Hi All
I have been experiencing problems with my right breast for around 2 months (and ongoing for 12months) but this recent bout has knocked me for six!
I went to see my GP as my right breast especially the nipple was very sore to touch and around the areola was a massive lump, I also had a red rash on one side of my breast and it was extremely hot.
The GP gave me antibiotics (thinks it is mastitis) and referred me to Breast Clinic. The consultant thought it was mastitis or a blocked duct and a scan showed a dark mass. The consultant tried to drain it (no fluid would come out) so she took 5 biopsies and said it could be BC. The longest 5 day wait of my life, the tests came back negative, but there was also no infection. I have been told to take Ibuprofen 3 x day for a month plus paracetomol (for the pain) to bring down the inflamation. The inflamation has gone down, but the lump remains along with the sore nipple and my skin is peeling around the area as well.
Could the biopsey results be wrong (and the biopsies taken from an area which wasn’t affected?)Has anyone else had this? I go back on the 4th Jan to see the consultant, which seems ages away.
Any help or any one else had these symptoms which could shed some light good or bad would be appreciated.
Kind Regards
Safeangel
I’m very new at this, but I can completely empathise with the dread of waiting. Those five days must have been really horrible for you and not having a clear understanding of what’s what must still be causing you lots of worry. Do you have a number for the clinic where you had the biopsy? You might want to give them a ring to ask some more questions, and do make that call now rather than waiting and worrying until 4th Jan.
Did the biopsy results have any more detail than “negative”? You would expect to have some specific descriptions of what they found, even if it’s written in “techno-speak”, so if you don’t quite understand what’s been checked for, you could probably do with a bit more information. From what I understand there are conditions other than cancer that can cause lumpiness so there may be other specific questions you want to ask, or perhaps try to see a copy of the report so that you know WHAT questions to ask.
(Incidentally I had mastitis several times when I was breastfeeding my kids as babies and it’s really uncomfortable and did give the sort of symptoms you described.)
I’m not a medic but I would be inclined to believe what the doctors at the breast clinic have told you. One little bit of advice which might help you is put a cabbage leaf in your bra over the affected breast in order to cool the inflammation.
You could also call the Helpline here on 0808 800 6000 for some reassurance.
Best wishes,
AlexG
Hi
Thanks for the replies, I have no inflammation now (that has gone) but I am still left with the lump and sore nipple, which has gone into itself (not breast feeding or a new mum) and the dry peeling skin.
The consultant just said the results are negative and they couldn’t see any changes to indicate BC. I had 5 punch biopsies taken.
I’m not going to worry because what will be will be and I want to enjoy Christmas with my family. I am interested to find out if others have recieved negative results when it has not been negative on further investigation?
Thank you for your replies so far
Safeangel xx