breast cancer at 22 years old

leighaa93
leighaa93 Member Posts: 30

So tomorrow i have a sonogram and i. Just learning to use the discussion board. Im not quite aure if i am doing this right. 

 

Ihave had a swollen lymphnode in my neck for a while and one in the crease of my tthigh and abdomen. 

 

Anyways. Point here is i am breast feeding and i had notice a lump under my armpit when i was pregnant . my doctor had told me i needed to have it biopsied thwn in the middle of pregnancy i switched back to my old doctor. A few weeks ago i noticed it was still there because i had an unusual pain in my left breast . i saw a doctor and they put me on antibiotics for 10 days.  It did not go away. Now three weeks later i have one that just appeared under my right armpit. 

 

My doctor told me that breast feeding could be masking breast cancer. I guess im ro optimistic to think i have cancer. I am only 22 years old.  

 

Tthe reason for mentioning the one in my geoin area and neck is because i had forgot all about them until i just realized i had the ones inmy armpits. The one in my groin is very hard and fixed. The ones in my armpits are kind of moveable and so ia the one in my neck. 

Im not sick i dont have any infections or anything. 

 

So with that being said ... 

Can a sonogram actually pick up breast cancer or lymphoma? 

Should i be coconcerned or what could cause it besides Cancer. 

Is this normal has anyone else had this ?

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Comments

  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    Best of luck

    tomorrow.  A sonogram will not tell you definitively if you have cancer or lymphoma.  I had one and it did show abnormalities and made it so the doctor was able to get a biopsy on the spot.  Then a couple of days later after the pathology came in I got the call that I did have cancer.  So, the sonogram will probably lead to a biopsy.  I hope that you get some answers quickly and that you do not have cancer or lymphoma!  Hang in there, the waiting is the worst.

     

    Clementine

  • Just_lori6
    Just_lori6 Member Posts: 76
    Best wishes

    Hello, 

    I'm not familiar with swollen lymph nodes or sonograms but I wanted to wish you good luck at you appointment today.

    Best wishes!

    Lori

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    Best of luck.... I hope it's

    Best of luck.... I hope it's not cancer! Maybe it's some other condition that medication will fix.

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    twnkltoz said:

    Best of luck.... I hope it's

    Best of luck.... I hope it's not cancer! Maybe it's some other condition that medication will fix.

    Thank you for the post

    Sorry to hear about all of this discomfort and stress -  please provide us with an update when time permits 

    Strength courage and hope for a cure

    Vicki Sam 

  • cati0314
    cati0314 Member Posts: 203
    Hopeful for your results!

    Hi, I wanted to drop you a note that I am hopeful that your test goes well and that this is not anything to worry about!  Please keep us posted, Sharon

  • leighaa93
    leighaa93 Member Posts: 30
    cati0314 said:

    Hopeful for your results!

    Hi, I wanted to drop you a note that I am hopeful that your test goes well and that this is not anything to worry about!  Please keep us posted, Sharon

    i am at the doctors now

    Hi everyonethank you so much for the support . i am at the dr now. Waiting to be checked in to fill out paperwork. Fingers crossed it all goes well. Hopefully the sonogram doesnt show anything bad. I still have the question as to, if the doctors will still want to do biopsies if all goes okay.  I think i am handlong it way better thanmost.  I guess i just dont really expect anything. I dont know of breast cancer that runs in my family. I do know my grandmother has had 10 relatives pass away in the past two years from cancer so its really aneye opener.

    I just want tosay all of you are so brave and im here to support you all as well even if you just need someone to vent to from having a long day. 

     

     

    Can anyone tell me the exact abnormalties a sono shows ? 

    Why would a dr order a sono if you would stillneed a biopsy or scan in order to rule out cancer?

