Breast infection not clearing with antibiotics

Hi, 

 

4 weeks ago I noticed pain my right breast with a large lump. There was inflammation, redness I was feeling extremely run down - feeling lethargic, pain in my joints etc.

 

my doctor initially gave me a course of antibiotics, 4 days into my course my pain was getting worse and the lump was changing to after a visit to A&E they referred me to see the breast clinic. 
 

I was seen my the breast clinic where I had an ultrascan, mammogram and biopsies.

 

i got my results and cancer was ruled out. They said I had chronic inflammation in my breast.

 

on a follow appointment at the breast clinic they drained some pus and sent it to the lab for some testing to see why my body was not responding to antibiotics.

 

yesterday I got a call from the breast clinic to say that my samples haven't grown anything.

 

the pain is still the same if not worse, my abscess / lump is still there and very painful and I have been experiencing extreme joint pain, feel tired all the time, I have lost weight and not eating much due to loss of appetite. 
 

I have had this "infection/ abscess " for 4 weeks. I have had 2 drains and both results have come back as no bateria grown. I have tried 3 different antibiotics and none of them have helped.
 

has anyone experienced this and could they have got my biopsy results wrong? 
 

I am still being seen by breast clinic and have a further appointment on Wednesday. 
 

please can some one give me some guidance on what I can ask them to do in terms of further testing or even repeat my biopsy? 
 

any help or guidance would be helpful. 
 

I have been off from work for 3 weeks now and struggling to see myself go back to work if this doesn't get resolved soon.

  • Hello Plantlady87

    I'm really sorry to hear about your ongoing symptoms. It's understandable that you're feeling concerned about what may be causing this chronic inflammation. 

    It's good to know that you have another appointment arranged at breast clinic for this week. I wonder if you might find it helpful to have a chat with one of our team of nurses before that appointment. They may be able to offer some advice and information about the kinds of questions that you could ask the Consultant. 
    If you'd like to speak to them, they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I do hope that things improve for you soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator