1. < Breast Cancer

Smelling cancer!

Posted by trixie1313 @trixie1313, Jan 26, 2019

Did anyone smell their cancer before diagnosis? For months I kept smelling a strong ammonia-type smell and would have prickly heat waking me in the middle of the night as well as my breast swelling. I'd ask family members if they could smell anything on me and they did not. I drank more water, changed my eating habits, but nothing stopped it. After my first lumpectomy, most of the smell had gone. After the second lumpectomy/partial mastectomy, it was completely gone. Now, 2 1/2 months post-surgery, I am starting to smell that smell again and getting quite concerned that maybe cancer is coming back somewhere. I have 9 more radiation treatments to go and finished my TC chemo in October, but was chemo resistant.

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msears | @msears | Oct 23 8:21pm

My grandmother died when I was 7, she was only 50 years old. I’m 29 now - she was riddled with cancer. I remembered a few distinct smells from her. In the last year I have noticed those same smells off my body. Largely ammonia, and an odd smell from my arm pits. There’s also a smell from my stool that I remember smelling only when she was alive, and now that familiar smell is present in me.

I thought it was all in my head, but after reading your post/comment it makes me think there’s something more to it. I’d be to nervous to tell a doctor as I feel like they would dismiss me anyway.

Thank you for sharing!

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2 replies
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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Oct 24 6:05am
In reply to @msears "My grandmother died when I was 7, she was only 50 years old. I’m 29 now..." + (show)
@msears

My grandmother died when I was 7, she was only 50 years old. I’m 29 now - she was riddled with cancer. I remembered a few distinct smells from her. In the last year I have noticed those same smells off my body. Largely ammonia, and an odd smell from my arm pits. There’s also a smell from my stool that I remember smelling only when she was alive, and now that familiar smell is present in me.

I thought it was all in my head, but after reading your post/comment it makes me think there’s something more to it. I’d be to nervous to tell a doctor as I feel like they would dismiss me anyway.

Thank you for sharing!

Jump to this post

@msears

Welcome to Mayo Connect. I understand your reluctance to tell your provider you think you smell cancer. A better way to approach may be to mention family history of cancer, your concerns and any other symptoms you have. Any changes in bowel habits should be mentioned.

Do you know the type of cancer your grandmother had?

REPLY
lifetraveler | @lifetraveler | Oct 24 8:31am
In reply to @msears "My grandmother died when I was 7, she was only 50 years old. I’m 29 now..." + (show)
@msears

My grandmother died when I was 7, she was only 50 years old. I’m 29 now - she was riddled with cancer. I remembered a few distinct smells from her. In the last year I have noticed those same smells off my body. Largely ammonia, and an odd smell from my arm pits. There’s also a smell from my stool that I remember smelling only when she was alive, and now that familiar smell is present in me.

I thought it was all in my head, but after reading your post/comment it makes me think there’s something more to it. I’d be to nervous to tell a doctor as I feel like they would dismiss me anyway.

Thank you for sharing!

Jump to this post

Hi! @msears

So sorry upon hearing you've been suffering all these at such a young age...

Please see your primary care physician as soon as possible, mention to her/him your family history and request to be sent for genetic testing for cancer. This simple test looks for specific mutations changes in a person’s genes that may increase the risk of various cancers. If the test turns out to be negative, you'll have peace of mind; at the very least, your physician will send you for yearly screening after learning of your family history with cancer to ensure your health. For early detection is the key to treating any kind of cancer.

Best wishes for you with health, peace and love!

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