How I Dissolved My Fibroadenoma Without Surgery
For months I have debated talking about this topic. Did I want to open this can of worms? Did I want to read the incessant feedback about how I’m doing it wrong? Did I want to get into debates about Western medicine vs natural? Did I want to open myself up to desperate women asking for medical advice, which I cannot give?
The answers to all of these questions is no, I don’t. Being on social media offering fun, free recipes is hard enough sometimes when the trolls come out and even the well-intentioned become difficult to manage. But in the end, I am sharing my story because, like with Lyme, like with autoimmune disease, like with high viral titers and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and any other of the bazillions of diagnoses I’ve had, sometimes putting myself out there for the sake of others is what gives the smallest glimmer of hope to others who are suffering. And we know that without hope during dark times, we have next to nothing at all.
So here it goes. Six years ago, at the peak of my Lyme et al crisis, I had a strange discharge (without palpable lump) out of my left breast. I freaked out, got into see a breast specialist instantly, had all the diagnostic testing (mammo, ultrasound, biopsy) and was given the all clear. If you’ve ever had the “C” scare, or the actual thing, it’s rather terrifying. But having the scare while I was already suffering physically was almost too much to bear. Thankfully it turned out ok.
Fast forward to November 2017. I discovered a lump in that same breast, on the same side where the biopsy had happened 6 years earlier. I was finishing writing Affordable Paleo Cooking with Your Instant Pot, we were getting ready to leave for vacation, and I knew I would not have time to deal with it until my return. It’s worth noting that I have always had dense breast tissue and fibrocystic breasts since I was very young. I also had breast implants inserted (mid 20s) and removed (early 30s), but that’s another story for another time.
I decided to keep a watch on the newly discovered lump (while secretly freaking out) since my breasts tend to change a lot over the course of a menstrual cycle. I found it important to track any changes and also see if the lump might be similar to the other fibrocystic changes I experience.
So over the course of December- early March, I tracked it. It did not change in size that I could tell except possibly growing a bit during the period post ovulation before starting my cycle. It felt fairly hard and was moveable and was not painful except during the part of my cycle when my breasts tend to be more sensitive in general.
By March I had begun to worry more since it had not gone away on its own and I don’t like putting off medical diagnostics anyway, but the time had come to get a professional opinion. I saw my OB/GYN, first time seeing him since moving back to the Midwest. He coincidentally was also the doctor who delivered my youngest, right before we moved. He said after a manual exam that he was not worried but that a mammogram and ultrasound were in order right away.
I know people have very strong opinions about mammograms and the radiation associated with them. I know there are other screening methods like thermography available to us today. I also know that my personal reality is I have just moved away from Washington DC where I had access to literally any alternative test I wanted, to a rural area with far fewer options. Additionally, I know that I want as many screening methods as possible to determine what’s going on in there when I don’t have answers and am quite frankly terrified of the what ifs.
I received a mammo and an ultrasound the next day after my breast exam a the OB/GYN’s office. The radiologist was able to tell me after the ultrasound that he was 99.999999% positive it was a fibroadenoma, which if you are not familiar, is a non-cancerous growth. He showed me the imaging and how they diagnose one from other cysts and tumors. He also told me, however, that “it will continue to grow so you need to take it out via core biopsy while it is small”.
I had a core biopsy after the discharge event 6 years ago so I am familiar with how it works. I also would rather not have surgery unless it is absolutely necessary, for a number of reasons (anesthesia, physical trauma, recovery time, invasive nature). I have also researched extensively, ways to deal with fibroadenomas naturally, and so my plan of action was:
- Knowing that I am not in any imminent danger, I will try to address this in ways I know how on my own first
- I will use excision as a last resort, but am not opposed to it
I was pursued quite assertively by the OB’s office, the hospital nurse administrator, and a few others to make sure I got my surgery in the books ASAP. I told them I would be in touch.
Over the course of the few months I attempted to shrink my fibroadenoma by using the following techniques to address it…
- Watched for SOY intake on a much more scrutinizing level. It gets snuck into so many things and I wanted to make sure my more relaxed attitude towards organic soy (which I tolerate in terms of food sensitivities) became more deliberately cautioned. There are times I allow myself an organic soy latte since I don’t consume milk. Yes I know soy is not paleo, but I tolerate it so I drink it on occasion. I cut this out during my attempt to heal the fibroadenoma naturally. I made sure I had coffee with my typical Nut Pods and just made sure to pack them when we traveled.
- I used compresses with organic cotton makeup removal pads soaked in castor oil with a few drops of frankincense nightly and slept like that.
- I do not wear bras except for a lightly lined, loose sports bra and haven’t for years. But during this time I also tried to go bra-free more often.
- I do not wear traditional anti-perspirant and haven’t for probably 20 years, so of course continued on that path.
- I repeated my DUTCH hormone test to see what might be happening there and see if I was perhaps estrogen dominant. I’m not. My estrogen and testosterone are actually on the very low end. My progesterone is perfect.
- I know my adrenals and stress hormones were being asked to fire regularly so I started a supplement for that. I learned from my friend and one of my trusted healthcare practitioners Dr. Becky Campbell, that when you are stressed, the over production of stress hormones will affect your ability to produce proper amounts of sex hormones (can be high or low) so I began taking HPA Balance per her suggestion. It has adaptogens and has helped with stress management during a peak time these last few months.
- I focused more on nutrition and doing the things I know are right for my body, including daily collagen, more veggies, less convenience foods, more homemade meals (thanks Instant Pot!)
By the end of March, my fibroadenoma was undetectable. It’s possible there is some residual tissue there but it was small to start and very near the skin’s surface so it was easy to palpate. I cannot feel it at all at this time and I have waited a few weeks, feeling daily, to confirm this. I’ll continue to do self breast exams and do what I’ve been doing to get to this point. I’m obviously thrilled with the outcome but also know from my complicated health history to always stay just guarded enough to remain vigilent of my body.
My final thoughts on “all things health” related are these:
- I love the idea of healing through food, supplements, and the least invasive possibilities
- I believe these are the essential foundations of enforcing or maintaining good health and attempting to prevent flares of autoimmune dysfunction
- I also am a believer in Western Medicine, not in all cases for all things. But I can tell you when I had a random infection of diverticular bleeding 2 years ago, those antibiotics saved me. And I can tell you that my daughter’s surgery to correct her eye alignment and vision was life altering. I rely daily on rx pig thyroid for my Hashimoto’s disease. I can also tell you that my husband needed that hernia surgery to function. There are times when I am whole heartedly on board with all things Western, and I’m grateful for the advances we’ve made.
- Finding a balance in all things is my philosophy. I have happily cured recurring strep in one of my daughters with garlic tincture, but also am grateful for antibiotics for strep when needed.
- I also find that there are no hard and set rules for any of this because if you suffer from autoimmune or chronic Lyme like I do, you know that what works for some doesn’t work for others AND that what once worked for OURSELVES may not work every time without fail.
- The most important lesson for me to learn, and relearn, is that I have to remain flexible, open-minded, and be willing to evaluate each situation as it arises, without becoming too attached to any one methodology or philosophy. There is no one answer and there is more grey than black or white.
I love when people post how they handled a health situation in a natural way. Obviously not everyone reacts in the same way, but I always look for natural alternatives rather than drugs and surgery. Thank you for sharing your continuing journey in the realm of self health care.
Thank you Patricia!
I like how you are open to both Western and natural healing. We need more balance in our lives. People get too uptight too often on one bent or the other. Glad you were able to heal yourself this way!!
Thank you Aimee!!!
Thank you for sharing. I can learn a lot from your journey. So happy for your good news.
Thank you Darenda!
I love (and share) your philosophy on health and the role of western medicine. One suggestion I have for dense, cystic breasts is supplementing natural iodine. I don’t understand the mechanism, but I know that since I started taking a daily kelp supplement, my breasts are soft and no longer lumpy and scary! I made no other changes at the time. No mega doses, either. Just the smallest one I can find. I wish you all the best.
Thank you Gina, I have Hashi’s so I can’t take iodine but I am so glad it’s helped you!
This is so brave and so beautiful. I share much if your philosophy. I do natural therapies and treatments as much as I feel comfortable and am able, but I do think Western medicine has its place. I’m sure the evil beast prednisone has saved my life several times. I remind myself of what Sarah Ballentine says — “medication is not failure.”
Thank you Melissa!
Loved everything about this! You did a great job of balancing your feelings of Western medicine versus holistic treatments . . . totally how I believe as well! High five.
Woot! Thanks Amy!
Awesome read, thank you for sharing.
That is great news. Where in the midwest are you located? Several good options for alternative treatment in KS – if you need any info send me an email.
