Breast total duct excision ~I hope this helps someone

My first post  but not my first visit to this forum. It helped me a lot when I was going through my treatment and I want to return that support.

Xmas 2018 I noticed clear , almost blister water type fluid, coming from my right breast nipple when I took my bra off after a long day at work, more so when squeezed lightly. I’m 50 years old and wondered if it was ‘the change’ although I don’t think I’m in it or if I am I’m very lucky as zero symptoms! 

So off to the GP I go for reassurance that it’s ‘an age thing’ Unfortunately she couldn’t reassure me and referred me for a consultation with a breast specialist. 2 weeks later I see a lovely consultant and his junior training team, again expecting to be told ‘ it’s age’ so when he said there was blood in the sample he took and it was only one duct so I needed further tests. 2 weeks of worry again , mammogram and ultrasound both showed as clear however they wanted to do the full duct excision to exclude cancer and understand what was causing it. I think I’m a tough cookie but I was rocked I hadn’t told my family or friends ,just my partner and work colleagues,as they would be in spin. I decided to tell them and they were upset I didn’t share sooner but each to their own it was my way of dealing with the unknown. My 24 son was the worst affected and I hated to see him worry. 

So I had the operation on 14th March 2019. The medical and nursing team were amazing , they really do care. Post op I was suprised quite how swollen and bruised my breast was and to be honest the first week was pretty uncomfortable. I’m a DD cup and found wearing a none wired bra 24/7 for the first week helped a lot with holding the breast in a comfortable position whilst it healed. The sterile strips were easily removed on day 8 but my nipple was scabbed and very sore on one side so I put good old germaline on sterile lint squares taped it and wore Breast pads for a few days and it healed very well.

I had follow up results appointment yesterday (15 days after op) and was relieved to be assured it was nothing of concern, inflammation and debris which caused the bloody fluid, no follow up appointments and it’s healing super well just some bio oil recommended to help with the scarring. I sat in the car post appointment wondering if I had overreacted , been a drama queen but not knowing and wanting that reassurance is tough for anyone. I promised myself whatever the outcome I would post on here to hopefully help someone and to make a donation to cancer research which is my next task. Wishing anyone waiting for results or dealing with results much love I’m thinking of you

Parents
  • Hi pickles,

    Yes your post has just helped me thank you.

    I had bloody discharge and had total breast duct removal on July 7th. I get my results on the 4th july but presume no news is good news. 

    I was very surprised how bruised I was and I am still a little sore and tingly around the nipple area plus still bruised under my breast. Keeping a soft bra on 24 hours a day definitely helps.

    Will post again when I know any results. Good luck to anyone waiting with me x

  • Hi Francesca,

    i had a total duct excision yesterday and, like you, am surprised by so much swelling and bruising. How long did it take for yours to go down?

    cheers

Reply Children
  • Hi, 

    It look about  4 to 6 weeks for all the bruising to go. My nipple is still quite sore when touched but only a little. I got the all clear which is the best feeling ever. I found the waiting for news really hard and just took a day at a time, tried to keep busy and kept thinking no news is good news which it was for me. 

    It is a hard journey and I think we all over think every little thing and Google although great has it's draw backs. This site is great and just the odd person commenting and supporting really helps. 

    I hope this helps you and will be thinking of you

  •  

    Hi Francesca,

    I am delighted to hear that your waiting was worthwhile and, that you got the all clear. You must be over the moon with this result.

    Did your surgeon give any explanation for your discharge and, are they going to bring you back for any further reviews?

    You have really made my day, as it is always such a pleasure to hear positive news.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx