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Swollen Breasts - BIA ALCL? Major Anxiety

florencee
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Hi All,

I woke up last week and both my breasts on either side near my ribs hurt like I'd done a big chest workout at the gym. I went to the Dr a few days later as both sides were swollen, there is no redness or itching and they arnt hot so I don't think it's an infection. They arnt rock hard but they are noticeably bigger. 

I called my surgeon and he said my implants (2015) are textured and that there is a risk of this type of cancer which I hadn't heard of. I have health anxiety and now I'm in major panic mode. Im so anxious I cant function or sleep. My Dr has been good and referred me to the breast clinic and I had full blood tests done Monday which showed inflammation but white/red blood cells, liver, thyroid etc are all normal.

A few questions- can blood test pick up abnormalities with this type of cancer?

Is it common for this to suddenly appear and in both breasts at the same time? 

I guess I'm looking for reassurance. I have also requested to join the fb group.

Thanks

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    Hi Florence,

    I notice that you haven't had a reply to either of your posts here and wonder whether this is because there has been no activity here for the past year?  I hope that someone who has experience of BIA ALCL and can answer some of your questions will come along soon. Unfortunately, I cannot answer them, as although I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer, I have no experience of BIA ALCL..

    You shouldn't have too long to wait to be seen at the breast clinic and they should be able to give you the answers that you need. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thanks so much for your kind post, I will keep you update.

     

    Emma xx

  • Hi Florence and welcome to the Cancer Chat community.

    As Jolamine has said, hopefully some of our members who have knowledge and experience of BIA ALCL will offer their support and advice to you soon but if you'd like to discuss any of this with one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very informative and will do all they can to answer your questions.

    I hope your breast clinic appointment goes well and they're able to put your mind at ease but until then, I hope the tips and advice given just here will help keep your anxiety at bay. The charity Anxiety UK have a lot of resources you may find useful at this time as well.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Thanks Steph, are the cancer nurses knowledgeable of BIA ALCL? 

     

    Thanks

     

    Emma x

  • in reply to florencee

    Hi Emma, 

    If you give them a call tomorrow on the phone I included in my previous post, they'll be able to tell you more and signpost you to more information and advice about BIA ALCL.

    Take care, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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