Hello I am new and incredibly scared. Had breast cyst drained in 2013. Had recurrent mastitis a few times, then during the last bank holiday weekend, had a mass and redness occur literally within three days. Very painful. Assumed mastitis…went to GP and within 2 hours (yes you did read correctly!) at the hospital for scan and drainage of 8cm abcess. Nothing could be drained, sent home with AB. Further GP appointment the next day, mass increased to 15cm - sent to hospital discharged after further attempted drainage as ‘probably infection not abcess’ more ABs, further appoint on Friday to check again. On Friday seen some improvement, biopsy x 4 carried out last Monday. Results this Monday. When I had the cyst I was scared, this time convinced it was bad mastitis so quite blase (never had children sadly, so not sure why I had been blessed with this!), however the screen was turned away from me, although there is a mass (that could just be so the clinician could see the screen better as I dont know what they are looking for!!!).
Had four biopsies taken and so am really scared. Have had super quick referral - my GP was amazing, but now I feel a bit of a wreck. Trying to be brave, have worked through it all, shall even be doing that over the weekend to distract myself…!.
My extra concern is I have felt breathless for weeks, in that when I walk up stairs can’t have a proper conversation for a few minutes, nothing serious, but just a nagging ‘is this right?’ kind of thing. I was (before all this happened) going to ask for a cholesterol and ferritin test (am 49 never checked chol and have had heavy periods for years with iron tabs, although none since Feb this year so that is a positive!!!) as maybe ferritin is low. My CPR levels were 170 which I was told were impressive! Sorry this is so long, I feel as if I am fitting it all to make it bad, really thats not the case, but it all seems to be taking its toll and I am desperate to get a grip, as self pity doesnt help I know… I am definitely a better ‘nurse’ than a patient thats for sure!! Sorry this is so long and rambling and thank you for reading if you got this far. x