Signs/symptoms-breast cancer
Let me start from the beginning. In February of 2016 I went to the Doctor to follow up on what I thought was an injury. I had a lump on my left side above my chest. I thought it was from a strain.
I was referred to an orthopedic and he took xray and then came in with concern on his face. He looked at me and expressed that I should get tested for bartonella and look into breast cancer.
Thankfully, my husband happened to be with me for this appointment and of course I left crying. I followed up with my Doctor and also called my naturopath.
They ordered the testing for bartonella and sent me for a thermography. The bartonella came back negative but thermography was suspicious and showed vascular changes.
I was referred for a diagnostic ultrasound and they told me everything was alright. I shared the results of the thermography with them but they told me that it wasn’t standard of care. I explained that it looked suspicious and she told me I was fine.
I was relieved to find out that I was cleared for both bartonella and breast cancer. But, what could be causing all of these symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms I was feeling
I was feeling tired and worn out without doing much throughout day. There was a raised lump above my breast below my clavicle bone. Irritability was definitely an issue, too.
As a few months went by I continued to get more fatigued and irritable.
I was struggling to do daily activities that were starting to get easier again after a medication error that nearly killed me.
My lymph nodes were starting to swell in other areas on my neck.
I continued this way for a little over a year. Until, after my family and I traveled to Dallas, TX.
It reared it’s ugly head in Dallas, TX
The morning after arriving in Dallas I woke up and my entire left breast was engorged and sore. The best way I can describe how it felt at times while breast feeding.
I can assure you it has been 15 years since I had breast fed. But, you know that feeling if you didn’t breast feed or pump in time and your breasts got really hard and sore. That is exactly what it felt like.
I was obviously nervous and had my husband check it out. It was strange because as I waited for my appointment with gynocologist I had my period and the lump would swell and get bigger during my that time. After my period was over it would decrease in size.
I honestly thought I had the start of mastitis or a clogged milk duct or something. Yes, in the back of my mind I was wondering about breast cancer.
Sent for Mammogram and Ultrasound
My gyno felt the lump at my appointment and said this is big we really need to get checked out. So she referred me right away for a diagnostic ultrasound and Mammogram.
I went in for my appointment and after my mammogram the radiologist came right into my room and said, “Your mammogram is angry”. I’m thinking great what does this mean. So I already knew something was wrong with the way she came into the room. They did the ultrasound and there was no question in the Radiologist’s mind that this was breast cancer.
Biopsy
She set me right up for a biopsy. After she pulled specimen from lymph node and breast she said that she would be surprised if this was not cancer. I liked her honesty but it was quite a shock to me.
I called my husband and we discussed it all with my daughter that night.
Biopsy results
It took two days for my results to come back and I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. We had to wait for the additional testing to see what was driving the breast cancer.
I wound up being Estrogen/Progesterone negative and Her2+. Her2 is a very aggressive form of breast cancer.
There was no breast cancer in my family. All of the DNA Testing that they completed all came back negative.
What contributed to this diagnosis
Over the past 9 years my body has been under a lot of physical and mental stress.
I was accidently overdosed by a medical facility in 2012.
Then we didn’t know our house was poisoning us for 7 years.
One year after we fixed that issue the flooring we had installed when we moved in were loaded with formaldehyde from Lumber Liquidators and had to be removed.
What’s my point?
I want to drive home that if you have signs and symptoms of breast cancer please follow through and get second and third opinions.
Pay for a thermography out of pocket it is about $150.00
Now, that I look back I remember also having stabbing pains behind my nipple and weird sensations in my breast. I discounted them because they told me I was fine.
Now I fight with Stage 3 Her2+ breast cancer!
Follow your gut!
What were your symptoms? Are you having symptoms? Comment and let me know what is going on with you we are all together on this journey.
I don’t blame anyone I have to learn to trust my gut and follow through until we are 100 percent certain with a second and if necessary third opinion.
Oh wow. Your story is touching. My sister also had signs that went pretty much ignored for a long time. Fortunately in her case it turned out not to be so we are thankful but it is an issue. Very informative post.
Thank you! Be certain your sister keeps an eye out and have her do thermography it is great at showing vascular changes before it turns into something that can be detected by mammography and ultrasound. Not in all cases but most.
Yeah, I agree. I hate cancer because it took my mom from me at the tender age of 13. This was in the early 70’s and they know a lot more now. So everyone should stay up on this disease. Thank you for making this symptom noticed. My prayers to you and anyone who contracts this disease.
