Hi all,

I had textured breast implants for approx 18 years, replaced with smooth implants 3 years ago. 

I'm currently breastfeeding my daughter (1 year old). A couple of months ago I noticed some redness and tenderness to my Right breast. I saw a breast consultant privately a month ago due to concerns it was inflammatory breast CA although knew deep down was most likely inflammatory mastitis. The breast consultant said the breast was normal but that I had widespread lymphadenopathy - neck, axilla, supraclavicular, groin. She looked at my bloods for the past 5 years and noted my WBC to be consistently low, she asked the question "why" and that it potentially signifies bone marrow insufficiency. 

She recommended an USS (again, privately) - the USS showed 3 abnormal lymph nodes in my R axilla which were classified as U3. She strongly recommended a biopsy to rule out a pathological cause, mentioning lymphoma and a small potential of BIA ALCL. The cost of the biopsy privately was extortionate so I decided to rejoin the waiting list as an NHS patient to see the same consultant. I had my NHS appointment today at the breast clinic. My USS today was carried out by a different radiographer.

The radiographer said that the axillary nodes are 'normal and reactive' and that a biopsy is not recommended. I requested a biopsy and he said no. I explained that since I had the last USS done a month ago, they have grown and feel more firm in my Left axillary specifically. I saw the breast consultant before having my USS done today who also said "oh yes this side is quite a bit larger.. we'll biopsy those"

I have spoken to the breast clinic consultant since I got home (I emailed her and she telephoned me) and she said that as the USS report showed the nodes are normal and reactive and they wont biopsy them. I don't have a lot of faith in the radiographer who carried out the USS today - he couldn't find the nodes, asked me to find them for him and only spoke about a singular axillary nodes instead of multiple nodes in the area which I know are present from the breast consultant examining me and my previous USS.

I feel a bit like I've been gaslit and have now been stranded without any pathology ruled out or a cause for this.

I would be so grateful for anyone's input in regards to what I can do next, if anything.

Thank you