Help ease my mind...
ve never been this person, so I can't help but feeling a little foolish by posting, but I need others' opinions. My mind is spinning and Dr. Google doesn't know anything. So. Here it goes.
First, I'm 25 years old (but please don't use this as a reason to silence my fears). I know that breast cancer at my age would be much less likely than a number of other things. I have never been one to race to the idea of cancer or to jump to conclusions about any new changes, but this time feels different.
About 4 weeks ago, I found myself scratching my breasts like CRAZY. The itchiest thing I have ever experienced. It was primarily my left one that itched, but my cleavage and the left outer edge of my right one itched too. (I can't believe I'm posting this! lol) My breasts were both noticeably dry and textured. Fast forward about 3 days and about 1/4 of my left breast is pale red/pink. I have had contact dermatitis before, so I used my prescription ointment and hydroxizine (to keep me from scratching) and the redness almost went away, but my skin was very much still itchy and the discoloration and texture were still noticeable. A week goes by and I wake up and the top half of my left breast was hard, with a very noticeable quarter size mass in the center of the hardness. It doesn't move and I can actually pick up that area of my breast and see it. It isn't smooth and it isn't a circle... It's got long edges that go up toward my armpit and then one edge that goes behind my nipple. Fast forward a week. I made an appointment with my PCP and her face terrified me. She didn't prescribe antibiotics or give me any kind of explanation. She sent over an "urgent referral" for a mammogram and ultrasound. That is scheduled for August 6th. So, while I'm waiting for my scans, my "rash" comes back, full force. 3/4 of my left breast is hot and bright red. But so is the outer edge of my right one (very strange, but seems positive right??) I've got submuscular silicone implants and my breast tissue is appearing to be separating from my implant on my left side. I've got a clear indentation where my breast tissue stops. I've had my implants for nearly two years, and I've never had any issues. My right breast is perfectly normal looking. My left breast has been swelling and now my nipples are not aligning. I haven't had any discharge from my nipple, but I keep getting the "pins and needles" feeling in my nipple, which feels similar to the "let down" feeling when breastfeeding. My left axillary lymph nodes are mildly enlarged, but only on palpation. They are not visibly enlarged. I've also got some swelling behind my collarbone on my left side, with one palpable lymph node.
So my question... Who has experienced ANYTHING like this? Am I crazy for thinking the absolute worst? What else can it be? I can't think about anything else and my scans seem so far away. Please, share your experiences with any of this and help me silence my fears or help me better prepare myself for what I am already assuming. Thank you!
Comments
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Hi Mommap, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,
We know it's nearly impossible to jump to the worse conclusion, but try to remain positive -- there are many benign conditions that may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing; infection, skin irritation, etc. You're right, at your age, breast cancer is very unlikely. But you're doing the right thing by seeing your doctor and getting some testing done. We know the waiting is hard, but try to keep yourself busy and distracted while you wait for your appointment.
Come back and let us know what you find out. We're thinking of you!
--The Mods
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