Anyone have advice?

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psro
psro Member Posts: 21
in Breast Cancer #1

I made it through uterine cancer. Diagnosed and had hysterectomy and radiation. Am 9 months past surgery now, but found lump in my breast and having shoulder pain. Is this a sign, or am I looking for problems were there aren't any?

I know a lump isn't a good thing, but I have never heard anything about shoulder pain. I'm in a bad place with no health insurance at the moment, so can't just go to my oncologist and get her opinion. It's a sad thing, to me at least, that getting paid is more of an issue than getting healthy. But, we deal with what we can.

Any info would be apprieciated.

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  • Gm2873
    Gm2873 Member Posts: 65
    #2
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    in Texas, if you have no

    in Texas, if you have no insurance, you can go to the county hospital where you live, and get care. They will work with you based on what you can afford. Don't put off having the lump checked out. Keep us updated.

     

  • bonbondidit
    bonbondidit Member Posts: 116
    #3
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    Gadolinium Dye Mammogram

    Hi psro,

     

    If I were you, I would ask for a Gadolinium dye MRI - Of all the tests I took, this one was the most comprehensive. I am a stage3A breast cancer survivor. I have just completed 4 rounds of A/C and 4 rounds of Taxol plus 34 rounds of radiation.  I had no lump but sudden swelling in the areola and a skin change like an orange peel. I have IDC - Invasive Ductal Carcenoma and DCIS. Everyone said I LOOKED like I was in early stages because I didn't feel sickly or seem weak or pale and my appetite was good. WRONG! My surgeon ordered the Ganolinium DYE MRI Mammogram. It will glow the area if it's suspicious of cancer cells. I would do this before having a biopsy (in my opinion, maybe not all would agree.) I say that because 3 years prior this same place I had a biopsy in showed "Benign. " Fastforward and here I am stage 3.  This is one test that can give you ALOT of information here and now. As far as your insurance status, why do you not have insurance? What is your status on that? I am here to help not pry but at this time with a lump and pain in shoulder I feel I should ask.  This site can provide you with resources to get money for help on a test. Not only that but there are enough charities out there that should be able to help you cover this test and you NEED to take the help because YOU ARE WORTH IT! Laughing

     

  • psro
    psro Member Posts: 21
    #4
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    bonbondidit said:

    Gadolinium Dye Mammogram

    Hi psro,

     

    If I were you, I would ask for a Gadolinium dye MRI - Of all the tests I took, this one was the most comprehensive. I am a stage3A breast cancer survivor. I have just completed 4 rounds of A/C and 4 rounds of Taxol plus 34 rounds of radiation.  I had no lump but sudden swelling in the areola and a skin change like an orange peel. I have IDC - Invasive Ductal Carcenoma and DCIS. Everyone said I LOOKED like I was in early stages because I didn't feel sickly or seem weak or pale and my appetite was good. WRONG! My surgeon ordered the Ganolinium DYE MRI Mammogram. It will glow the area if it's suspicious of cancer cells. I would do this before having a biopsy (in my opinion, maybe not all would agree.) I say that because 3 years prior this same place I had a biopsy in showed "Benign. " Fastforward and here I am stage 3.  This is one test that can give you ALOT of information here and now. As far as your insurance status, why do you not have insurance? What is your status on that? I am here to help not pry but at this time with a lump and pain in shoulder I feel I should ask.  This site can provide you with resources to get money for help on a test. Not only that but there are enough charities out there that should be able to help you cover this test and you NEED to take the help because YOU ARE WORTH IT! Laughing

     

    Hi bonbon

    The reason I am without insurance...my husband isn't working and I finally got a job after being out with the original cancer fight. Five months into working, I lost my job when the contract I was on expired. I'm looking for work again, but no luck so far.

    Thanks for the advice on MRI vs biopsy. Given the choice, I would opt for the MRI as well. My oncologist put me through every test known to medical science before my surgery, including the mammogram. I had it 8 months ago, and it showed nothing. Now, I feel this lump as well as fatigue, soreness, shoulder pain, and swollen glands. I didn't want to think something could develope that fast, but after one cancer it kinda makes me nervous.

    I'm working on finding options to help with the tests, hopefully will have success soon. The waiting (and wondering) is hard. But, if nothing else, I am stubborn! I will find a way, just hope it's soon.

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #5
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    psro said:

    Hi bonbon

    The reason I am without insurance...my husband isn't working and I finally got a job after being out with the original cancer fight. Five months into working, I lost my job when the contract I was on expired. I'm looking for work again, but no luck so far.

    Thanks for the advice on MRI vs biopsy. Given the choice, I would opt for the MRI as well. My oncologist put me through every test known to medical science before my surgery, including the mammogram. I had it 8 months ago, and it showed nothing. Now, I feel this lump as well as fatigue, soreness, shoulder pain, and swollen glands. I didn't want to think something could develope that fast, but after one cancer it kinda makes me nervous.

    I'm working on finding options to help with the tests, hopefully will have success soon. The waiting (and wondering) is hard. But, if nothing else, I am stubborn! I will find a way, just hope it's soon.

    Wake UP**

    Please Wake Up  psro  ***  You have been thru surgery and radiation once....so you KNOW Cancer is Life Threatening***  Borrow the money but do please see your Oncologist........  My sister in law waited because her husband was out of work....she found a lump but she waited.   It turned out to be Breast Cancer and she had waited too long.  That was back in 1984 & she died two years later at the age of 56.  Sending prayers for good decisions, strength and courage.  Glo

     

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    #6
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    Just a Thought

    For about two years, I had no insurance.  I still needed to at least go to the health center here in town because I was on bp meds, as well as meds for a low thyroid.  My PA told me that she was concerned about my putting off things, like a mammo, etc.  She gave me info to call an organization in this state (or area) that would cover the costs of a check-up, including the usual gynecological tests.  It would cover the cost of a mammo, as well as any other testing that might be needed, should a problem arise.  I forget how far along the path it would cover me, as this was probably 12 years ago; but I felt assured that I was set, in case of problems. 

    I think there was an income limit.  I was working as a substitute teacher, and so my pay was dependent on days I could work -- none in the summer.  My husband was employed, but his health insurance was sooooooooooo expensive for him to add me after we were married (been on my own for almost 20 years before I got married -- had my own insurance).  Initially I thought I would not qualify.  At the time, we were still paying cihld support for one or two; I told the person I was talking to that, as so often those of us who pay child support never seem to get any financial breaks in our favor. 

    I say all this because there may be something available to you.  You might have to ask at a local clinic or maybe find something through an internet search.  Not all programs are government run, and foundations often have more funds to work with.

    Hope this gives you some ideas that pan out for you.

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #7
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    hugs

    hugs

  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    #8
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    I personally felt, sore,

    I personally felt, sore, itchy, and veery uncomfortable before lump appeared.  I felt this way on both sides and had cancer in both.  But at the same time could be something quite innocent.   However, as you have several things going on I would recommend getting looked at immediately.   The other ladies seem to have ideas for insurance cover, I don't know the system well enough but there has to be a way.........  I hope you find a way for the payment and get checked out ASAP.

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