Breast care

Thanks Racheeee for the helpful info about the Nightingale Centre. Is this an NHS centre or is it private? Also, when you had yours removed how big was it? Did it leave a large scar or any sort of hole where it was?

Why was I told they wanted to monitor it? Possibly because of the size of it (if it gets any bigger you'll be able to see it when i wear a t-shirt)-- or possibly because of my family history.

If given the choice, I think i will have it removed simply to ease my mind. I have read up on Fibroadenomas and know that they do not turn cancerous but having the lump there with the potential of it to grow (especially since its really close to the skin already and i can see the lump through my skin when i lift up my arm) is a really uncomfortable feeling.  The Dr. said it may grow during pregnancy, and although Im not now, i dont doubt in the next few years I will be.

Im sorry for those of you who will critcize but walking around with a benign tumor in me, even if i know its not cancerous is an uneasy feeling... and thats just how i feel.

Thanks Racheeee for the helpful info about the Nightingale Centre. Is this an NHS centre or is it private? Also, when you had yours removed how big was it? Did it leave a large scar or any sort of hole where it was?

Why was I told they wanted to monitor it? Possibly because of the size of it (if it gets any bigger you'll be able to see it when i wear a t-shirt)-- or possibly because of my family history.

If given the choice, I think i will have it removed simply to ease my mind. I have read up on Fibroadenomas and know that they do not turn cancerous but having the lump there with the potential of it to grow (especially since its really close to the skin already and i can see the lump through my skin when i lift up my arm) is a really uncomfortable feeling.  The Dr. said it may grow during pregnancy, and although Im not now, i dont doubt in the next few years I will be.

Im sorry for those of you who will critcize but walking around with a benign tumor in me, even if i know its not cancerous is an uneasy feeling... and thats just how i feel.

The Nightingale Centre is NHS, if I were you, I might just give them a ring and see if someone could advise you! Mine was biggish, I dont' know exactly how big, but they made a nice straight incision and removed it. Although these lumps aren't dangerous, I agree, you should have it removed, they can grow bigger and its also about how you feel about your treatment. If it were tiny, I might say leave it, but as you can see it through your skin, they should remove it.  It has left a scar, but since having this done, maybe 5 years ago now, the scar is barely visible and I must comment that the surgeon did a lovely straight cut! I do have a little indentation where the tissue was removed, but no biggie. And I went on to have a healthy baby and my milk production was superb (if this was a worry to you, which it was to me) If you have a history of Breast Cancer in the family, call the Nightingale Centre and ask them. Did you say you lived in Chorley?? I wonder if the Nightingale Centre would see you as you aren't that far from Manchester.

.

Just to clarify since health issues can be such delicate and emotional topics......

Some of you may not be aware that diagnosing cancerous and pre-cancerous cells is my profession. I am not commenting on this thread just to hear myself talk or be critical.

Chrissy, I have every sympathy for your worry and uncertainty. I do think you should see her GP and ask as many questions as it takes for you to be satisfied that you understand your condition.

As a health care professional, I think that practicing medicine is a two way street. Both patients and doctors have responsibilities, and patients need to take the time to inform themselves during the diagnostic and treatment process. Read everything you can about it and write down what you don't understand so you can ask your GP.

I also feel very strongly that the NHS is an overburdened system, and it needs to devote it's resources to the patients who actually need care, not just ones who think they do. If you and your GP decide that it should be removed, then it should be.  But I think that is is a decision that can only be made by the two of you, and not based on someone elses advice.

Please ask your GP if the original biopsy was definitive. Sometimes they are not, and if that is the case, the reporting pathologist will have noted that. Otherwise, try to relax and do your homework about your condition. I am always happy to help with definitions/medical terms if you need it. PM me.

Thank you for your advice Courtney. To tell you the truth, I do feel a bit better knowing that your advice is coming from a professional point of view... when i thought before you were just someone telling me to stop whinging.. haha.  I'll take your advice and brush up a bit on Fibroadenomas and go to my doctor next week armed with a bit more knowledge and some questions.    I may send you a PM if i have anymore questions.

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear in the begining. I would never tell anyone to stop whinging about a medical issue!

Knowledge is power though, and only you can know what will satisfy your concerns. Make the system work for you in an intelligent and well thought out way, and don't take my advice any more readily than the next person's. 

You and your GP can be a good team if you both utilize the resources available. Best of luck with your decisions!