Ovarian AND Breast? (was What now?)

[pdtmt7498]

OK.  Saw my primary today.  I queried earlier under the heading "What now?".  I told her my gut feeling is have a gynonc do the surgery.  She saw no signs of strep, but did not do a culture, since being on antibiotics would make it negative.  She thought she could talk the obgyn into scheduling it with her assurance the infection is no longer active, but I want to wait and see how soon the gynonc can see me to schedule surgery.  In the meantime, she was checking me over to see how my lymph nodes are, and they are still quite swollen.  Added to that, I also now have a lump under my left arm that did not show up in a mammogram done a month ago.  One side (right) had to be repeated, showing something in one view but not the other, and the repeat mammo indicated it was likely overlapping tissue.  Compression made it disappear.  Primary said we'd check it in a month before doing anything else, since the ovary is a potentially bigger concern.  How common is it to have problems in both areas at the same time? I'm hoping the gynonc will follow both agressively.

[gah_70]

If your ovarian problems are of a hormonal nature...i.e. estrogen positive, then it is not uncommon for you to have breast issues, as well.  I am sure there are probably other reasons for it, as well, but because I have estrogen sensitive OvCa, I am in the higher risk group for developing breast cancer at some point.  Just one more thing to look forward to....mammograms twice a year!

Since your primary wants to check your breast again in a month before they do anything, does that include waiting for your surgery, as well?  If so, you may as well go ahead and schedule with an GYN/ONC to at the very least, get a second opinion.  I agree with the other ladies here.  Chances are, your condition is benign, but you really don't want to take that risk.  If you really want aggressive treatment, that is most definitely your best bet.  

Best wishes to you.  Please keep in touch and keep us updated on your progress.

Gail  

[pdtmt7498]

Thank you.  Actually, my primary got me an appt next week with the gynonc who is scheduled on "back-up" with my surgery.  She understands I'd prefer the gynonc do the surgery, and the gynonc has agreed to do it the same day I'm already scheduled (two weeks from now, july 23).  That makes me feel much better.  If the lump under my arm does not go down while on antibiotics, then I will have at least an ultrasound next week to see if anything can or should be done with it during the hysterectomy.  I'm satisfied with that for now and trust they will follow-up continually.  I have both ov and breast cancer in the family, and my primary has been great at jumping on things from the beginning and making sure I'm in the best hands and getting the best care possible.  Thanks again.  I'll be checking back when I know more or if I have new questions.