In late 2007 a mammogram & then ultrasound showed a tumor behind my LEFT nipple. Biopsy was reccomended (although when asked Dr. said she didn't think I had cancer). I passed on the biopsy because they wanted to put a metal marker made of titanium in my breast. I've also heard if cancer is found, BIOPSY can cause "seeding" or spreading. Since my reasearch showed 80-90% of these invasive biopsy procedures are BENIGN, I opted out.

All was well until Spring of 2009 when I discovered a tiny pea sized hard mass on the LEFT side of my neck. Could be totally unrelated but I went to free clinic anyway to get it checked out(no insurance)& they said it's probably nothing. They suggested I have the biopsy to rule out BREAST CANCER. I passed yet again. Fast forward to late April 2010. The neck lump has grown to the size of a grape (doesn't really move & isn't rock hard but firm & pliable both)

My rib cage area under both breast manifested a tineaversicolor type reddish fungal looking type rash. Directly underneath my left breast on rib cage became swollen(like some type of internal abscess of sorts.)I at first thought this was due to my bra rubbing & maybe being too tight. But it was a definite swelling. I also noticed some lipoma type movable lumps further down on/near my rib cage & one on my mid-back area near my spine. The rash cleared but the rib cage area under both breast got tender & has an inflamed discomfort that is mildly painful periodically.

MY NECK LUMP NOW HURTS SOMETIMES (which has me concerned!) The Free clinic said it's probably a backed up lymph gland & lipomas near rib cage(I've had a little bit of history with a ganglion cyst on wrist & a fatty tumor on my right shoulder in the past, it's still there). I can't figure out if this could be:

Breast cancer spreading,
Lymph congestion/obstruction
Infection from dental work I need but can't afford
Sarcoidosis (have a 1st cousin who was diagnosed)
Thyroid problems,
A serious infection in my lungs/chest cavity
Systemic candida or WHAT!

I don't want to have the biopsy & risk SPREADING if I'm sick. I'M FEELING FORCED NOW TO DO A BIOPSY I DON'T WANT! (JUST TO RULE OUT CANCER DUE TO NECK LUMP GROWING & IT BEING PAINFUL SOMETIMES)

I would be at the mercy of the county doctors (which I'm not thrilled about, feels like I would be a guinea pig). This not knowing is stressful. Any suggestions? Just went to free clinic again this week. They suggest updated mammogram,(I'm against the harmful radiation yet again)& tests for TB, CBC blood panel (w/thyroid check) & ultrasound of my neck. I would be deeply grateful for any suggestions. I'm not sure if county would consider doing a lumpectomy to avoid "seeding" if indeed malignant.

I was thinking of putting money towards a Thermography exam (best deal found around $250 for breast & neck) as a secondary analysis to see if it shows any vasucular activity (heat areas) that suggest cancer. I am on a fixed income so this would be a huge financial sacrifice/burden. But again, what options do I have guys? I DON'T WANT TO GO UNDER THE KNIFE BUT DO I HAVE ANY CHOICE AT THIS POINT?

I prefer the holistic, alternative therapies. I am vegetarian/vegan. Thanks. I appreciate any & all feedback to contribute to my peace of mind or proposed action I should take. It's my first time posting. Sorry for the lengthy diatribe but a lot has happened & I'm overwhelmed w/no REAL support system except you guys. I'm going through this by myself so it's tough. Blessings to ALL who read this in it's entirety.

P.S. I read that a castor oil soaked cotton ball on a band aid could relieve the size of my neck lump. However, someone else said it's important to have a DIAGNOSIS & KNOW THE ROOT CAUSE OF WHAT'S WRONG FIRST. Agree or disagree?