breast infection has not cleared.......

[Dahrma]

Hi!  I wrote once before but still have questions.  I have been placed on a number of antiotic treatments and my breasts are not getting any better.  Only worse.  I can feel under the nipple of both breasts a hard lump (don't know if it belongs there or not)  Last time my doc. (gyno/obs) checked he did not feel any lumps.  I realized when I press on these I get fluid coming out.  The left breast has a dark green fluid (staff) and the right has the same along with what seems to be a yellow thick discharge(looks like puss in a wound).  two different substances from one breast.  On the right breast I now have some bruising and bruise like lines (small)  When I check breast's after shower they are somewhat stimulated by the cold.  This is when I can see white spots under the breast. They are very small and in lines approx. 2cm. all over the breasts. When I swipe my hand across this some are indented and others are raised. It seems like hundreds of them. I go tomorrow for my mamo/ultasound, but, I would like your opinion on this. Does this sound like an infection that just won't clear, or, are there any cases of something simialar to this that indicate cancer???I would appreciate any information that you can give me.  I want to be prepared and at this point I "believe" it is just an infection.  Please let me know if there are any cancers that follow these symtoms fo I am better prepared for my 'news'...Thanks in advance. This site is just a wonderful thing...God bless you for having it....

Dahrma

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Dahrma:  Many women have some type of nipple discharge or fluid when their breasts are squeezed, and its normal. Squeezing the nipple sends message to the brain and the pituitary gland responds by increasing prolactin levels, which in turn produces discharge from the nipple. The discharge can come in a variety of colors - gray, green and brown as well as white. Some women are more prone to more discharge including women on; birth control pills, certain blood pressure medications or on major tranquilizers. These medications increase prolactin levels in the body. There is also certain life periods when a person is more likely to get discharge than others: there may be more discharge at puberty and at menopause than the years in-between. The time to worry about nipple discharge is when it’s spontaneous (comes out by itself without squeezing), keeps on happening,is only on one side, and/or if it is clear and sticky, like an egg white, or bloody. Without examination, it is impossible for us to speculate on what this might be.  If you are not comfortable with the information you receive from your doctor, you may want to seek a second opinion from a breast specialist.

[Dahrma]

Looks as though we cannot leave anymore comments on my other post. I wanted to share something with you. (this is in answer to your question about anti-depressents.) About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.  This is a muscle disease.  I went a long time before I was properly diagnosed. To the point of total paralysation at some points. I went to many doc's and was told I was crazy..(long story short) By the time I was diagnosed I could barely swallow or breathe. I was consederd critical, althouh, still able to just start meds and I had to live with my parents for three months along with my two boy's.(was afraid of losing them)  I was put on Prednisone.  It bagan to work and I started feeling better(also on some other med made for myasthenic patients) Anyway, the prednisone (side effects) were horrible.  I became EXTREMELY angry and didn't know why. My doc put me on something that would counteract the effects of the prednisone. Now I became extrmely depressed. (something to do with the neorons being coated) I then went on anti-deppressents. This helped immensely. I wanted to share this with you because I think at this time in your life you should do ANYTHING that could help you out some.  Just remember it's just for NOW.  Not forever.  And, it is nothing to be ashamed of to get a little help in your time of need.  These med's saved my life.  I am now off most of those med's, by choice, I chose to stay on the ant-depressant.  I know you don't lay in bed every day.  But I'm sure you want to just as anyone would want to with what your going through.  These help to motivate.  you actually WANT to get up and go.  You WANT to fight for everytning. This is just my opinion.  I saw other opinions that said not to bother with these pills.  I think they are a god send. It might help to counteract the pills that your on right now.  If I were you I would ask my doc.  Some things are litterally chamical reactions from other med's and others are because of what we are going through.  obviously at this point you know how much I care for you otherwise I would not be sharing this!!!!  We all do!!  Please get informed.  Find out the CHEMICAL reactions to the med's your on. It might not be your life but an imbalance from the med's (of course, I'm sure also with what your going through)God bless. Hope to hear from you soon.

Dahrma

[Bunny711]

Hey:

Good luck tomorrow!!!! Found your note on previous thread, we sure do fill these up.....but its wonderful..........

Please keep us posted.....and you are in my prayers!!!!!  ;o)

[Bunny711]

You are an ANGEL, I think it is extremely normal considering the circumstances of what you are going throuhg, you are a STRONG beautiful woman.........see a doctor if you'd like, even if its for a little while...............oh you are in my prayers..........everone is!!!!

[Bunny711]

You are an ANGEL, I think it is extremely normal considering the circumstances of what you are going throuhg, you are a STRONG beautiful woman.........see a doctor if you'd like, even if its for a little while...............oh you are in my prayers..........everone is!!!!

[cirella]

Dharma, I'm sorry that your situation seems to be getting worse. Please let us know how your Dr. visit goes tomorrow. You must be scared.

