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Little Fish · 06-08-2012, 09:30 AM

Pynk,
I apologize for not getting back to this yesterday.

You asked for a "short list" of what else a lump could be and the good news for you and your Butch is this, I can't give you a "short list" b/c the list is incredibly long--and the majority of things on that list ARE NOT CANCER.

I do not know the nuances of your Butch's situation nor do I need to for the sake of this conversation, I will say this though--breast tissue in women is subject to cyclical hormonal influences and things like number of pregnancies influence women's risk of breast cancer. (To be clear for other readers, studies have indicated that women with no or fewer pregnancies than average have higher rates of breast cancer. Thus lesbians with their presumed fewer/zero pregnancies are at increased risk, as are nuns. I know, an ironic pairing. )
But the reality is, breast tissue isn't the only thing in the breast--muscle, skin, lymph nodes, sweat glands etc--all of these things can occassionally grow up a cyst or some other abnormal collection of cells/tissue--(not cancer per se, just some wierd thingy--yes, my official doctor language is at work here)--which when felt as a lump, scare the hell out of us. I get that.

But again, mammo--and biopsy if necessary. Keep breathing, stay centered. It's just information gathering right now--no need to pitch head long into scariness until we know what we're dealing with, yes? Seem reasonable? And yes I know, easier said....

On a more personal/intimate note, the experience is challenging in itself, even more so for those of us claiming butch or trans. The cold water shock and associated violation of identity you spoke of can be quite painful and difficult to negotiate. I agree with many of the comments aboove, let your Butch lead but also trust your own instincts. Femmes know Butches in a way no other woman does, and you know yours best... Some private re-aasurance and re-affirmation of your Butch's masculinity, in whatever way you two celebrate that, may go a long way in settling the Butch soul.

Keep in touch,
Little Fish

06-08-2012, 09:30 AM	#19
Little Fish Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Preferred Pronoun?: female ones, will also respond to babe, boi and Romeo Relationship Status: Happy :-) Join Date: May 2012 Location: apearldiver@gmail.com Posts: 349 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,655 Thanked 1,886 Times in 321 Posts Rep Power: 21474850	Pynk, I apologize for not getting back to this yesterday. You asked for a "short list" of what else a lump could be and the good news for you and your Butch is this, I can't give you a "short list" b/c the list is incredibly long--and the majority of things on that list ARE NOT CANCER. I do not know the nuances of your Butch's situation nor do I need to for the sake of this conversation, I will say this though--breast tissue in women is subject to cyclical hormonal influences and things like number of pregnancies influence women's risk of breast cancer. (To be clear for other readers, studies have indicated that women with no or fewer pregnancies than average have higher rates of breast cancer. Thus lesbians with their presumed fewer/zero pregnancies are at increased risk, as are nuns. I know, an ironic pairing. ) But the reality is, breast tissue isn't the only thing in the breast--muscle, skin, lymph nodes, sweat glands etc--all of these things can occassionally grow up a cyst or some other abnormal collection of cells/tissue--(not cancer per se, just some wierd thingy--yes, my official doctor language is at work here)--which when felt as a lump, scare the hell out of us. I get that. But again, mammo--and biopsy if necessary. Keep breathing, stay centered. It's just information gathering right now--no need to pitch head long into scariness until we know what we're dealing with, yes? Seem reasonable? And yes I know, easier said.... On a more personal/intimate note, the experience is challenging in itself, even more so for those of us claiming butch or trans. The cold water shock and associated violation of identity you spoke of can be quite painful and difficult to negotiate. I agree with many of the comments aboove, let your Butch lead but also trust your own instincts. Femmes know Butches in a way no other woman does, and you know yours best... Some private re-aasurance and re-affirmation of your Butch's masculinity, in whatever way you two celebrate that, may go a long way in settling the Butch soul. Keep in touch, Little Fish