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975514 tn?1324997938

I have become poor, no good care, diagnosed with fibrocystic breasts, the symptoms are worsening

About a year and a half ago I had a good job with insurance. Then I lost my job due to the economy. Toward the end of my employment I began to have nipple discharge from my left nipple. I spoke to my OBGYN. He had me in for a mammogram, which didn't show any abnormalities, plus a blood draw to test my prolactin levels which were normal. I was supposed to go in for an ultrasound too, but the scheduling was all too late.

After I lost my job, within a week of this all happening (the mammogram and such), I had to be rushed by ambulance to the hospital because of a ruptured ovarian cyst. After that the nipple discharge never stopped and I had a ruptured cyst episode, which I handled on my own, it seemed every other month. I'd have two menstrual cycles in one month, feel sick and pregnant and sleep a lot. That continued from July of 2010 through April of 2011.

I moved across country and settled down in a very small isolated town, have not been able to find meaningful work. I have a master's degree and used to pull in nearly $50K and I now make $8 part-time no benefits. (Yes, they have removed me from the list of those unemployment numbers. I am sure the U.S. government is happy.)

Anyhow, I see a PA who has his hands tied because I can't afford treatment, or send me to see a new OBGYN for my annual. He says I have fibrocystic breasts. I now have new symptoms. I have pain and itching from the inside. He says I need a mammogram yearly, but there is no where to get one and he hasn't scheduled one.

I have found a natural remedy for the ovarian cyst problem that has seemed to avoid a hysterectomy. Vitex, it really has helped! I've been taking since April, But besides that, I am starting to wonder if I have the beginning stages for breast cancer.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I am only 35.
7 Responses
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975514 tn?1324997938
I have read all of the online sources about the disorder that I can find and have some good ideas of where to go for some limited assistance. I guess I am really seeking help in terms of other women who have had real live experiences with the disorder and its outcomes...etc. So, I want to hear from some women who can recount their stories and relate them to me.
Helpful - 0
962875 tn?1314210036
Although you want something other than sources of help, I am posting links to two previuos threads where Zouzi made several excellent suggestions to women who felt unable to afford needed testing:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/No-insurance--further-imaging/show/1516012#post_6888228

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/PLEASE-HELP/show/1501488

Meanwhile, I hope zouzi's answer to you above clarifed the limitations of an Internet forum such as this, for providing helpful information in regard to the questions you have. Please follow her good advice and PUSH to receive evaluation of your worsening symptoms.

Regards,
bb
Helpful - 0
587083 tn?1327120262
Hi,
I fully agree with Bluebutterfly 2222.You should be aware that Fibrocystic conditions vary from woman to woman.Fibrocystic lumps in the breast can closely mimic those found in breast cancer.They can also sometimes make breast cancer difficult to detect.If a woman's breasts are fibrocystic, additional diagnostic tests is "necessary" in order to rule out an underlying breast cancer.
Fibrocystic breast condition is itself benign (non-cancerous) and exceedingly common,but not all cases are the same,especially when this condition involves hyperplasia which is associated with a slightly elevated risk of breast cancer, and atypical hyperplasia is associated with a moderately increased risk of breast cancer when compared to women without fibrocystic changes.So,as you can see,no one can tell you how serious your condition is unless more investigation is done and you really shouldn't rely on other women who have been diagnosed with benign fibrocystic condition.
You said in your post that,if need be,you will push...and I think you should.Please seek medical assistance ASAP,since your condition is worsening and you are obviously worried about it..
Best wishes...
Helpful - 0
975514 tn?1324997938
First, thank you for your kind responses. I have been so poor I have only seen my PA once in the past year. I am being treated for FM and OA and spinal nerve damage and he has been nice enough to pick up my Rheumy's old treatment program. He has me on every program that he is aware of-prescription etc. I am not sure he knows about women's health programs here. I did ask about them.

I guess what I really NEED to know is if there are women out there who have symptoms like me. I met one woman who eventually developed breast cancer with my disease. I want to talk to more women with my issues. I am begging the community not for advice on outlets for help, because if I need it, I will push, but I need to know how serious my situation is. The symptoms are getting worse. The itching, discharge and pain is increasing. I just know something is up. I hope the right person reads this.

The mammogram I had June of 2010 was normal. That was when this all started. The ultrasound that was ordered was never performed. I now wonder what both would look like? I need help.
Helpful - 0
962875 tn?1314210036
Sorry, I misunderstood. I was responding to your statement, "I now have new symptoms. I have pain and itching from the inside."

Even though you are in isolated area, I would be surprised if there were not county health departments, or at least a state health dept., that  you could approach for help. Also, if you have not already done so, do contact the Susan G, Komen Fund.

You stated that your PA now has advised you  that "women with fibrocystic breast disease don't always develop breast cancer," but are at a higher risk than most women. A very large number of women have fibrocystic breast disease which is not  and does  not become breast cancer.

However, the "lumpy breasts" associated with fibrocystic disease  may make it difficult to  recognize new developments in the breast that could represent something of more concern, so US or mammograms are important.

I hope some of our other answerers will be able to offer more helpful information to you.
Helpful - 0
975514 tn?1324997938
I want to make clear that my nipple discharge and itching/pain symptoms in my breast came before the Vitex.

Since I live in such an isolated town, I am limited to the care that is available. I see a PA because there are very few doctors who live here and I cannot afford them. Unfortunately, since my income was so high last year I do not qualify for any aid. I have looked into many options. The Arizona basic healthcare plan helps only those who make less than $800 dollars per month. I make just over that, So I guess I am the 99%.

Before I lost my insurance, I was tested and did find that my progesterone levels were very low. Since I've been taking the Vitex the ruptured ovarian cysts episodes have stopped. It really has been a lifesaver. The PA told me I may need a Hysterectomy. I can't tell you what I was going through with that. It was agony. The Vitex has balanced out my menstrual cycle. I still hope to have at least one baby.

My OBGYN before I moved from WI and lost my job didn't seem to think my ovarian issues and breast issues were related however. Which didn't make sense to me since they all commenced at about the same time.

My PA now has advised me that women with fibrocystic breast disease don't always develop breast cancer, but are at a higher risk than most women. He wants me to get annual breast mammograms, but the communication just isn't there because I can't afford to tell him how bothersome these symptoms really are.

I was told not to mess with my nipples, but the pressure builds up and it hurts. If I don't squeeze my nipple to release the milk or whatever it is, it causes pain. I went for a month once and it was agony. The itching underneath the skin is terrible. I have used all sorts of cream. I am obsessed with lotions and none work. I know the itching is coming from inside.

I take under the PA's care, evening primrose oil. That doesn't help. Nothing helps. I think I will have full blown cancer before anyone figures this out. I am scared to death!!!!!!!
Helpful - 0
962875 tn?1314210036
I'm sorry you have lost your health insurance; it is certainly more difficullt to get care without it.

However, many heath departments provide low cost or free health screenings for medically indigent women. The Susan G. Komen Fund also provides finacial assistance for evaluation and treatment of breast problems for needy women.

As you are probably aware, alternative and "natural remedies," are not tested or controlled in regard to purity, concentrations, efficacy, safety, etc.

Vitex is reputed to have a hormonal effect  and to work by helping the pituitary gland to raise progesterone levels.  Anything that changes homonal levels can affect the breasts, so some of your new symptoms might be related to this product.

However, the only way to assess your breast health is through a clinical breast exam, followed by imaging or other tests if indicated. Please look into the sources mentioned above regarding evaluation of your breast issues.

Best wishes...
Helpful - 0
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