     

     

  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    leighaa93 said:

    i am at the doctors now

    Hi everyonethank you so much for the support . i am at the dr now. Waiting to be checked in to fill out paperwork. Fingers crossed it all goes well. Hopefully the sonogram doesnt show anything bad. I still have the question as to, if the doctors will still want to do biopsies if all goes okay.  I think i am handlong it way better thanmost.  I guess i just dont really expect anything. I dont know of breast cancer that runs in my family. I do know my grandmother has had 10 relatives pass away in the past two years from cancer so its really aneye opener.

    I just want tosay all of you are so brave and im here to support you all as well even if you just need someone to vent to from having a long day. 

     

     

    Can anyone tell me the exact abnormalties a sono shows ? 

    Why would a dr order a sono if you would stillneed a biopsy or scan in order to rule out cancer?

     

     

    Let us know

    how you're doing. We worry:)

    xoxo

    Victoria

  • Clementine_P
    Clementine_P Member Posts: 518 Member
    It depends

    The sonogram, in my case, showed tissue that was not the same density as my other breast tissue.  This does not necessarily mean cancer, it could just be a thickening of the tissue due to age (which is what they suspected in my case).  If the sonogram shows something that is liquid filled, it could mean that you have cysts rather than cancer.  Still, there are many possibilities that I'm sure on a sonogram would show the doctor that you don't have cancer or that they need to investigate further.  A biopsy is their way of getting a definitive answer if they aren't sure one way or the other.  Try not to be too concerned yet.  Take it step by step.  Hang in there!

    Clementine

  • leighaa93
    leighaa93 Member Posts: 30
    leighaa93 said:

    i am at the doctors now

    Hi everyonethank you so much for the support . i am at the dr now. Waiting to be checked in to fill out paperwork. Fingers crossed it all goes well. Hopefully the sonogram doesnt show anything bad. I still have the question as to, if the doctors will still want to do biopsies if all goes okay.  I think i am handlong it way better thanmost.  I guess i just dont really expect anything. I dont know of breast cancer that runs in my family. I do know my grandmother has had 10 relatives pass away in the past two years from cancer so its really aneye opener.

    I just want tosay all of you are so brave and im here to support you all as well even if you just need someone to vent to from having a long day. 

     

     

    Can anyone tell me the exact abnormalties a sono shows ? 

    Why would a dr order a sono if you would stillneed a biopsy or scan in order to rule out cancer?

     

     

    dr visit

    I had the ultrasounds done. They didnt domybreast just under my arms and my groin . i have swollen nodes on both sides of my groin and under my arms. They werent able to tell me anything and said i would have to wait for the dr to call me. 

  • leighaa93
    leighaa93 Member Posts: 30
    leighaa93 said:

    dr visit

    I had the ultrasounds done. They didnt domybreast just under my arms and my groin . i have swollen nodes on both sides of my groin and under my arms. They werent able to tell me anything and said i would have to wait for the dr to call me. 

    update

    Iforgot to mention the ultrasound tech said that if i am concernced ishould push for biopsy and blood work that , that is the only way to know . she also said she doesnt know if they will do biopsy s while i am nursing. So i have to wait a few days for the results ? 

  • Ladylacy
    Ladylacy Member Posts: 773 Member
    Biopsy

    I would definitely push for a biopsy because that is the only way they can tell for sure that it is cancer.  I have had several false mammograms and ultrasounds and now am waiting until February for another one due to the fact that 5 months ago they saw something small and said I needed a follow up in 6 months instead of a year.  One time before I had a mammogram and then was called back for an ultrasound due to something they saw and then was told it was nothing but a cyst.  That time  I didn't just sit and wait, I saw the breast doctor my sister uses (she is a survivor of triple negative breast cancer).  The doctor did a good exam plus another ultrasound in the office and said it was nothing.  This time I just decided to wait and see.  Guess it had to do with just loosing my husband to cancer after a 5 year battle and I really don't care one way or another. 

