I’ve spent a bit of time trawling through the forum but thought it was about time to post myself - i hope im posting in the right place!
Over the past month and a half ive had yellowy discharge from one nipple and it crusts over. My right nipple seems cracked but its not what i would call dry. Also, my areola has huge bumps on it permanently, i understand these are montgomery glands but not sure if they should be there since i have breastfed for 14 years. Im 39 by the way.
I went to the dr on Thursday and said I’d had a feel about myself but wasnt aware of any lumps, just a bit of tenderness. She did a full examination and immediately felt a hard ridge (her words) and seemed concerned. She also said my nipple looked inflamed and irriatated. Since she prodded about ive had much more pain and up into my armpit and down my arm. Not like absolute agony but enough to make me notice it and take a painkller.
Shes referred me urgently to the breast clinic but i feel like im spiralling a bit with anxiety. Ive had a couple of lumps before but theyve never referred me. I cant what she said to me out of my head “i cant say that it isnt cancer” and im freaking out a bit although im usually a rational and logic person. I know the chances are slim but theres also a history in the family.
Anyway, i wondered if anyone had any similar symptoms, not a lump as such, but a hard area? And how on earth do you stop the anxiety?! She did say urgent appointments are taking longer than 2 weeks so i guess im in for a bit of a wait!
Thanks so much for reading and would really appreciate any thoughts (and virtual hugs!!)
Hi @branstonpickle
You certainly did the right thing going to GP any changes should be investigated
I know it’s so stressful waiting on appointments it won’t be to long await I had a nipple discharge as well as a lump and redness I did have breast cancer but that doesn’t mean you have , take each day at a time I know it’s hard it’s all you think of until you get that appointment
The forum is here to help and the helpline
Good luck keep us updated xx
Whether you have cancer or not, there are lots of people on here with worries and concerns. I personally find it a space where you can talk quite openly about things you would never discuss with people other than a doctor!
I’ve not had the same symptoms as you, but you have taken the right action to get it checked. I’ve not found a solution either to the anxiety, only that it is normal and everyone deals with these things differently.
My biggest meltdown was going for the scan and biopsy, when I was introduced to a McMillan nurse. All I could think about was “they must know it’s cancer, because they have the nurse on standby”. But that’s not always the case, they are there to offer support whatever your result is.
As for the NHS…I can not say enough positive words, how they have treated me, and the support they have provided. So I’m sure you will be in good hands either way.
Hi @branstonpickle and welcome to the forum. You have indeed posted in the right place.
I had discharge in my right boob and it was itchy and red. I was 53. I was told it was ductal ectasia (widening/softening of milk ducts over time). I breast fed both my children. For me the following year I found a hard area/ lump that did not move in the same boob, it was breast cancer, diagnosed by a biopsy. I ended up having another primary tumour in the left boob. (Rare only 5% cases). No lump could be felt, it was only found with an MRI to size the first tumour.
I can understand your anxiety and the waiting for tests and getting results, whether they are good or bad is always the hardest part. I hope you get your appointment soon. Normally you will have a triple check, mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy if needed. Then you will have to wait again for results. Although you may be lucky that it isn’t something to worry about, not all lumps are cancerous.
This link may be helpful with what to expect, you might find it helpful to write down any questions you have and take a notepad to take notes. I would recommend taking someone with you for support.
Helpline: 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). Speak to our trained helpline team. No questions are too big or too small.
Ask Our Nurses: You can message our nurses here on the forum, or confidentially. Whatever you prefer.
Someone Like Me: Will match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. They’ll be a phone call or email away to answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen. Call on 0800 138 6551 or contact our email volunteers
Younger Women Together: For people 45 and under. You can choose the support that suits you: online, one day or 2 day residential events. Find an event.
Moving Forward: Finishing treatment can be hard, and it can be difficult to move forward with your life. You can access our support online or face-to-face. Our online information hub and Moving Forward journal provide extra ideas and information. Courses run over 2 weeks, with 2 3.5hr sessions. Or trained facilitators and volunteers are there to help. Find a course near you.
Publications: Download and order publications. You can read online or order your copy for free. From managing menopausal symptoms, hormone treatment or triple negative breast cancer, our information is here for you.
BECCA: Our free app is your pocket companion to primary breast cancer.
Speaker Live: sessions are on every month. They focus on the topics that matter to you, lead by expert speakers from across the UK. You can register for one of our webinars, and watch it live, or as a recording. We also have Facebook and Instagram Live sessions run by our clinical team on a huge range of topics. You can find them all on YouTube
Secondary breast cancer is full of uncertainties. But you can count onLiving with Secondary Breast Cancer to be there for you, no matter what. You’ll be able to talk, listen and learn with people who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings. Our groups are open to people with a secondary diagnosis. Monthly sessions, facilitated by a therapist, are held in a variety of locations across the UK and online. Find a group. And if you are 45 or under? Our Younger Women with Secondaries Together events provide information and support
LiveChat: Open to people with a secondary diagnosis. A private chat room where you can talk to others in a similar situation.
Access Fund – all our events are free, but if you need help getting there or accessing our services, let us know. Email us at accessfund@breastcancernow.org or call 0345 077 1893.
Thank you so much for your reply. Its really nice to be able to get all of this out and not stress my husband (although he does know!) and be able to talk with folk who understand.
@sal1 thanks for replying. Youre right about the nhs. Ive had other things over the years including a hysterectomy, and i have nothing but love for them. My sister is a nurse so i know theyre doing their best under trying circumstances at times. What a lovely, welcoming and undersrand place this is.
@naughty_boob thanks for the reply. My husband had non hodgkins lymphoma and has been in remission for 5 years so i know all about the waiting being the worst part of it! I was so level headed when he was going through it but for some reason im spiraling a bit when its me! I just need to keep telling myself the calm down and not worry until theres something to worry about - easier said than done!
I really appreciate the links and info too. Thank you.
it won’t be to long await I had a nipple discharge as well as a lump and redness I did have breast cancer but that doesn’t mean you have , take each day at a time I know it’s hard it’s all you think of until you get that appointment