I’m wondering if anybody else has had a similar experience. After talking to a number of my girlfriends and nobody else has I have started to get a bit worried!
In October I had a shower and was applying moisturiser when I noticed my left nipple started to bleed. It looked like a tiny pin prick, the blood was bright red and lasted for about 30 seconds. I told my partner and he suggested if it happened again I see a Doctor. It hasnt happened again however I mentioned it to my Mum last week and she suggested I get checked out.
I saw the Doctor yesterday who seemed to think everything looked fine and that there are no lumps and the nipple looks normal. She has referred me to Sydney Breast Clinic (living in Oz at the mo) to be doubly sure.
Has anybody had this experience before and does it always mean something bad? Tortured myself on the internet today and now wish I’d gone in October when it first happened.
Hi Trobey
You have done the right thing - you are taking professional advise.
I had a bleed from the left nipple only once - a tiny pin prick on my bra. I had been blaming a new bra and thought that the nipple was just not healing properly!!
I didnt have any lumps, but the nipple started to look a little scaley at the tip - just the tip, nothing horrible. It was then that I went to my GP who referred me.
I did have to have a lot of tests, and it was a very difficult diagnosis - and, I did have cancer - but it was curable since it was the nipple area and there were no lumps (it hadnt developed the ability to spread).
However, and I say this in capitals!!! - THERE ARE LOTS OF OTHER EXPLANATIONS. So try not to worry. My case was rare.
One thing I also did, was try to self diagnose on the internet. I know now that everyone’s circumstances are unique, and you will get drawn into extreme cases on the internet! Remember, that they are not you!! Also consider that I am responding because I am drawn into your posting because I have been through it - there are many, many women who had had similar symptoms but have moved on knowing that they didnt have a cancer - these women will not post an answer! So silence is not always bad news!!!
as Lisa said do get it checked - I had bleeding from the nipple but is prolonged (3months) also the blood was very red. Often it is an infection or small polyp or ulcer in one of the milk ducts, but is is best to be sure.
One tip for your sanity do not trawl the internet too much. Just look at reliable sites eg BCC or cancerbacup and do not look beyond the stage you are at. So you may want to look up what happens at the first appointment at this stage. It was advice I was given and stopped me worrying about stuff until I needed to.
Good luck, this can be scary stuff - hope all is well - love Jacqui
The tip of my right nipple started to bleed and the skin was peeling in July. I went to my GP and they said it was nothing to worry about and it should clear up as it was similar symptoms to someone who is breast feeding. I don’t have any children. It did not clear up. I went back a few months later…I should have gone back sooner. Again they thought it was nothing serious but referred me to breast clinic at hospital. Nothing showed on the mammogram and I had no lumps, but they did a punch biopsy. Unfortunately I have been given the bad news that I have cancer and have to have masectomy and recon in the new year. I am only 37, so my advice would be to insist on getting a breast check if you do notice any changes to the nipple. I have just been told yesterday as well that I have to go for a colposcopy test as my smear test showed abnormal cells. I’ve been told there is no link but it still makes me feel scared.
Thanks so much for your emails - and Ramona so sorry to hear your news. My thoughts are with you during this time.
The clinic dosent open till Monday so I’m not able to make an appointment until then. Still a little concerned as the nipple has started to pull in - only a couple of times but enough for me to notice and feel scared. Noticed when I woke up the other morning it had inverted on the same side as he bleed. Which I am thinking probably isnt a good sign. There has been no more bleeding which I guess is a good thing.
And thanks for the advice on not trawling the internet - I ma stopping right now and not thinking anything until I am able to get an appointment next week. Easier said than done!
Hi Romana
Your diagnosis sounds very similar to mine. I had mammos, and biopsies - all inconclusive, but the persistence of my consultation finally proved that it was pagets when she took a piece of my nipple for diagnosis. I had pagets too, with a mastectomy in May 2008, the day before my 42nd birthday. I didnt need chemo, and I was told that the surgery was curative (as much as she could be certain with cancer). I have just had a DIEP reconstruction, and it is fantastic. I certainly thinks that stats on Pagets needs rechecking! I have come across only a couple of Ladies with it - and they are all younger, not in their 60s! I had a bit of a scare years ago with ‘bad smear’ tests - but it was all ok in the end.
Trobey
I am relieved that you are following this up. It could well be something that can be easily fixed. Fingers crossed for you
Hi Ruby
I think my diagnosis is very similar. I’m getting recon on the same day. They will be using fat from my abs and will have TRAM or DIEP recon. I have to have a scan of my abs first. They did a scan of my armpit the other day and it seemed normal so hopefully I won’t need chemo either. I’ve never needed any surgery before in my life and suddenly I’m a regular at the hospital! It is quite scarery, but the staff at the hospital have been great.
Hi Romana
You will love the new tummy! I cant stop looking at mine! I have the figure I had when I was 18!
I have been with my current employer for nearly 12 years, and up until last May, I hadnt had a day off! I had a phobia of hospitals, and I didnt handle my early visits very well. However, I went to a hypnotherapist twice before my mastectomy and on the day, I was ok. When I had my DIEP in November, I didnt even have a pre-med. I have amazed myself. I insisted on the DIEP because I didnt want to loose any tummy muscle. My local surgeon, even before any scans, said he wasnt confident enough, so I travelled to Norwich (220 miles away) for my DIEP… and I would do it again!
I’m going in for the op on 20 January, with a pre assessment next Wednesday. I had my CT scan the other day, which was fine and I met someone who had the same sort of surgery a year ago and saw her scars. They don’t seem as bad as I expected. The scar round the abs looked like the kind of mark I get when I’ve been wearing tight jeans! I just can’t wait for it all to be over so I can concentrate on getting better. By the way, I’m not actually sure what Pagets are?
I have posted below for you the link to BCC’s publication on Pagets disease, it may help you better understand this condition. If you would like to talk to someone further in confidence then please do phone the helpline where the staff here will be only too happy to talk to you about this. The lines are open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm and Sat 9am - 2pm 0808 800 6000. Hope this helps.
So sorry to hear that you where diagnosed with BC. I did have a similar experience - told that all was well then later diagnosed, in my case due to skin tethering (it was a tumour rather than Pagets). Oddly I also had a positive smear as well. Fortunately after a couple of goes it came out clear. So goodluck with that it would be so cruel to to lose all your womanly parts. I really wish you well with your treatment.
Love Jacqui