You posted to me before under 'breast burning'. I tried the hot pack and it didn't produce any symptoms like yours. My breast feels heavy in that one area, if that makes sense.  It is still tender and I cannot be sure if I feel any lump or not. I am aware of it almost all the time. Still, I have to wait until I start my P. whenever that may be after my ovary removal surgery.  Ugh!  I hate to wait.

Good luck at the doctor tomorrow.  Will be thinking about you.
Lori

[laure113]

Like menopause isn't bad enough! I recently decided to wean myself off of hormones but soon found myself back to awful mood swings and started getting "warm", again. I went back on them and I am afraid. I really feel for you. Maybe the symptoms will lessen with time? You have had more than your share of this. I hope and pray you feel better soon. You're my hero! Thank you for posting. As you can see, we were all concerned for you.

[cyn17]

I have to agree with Darhma regarding the anti-depressants. Would you rather be on an emotional roller coaster or take a pill that will help you through the dark times? This is NOT a measure of strength/weakness!! It's like if you have a bad headache...do you suffer through it or take a pill to make it go away? Pleeeze consider taking something. The right medication will not make you feel like a zombie. You may need to try one or two to find the best one for you.

[laure113]

Hope you don't mind my chiming in, again. I agree with cyn17, too. Several years, I suffered from severe depression. I tried prozac but that didn't work for me. I know it helped many people. I finally was on Zoloft and it really helped me. I'm not an advocate for meds but, at the time, it did help. Have you ever heard of SAM-E? It's natural. Don't suffer like this. Also, it usually takes a bit for your body to acclimate so don't expect instant results. Hang in there, friend.

[Dahrma]

Thank you for writing. When mine first started it was sore and I felt something hard on the left breast.  Seemed pretty long.  I think I might have popped it and made the infection come out. You should see about at least getting an ultra sound.  Why are they making you wait??  Thanks for your concern and your thoughts.  Don't know if I'll have any answeres tomorrow.  But, at least It won't be too long.  My fear has dissapated over getting the mamo...Thank god...lol....It should be smooth sailing now. Good luck!!  Please keep us all informed.  

God bless
Dahrma

[Montana girl 06]

boninclyde - I went back and read the closed breast infection thread and realized I missed out on a lot of conversation. I don't follow all the threads due to time constraints. I found it very helpful to read your whole story in one place. Right now you have so many medical things going on I can see why this stress is getting to you. I've seen anti-depressents really help people. You have to decide which is worse, the moods, or taking medicine. I just hope you get some relief, one way or another, because you shouldn't have to be miserable. I also laughed at the cowgirl part, altho I'm not one at all. So, what did I say to give the cowgirl image?

ziggy - I really don't know much about tamoxifen at all, it's never even been mentioned to me before. To tell the truth, I think I would opt for a major surgery before taking it after hearing about the side effects.

[Montana girl 06]

There's an email from Snoopy near the bottom of the forum. She said her doctor mentioned a new type of antihormone med that might be better. Have you heard about any alternates?

[laure113]

Glad you had your mammo and it wasn't bad. Hope you get your results soon. Are you feeling any better?

[Dahrma]

Laure....Thanks for you thoughts and concern...I still have not heard a word...keeping my fingers crossed.   The only thing that I'm concerned about now is that the radioligist was not in at the time that I had my Mamo.  I'm hoping she/he made it in and sent info to my doc.  Right now I feel on top of the world.  I'm hoping that doesn't get crushed.  After the regular pics the technician came in to do two extra pic's with a different (holder)  On the right she concentrated on just under the nipple and on the left she wanted the regular staight pic along with armpit. If there is anything wrong my doc should call within two hours....so, we'll see.  I feel good either way and feel that it is probably nothing....maybe just an infection that wont clear.  I'll let you know asap...how is everything going with you????

Concerned in NY
Dahrma

[Dahrma]

Hi boni...hope all is well.  we all want to make sure that your ok...Please repond back so that we know you are hanging in there......

Thanks
Dahrma

[laure113]

So you will hear something today? I remembered that you were from LI, NY, so you are 3 hours ahead of me. I'm from Queens, but live in California now. I'm waiting for next Wednesday to get this over with. Then, waiting for results.
I hope you get your results soon and your ordeal will be over with. I'm anxious to hear. You are in my prayers.

[laure113]

Just wanted to say and I am thinking about you. Hope you're feeling better. I'm praying for you and your family.

[Montana girl 06]

Here's more info from Snoopy55. I copied her post below.

"Raloxifene Equals Tamoxifen in Preventing Breast Cancer
This is the medicine I (Snoopy) was talking about. There is an article about it, if you want me to copy, paste and send I will. Let me know."

You've been looking out for everybody else, so just wanted to let you know about this if tamoxifen gives you too much trouble. Please let us know how you're doing.

