On Monday evening my breasts felt rock hard and sore. I start feeling around an find a large almond size lump on the right outer side. I have my DH feel it also. I spend the whole night crying and see my nurse practioner the next day. Both my husband and I think the lump shrunk some over night. My breasts weren't nearly as sore, either. My nurse practioner thinks it could be fibrocystic breast disease. She said the lump is smooth and moves around a lot and 99 times out of a 100, a cancer will be hard and craggy. I am 48 and found the lump on cycle day 16. My cycles tend to now be 21-26 days long -- once in a blue moon I'll go 30 days. My NP has taken me off all caffeine, chocolate, salt. She also thought she felt a smaller lump on the other breast (left outer side). I am self treating with vit. e., evening primrose and progesterone cream. It's only been two days, but the lump is still there. My NP wants to see me back after my period. I'm so scared ladies. I can't even tell you what nervous wreck I am. Does this sound like fibrocystic breast disease? Should the lump be going down now that I'm two days off caffeine?

Thanks for your help!!
Dana

((((Dana))))) try not to worry. Your NP surely would have gotten you in right away if she felt it was much more. There was a recent post on lumps coming up during the period but I can't remember who posted it. I know my mom had cysts a lot in her early 40's and once she laid off the caffeine all has been well. Stay positive and get your appointment as soon as you can after your cycle.

Hi Dana, I went through the same trauma as you a couple of years ago - the doctor was pretty sure it was a cyst and thankfully the mammogram result showed the same. I'm sure your nurse practitioner has had enough experience of these things to know when a breast lump is something to be alarmed about, and I was told the same thing as you - that breast cancer lumps feel very different to cysts. I don't know how long after stopping caffeine you could expect your lump to disappear/shrink, but I would expect it to take longer than a couple of days. Fibrocystic breasts are very common in middle aged women. Hope this helps. Jessie xx

I have Fibrocystic disease (although it is not a true disease). I have 2 new ones in the last 2 months. One bigger one (2.7cm) that has been biopsied twiced and is followed by Ultrasound every 6 months. Once they are there, they tend to stay, perhaps shrink a bit, until menopause. Triple assesment is Ultrasound, Mammo and Biopsy. I was told after US and Mamm that it was more than likey just a fibroadenoma but after 6 more months had the biopsy, 2, one inconclusive, second conclusive.
It is VERY common in our age but still needs a firm diagnoses. DON'T panic. It is called a breast mouse because you can somewhat move it from its place. Cancer feels very fixed and hard. A typical cyst will more than likely disappear after your next cycle. Don't worry. It is great that you were seen so fast and that it is documented. Testing afterwards is also routine so don't be afraid if you hear the word biopsy. Hand in there...have a good weekend with DH :0)
Hugs,
girlsmom

After reading this I just made an appt to see my Gyno. I have one lump on the underside of my left breast that is smooth and hard and doesn't move. I was seen twice with sonograms and mamograms and it never shows up on the images. But it can be felt. I think its location makes it hard to see. It's where the breast meets the chest wall. I'm going back to pursue this more. I've also had other cysts, one that was biopsied and was benign, but this one worries me. I wonder if it's just a ridge of breast tissue that supports the breast.

I just had a girlfriend go through having a double lumpectomy and radiation, and she is doing fine. As she said, she is cancer free after her treatment. Having radiation did not make her sick or lose her hair the way chemo can. She did not feel these lumps, they showed up on the mamogram. Keep getting those mamos, ladies!

I'll keep you posted!
WriterMom

Hey there Dear Writermom!
If your breasts are dense, you are better of with an Ultrasound follow up. SOOOOOOO glad that these posts have inspired you to go and get it checked out.
My fingers are crossed for you...PLEASE post back :0)
Hugs,
Girlsmom