    You can have all the CT scans, ultrasounds, PET scans, blood work, etc., but until a biopsy is done, no doctor can be sure because doctors can be wrong and often are.  22 is not too young for breast cancer.  More and more are being diagnosed with cancer and that is any cancer at any age and regardless of whether your family has a history of cancer or not.  We had no history of breast cancer in our family but then my sister was diagnosed.  We had no cancer history period in our family, then my mother's youngest sister was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.  My husband's family had no history of cancer, then he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and esophageal and lung cancer.  Our youngest son was diagnosed with kidney cancer 7 years ago and lost one of his kidneys, and so far he is clear.  So don't think age has anything to do with being diagnosed with cancer. 

     

  • leighaa93
    leighaa93 Member Posts: 30
    Ladylacy said:

    Biopsy

    I would definitely push for a biopsy because that is the only way they can tell for sure that it is cancer.  I have had several false mammograms and ultrasounds and now am waiting until February for another one due to the fact that 5 months ago they saw something small and said I needed a follow up in 6 months instead of a year.  One time before I had a mammogram and then was called back for an ultrasound due to something they saw and then was told it was nothing but a cyst.  That time  I didn't just sit and wait, I saw the breast doctor my sister uses (she is a survivor of triple negative breast cancer).  The doctor did a good exam plus another ultrasound in the office and said it was nothing.  This time I just decided to wait and see.  Guess it had to do with just loosing my husband to cancer after a 5 year battle and I really don't care one way or another. 

    You can have all the CT scans, ultrasounds, PET scans, blood work, etc., but until a biopsy is done, no doctor can be sure because doctors can be wrong and often are.  22 is not too young for breast cancer.  More and more are being diagnosed with cancer and that is any cancer at any age and regardless of whether your family has a history of cancer or not.  We had no history of breast cancer in our family but then my sister was diagnosed.  We had no cancer history period in our family, then my mother's youngest sister was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.  My husband's family had no history of cancer, then he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and esophageal and lung cancer.  Our youngest son was diagnosed with kidney cancer 7 years ago and lost one of his kidneys, and so far he is clear.  So don't think age has anything to do with being diagnosed with cancer. 

     

    ultrasound of soft tissue extremity billateral

    So today they didnt do an ultrasound of my breast but they did do it under both of my arms and both sides of my groin. Lymphnodes are awollen on both sides of groin and under both arms. 

    I womt know anything until tomorrow because the radiologist has not signed off on anything yet. Unless they do it before the records office closes today. 

    The only rhing she said was soft tissue extremity bilateral 19 i guess thats just the ultrasound im not sure.  

    Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and for the support. 

    Hopefully ill get good news when i find out. 

     

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    leighaa93 said:

    ultrasound of soft tissue extremity billateral

    So today they didnt do an ultrasound of my breast but they did do it under both of my arms and both sides of my groin. Lymphnodes are awollen on both sides of groin and under both arms. 

    I womt know anything until tomorrow because the radiologist has not signed off on anything yet. Unless they do it before the records office closes today. 

    The only rhing she said was soft tissue extremity bilateral 19 i guess thats just the ultrasound im not sure.  

    Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and for the support. 

    Hopefully ill get good news when i find out. 

     

    let me 's know.

    I too had an ultra sound when I was dx'd.  Then it was followed by a needle biopsy to determine if indeed it was cancer, then they did a surgical biopsy instead.  

    Wish you the best.  

  • leighaa93
    leighaa93 Member Posts: 30
    camul said:

    let me 's know.

    I too had an ultra sound when I was dx'd.  Then it was followed by a needle biopsy to determine if indeed it was cancer, then they did a surgical biopsy instead.  

    Wish you the best.  

    thank you for sharing

    Im really glad to learn about everyones experiences . its nice to be able to speak with others about what is going on .i dont really feel comfortable talking to anyone about it. Atleast not until i know for sure. I wish you the best as well .

