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Lemonslemons16

hi,

I’ve posted about my symptoms before... intermittent pain of varying intensity in one breast, not obviously cyclical, a “full” feeling in that breast and subtle but apparent nipple changes with occasional pain in the nipple. Pain (aside from nipple pain) is in the upper right quadrant. I had a mammogram and us of the areas I have pain, birad-1. Breast specialist recommended a daily regimen of ibuprofen and prep-h for my nipple pain. Clinical breast exam normal to breast specialist.

At first I was feeling reassured. Then I had some other health things going on that distracted me. Now I’m back to feeling my breast discomfort and worrying that the symptoms are changing and increasing. For starters, my right breast (the one I’ve had concerns about) is visibly bigger than the left. Honestly, I never noticed this before recently. I know this isn’t uncommon but it never stood out to me before like it does now. I’ve lost weight and that breast seems to have either stayed the same or actually grown. I say that because while my left breast has definitely gotten smaller, I still find my pre weight loss bra size to be unchanged. I don’t remember the right breast feeling uncomfortable in my bra until somewhat recently.

It still feels sometimes like something is pulling inside. My right nipple is almost always erect even when my left isn’t (like in the shower with hot water running over me.) I don’t feel any obvious lumps but I feel like I feel a more prominent raised area on that side closer to the chest. The nipple itself is bigger than the left and the bumps are still there (have been for at least 3 years) but no obvious rash or discharge. Some small flakes here and there. I have some indentations on that breast but they are long, flesh colored... I worried it was dumpling (best seen when I raise my arms over my head) but also thought they were stretch marks. I read somewhere stretch marks are red though... could they be same color as breast? Don’t have them as prominent on left.

Overall, my pain and discomfort is minimal, it’s more of a strange feeling of fullness and tightness in that area. Definitely in the breast area.

I see the breast specialist at the end of June. She didn’t request that, I did because I wasn’t completely satisfied that waiting 6 months or more was going to reassure me. I’m 35 and the radiologist recommended next mammo at 40. I know that this is likely not the right forum for normal breast issues but I’m torn between being super concerned something was missed and wondering if this is just normal and people just don’t talk about their breasts feeling odd at times.

I doubt my insurance would cover an MRI nor would anyone order one based on my weird feelings of fullness. I’ve read some stories on here for the mammo and us missing cancer and that persistence by the person experiencing the symptoms is what helped it be discovered. But I’ve never really gathered what people have done after a normal mammo and us. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms? Still experiencing? They didn’t find any cysts or anything... density was noted to be scattered fibroglandular density.

Hunts08

if you can afford it, some states are now offering accelerated breast MRIs. You have to pay out of pocket for it, and it’s between $400-500. It might be worth it for peace of mind. I know it’s offered in GA, NC, and WA. I’m sure there are some other places as well.

Lemonslemons16

thanks. I’ll look into this. As it’s nearly June, I have an appointment in about a month with the breast specialist and will discuss my ongoing comcerns