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Tuesday, November 17, 2009 marshmellow asks

Q: will i ever stop worrying?

I have had a 'lump' in the upper outer/armpit region for about 6-7 years (that i know of--perhaps longer). It is fairly round, very mobile, there is also thickened tissue around the same area. The area gets very sensitive/tender right before my period. I have seen 2 doctors & 1 surgeon. All of whom are not at all concerned (I am 29). I have also had 2 ultrasounds (about 6 months apart). The first was not very thorough--they only put the wand over the "area" and said it was just normal breast tissue. The second was more thorough they did the entire breast. Said that I have a lot of cysts and that the area I was concerned about was denser tissue. After all of this, I am still always paranoid and reading things online that make me freak out and I'm constantly touching the spot to see if its changed....to the point where I almost convince myself most of the time that it is changing...even though I don't really think it is. Does it sound like I have anything to worry about?? Does this sound like it is indeed Fibrocystic?

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Answers (2)
Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide
11/17/09 9:12pm

Yes, this does sound fibrocystic, but I'm not a doctor, so I couldn't say for sure.  What is more important is what the doctors are saying, and it sounds like they think you don't need to worry.  If you can't stop worrying even when the medical evidence is that this is unlikely to be cancer, then it would be a good idea to see a counselor to help you understand why you are so anxious about this.  Cancerous tumors don't change over the course of a menstrual cycle.

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
11/18/09 7:07am

Hi - A lump you've had for 7 years, one that's been examined and diagnosed as NOT cancer more than once, is probably not cancer. A lump that's very mobile sounds, indeed, like a cyst or fibrocystic tissue - just what the doctor says.

 

Is there anything you can think of that would make you stop worrying? Would a biopsy help, or would you simply continue to believe that the biopsy missed the spot in question? I'd guess the only thing that's going to help you is to get a grip on your fears, somehow. Counseling might help, as Phyllis suggests. Meditation would, also; perhaps you could start with a yoga class. And please read our post on fear – that might give you some coping strategies, too. Good luck - PJH

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11/28/09 2:33pm

I guess my only concern is because I "google" too much and always read stories of breast cancer not being seen on ultrasound....but I know that I am probably being overly paranoid given everything else...its hard for me to not "feel" the lump everyday or to feel it in different positions. I definitely really have to get a handle on the fear. Its funny how its only been the last year I've been freaking out about it (again probably too much time online) and when I initially noticed it 6 years ago, the doctor checked it and I never thought about it again. I'm almost positive it hasn't really grown but sometimes I convince myself it has...again it depends on what angle I'm feeling it at etc...

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
11/28/09 3:20pm

I'm glad you realize you're dealing with your emotional reaction to a situation, not the reality of the situation itself. You almost certainly don't have breast cancer; yet you can't stop worrying about it. I'm hoping you'll talk to someone about this, because I really do think help is out there for you, if you choose to seek it out... I hope you find something that helps you - fear is so painful! We're here for you, whenever - stay in touch, OK? PJH

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1/12/10 8:40pm

Bless you . I understand how you feel as I'm going through the same emotions . It's such a cliche "life is too short to worry" but it also happens to be the truth . I've been told that I have got OCD about the same issue . I really want to stop worrying also , but it can be hard . Sometimes my mind feel's as if it's stuck in a loop . It's so exhausting and I sometimes feel very tired and sad .

 I'm going to see my doctor to get help . I feel less worried when I talk about how I feel and ask for help .

 Marshmellow You deserve to be healthy , happy and have peace of mind , and to live a jouful life . So ask your doctor for support and advice . This can come in the form of counselling , medication , therapy and support groups . You don't have to go it alone . The Universe loves you . Blessing of good health , love and peace of mind be with you and all you know & Love . Blessed be . xox .

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
1/12/10 9:16pm

I'm so glad you're going to see a doctor. OCD is definitely treatable; I hope you get the advice and help you need to get out of the "worry loop" and relax. Best of luck to you - PJH

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1/15/10 8:55pm

Thankyou so much for your kindness PJH . Bless you . Innocent Many good blessing's be with you & all you love . Best Wishes JoyLove xox .

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
1/15/10 9:02pm

And with you, Joy. Remember - time heals. Along with treatment when we need it. Hope you have a serene weekend- PJH

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1/16/10 4:52pm

Thankyou PJH . Have a good weekend also Smile JoyLove

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By marshmellow— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 11/17/09