Multiple breast center visits, still no answers.

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Missjami
Missjami Member Posts: 18
edited May 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

Back on February 28th, I was visiting my parents and noticed that my right breast had a large red area. Just red, nothing else.

I went to my primary care physician, he prescribed antibiotics for 10 days. The red mark did not go away. He then sent me to get an mammogram and an ultrasound. They found breast density and some thickening of the breast walls. Recently I noticed my pores getting larger and if I squeeze my skin together, it looks like an orange.

I was sent back to the breast center where I met with a doctor. She looked at my images and at my right breast. She prescribed lotrimin and I go back on April 11th.

I know I need to stay off of the internet because it's a scary place when you think you might be ill.

My question is... What do I say to this doctor at this next visit? What questions should I ask? Should I demand a biopsy or MRI?

I'm at the point in my life where my husband and I are thinking of starting a family. We've put this on hold until we know I'm not sick. Waiting is so difficult.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited April 2019

    How long have you been using the Lotrimin? The breast center doctor believes it is just a fungal skin infection if that is what was prescribed. Is it looking better?

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2019

    I've been using the lotrimin 3 times a day since March 26th. The area is not raised, itchy or hot to touch. Just red. The area may have gotten slightly darker, but hasn't changed in size.

    Thank you for replying.


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  • Marymc86
    Marymc86 Member Posts: 102
    edited April 2019

    Mine didn’t look like an orange peel, but I did have a red spot show up a couple of years ago before I got breast cancer (in my other breast). The spot scared me and I thought inflammatory breast cancer, but, no orange peel and didn’t feel hot. I wouldn’t have known it was there if I hadn’t glanced in the mirror while getting dressed one day.

    I went to my Primary Care Physician and he sent me to a Dermatologist. The Dermatologist took a skin biopsy. She thought it was something called Granuloma Annulare, an autoimmune skin condition. She prescribed Clobetasol ointment for a couple of weeks and that made it go away.

    Try a Dermatologist. She was able to reassure me that it wasn’t inflammatory breast cancer.

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2019

    Oh wow! I didn't even think of a dermatologist. I don't need a referral from my doctor either. The only problem I see is that it takes about 2 months to get an dermatology appointment around here.

    I do go back to the breast center on the 11th. Perhaps I can request a biopsy from them? That would make me feel a lot better.

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited April 2019

    Even if you don't need a referral, working with your primary care doctor may be able to get you into in to see a dermatologist sooner.

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  • alto
    alto Member Posts: 233
    edited April 2019

    Yes, and ask if they have earlier appointments for those with a skin issue that is suspicious for cancer.

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2019

    Missjami

    Some fungi can cause darkening of the skin.

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2019

    Thank you for all the responses. I will try to call a couple dermatologists tomorrow. I doubt I will get an appointment prior to my next appointment at the breast center on April 11th.

    Besides asking about the dermatologist, is there anything else I should ask or discuss with the doctor?

    I will keep everyone updated on how this goes for me. I noticed a lot of threads where people just disappear and we never find out the outcome. It's nice to have a group like this. Thank you again for talking me through this.

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2019

    My husband just found out tonight that his mom has breast cancer. I don't even know what to say to him. I don't think he'll be able to handle this. My heart breaks for him.


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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2019

    I had my appointment today at the breast center. The red patch on my breast did not go away with the lotrimin that was applied 3 times a day for a few weeks, so the doctor is ordering a MRI. The doctor informed me that my insurance company will probably deny to pay for it and recommend that I get a biopsy. She said she doesn't want me to get a biopsy and will argue that with the insurance company.

    She told me to go ahead and make the appointment for the MRI and she will fight to have the insurance pay. My MRI is scheduled for the 22nd, but I may have to reschedule it if we have to fight to get it paid.



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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2019

    My insurance still hasn't approved my MRI. It's still pending, so I had to reschedule my appointment..

    My bra is now leaving a indent that doesn't fully go away where the red area is.

    The waiting is horrible. I just want answers.

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2019

    Missjami

    Has it gotten worse since Feb 28th?

    If this were a manifestation of IBC it would have gotten worse daily/weekly since then.

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited April 2019

    The red patch is still the same. It hasn't gotten any bigger. My bra now leaves a mark on my breast from wearing it all day. I've tried a few different ones and where the fabric seam lays against it, there's always a mark when I take it off. 2 days ago I started experiencing a odd sensation in the breast. It's not exactly painful. I keep telling myself it's just my nerves. I called the breast center today and my order for a MRI is now in peer review with the insurance company. I'm still in limbo. :(

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited April 2019

    Have you tried to get in with a derm?

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited April 2019

    Missjami - so sorry you are dealing with this. I have no answers for you. I did have a problem similar but it was because my bra was too tight.

    Also sorry about your MIL. BC is such an insidious disease and epidemic at this point. Everyone I turn around someone else is getting DX with breast cancer. Not knowing the details about your MIL’s particular BC makes it impossible to offer any help but once you do know post here. We aren’t doctors but we do have plenty of experience.

    The only thing I do know is we are all here so the surgeries and treatments do work for the most part. Your husband is upset understandably so but he needs to be there for his mother if possible.

    Keep us posted on you too.

    Diane

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2019

    Thank you Edwards and everyone else. I really appreciate the kind words, advice and help. I have an appointment with derm in a few weeks. That was the earliest I could get in. I got word yesterday that my MRI was approved, so it's scheduled for Friday. After my appointment, my husband is taking me away for the weekend to try to take my mind off of it. I should hear something back about my MRI by next Thursday.

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2019

    Today I got the results of my MRI. I was told there was breast thickening, but we already knew that. I'm now scheduled for a breast biopsy on the 16th.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited May 2019

    Hoping it is benign. Keep us posted!

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2019

    Can someone please tell me what to expect tomorrow for this biopsy. I have no idea what they are going to do because I don't have a lump. Do they take a piece of my skin? Will it be painful? Do I need to have someone drive me home from the appointment. I know I should have asked when I scheduled it, but I was not thinking straight.


    Thanks

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited May 2019

    Missjami I’ve never had a lump. They will take a sample (or several) from the area identified on the mammogram, possibly guided by an ultrasound. It’s a pretty quick procedure. I’ve always driven myself. Only a local anesthetic used.

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2019

    Thanks Igerp.

    I'm getting ready for my biopsy now.

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2019

    Tomorrow I get my results. Tonight I thought about the sunset. I thought this might be the last sunset you see before you know you are sick. I thought that tonight might be the last time I kiss my husband before I know I'm sick. There may be a lot of last times tonight and I'm sad and scared. I'm hoping this is nothing, but I can't help being scared right now. We will see.

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  • Toyamjj
    Toyamjj Member Posts: 151
    edited May 2019

    Hoping for a good update!

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2019

    I got my results and the excellent news is that it's not cancer. Although it's a little odd. I was told it was a keloid. I went home and looked up keloid and my breast looks nothing like that. The doctor said I should see a dermatologist. I have an appointment with Derm in less than 2 weeks.

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2019

    image

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  • Missjami
    Missjami Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2019

    image

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited May 2019

    Glad to hear you don't have cancer.

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  • Lemonslemons16
    Lemonslemons16 Member Posts: 25
    edited May 2019

    I hope the derm has answers for you. I have a fungal infection that does crop up on my breasts from time to time resulting in red patches. Lotrimin has never done much... only oral ketaconazole but I’ve had negative side effects with that so since I know it’s benign, I just live with it.

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