Painful right breast - so scared

Kate1122

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and posting because I've had some ongoing problems that are making me so scared.

September 2019 seemingly out of nowhere my breast became very painful (shooting/stabbing pains mostly) and I had a pus-like discharge. Also had chills and fever. Was diagnosed with mastitis and given antibiotics at urgent care. Saw my PCP shortly after who referred me for ultrasound which was clear.

All seemed to be getting better and then November 2019 the pain, fever, and chills returned (no discharge this time) and I was diagnosed again with mastitis and given antibiotics.

This time my PCP referred me to breast specialist. I had a mammogram which was clear and then my pains seemed to go away.

I was pretty much pain-free outside of a couple twinges here and there for 6 months and then the pain came back around a week ago. Was given antibiotics for mastitis yet again and saw the breast surgeon as soon as I could. I have another mammogram and ultrasound in 2 weeks but I'm SO scared and crying constantly thinking I have breast cancer. I'm 25 y/o female with no other health problems. Have been taking the pill for ~9 years but never had any side effects from it.

Has anyone else had symptoms like this before? Or have any thoughts after reading my story. It's so hard to talk to family and friends about this because it's hard to convey what's going on and how scared I am. Could cancer pain come and go this far apart?

MelissaDallas

Cancer wouldn’t get better with antibiotics. Breast infections can be notoriously hard to clear up. I think I would ask fo a referral to an infectious disease doc

Kate1122

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply MelissaDallas! I’ll definitely see what the surgeon thinks about that when I go back. Trying so hard not to let my mind wander and come up with the worst scenarios..

TurboKitten88

I agree that the meds should not make breast cancer symptoms better 💗 but that being said it’s ok to get peace of mind and have this scan done! Young cancer happens. I was 28. Also my lump was painful. So you have a right to feel the way you do. And I’m glad they are taking your concerns Seriously and getting a scan for you. 💗✨

Kate1122

Thank you for your kind reply TurboKitten88. I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis and I hope that you’re doing well now ❤️ I’m trying to keep the anxiety away, at least until I get the scans and know more. Not knowing is the worst :

Beesie

MelissaDallas is 100% correct. If your symptoms were from breast cancer, they would not come and go and improve, even temporarily, with antibiotics. Cancer does not respond to antibiotics. And pus-like discharge is a sign of an infection, not a sign of breast cancer.

Everything you are describing is completely consistent with a very stubborn infection. The only reason you are concerned about breast cancer is because the infection happens to be in your breast. But nothing you describe is consistent with breast cancer.

Kate1122

Thank you Beesie, that really put my mind more at ease. I tend to get myself all worked up about this pain and let my mind run with all sorts of scenarios. I appreciate you taking the time to respond

Sunshine99

Kate, it's so hard not to worry! We all know and understand that. That being said, my breast lump and then later the lump in my armpit did not hurt. They were just there (and wouldn't go away).

I think you'll feel better once you see your doctor.

(((hugs)))

TurboKitten88

honestly not knowing is the worst! And it’s impoonot to worry! 😅 it’s like saying don’t breathe. Honestly it’s one of those things you don’t pay much attention to till there is a issue! Then it’s like oh.... what about this or this. Completely understand. I’m definitely the odd duck out as I stated before my cancer did hurt. Which is not the standard most of the time. And it’s just better to be safe than sorry. There are plenty of people who have had things caught when looking at something else. I’m sorry your appointment is far out. 💗but this community is great. And we are here for you.

Kate1122

Thanks Sunshine99! I think I’ll feel better once I have my appointment too - at least then I’ll have some answers.

And thanks again for the kind words, TurboKitten! It really is something that a year ago I never would have thought about and now I am so aware of any changes or pain (which in a way maybe good?). I’m thankful to have a doctor who listens and takes my worries seriously - I’ve read so many times about people who were pushed off by doctors just because they were young, which is what I was scared of.

TurboKitten88

exactly. We have to advocate for our health. Please keep us updated. And we are here to talk you through and talk to you while you wait

TurboKitten88

your mammogram is today I think so sending positive vibes

Kate1122

thanks so much for checking in! I had my mammogram and ultrasound today and they both came back clear. I don’t have an answer for the pain still, but at least that’s some good news. I go back to the breast surgeon next week for follow up.

TurboKitten88

that’s so great! I’m happy that Is at least ruled out!

Beesie

Kate, since the imaging is clear, would the explanation for the pain go back to your previous diagnoses of a very stubborn and recurrent case of mastitis? The fact that this all started with pus-like discharge certainly points to an infection.

Kate1122

I’m wondering the same, Beesie. If imaging is clear, then what’s the cause? I’m certainly going to bring these questions to the breast surgeon next week. Will let you know how I get on.