Scared and deteriorating, need advice

tiewolf

I am basically wondering if I should press on with my doctor (Physician's Assistant to be more exact) as she currently feels that there is nothing to be concerned about, but here's what's been going on:

In December 2013 I started taking hormone based birth control to get my cycling regularly as I am 22 years old and only had about 4 natural periods about 10 years ago.  My father's sister (my aunt) had been diagnosed with IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer) a few years ago and survived, but I am aware that the possibilities are now in my family.  

Symptoms first popped up towards the middle/end of December, I had very very itchy breasts, a discolored patch on top my breast (about the size of an orange) that looked like a light bruise.  Progressively, my breast became very painful and tender to the touch and that pain has been going on up until now (Nearly March 2014).  I had been to the doctor a few times in January to get her input, she did the usual clinical breast exam, "no lumps, you have nothing to worry about," but she gave me some steroid cream to put on my breast to help with the itching and flaking.  After a few days of that I returned with a much more irritated breast.  She told me to put moisturizing lotion on it and then prescribed me a round of oral antibiotics that I had to take for 10 days.  By the end of the antibiotics, it was late January and I still have the itching, still have the pain, still have the discolored patch.  I asked her what it could be, and she said that the pain must just be a pulled muscle... (though somehow tenderness around the entire breast and underarm equates to that when all I do for a living is draw, this had me confused.).  So she sent me on my way to just not worry about it.

Not long after that appointment, (still late January) The same symptoms had shifted to my other breast (the itching, tenderness pain, etc.) but with the original breast, I began getting pain in my ribs where it will hurt to breathe at times, but there is a constant pain that feels "internal".  It's hard to explain the pain exactly, but it is a nagging achy pain that almost throbs at times in my ribs just under the first breast that attributed the initial symptoms.

I figure that the birth control was an important part to add, because I have PCOS and my doc really pushed for me to get regular again.  But with the hormone birth control, I know there is a heightened risk especially since I guess some cancers can be fed by estrogen.

My doctor has told me she feels there is nothing more to do for my breast and said she feels that seeing a breast surgeon isn't necessary.

It is now late February and I feel like I am wasting away.  I am fatigued, in constant pain, and just plain scared.

With all this information, am I in the wrong to insist on seeing a breast surgeon?  My breast isn't swollen and the discolored patch is a little difficult to see, but what should I do?  Do I press on with the doctor, or just accept what my doctor said and not worry about it?  I feel guilty and generally bad for not having full trust in what my doctor is telling me.

sarahjane7374

A breast surgeon is an expert on breasts.  They treat all kinds of conditions - benign breast issues as well as cancer.  If you had foot pain, you'd probably go to a podiatrist, right?  Maybe it's just something hormonal, but you posted here so you seem to have doubts.  If it turns out to be nothing, you wasted half an hour at the breast surgeon.  If not.....well, you get it.

And don't feel guilty for not having full trust in your doctor.  Doctors are just people and people aren't perfect.  Go with your gut.

Cuetang

i'm a little late in responding, but like sarahjane said, go with your gut and push to see a breast surgeon.  The doctor doesn't have to live with the results of the decision, you do.  In the end, if you go, it can also give you a peace of mind about what's going on with your breasts if the breast surgeon gives you an all clear.  Good luck!

Rubiayat

I agree - I would definitely insist on seeing a breast surgeon or request an ultrasound or another diagnostic test. You can't be sure unless you go through testing and symptoms such as you are describing should not be ignored, even if you are young. We are have to be our own advocate. Doctors, like anyone else, do not have all the answers and can be wrong. Trust yourself and at least put your fears to rest.

MelissaDallas

Tiewolf hasn't been back since this post over a month ago.

tiewolf

Thanks for the encouragement to see a breast surgeon; I have been diagnosed but am not quite ready to talk about things yet.  Should I delete this thread?

AZ85048

tiewolf- There's no need to delete the thread.  It's yours and you can come back to it when you're ready to talk.  We'll be right here, ready to listen.  Until then....

Chamomile

Tiewolf,  I'm not sure you'll be back looking at this thread, but I wanted to congratulate you on listening to your gut.  Too many people don't follow that.  If I'm understanding your last post correctly, you have a lot to think about.  By posting here, you have done a very valuable thing:  you've let many realize that a young age should not be dismissed.  I have a 20-year-old daughter who is BRCA1+.  It's important to pay attention to your body, as we all know.  Without knowing your status, I can only assume, and I'm wishing you all the best.  Just remember, this site has so much support for you!