Hello Mama's.
Recently I had an uncomfortable (slightly painful) lump in my right breast. I went in and my Doctor had me have an ultrasound and mammogram and the ultrasound identified a fibroglandular aggregate lump. I have to follow up with her next month after my period to have it rechecked.
If you google that, not much comes up that meant for the public... lots of medical stuff, but not much for the layperson. But, if you look for breast lumps and fiberous tissue, there is lots.
My doctor suggested that I limit caffeine... I see it listed in lots of places online as well. I've been trying... and honestly, it's a challenge for me (with 3 little kids) I admit I am addicted. I started drinking coffee after I had baby #3, and today was my first day without in over 2 years...
Here is my question - have any of you done this for breast health in general? My doctor suggested that going caffeine free would help with the breast pain I've been having, but not that it would actually get rid of the tissue. Honestly, today I feel like I'd be happy to put up with the pain just for a shot of espresso.
What do you do for your general breast health? I also read that I should not be drinking alcohol at all to reduce my risk of breast cancer (which runs in my family).
Of course I'll discuss all these things with my doctor when we follow up next month, but I'm curious if any of you have been through this.
Thanks!
Jessica
Thanks for the responses so far...
I do have a healthy weight... BF all 3 of my kids for 17+ months each... and have a history of BC in my family (aunts and g'ma).
I'll surely discuss this all with my doctor.
Thanks again!
I know caffeine contributes to "lumpy breasts" and polycystic breast tissues. I'm kind of in the "all things in moderation" camp.
I was a freshman in college trying to survive finals week when I realized I had fiberous tissue - too many shots of espresso. It was so bad and the lumps were so big I could not wear a bra. Extremely painful! I went to a D.O. who gave me a list of things to stay away from or use in moderation. You have to test things out and know your limits. For me, it's coffee and lots of peanut butter. I can't eat peanut putter two days in a row. Too much chocolate is an issue too, but soda doesn't phase me. I almost feel the coffee run right to my breasts (lol), no matter how little of it I sip. Even some pain relievers are an issue. Do your research, talk to your doctor and live within your limits. Good luck!
Would you consider switching to Tea? That caffeine does not affect me like coffee. I don't know why, but works that way for me.
Do you have any family history of breast cancer? Or other cancers on the female side? If you are worried due to Hx, then you can never go wrong with a healthy life style. It's all about 'bad' foods in moderation. If you are drinking several cups of coffee every day that is probably too much. There is just as much research that supports that a cup of coffee is actually good for you. So is a glass of wine. So is green tea. But large quantities..not so.
Also consider, that the stress of going cold turkey, of going without something provides you comfort can also have negative consequences on your health. There is more to fibrous breast tissue than caffeine consumption.
I, too, have to limit my caffeine due to painful, teeny tiny cysts that form in my breasts; they're aggravated by the caffeine. I was probably drinking two large mugs (probably more than 16 oz. each) at the time. So I cut down to two cups (8 oz. each) and I've seen a dramatic decline in the pain. Every time I have that third cup, however, the sensitivity returns. And yes, you're right, breast cancer can be brought on by excessive alcohol. But I'm not giving that up; a couple of cocktails on the weekends are my only vice. And hey, I nursed for almost two years so I figure that's on my side!
My DH had some lumpy, painful spots under his nipples, and when he elimiated caffiene (on the advice of our GP) they went away.
Other than (try to) maintain a healthy weight, eat well and exercise, the only thing I do that specifically supports breast health is breastfeed. Breasfeeding has been linked to lower rates of both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal breastfeeding. If you breastfeeding your daughter, you're reducing both her risk and your risk of breast cancer.
No. I'd actually do full replacement surgery before giving up caffeine (or other stimulants; it's the stimulants that contribute to these and other issues in some people, to the best of my understanding, not the specific caffeine molecule... it's just that caffeine is the only stimulant most people use/have readily available).
But then, I'm ADHD. Stimulants are life. Or to be more accurate; a life in a world with clocks.
To know; there are VASTLY differing levels of caffeine in different tea and coffees AND their preparations. The coffee with the highest level of caffeine is drip coffee, the lowest is espresso (french press is in between). Espresso tastes stronger, but the water sits for the longest in drip... extracting the most caffeine from it. I can't drink drip at all... unless I want to fall asleep (adhd comes with opposite stimulant reaction). Ditto certain teas that steep a long time just knock me on my bum.
