Hi all
first time posting on here but just looking for a bit of reassurance I think. I developed a rash under my breasts back in September and, as I’m overweight, thought it was due to the skin chafing (despite the fact I’ve never experienced this before, even in peak summer). I waited a few weeks and then went to the doctor when it hadn’t gone. She prescribed me an anti fungal cream but also did a swab, which came back showing a bacterial infection. I’ve since been on a huge variety of creams and a course of antibiotics and oral anti fungal tablets- none of which have made any difference. The rash has largely disappeared on the left but is still there and very angry on the right.
In addition to the rash I have a lot of breast pain, mainly on the right side, and also have clear discharge from the nipple on the right. Also every now and then I get an intense burning feeling in the right nipple, which lasts for a few hours and nothing can relieve.
I was referred to the breast clinic under the urgent 2 week referral but it was just before Christmas, so I haven’t heard anything.
Im freaking myself out googling etc, even though I know I shouldn’t, and am worried about inflammatory breast cancer or Paget’s disease (although the nipple doesn’t have the typical pagets appearance).
I’ve attached a picture of the rash on the right side.
Any advice would be gladly received.
many thanks for reading
Hi
if you’ve had your referral, I’m afraid all you can do is wait. There is no reason to assume it’s breast cancer - 60-90% of referrals to breast clinics turn out to be benign conditions. Pain isn’t usually a symptom of breast cancer. It’s more insidious than that, unfortunately.
The two-week referral obviously has to be stretched over the holiday period but if you haven’t heard by Wednesday (allowing the postal service to recover) contact the breast clinic. The word ‘urgent’ is included in all referrals so don’t be scared by that. If it is breast cancer, it won’t be rampaging round in the intervening weeks.
Now for the gentle reprimand. If you know you shouldn’t be googling, why are you still doing it? It’s done what we always warn people about - terrified you. It provides information we don’t need, encourages self-diagnosis and has no consideration for our fragile emotional state. Please stop. Concentrate instead on nurturing yourself. Keep busy with things you enjoy - running, baking, yoga, whatever - and consider practising something like meditation or mindfulness. Headspace and Calm are 2 apps endorsed by the NHS. Personally, I plus into Progressive Hypnosis’s vide and on YouTube daily and I’m away withe the fairies.
I wish you all the best and hope you don’t have breast cancer. Only an professional can diagnose that xx
Hello @sbll31
I would very much endorse what @Jaybro says: in a world where we can find the answers to millions of questions through a click, unfortunately the only answer that you need will be the one you get from the specialists at the clinic.
It is perfectly normal to be concerned/ anxious/scared when you are waiting for answers and look to try and “do something” the reality however is the only thing any of us can really do is attempt to control and deal with how we are feeling and reacting to the situation: this where finding things to “take your mind off” area absolutely the best thing you can do for now. It’s that old adage: learn to control the things you can control and accept those things you can’t, the hardest bit is knowing the difference between the two!
Good luck with your appointment, and please be assured that if you are diagnosed with breast cancer, this forum is a very safe kind and friendly place to support you.
AM xxx