Anyone finding lumps post hysterectomy

I have been post hysterectomy for 1 1/2 years, I found a lump in my left breast and went to get checked out and they found 3 one with tissue inside the lump, I go for bio next week. I am very upset to say the least. I am not a woman anymore there are no signs of her and it is getting to the point where I don't even care about doing anything...I can't have sex with my husband because of the dryness from the hysterectomy and now I am scared they will have to take my breast, my thinking is I will really not be a woman after that. is anyone having these kinds of troubles...

I have no where to turn and I have 4 baby showers to go to with in the next 4 months and I am crying and upset because I don't have children. If I get anymore mail or have to go to anymore baby showers, I don't know what I am going to do.

No kids, no woman hood, no boobs...

what is my world coming to...

Please help me..

Hi (((cowangel))) I think I understand your fears. I had a hysterectomy/BSO six years ago and have had two lumpectomies since then for breast cancer, and I figure they're chipping away at that breast - the next time it might not survive.

However, I don't believe for one second that I'm not a woman anymore. My 'womanhood' isn't about reproductive ability, or organs, or even breasts - it's something innate that I was born with and will never lose.

Are you getting help from your DR for the dryness problem? There are many options available to you, from vaginal estrogens (I use Vagifem and love it) to products like Vitamin E suppositories for women who cannot use any form of estrogen.

Did the radiologist say what they think the lump(s) might be? Fibrocystic breasts and fibroadenomas are more common in postmenopausal women than they are in younger women with working ovaries, but both are benign conditions that are not related to cancer - just nerve-wracking after all you've been through already.

Please try to take comfort in the fact that something like 80% of biopsies come back benign, OK? What type of biopsy are you having? I've had two stereotactic core needle biopsies.

Let us know how the biopsy goes and what you find out, OK?

s,
-Linda

Thank you Linda for your incouraging words. I should have had kids when given the chance before everything got so bad. I am having a needle/ultrasound biopsy and it will be on Friday Jan 25. My husband is coming with me. I will post the results when I find out. Thank you!!! I can't say anything to my church because of strained relationship with my mother (she goes there). I have no one else to talk to. It is in GOD's hands now.

Oh, (((Cowangel))) I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this. Not only the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding your upcoming biopsy, but the agony you're feeling about all of those baby showers. It's pretty hard to put on a happy face when all you want to do inside is cry.

Here's what I would do for the showers: I'd purchase a gift card and a lovely greeting card for each shower, which eliminates the need to go down those baby aisles in the store, and trust me -- the parents will appreciate it. Then I'd phone the hostess for the shower, express my regrets, and arrange to drop off or mail your gift to her. No need to explain why you can't attend -- you're just busy, or you have somewhere else to be that day, or something came up. It will be OK if you're not there. The important thing is to take care of you right now.

As for no longer feeling like a woman, consider this: Hyster Sisters is a (((sisterhood))) of over 100,000 women who have had hysterectomies and some have also had mastectomies. If you walked up to one of us on the street, would you be able to tell? I don't think so. Each of us is still 100% woman, because it's not our organs which make us female -- it's in our our souls and our minds.

I think you're an amazing, loving creature, and I don't for one second believe that any surgery can take away your womanhood. If you continue to struggle with these emotions, however, I hope you consider finding someone to help you work through it.

You're not wrong to feel this way; in fact, it's natural to feel what you're feeling. I'm extraordinarily proud of you for being able to express these feelings to us and trusting us with your fears. Remember, we're here for you whenever you need us.

thank you for your words of encouragement. i will do that. Friday is biopsy day i got the notes in from the hospital that i have to take with me today. my regular dr is giving me something to help the nervousness and get me up there. when i find out everything i will go back to her and ask about a dr or counsler to talk to. bless you for all your words and for being here!!!

Hi Cowangel

First I want to send a big . I'm so sorry you're so discouraged and have this biopsy to face. It's such a scary thing. The waiting game is the worst one to play. There are no rules and we don't know what to expect. It doesn't seem fair, does it?

I think MJ's advice for dealing with the baby showers is great. You don't owe anyone any explanation. Right now it's most important that you protect your own emotions for what you need to face. I also think that your decision to talk to your doctor about a counselor is very wise and courageous. You need support and an opportunity to talk through your deeper feelings with someone who can guide you to the inner peace you need to find. It's there inside you, you just need the map to get back to it. In my opinion you are ALL woman!

I'm praying for you and hoping all is well.

Hang in there!

I just wanted to offer you some encouragement also. I had found a lump in my right axillary a few years ago. The dr's were concerned to the point they sent me directly to a breast cancer surgical specialist. He sent me for the ultrasound and I bawled b/c they did a 10 second scan and said there was nothing there. You can physically SEE the lump (which has tripled in size since) but they say there's nothing there. Just muscle.. doesn't make sense to me till this day. It wasn't that I wanted them to find anything.. just discouraged b/c everything w/ my body seems to be some big freakin' mystery that no one can explain. the Endometriosis and endosalpingiosis I had was microscopic throughout my abdomen. Noone believed the pain I was in and even after my exploratory surgery (when they did the biopsies that later revealed the endo) the dr came out saying everything looked great. There was no treatment or way for them to remove just the endo since they couldn't physically see it. I could have tried the lupron but the side effects for me personally were just worse then having it all taken out. Anyway, please know you're not alone. We all are in this together, we may have different issues and different solutions but we are together and that's what matters.

I have yet to find another group of women that understand all I have gone through like hystersisters. There is always SOMEONE who has been in your shoes or is currently sharing them. I hope the biopsy comes back ok and that you are doing okay yourself. I still have days I just sit back and cry.. just because. HUGE HUGE HUGS!!

I know this sounds weird but I have never been so excited about having an infection. they said that i had an infection in one of the 3 cycts and that is all it is not cancer or anything and as long as the cycts stay clear I will be fine. I have taken your advise and have already missed one baby shower now I have 3 more to go. My husband stayed right there with me and he was ok about everything. He even said that if I didn't want to go to his neices baby showers that he understood and is ok with it. (one of his sister's gave me an invitation and a list of food to bring, I took the invitation and put down the list of food) I asked one of the neices if she wanted a stuffed raggdy andy and she laughed and said I dont' think so. I threw it away and it was the best that I have felt in a long time. I still have my appointment with reg dr to discuss a counslor and I am going to ask if there is a christian counslor in the area to help me.

thank you and bless you for helping me in this horrible time.

Congratulations Cowangel! :

I'm so happy that you don't have a serious illness facing you! That's wonderful news. That's a big step behind you. I know a couple of christian counselors here in MA but that's a heck of a commute for you! Good luck in your search. I hope it's not a long one.

Big

I'm so happy I found this thread. I just had a mammo and sonogram today for lumps my gyn found -- in both breasts -- at our 6 week post-op appt. I have a cystic history, but I'm still, of course, worried.

I'm worried, but reading what you've all written, I'm breathing and will try to be patient for my doc to get the results. I'm calling them tomorrow to push for a call asap.

Once again, thank you, sisters all.

-- Siri