointment as I was in the waiting list. Earlier when it began, I’d got things checked in India whilst I was there with family. So that’s how it all got down to 10 doctors. Keeping records and symptoms documented. 

    I’ve been reading stories here and the courage, strength people have and all the kindness that is part of this community. I’ll try and contribute to the best of my abilities.

    Kind regards

  • Offline in reply to pds

    Hi Pds,

    It's always great to get contributions from new people. We all learn a lot from our own experiences, and this can help others along their journeys. 

    I hope that all continues to go well for you.


    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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