Soy plays with hormones a lot, Have you ever tried MALK? It is a nut based “milk” made with 5 ingredients or less. Usually Nuts, Water, salt, vanilla, maple syrup. All real ingredients. They have several (almond, pecan, cashew) and flavors.
Great article and views on natural medicine and conventional medicine. I feel the exact same way about surgery. It just scares me. If its not a life threatening issue then try anything else first. My husband had a total knee replacement and then a revision 1 year later. He woke up from the second surgery with TMJ (he was not intubated) and tinnitus. I believeit from the anesthesia. Its been over 2 years and he still has both so probably will for the rest of his life. Would you mind sharing if you have a particular brand of sports bra that you love? Thank you for all you do.
Great post. Where would you suggest I buy the organic cotton makeup removal pads?
You can often find them at regular drug stores but if not, healthfood stores carry them in their personal care department!
Thank you so much for posting this! I’ve had fibroadenomas for a long time and am currently trying a variety of natural remedies to shrink them (while still getting regular ultrasounds and MRIs). Reading this gave me hope that it’s possible.
Thinking of you and rooting for your healing!
I thank you for posring this. I am happy for you. I am post meneposal so I know it is hormone related. Any insight would greatly be welcome. Congratularion and thx 4 sharing this. Would A DUTCH hormone test help? Thx
Yes DUTCH or consider also Everlywell. Read my post here, lots of hormone choices. https://predominantlypaleo.com/at-home-womens-hormonal-testing-made-easy/
Can you explain in more detail how you made the castor oil compress and how you applied it?
I applied it to a small organic cotton makeup pad and placed it inside my sports bra while I slept.
So happy you shared your story. Thank you!! My doctor as of this am thinks that what he felt is also a fibroadenoma and I will be doing an ultrasound tomorrow to confirm plus other tests as necessary. I have been doing a lot of what you have listed aside from castor oil compresses and taking any supplements specifically for stress handling. I will add the castor oil compresses tonight. Can you please state again how long you used your listed techniques until the fibroadenoma was undetectable. I know everyone is different but it would be a helpful guideline. Thank you!
I used the techniques for several consecutive months. Hope that helps!
Good to know your success story. I had a huge fibroadenoma in right breast detected about 5 years ago. it was ~2 cm. It grew up to 4-5 cm in 3 years. Also, there was another one growing in my armpit which was ~3 cm. It felt like I had a cherry tomato in my armpit. As it bothered me, I got them removed surgically. 2 years post surgery, the fibroadenoma recurred at the same spot where the previous one was. I am motivated to use the methods you’d tried and see if it works for me as well. I do not wish to have another surgery down the lane.
My cousin have multiple fibroadenoma.. Is that possible to cure natural ways?
My 26 year old daughter came back & was told she had this & that it had cotton bigger,I would like for her to try this she has Brac1 gene took hormones earlier age 15-16 & she said she is getting her period so wondering if hormones affect it,I’m hoping she doesn’t need surgery any help would be welcomed!
acambrai@yahoo.com
This post made me feel much better! I have fibroadenoma on my left breast since last year, march. I’m 21, almost 22. So I discovered it when I was just 20. I’ve been to my doctor three times and she said it’s all good. I went to another doctor who honestly didn’t even care to look at my previous papers and he said it’s best to remove it. I was sure he would say that, after all he’s a surgeon and that’s what he does. My mom has also had before but they dissolved naturally. I have small breasts and when I lay I can easily feel it on touch and it makes me scared. Your post made me feel more positive. I will try to implement changes in my lifestyle – healthy food and less stress, and it will hopefully dissolve on its own 🙂 I examine it myself quite often, it usually feels bigger when I’m around my period or when I’m stressed. I have anxiety and i’m super sensitive. I stress over everything. I should change that because it results in things like that. At one point when I wasn’t stressing so much on the daily I almost couldn’t feel the fibroadenoma so there is hope! Thank you!
Hi Marina, I’m so glad this resonated for you. And for sure stress and your cycle can inflame fibroadenomas. I noticed that too. I hope yours continues to shrink in time!
Hi, I also have fibroadenomas, would you mind telling me how You did the castor oil compress? I’ve ruined a bra trying that and doesn’t like running the oil in cause it freaks me out. Your help would be so greatly appreciated!
You can do something like this: https://www.radiantlifecatalog.com/product/premier-castor-oil/superfoods-supplements/?a=96418