Need more health advice NPCER obviously

[ttt]

I know this is the third time in about a week I've asked you all for health advice lol. Hopefully this will be the last.

I felt a lump under my arm today and I am feeling worried. I noticed it when I happened to look in the mirror while putting on deodorant and saw this weird dimple/dent. I touched it and felt this hard mass underneath. It's bigger than a pea, smaller than a marble. Doesn't hurt when I press on it or anything.

I have a strong family history of breast cancer, so of course my mind immediately went to that. There's a good chance I carry the BRCA gene but I haven't been tested.

I know I should probably have it checked it out but the problem is that I don't have a primary care doctor. I don't have any regular doctor at all except my OBGYN. Last time I tried to get an appointment as a new patient with a PCP on my insurance, they told me it was a 10 week wait. I'm moving in 3 weeks, so I don't have time to wait that long anyway. I don't think this is the kind of thing you can go to an ER or urgent care clinic for.

Should I just wait and see if it goes away? Or try to see someone after we move (I have no idea what the doctor situation is going to be like out there)? Am I totally overreacting and being a hypochondriac (yes, I am)?

[marie427]

Can you research doctors in your new location and then call this week to get an appointment with the doctor you choose to see? Do you foresee any insurance issues when you move?

[ttt]

Jun 19, 2012 11:38:52 GMT -5 marie427 said:

Can you research doctors in your new location and then call this week to get an appointment with the doctor you choose to see? Do you foresee any insurance issues when you move?

That's a good idea. THe problem with our insurance is that it's a NY state based plan, so the majority of network doctors are there. There are a handful in DC and looks like actually more in Vegas, but I have no idea if any are good or not. I've had some experience with the medical system out there with my grandmother and it was nearly all negative.

Definitely time to do some research on these docs.

[curmudgeon]

Could you get in with your OB before you leave? That would actually be my first choice and at least they could give you some professional perspective as to what you need to do, if anything, after the move.

[caden]

See your OBGYN. I had a lump in my breast and my OB was actually the one who found it at my annual exam. I had a HMO at the time and they accepted my OB's referral to get an u/s + surgery, in case that applies to your insurance situation. I don't think you're being a hypochondriac, but I wouldn't wait either, for no other reason than your peace of mind. My lump was just a cyst, and felt just as you described. I hope that's all that's going on for you too. (((hugs)))

[marie427]

Jun 19, 2012 11:44:48 GMT -5 curmudgeon said:

Could you get in with your OB before you leave? That would actually be my first choice and at least they could give you some professional perspective as to what you need to do, if anything, after the move.

This is a good idea too, and I was just going to write that my gyno called a hematologist on my behalf to get me in for an appointment so much quicker than if I had called myself; maybe your gyno can pull similar strings if he/she thinks there's an issue?

[cookiemdough]

Since you do have a regular OBGYN, I would call and make an appointment because you found a lump and have a family history of breast cancer. My OB, not my primary care physician, is the one who does my breast exams so I am thinking that would be the person to go to.

[lyssbobiss, Command, B613]

Do not wait and see if it goes away. Please. How is your throat feeling? Is it possible your lymph nodes have swollen? If you can't get into see a doctor right away, I really recommend you see an urgent treatment center. Please!

[ttt]

Jun 19, 2012 11:47:58 GMT -5 lyssbobiss, Command, B613 said:

Do not wait and see if it goes away. Please. How is your throat feeling? Is it possible your lymph nodes have swollen? If you can't get into see a doctor right away, I really recommend you see an urgent treatment center. Please!

My throat is much better. I went to a minute clinic and turns out I had strep, so I've been on antibiotics the last couple of days. I'm feeling back to normal, but I don't know how long lymph nodes stay swollen after you've been sick.

[copzgirl1171]

Wait, is it IN your arm pit? Sometimes deodorant will clog a duct.

[Deleted]

I would not wait. I'd try to see your OB now and to make an appointment with a new doc as soon as possible in LV. Its probably nothing to worry about, but still.

[copzgirl1171]

Just so I clarify. I am by no means suggesting waiting..I was trying to be reassuring.

[MrsDL]

When you feel it/rub around it - does it seem to move with the tissue or not?

[pamela]

Jun 19, 2012 11:49:42 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

Jun 19, 2012 11:38:52 GMT -5 marie427 said:

Can you research doctors in your new location and then call this week to get an appointment with the doctor you choose to see? Do you foresee any insurance issues when you move?

This. FWIW: I have a nodule under my left arm in the arm pit. It's just extra mammary tissue. It grew when I was pregnant both times (DH calls it my pit-tits because he's Klassy like that). It's nothing other than ugly.

I'm glad I'm not the only "freak" with this. I hate it and have seriously considered surgery to remove it once I'm done with BFing for good.

As a pp mentioned, it could be a clogged duct. My sister got a nasty infected ingrown hair under her arm that started out as just what seemed like a nodule for the longest time. It didn't start hurting until pretty late in the game.

I think the advice to run out to the clinic today is overkill. There is nothing that it could be that needs to be fixed today and a clinic doctor won't be able to tell exactly what it is. Your OB is more likely to be able to narrow it down and rx more appropriate followup tests, especially if it is breast related.

[ttt]

Jun 19, 2012 12:04:32 GMT -5 MrsDL said:

When you feel it/rub around it - does it seem to move with the tissue or not?

No, it feels like it's fixed in place. It doesn't really move. It also feels too deep to be an ingrown hair or something like that.

I think I'll try to get an appt with my OB this week or next. Thank you ladies!!

[ringstrue]

Ditto the OBGYN. They or just the NP can checkout a lot of things. And ditto the lymphnodes thing. When I was having a rash of throat issues and tonsillitis crap my doc checked all my lymphnodes. They can stay swollen for several weeks, I thought?

You finished your strep meds all the way, right? Definitely do that - I think my tonsillitis was low-level strep and it went off and on for about 3 years.

[KateAggie]

If you can't get in with your OB there, call the one I rec'd. I've had a mammo and a breast u/s this year due to family history--I'm sure she'll be just as through with you.

[heyjude]

There's always planned parenthood!

But definitely get checked ASAP.