Why can't I just trust the doctor and NOT google

[megan91]

So I felt some breast lumps a week and a half ago. Both sides but more pronounced on the right (that boob is also the smaller boob tmi). I quit breastfeeding about a little over a month ago. Went to PCP, she felt it was probably fibrocystic changes from hormones but sent a referral for an ultrasound to be on the safe side. So I go to the ultrasound today and they find nothing, just dense tissue that I guess can feel lumpy. But in my weeks worth of googling and becoming a breast cancer expert (lol jk), I've read all about ultrasounds missing cancer and if I feel a lump(s) I should find out what it definitely is. By getting second opinions, demanding extra tests, etc. Mind you, I'm reading this on a breast cancer forum, so of course these people have had some more negative results than me. Also to add in the fact that 80% of lumps that are actually biopsied are benign and only 5% of breast cancer is diagnosed in under 40 (I'm 27). I know I should feel relieved but I just can't. Why can't I just be normal and go on my merry way.

[Malsais]

Get a second opinion doctor and if its negative as well, promise that you will let it go.
Or else it will be just a spiral downward and its not good, believe me.

[megan91]

I think my husband will kill me if I say I need a second opinion lol. I'm going to be scheduling my yearly soon so maybe I'll just let my gyno feel them too as my "second opinion". But I really don't see how I could get a referral for more tests with a negative ultrasound and not being high risk. Healthcare isn't cheap in America haha.

[lucymarie]

I agree with Malsais. I am in a similar position (different problem) currently and I am going to get a second opinion. I am trying to promise myself that if that confirms what the first specialist said, that I need to try and accept it. It's easier said than done but what else can we do?

[AMomentofClarity]

The problem is, as anxiety suffers, we always look at the worst case scenario. Being that’s the case, we always find the horror stories of missed diagnoses, unreliable medical tests, etc, even if those makeup a small portion of a diseases sufferers. We never zero in on the person who went to their doctor who could tell it was something wrong right away.

[unsure_about_this]

I am the same, bad health anxiety, I find it hard to trust gps/doctors and in the past did a lot of googling. I do find it hard still to trust gps and stil push for scans if needed.

[katniss]

Ultrasounds are usually quite good at picking up lumps and things like that in the breast. I would just trust the doctor. Your age is also with you. 27 is so young! Also, you just stopped breastfeeding a few months ago, I’m sure there are all sorts of hormonal changes going on right now plus blocked ducts etc;

---------- Post added at 17:32 ---------- Previous post was at 17:26 ----------

Also, don’t go on forums where people have already been diagnosed because there will always be some cautionary tales of missed diagnoses and doctors being wrong. When I was going through my various scares (long list of illnesses) I would always go on forums where people had been diagnosed and would get even more scared because many of them said their docs didn’t believe them or their docs missed their symptoms or tests missed their lumps etc; It can happen but it’s not common. But these stories because of their unusuality stick out even more. People also tend to remember those stories more because they are scary. You have already had a test done and you have a medical professional’s opinion under your belt. I would let it go. And I’m no hypocritical when I say this. I have doubted my docs a lot but I never go for second opinions or second tests. Once I have had what’s necessary and have a docs professional opinion I let it go and slowly the symptoms do fade.

[megan91]

I know they aren't clogged ducts because believe me I've had my fair share of those including mastitis. But I think it's been barely 5 weeks since my last pump. I know I need to let it go. The nurse for my doctor called me today with my results and she's like this is a good thing you are fine. I'm just trying to believe it. It's just so weird how actual lumps can just be breast tissue. I'm just hoping after my period ends (started today) they are a little smaller. But yeah I've never went for second opinions or extra tests. My husband is a nurse/in grad school for nurse practitioner and I don't think he would even let me because he knows I'm just being crazy haha.

[StephA]

Stay off breast cancer forums unless you are in fact diagnosed with breast cancer. As a breast cancer survivor myself, it’s frustrating for anxiety peeps to join a cancer forum and post! I’m not saying that you did in fact post, but I am a member on a forum and we have had several health anxiety ridden women who have. It really is a bit insulting to have people keep posting when they’ve been tested and cleared. Yes, sometimes mammograms do miss breast cancer, but ultrasounds are very accurate. Move on and be thankful that you do NOT have breast cancer!!