Thank you and I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. Cancer sucks, but I am truly grateful for the diagnosis. I am learning so much about myself and healing in ways I didn’t know were even imaginable. Prayers to you and your family. I can’t imagine growing up without your mom during the teen years. My daughter is 15. She is doing well with it all but I am going to fight like crazy..
Oh Dear, I truly hope and pray you will fight this with strength, courage and belief and beat it to the curb. Never give up, you can reverse cancer with a very strict organic diet. I know someone who did. You are really brave to share this story! Wishing you ALL the best.
Thank you so much and yes I will beat this. I have a very clean diet and have implemented natural therapies but this breast cancer is very aggressive and I have to incorporate traditional for my fight. I got this!
You are very courageous. Thanks for sharing your story. It is inspiring. I had a similar experience with a misdiagnosis first before discovering breast cancer. Everyone wants good news so when the first biopsy came back negative, I believed it or wanted to believe it. Whichever the case, I agree with you 100% and support the message to follow your gut and take charge of your health. Be your own advocate.
Are you fighting breast cancer now? I couldn’t agree more that we know our bodies better than anyone. We must stand up for ourselves and fight when we know something isn’t right. xoxoxoxxoo Much love and healing for you, too.
Thank you for this amazing post as I have had many family members go through the struggles of cancer. Your story is very story is very touching.
Francine, thanks for all that you have written about your story…have enjoyed following your journey! Thanks for investing time and energy to share your story with us. Continuing to pray for you!
Thank you for following. I will update with other treatments and my choices as I go along. Much love and health to you…
Thank you for sharing your story. Reading your article reminds me of my mother breast cancer experience. My mother had Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is a non-invasive cancer, but it still scared me til this day. She is in a good health now and free of medications. Thank you for sharing and I hope the best for you!
Thank you and I am happy your Mom’s was not invasive. Breast cancer is a very scary situation. But, like anything in life it is what we do with the struggles in our life. Much health and happiness for you and your mom.
I’m sure that it was not easy for you to write this post, nor was the entire experience when you found out, a pleasant one at all. It’s encouraging to see brave people like yourself do what you can to get through situations like this. Yes, “Follow your gut”
I’ve been called a worry wart on more than one occasion and one of those occasions is whenever I hear about my mom going for a checkup. No, she does not have breast cancer, but I always get worried that something might happen and I always pray really hard that everything will be ok. In fact, I usually have a difficult time focusing at work because I’m worrying.
Thanks for sharing.
There is a great book that I have read that helps to work through some of these worrying moments. It can stem from previous traumas, emotional baggage, etc.. This book has been integral in part of my healing. We have to be well emotionally and physically. Check out the book HERE
Yes, as another commenter said, you are brave for sharing this story indeed. I cannot believe that they missed it.:'( I am so glad that you are ok now francine and spreading awareness of it!!!
Thank you for the great personal story
Simon
Simon, thank you.. I am in middle of fight now. I start treatment on 10/11/17.
Wow what a story it really makes you think. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! The more people are aware the better worldwide! Your story can change peoples lives.
I wish you well and my prayers are with you!
Cat
Thank you..
Hi Francine,
Even though I’m a man I thought your article was awesome and I shared a link with everyone I know. Most people don’t realize that men can get breast cancer too! My mom works for a doctors office and told me there have been a few cases of men getting breast cancer over the years in her office. Thanks for the info on great cancer symptoms and signs.
Jack
The numbers are climbing for men and women. The cancer can be missed and it’s pretty common that they miss it. Scarey. Thanks for sharing and let’s keep everyone aware.
I appreciate you sharing your experience with us. My maternal aunt had breast cancer at the age of 70+ so that puts me at 25% risk of getting it myself. Although I am only in my 30’s, I take it seriously and always doing self examination.
At what age would you suggest that I start doing mammogram and such? It will be good to plan things in advance.
I would suggest getting a baseline thermography they can detect things prior to a mammogram. Have you been tested for BRCA gene and other genetic testing? Do you know what type of Breast cancer she had? Also just because she had in her 70’s doesn’t mean you can’t get in your 30’s. I would make sure you are tested. But, I would research the thermographys and get a baseline… that is what I would do if I were you. I am taking my 15 year old daughter for a baseline thermography. I don’t want to mess around. Genetics are a small part to breast cancer. No one in my family has had breast cancer.
Hi Francine,
My name is Marie and I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma stage triple pos. I have not started any treatments yet, as I am researching different facilities outside of the US as well. I would like to know how you are doing since 2017 and if you are still doing treatments. Is there anyway I can call you to discuss what you are doing for healing and what your results wwre like wig going to CMN
Thank you
Marie
Marie,
How are you doing? Yes, you can contact me if you wish, too. You can connect with me on my facebook page. Just message me and we can chat.