  • leighaa93
    leighaa93 Member Posts: 30
    leighaa93 said:

    thank you for sharing

    Im really glad to learn about everyones experiences . its nice to be able to speak with others about what is going on .i dont really feel comfortable talking to anyone about it. Atleast not until i know for sure. I wish you the best as well .

    update

    So the doctors sayihave a 2.8 cm lymp node under my arm the ones in my groin and under my other arm are fairly large. They didnt see any prpblems with my soft tissue . she said i can wait three mo ths and if they dont go away then i will have a biopsy done. She alsosaid i could do one now if it makes me feel better but for right now they are looking at them as reactive lymph nodes.  Im not sick so idk why they wpuld say maybe my body was in the process of fighting off a viral infection.  

     

    Should i wait the three months or should i just go ahead and do it ? I dont want to be like oh yeah do it now and the dr look at me like a crazy lady lol 

     

    Opinions wanted and needed 

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    leighaa93 said:

    update

    So the doctors sayihave a 2.8 cm lymp node under my arm the ones in my groin and under my other arm are fairly large. They didnt see any prpblems with my soft tissue . she said i can wait three mo ths and if they dont go away then i will have a biopsy done. She alsosaid i could do one now if it makes me feel better but for right now they are looking at them as reactive lymph nodes.  Im not sick so idk why they wpuld say maybe my body was in the process of fighting off a viral infection.  

     

    Should i wait the three months or should i just go ahead and do it ? I dont want to be like oh yeah do it now and the dr look at me like a crazy lady lol 

     

    Opinions wanted and needed 

    To Biopsy or Not to Biopsy

    At 22 years old you are the same age as my daughter. I thought about what advice I would give her in your situation. There is no way on earth I would have her wait 3 months for a biopsy. It is not a difficult procedure and would give you answers that much sooner. You will find many women on this site (and some men too) who will tell you that the waiting at various points in their diagnosis and treatment is excruciating on an emotional basis. Yes, maybe the swelling/inflammation will go away on its own but I would not be willing to wait around to find out. I wish you the best of luck. Please let us know what you decide to do.

     

    IRENE

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    leighaa93 said:

    update

    So the doctors sayihave a 2.8 cm lymp node under my arm the ones in my groin and under my other arm are fairly large. They didnt see any prpblems with my soft tissue . she said i can wait three mo ths and if they dont go away then i will have a biopsy done. She alsosaid i could do one now if it makes me feel better but for right now they are looking at them as reactive lymph nodes.  Im not sick so idk why they wpuld say maybe my body was in the process of fighting off a viral infection.  

     

    Should i wait the three months or should i just go ahead and do it ? I dont want to be like oh yeah do it now and the dr look at me like a crazy lady lol 

     

    Opinions wanted and needed 

    Having been the person who

    Having been the person who waited too long, and having a daughter your age I worry about, I would advise you to get the biopsy.

  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    twnkltoz said:

    Having been the person who

    Having been the person who waited too long, and having a daughter your age I worry about, I would advise you to get the biopsy.

    Well, depends on your tolerance for the unknown

    Personally, I hate limbo. I'd rather go through the inconvenience of a biopsy and know one way or the other. Otherwise, I'd spend three months worrying. But that's me. You may be a mellow person who is capable of waiting.

    Let us know your decision.

    xoxo

    Victoria

  • lintx
    lintx Member Posts: 697
    aisling8 said:

    Well, depends on your tolerance for the unknown

    Personally, I hate limbo. I'd rather go through the inconvenience of a biopsy and know one way or the other. Otherwise, I'd spend three months worrying. But that's me. You may be a mellow person who is capable of waiting.

    Let us know your decision.

    xoxo

    Victoria

    My two cents!

    Hopefully, you'll elect to have the biopsy asap.  Three months is too long in my opinion.  Thinking of you.  Linda

  • I must say you are an

    I must say you are an incredible woman – with such great strength. So between waiting and biopsy, I would like to suggest you should go for a biopsy.