Emergency referral

A couple of weeks ago , I had horrendous pain in my right breast, did not think much of it. I then started to have a sore bleeding nipple and very flaky skin around the nipple area. I was in a lot of pain so I made a appointment to see my gap who was truly amazing. She tried to examine me but had no luck as every time she tried to examine me I was crying. She said she thought it was a infection so gave me antibiotics and cream. My right breast was also boiling hot and she said it looked different to my left one. She made  appointment for me to come back 3 days later .. I went back to see her 3 days later and there was no improvement she put me on more antibiotics made me another appointment for a week later and said if no improvement she would refer me. I finished work and collapsed as I was really poorly and could not go back to work the next day as I was felt so unwell. I rested then went back to see the doctor and she said I am referring you as your right breast is still hot and felt there was still different to left one. She also felt a lump near my armpit. I have my appointment come through but I have so much paperwork to fill in. I am so scared, my partner looks worried but keeps trying to not show it. What do I do to cope with it as I don’t want to feel this way. Plus I just don’t sleep as it’s on my mind, plus I thought the infection had gone but it’s still there. 

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    Hi Clara,

    I am so sorry to hear about how you are feeling. It is normal to feel cranky at this stage. My poor family were all in avoidance mode when I was at your stage too.

    I did have a wee celebration. I have been desperately trying to lose weight, as I've put on several stone during treatment. I have already lost 5 stone, so I got a lovely fresh scone and jam with a cup of coffee after my dinner. I must say that I really enjoyed it.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Well started to really wonder today how I would get through until Friday, but didn’t have long left!

    Hadn’t heard  anything from the hospital so phoned to check my time for Friday, they phoned me back to say they couldn’t fit me in this Friday and it would now be next  Friday !! I explained they said they would see me this Friday and my husband had also taken the day off work ! In the end they phoned back with next Tuesday !!

    i can’t believe it, how do you carry on, I’m losing the plot now ! I have two young children and I can’t focus properly .They shouldn’t say see you next Friday the not follow through with it ! If I hadn’t phoned I would have found out late tomorrow ! Anyway sorry for the rant !

    i don’t know how you’ve done it so many times, how did you /do you get through it ? 

     

    Hope you are ok too Clara , not sure about your journey etc as only seen the one message on this thread 

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    Oh Shinyjewels,

    Welcome to the cancer rollercoaster. It is so disappointing when this sort of thing happens. I bet you were speechless when you heard this - just as well you phoned today. I'm afraid that as far as carrying on is concerned, we just have to go with the flow, but you will get through it.

    Will now be thinking of you on Tuesday.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you very much Jolamine x

  • Hi Shinyjewels.

    I was going to reply to catlady but she doesnt seem to have come back to us. Her symptoms were almost word for word like my own. Mine turned out be a breast abcess. It is so much like inflammatory breast cancer even doctors are unsure untill tests are done. I`ve had this twice now and I hope for the last time ever.

    I feel for you getting let down with your Friday appt. Makes you feel like just another number on paper.

    Come back and let us know how you got on with Tuesday Appt.

    Take care xxx

  • Hi Clara56, 

    Thanks for your reply ! I hope Catlady is ok. 

    That sounds really awful and to get it twice, how did you/they get rid of them ? Hopefully all be well for you now. 

    It’s just a really odd, horrid feeling waiting for the results, no -one to really tell how you feel. 

    Anyway thanks again and will let you know after Tuesday xx

  • Hi

    I was given the most awful antibiotics that seemed to bring it to a head. As it was under the nipple it ruptured through the nipple. Quite a messy horrible mix of blood and pus. But the relief of pain was instant. I was seen at breast clinic within 5 days.Second time was exactly the same as first.

    Apparently the "cure" is a partial mastectomy, don`t want to go that route if I can help it though.

    I know what you mean about waiting for results and feeling very much alone with your thoughts and fears.When I was referred fast track in Nov to ent and my appt wasnt till Jan I had to go through xmas as though everything was normal, but I still felt I was putting a damper on the families xmas.

     

    Take care and try not to worry yourself sick. xxxx

  •  

    Hi Clara,

    I am delighted to hear that your disgusting antibiotic did the trick and relieved you of your pain. Did the doctor give any reason for this infection recurring and, is there any route other than a partial mastectomy?

    Do you have any further appointments at the clinic?

    I hope that this is an end to your breast problems now.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Clara, 

    that sounds like such a horrible and painful thing to go through, so glad it’s better for you now. 

    So awful to have that worry over Christmas, it just always plays on your mind and others have no idea . 

    I can understand why you don’t want the partial mastectomy, hopefully it will never come to that. 

    Thsnk you for the good wishes xxx

  • Hi Jolamine,

    Apparently it is very rare in post menapause women. They have no idea what causes it,but as usual in my case they make the usual auto-immune system attacking you reasoning.

    There seems to be surgery or live with it choice.

    I think thats why I had the breast clinic recall last month, my mammograms will never look normal due to tissue damage.

    The last time it occured at the end of July my GP at the time phoned me and said if it becomes unbearable go to A&E to have it drained. I dont think so! Just give me the a different antibiotic I replied.

    I had mastitis when I had my first child,I thought that was bad, but this is pain on a very different level.

    Kind regards & keep well xx