Hi,

I'm 43. I am perimenopausal and well on my way, so I take HRT. In April last year, I found a lump in my left breast next to the nipple, swollen breast and achy swollen armpit. I was referred and given a mammogram which showed nothing but fibrous changes. Over the course of 9 months, I have noticed that at certain points in the calendar, symptoms seem to increase 10 fold in the lead up to a bleed and die down again but not disappear. Symptoms have progressed over this time. Since Nov I have experienced burning or tickling sensation in the nipple,  tender areas in the breast,  achy and swollen shoulder blade and thickening/swelling all along the chest wall into the armpit, which always feels bruised. I started bleeding 5 days ago and the burning sensation has dissipated but pain has increased elsewhere, in particular the left side of the breast on the rib wall? If that makes any sense? I am having to use painkillers so I can sleep better at night. Everytime I roll over, the side of the breast hurts. I went to the doctor's today who has referred me again after feeling a lump and thickening where it hurts me the most. Sorry to waffle on, I'm a bit anxious about it all. It is hard to tell if it is all hormonal when the problems don't completely go away.