Cancer Research UK main site

New mum Inflammatory Breast Cancer Scare

Michelle91
Offline

Hi all, 

This is my first time ever posting on here..

I'm 28 and had my first baby boy 11 weeks ago tomorrow. I am breastfeeding and after 3 weeks I developed mastitis and then a breast abscess. I attended the breast clinic and had it drained and had antibiotocs which cleared the infection..

4 weeks ago I went for another US and they said there was still a mass of inflamed tissue in the breast, to come back in 6 weeks for a biopsy if it had not cleared. I am so annoyed with myself that I didn't go for a private biopsy at the time but my GP advised me not to.

Last week a small pea sized lump appeared in my armpit and an ache under my arm.. My next appt was brought forward a week. I think my nipple is starting to flatten also and last night I found a small hard lump in the bottom of the same breast.

I am terrified I have IBC and reading about it its is an aggressive and fast progressing cancer with poor outcome.. I am struggling to find anyone who has been in similar positions and wondered has anyone else had a similar experience. 

My baby is so small and the thoughts of having something makes me so scared for him and my partner.

Sorry for the big long essay I'm just struggling to find anyone to talk to about it- but my partner is amazing.. 

Thanks for reading

  • Welcome to the forum Michelle although I'm sorry for the reason you're joining us.

    Having unexplained symptoms is always a tad worrying but I'm glad you don't have too much longer to wait for your next appointment when you'll be able to discuss everything that's playing on your mind and hopefully have your mind put your mind at ease.

    I know there isn't much I can say or do to take the worry away but our community are here for you and I'm sure you'll receive some support and advice from them soon.

    Fingers crossed everything will be o.k Michelle.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

     

    HI Michelle,

    Firstly, a warm welcome to our forum and, congratulations on the birth of your new baby boy. It sounds as if you've had a rough time since the birth and, as someone who has had 2 boutsof breast cancer in the past 11 years, I can empathise with how you're feeling.

    It sounds as if you may have been consulting Dr Google and come up with IBC - Apologies if I'm wrong. We always advise people to steer clear of using the internet at this stage, as there are so many other things that this could be.

    I'm glad to hear that you have brought forward your next appointment and sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found. Please keep us posted and, remember that we are always here for you. I am delighted to hear that your partner is so supportive, as this makes such a difference. Please remember that only 1 person in 8 referred to the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis, so your chances are still good.
    Kind regards,
    Jolamine xx

     

     

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.