looking for advice

twinthings
twinthings Member Posts: 409
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi all, I have a concern and wanted to get some advice from anyone who has a minute.  About 3 months ago I noticed a burning sensation in my right breast, about the size of a silver dollar, maybe slightly bigger.  It comes and goes but here lately doesn't seem to want to go.  I litterally feel like a fire is burning deep in my breast. For whatever reason, I feel inclined to put pressure on it.  It's the most bizaar feeling and so hard to describe.  I cannot feel a lump but I had a reduction 5 years ago so my breast tissue is not the same...again, hard to put in to words, no implants tho. 

February of this year my insurance changed and I now have a $6000 deductible which means, I skipped my mammogram for the first time since I began getting them at the age of 35.  I can't afford it without insurance.  Obviously, I will go if I really think it's warranted but to be honest, I have never ever heard a breast cancer patient say they presented to their doctor with complaints of burning.  I have two aunts and several friends that have undergone mastectomies and none of them had a burning sensation.  These aunts I speak of are not biological...I do not know my family medical history except to say both parents died within months of diagnosis...daddy's was colon cancer and my mom's cancer was of unknown etiology, had spread throughout her body by time of diagnosis.  There's no way to know where her's originated.  Maybe breast maybe not, I just don't know. 

I am a 52 year old woman who, 3 years ago was diagnosed with kidney cancer and underwent a full nephrectomy of my right kidney.  Since then, I think I tend to over think everything regarding my health so, I wonder if I'm doing that now...just over-thinking it.  My question is, have any of you had a burning sensation that led to a breast cancer diagnosis?  I am past due for my yearly post cancer scans, again thanks to insurance.  I hate to let them slide but will have to if I end up having to pay out of pocket for a mammogram...something insurance has ALWAYS paid in the past.

Any thoughts/advice would be most welcome and I thank you for time and knowledge.

Sindy

Comments

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #2
    Getting a Mammogram

    I think anyone with a family or personal history of cancer of any kind needs to be more vigilant about than those without that kind of history. You know your body better than anyone and certainly know when something out of the ordinary is happening. There are a couple of ways to get a low or no-cost mammogram. 

    1. Many mammography facilities have reduced rates during October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This might be a good time to check that out.

    2. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides low-income, uninsured and underserved women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening. You can find info on the program and whether you are eligible at www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/about.htm

    I hope these ideas give you a place to start. I wish you the best of luck.

    IRENE

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #3
    jessiesmom1 said:

    Getting a Mammogram

    I think anyone with a family or personal history of cancer of any kind needs to be more vigilant about than those without that kind of history. You know your body better than anyone and certainly know when something out of the ordinary is happening. There are a couple of ways to get a low or no-cost mammogram. 

    1. Many mammography facilities have reduced rates during October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This might be a good time to check that out.

    2. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides low-income, uninsured and underserved women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening. You can find info on the program and whether you are eligible at www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/about.htm

    I hope these ideas give you a place to start. I wish you the best of luck.

    IRENE

    One More Resource

    I should have thought to mention the American Cancer Society Health Insurance Assistance Program (HIAS). It provides guidance on health insurance options to people affected by cancer including those with cancer symptoms. A HIAS representative can be reached at 800-227-2345. I hope they are able to help you figure this out.

    IRENE

  • twinthings
    twinthings Member Posts: 409
    #4
    jessiesmom1 said:

    One More Resource

    I should have thought to mention the American Cancer Society Health Insurance Assistance Program (HIAS). It provides guidance on health insurance options to people affected by cancer including those with cancer symptoms. A HIAS representative can be reached at 800-227-2345. I hope they are able to help you figure this out.

    IRENE

    Thank you, Irene.  I don't

    Thank you, Irene.  I don't qualify for any assistance, nor do I need it as I do have insurance...and a job.  But to be frank, it just ticks me off that I pay $535/week for my health insurance and can't use the insurance till I exceed $6000.  It's just wrong on so many levels.  The irony here is, if I were to have a routine mammogram, insurance pays 1 per year.  That's what I expected to hear when I called for appt a month ago, HOWEVER, because I have symptoms, it's no longer considered routine preventative care and therefore I'm responsible AND can not make my own appt (as I have for the last 15+years), I must be referred.  Makes no sense whatsoever.  Regardless, I'm calling tomorrow for appt.  Again, thanks so much for the advice.  One minute I tell myself it's nothing and the next minute, I'm terminal.  Funny how our minds play these wicked little games on us!  Beautiful dog, btw!

    Sindy

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #5
    twinthings said:

    Thank you, Irene.  I don't

    Thank you, Irene.  I don't qualify for any assistance, nor do I need it as I do have insurance...and a job.  But to be frank, it just ticks me off that I pay $535/week for my health insurance and can't use the insurance till I exceed $6000.  It's just wrong on so many levels.  The irony here is, if I were to have a routine mammogram, insurance pays 1 per year.  That's what I expected to hear when I called for appt a month ago, HOWEVER, because I have symptoms, it's no longer considered routine preventative care and therefore I'm responsible AND can not make my own appt (as I have for the last 15+years), I must be referred.  Makes no sense whatsoever.  Regardless, I'm calling tomorrow for appt.  Again, thanks so much for the advice.  One minute I tell myself it's nothing and the next minute, I'm terminal.  Funny how our minds play these wicked little games on us!  Beautiful dog, btw!

    Sindy

    So sorry to hear of you

    So sorry to hear of you issues with coverage. Red tape stinks. Keep searching, don't give up-try grants or funds doated to the hosptials to cover "uncovered expenses"-just a thought.

     

    MY daughter and grandkids went years without coverage. I turned over every stone, wrote ot everyone-either she made $10 too much  with 3 kids or  too poor. I get it-so frustrating...KEEP us posted please

     

    Denise

  • twinthings
    twinthings Member Posts: 409
    #6
    disneyfan2008 said:

    So sorry to hear of you

    So sorry to hear of you issues with coverage. Red tape stinks. Keep searching, don't give up-try grants or funds doated to the hosptials to cover "uncovered expenses"-just a thought.

     

    MY daughter and grandkids went years without coverage. I turned over every stone, wrote ot everyone-either she made $10 too much  with 3 kids or  too poor. I get it-so frustrating...KEEP us posted please

     

    Denise

    Thank you, Denise.  I'm

    Thank you, Denise.  I'm waiting for a call back from Mercy Breast Care Center to schedule diagnostic testing.  I'm far less worried about the coverage situation as I am the outcome of my tests.  Having already had cancer, I can attest to the anxiety caused by long wait periods but I'm just chillin...not gonna let it pull me down.  My gut tells me it's just periphreal neuropothy (at least, Dr Google tells me this) but, time will tell. 

    Again, thank you for your kind words.

    Sindy

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #7
    Are You really paying over

    Are You really paying over $500/week for insurance or was that typo?  If true, I think you can see what has to change ASAP.  I do not know where you live but they have traveling mammogram vans here for anyone to walk in and get the exam and the schedule is posted.

    Hopefully this is just an infection of glands or something as I have never had nor heard of a burning symptom.

    Be well

  • twinthings
    twinthings Member Posts: 409
    #8
    tufi000 said:

    Are You really paying over

    Are You really paying over $500/week for insurance or was that typo?  If true, I think you can see what has to change ASAP.  I do not know where you live but they have traveling mammogram vans here for anyone to walk in and get the exam and the schedule is posted.

    Hopefully this is just an infection of glands or something as I have never had nor heard of a burning symptom.

    Be well

    That's no typo.  Hard to

    That's no typo.  Hard to believe insurance companies can get by with this.  Years ago, I had a small issue with my heart and was diagnosed with a faulty mitral valve.  I've never needed treatment or medication, yet BCBS deemed me "uninsurable" and dropped me.  So, yes, I pay a sickening amount for insurance. 

    I'm still inclined to think this is nothing more than peripheal nueropathy as Dr Google mentioned, just not sure why I'd have that.  Knowing will be better than thinking or guessing so I'll get it checked out as soon as I can.

    Thank you for your two cents!

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #9
    Patient Advocate

    You need to speak to a patient advocate either connected to your hospital or not. With what you are paying, there IS an alternative and someone is around near you that would know your options.  I am positive of this though I do not know where you are located.

  • twinthings
    twinthings Member Posts: 409
    #10
    Oklahoma City.  And yes, I

    Oklahoma City.  And yes, I suppose if I did my homework I might find some help but again, the cost really is the least of my concerns.  They will bill me and I will pay what I can each month...if there's anything left after I pay for the insurance I can't use. 

  • 1surfermom
    1surfermom Member Posts: 396 Member
    #11
    Please get a mamogram

    I don't want to scare you but your experience with burning is very similar to mine. My breast felt hot and I guess the best way to describe it was congested.  I too  had the odd practice of touching it ( I remember it really bugged me). I waited for a while and I really wish that I hadn't. I ended up being stage 3, her2 positive and spent 18 months in active treatment.  I live in California and because of the affordable care act, I don't pay for a mamogram because it is considered preventative. Can your doctor write you up for screening mamogram rather than a diagnostic ? I think that would at least give you a sense of peace and perhaps rule out any cancer. Also you may check out the American Cancer Society or Susan G Koman for some assistance. I so hope that it is something else and not breast cancer. Love Surf

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