Pain and itching in breast.
I apologize if this is not the place to post this. I lost my mother to inflammatory breast cancer when she was 38 and my grandmother died of breast cancer as well at age 40. I have had genetic testing and it has come back as a mutation on the BRCA2 gene. I have been experiencing pain in my left breast since last November. I have taken three rounds of antibiotics with no success. Was sent for a breast ultrasound and was told I have dense tissue and was sent to a breast center where another ultrasound and a mammogram was performed and I was told that I do not have breast cancer. My fear is coming from the constant pain that has now moved into my armpit and collarbone along with itchiness. They seem to think that it is hormonal although I have told them that it has been nonstop since November it is not just pain around my cycle. She said that I did not show enough symptoms for them to do a biopsy.And that it is unlikely that I would have IBC without the orange peel skin or the inverted nipple. My mother did not have those signs either. Her inflammatory breast cancer presented itself in pain and itching as well. She was put on antibiotics after antibiotic and finally they agreed to do a biopsy were they gave her three months to live after discovering inflammatory breast cancer. But the breast specialist that I am seeing said that I am not textbook enough to do further testing at this time and to come back in six months if anything changes. I am scared because I can barely lift my arm at this point and I am not sure what to do.I have been taking ibuprofen and alternating cold and heat and I am in so much pain and it itches so badly I have nowhere else to go for a second opinion because I live in a small town and this is the only breast center in my area. I’m just trying to find out if anybody thinks this is normal or that if it was inflammatory breast cancer if I would have any other symptoms since November other than increasing breast pain. Any input is greatly appreciated.
Comments
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Hi Breastwishes87,
I'm sorry to hear about the deaths in your family from breast cancer. I would suggest that you travel to breast health center/see a breast surgeon at a major medical center in a large city for a second opinion. University/Teaching hospitals are good as they do research and would know of unusual symptoms, etc., Not sure where you live but definitely get a second opinion.
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I'm going to call first thing in the morning. I went to the largest comprehensive breast center in my area and they said I need to wait for an mri for 6 months or until I'm more symptomatic. Sounds like an awful idea. I thought it may be an insurance thing, but i called my insurance and they said I'm approved for breast MRI and should not have to wait for 6 months. I hope they will help me. As of this evening I can't even wear a bra or lift my arm because I'm in so much breastpain. Thank you so much for your response...having no family I'm just not sure where to go with this whole thing but I'm terrified
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Absolutely get a second or third opinion. Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. Look them in the eye and tell them something is wrong, and they need to figure out what it is.
Keep us posted
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thank you. I definitely will. Thank you!
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update: mri showed hormonal effects concentrating in that area. She said pain should subside soon. Also some damaged breast tissue. Unsure why. But she recommended switching to non underwire bras, taking vitamin e, alieve and antioxidants to keep my cells healthy and to aid in prevention!!!! Thank you guys so much.
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Great news!!!
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so glad I went in and had the MRI. I’m happy I stood my ground more than anything. Thanks for the encouragement.
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