Re the mom who is breastfeeding an infant, found some lumps in her breast,
has two relatives with breast cancer, and the doctor doesn't want to do
anything til December.

(1)  She needs a new doctor.  If this is cancer, she needs to know.  There
are many techniques for diagnosis, including mammogram, needle aspiration,
small core biopsy, and lumpectomy, any and all of which can be done on a
lactating breast.
(2)  If it *is* cancer, and the tumor is estrogen receptor positive, then
continuing to breastfeed will help keep her estrogen levels low.  If the
lumps are only on one side (typical) she could continue to breastfeed on the
other breast, she doesn't need to completely wean.  She could start now
using the other breast for most feedings and involute the side with the
lumps, if the doctor really thinks he can tell or do anything while the
breast is lactating and she isn't willing to get another doctor.
(3)  It is *is* cancer, she should not wait two more months before she finds
out.  The books say that you don't have to decide everything
"instantaneously" -- that you can wait several weeks without it having any
impact on death rates, but I would certainly not wait several months.  This
has got to be emotionally devastating to anyone, but especially to someone
with a new baby.  She needs to know NOW, for her own mental health.  If it
is not cancer, then she can relax.  If it IS cancer, then she can get
started on treatment and feel that she is taking care of business.  Waiting
around wondering if your lumps are cancerous or not is a heavy burden.

Just my .02 worth.

Kathy Dettwyler, 3.5 week cancer survivor

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