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JRCLDC_Mommy
JRCLDC_Mommy Member Posts: 6
edited January 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I have been having pain in both breasts for months now. The pain is much more pronounced in my left breast. I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago, who did a breast exam which felt normal but did give me orders for a mammogram and ultrasound because at one point I did have discharge--one time only, none since then Since then I have been terrified, I have pain in my left rib. I can't tell what's anxiety and what's not.

My imaging isn't done until the 7th. I spoke with my doctor who said she would like to get me imaging sooner but no place had any availability. Looking for some commiseration. Happy new year

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited January 2020

    One of the most common reasons women go to the doctor is breast pain and often there is no explanation for it, other than hormones, or something benign like a cyst. Breast discharge, depending on color is often benign and not concerning. Try not to worry too much until you know there is something to worry about. No reason to be terrified at this point.

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  • Yogatyme
    Yogatyme Member Posts: 2,349
    edited January 2020

    Melissa is right. Breast pain is often nothing pathological as is discharge from nipple. I had discharge from from my nipple from my mid 20’s through menopause. My bc was dxed about 10 yrs after menopause and nipple discharge had not been present since menopause so not related to bc at all. Hang on and try to focus on this being nothing too worrisome.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2020

    We understand the anxiety, and Melissa is correct. One step at a time. Perhaps you can have your doctor's office check for cancelations if they are concerned. Otherwise, the 7th is next week. Please keep us posted, and know we are here for you.


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  • JRCLDC_Mommy
    JRCLDC_Mommy Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2020

    I will check tomorrow. I'm in a lot of pain and considering a trip to the ER if I can't get to sleep tonight.

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  • margo53
    margo53 Member Posts: 165
    edited January 2020

    JRCLDC Mommy......waiting is the hardest part! I would call every day to check on a cancellation. Hope it all goes well for you!

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited January 2020

    The ER isn’t set up to deal with breast issues that aren’t an emergency like an abscess or other infection. They will just tell you to keep your breast center appointment. If you are not running a fever this is not an emergency

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  • JRCLDC_Mommy
    JRCLDC_Mommy Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2020

    My doctor had suggested the ER. I'm also terrified because, at the risk of sound superstitious, I lost both parents to cancer (not breast). In an odd twist of events, their diagnoses coincided with the birth of my children (my dad diagnosed the day after my daughter was born; my mother a week before my son was born). Each passed within 6 months. Now my sister in law is pregnant and I'm wondering if this is a curse and now it's my turn. I appreciate the advice everyone.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2020

    JRC - I agree with Melissa about ER, but if your doc recommended it then by all means, do it. Hopefully your doc will call in and let them know you're on the way. Let us know.

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  • JRCLDC_Mommy
    JRCLDC_Mommy Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2020

    Thank you. I have not gone to the ER, though I'm still in pain. I tried to reschedule earlier for my mammogram/US earlier. I just wanted to thank you all for responding/keeping me in your thoughts. I appreciate it and don't take it for granted.

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  • JRCLDC_Mommy
    JRCLDC_Mommy Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2020

    My mammogram and US came back clean, the radiologist was confident whatever is causing my pain doesn't originate in the breast. I'm obviously relieved but also didn't want--not sure what to say, I didn't want use other people's pain and suffering to make me feel better. For what it's worth I was genuinely concerned. How should a person like me pay it forward?

    I live in Jersey City, NJ and if you need anything PM and I will do my best to make it happen. Thank you all.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2020

    Congrats on your good news. Though it may not be breast related, I hope you find an answer for your pain. One answer for me 30 years before BC was to give up coffee. Wow, what a difference. No more swollen & painful fibercystic breasts.

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  • Yogatyme
    Yogatyme Member Posts: 2,349
    edited January 2020

    congrats on your great news!! You have already paid it forward with your posts. No doubt there will be women with similar sx as yours who will find some comfort in knowing that it is not necessarily bc.

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  • JRCLDC_Mommy
    JRCLDC_Mommy Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2020

    Wanted to follow up on this. My pain amplified over the weekend, and, along with some other concerning symptoms, I did go the ER and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. The likely culprit: my estrogen-containing birth control.

    I felt the pain in breast and ribs. I thought it was musculoskeletal once I got clear US/mammogram, but the pain was pretty bad.Wanted to share this in case it helps other women.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited January 2020

    Wow, so it was chest pain, not breast pain. Thank goodness you went to the ER and you are okay. Are you now on anti-clotting meds?

    Thank you for coming back here and providing the update and the information. It's a good warning that "breast pain" can be something completely different and we need to keep open minds and consider all the possibilities.

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