[Montana girl 06]

I did a search and found out Twocapes was the one who had 7 benign biopsies and they found cancer on the 8th. Thanks for your help in looking. Haven't heard from Twocapes in ages.

[cirella]

Hi Dahrma, I think the Dr. has me waiting b/c he wants to see if it's a hormonal thing. After the ovary removal it takes a little bit for the remaining ovary to take over. Today is the day I should be starting and I'm pretty regular, give or take a couple of days. Who knows, though, after surgery.  If I do start this week and the pain doesn't go away, I'll call the Dr.

Hope to hear from you today about your appointment.
Lori

[Dahrma]

Hi!  Just wanted to let you know I had the Mamo.  Wow!  It was like nothing.  I wasn't even uncomfortable.  So glad it's over.  I guess after hearing how painful It was prepared for a lot worse.  Stil don't know any results. Hoping that's  a good sign. Will let you know as soon as I do...

Hope everyone else is well..

God Bless
Dahrma

[Montana girl 06]

laure113 - I see your 2nd biopsy is coming up soon. I hope you breeze through it like you did with your first one.

darhma - We're praying for good results. Hope you get them soon.

boninclyde and ziggy - I have a picture of you two in my mind, also. Hmmm, it's probably not accurate at all. I actually am very allergic to horses, sell Mary Kay cosmetics, and dislike most country western music. LOL

[boninclyde]

Hay girls. Wow twocapes hugh. Hopes she post back to you. The eighth. Isn't that something. I think she posts on the other forum also. I will check on the med. I don't know how to copy cut and paste but that would be great Montana girl.
I have read everyones post. I can't talk long but will post again later. Darhma I'm waiting to here your good news. Gosh there are so many of us hard to keep up with.
I am feeling much better. I posted below but will give you a quick update. I hit the couch for a couple of days for some much needed rest. Today is good. Husband did some Christmas shopping for the kids. So now I feel much better. I felt like things were closing in around me. My meds, sick kid, holidays, Dr.s appts, bills. So other than some dizziness from the meds I feel good. I probaly started the meds during the wrong time of the month if you know what I mean. I started taking four quarters of the med throughout the day with lots of water. My doctor said no, no, no. We need you to get the full jolt all at one time and to take it at night. Well I think I will ease into it for another week then take their advice. Taking it four times a day should count for something. More later got to make appts.

[ziggy123]

Boninclyde-I am glad to read that things are a bit better for you. This is a crazy time of year in the best of circumstances, let alone having to go through the holidays with all you have experienced over the past several months. I admire your strenght and determination and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Montana girl-I have to agree with the cowgirl reference....I also pictured you "riding the range" on your way to your classroom! I wanted you to know how much I admire your positive and suppoortive responses to the many women who post to this site. You have know idea how helpful it has been to me. Thank you!

[laure113]

I'm glad you're feeling better. You're very inspritional. I woke in a panic about next Wed. I know I have no right to complain. I'm probably okay but I can't catch my breath. Thanks for posting. Trying to keep it in perspective. God bless you.

[vermontgirlII]

Well, I had my biopsies yesterday.  Pretty uncomfortable, but the tech was very nice, she kept asking me how I was doing.  I got the feeling from the radiologist that he has already decided the main cluster is malignant, but I am praying he is just being 'a doc'.  He started talking about mastectomy before I even had the procedure....  I am supposed to get a call from  him Tuesday, so I'm crossing my fingers.

[vermontgirlII]

Boninclyde, I'm glad your feeling better.  Whoever said these holidays are difficult in the best of circumstances is right!

[boninclyde]

laura113 - I am a long time sufferer of anxiety/panic attacks. I would wake in the middle of the night(if I went to sleep at all) crying, couldn't breath (a panic attack) and spent a lot of time (day and night) by the toilet during those long nights. Tell your doctor your fears. I take xanax. Maybe he would prescribe you a few to get you throught this.

OK Montana girl I was totally wrong about you. Just could see you riding the range and hanging out with those cute cowboys. Listening to country music of course. A camper by fire under the stars with someone playing the guintar, playing cards, ect. Yeap.
Boy was I wrong. So what do I seem like to you? Truths LOL!

vermont girl - My radiologist did the same thing. He knew what was next for me before I even saw the doctor. I think he was trying to prepare me for what was next. God I hope he is wrong. And I hope this turns out well for you. Lots of girls have been told the wrong info here and things were fine. I told them what time to call me so my husband would be home. I did not want to be alone, good or bad.

It would be nice if I could pack up my family and just get away from these holidays. I feel pretty good today. I still cry several times a day. But I believe this is normal. Like I said I believe I am greiving and coming to terms with what has happened to my body. Sometimes I feel like 1/2 a women. No I'm not going to start crying again today. So on to something else. Later girls.

[laure113]

Thanks for responding. I am taking xanax and it's not cutting it. I never had true panic attacks until now. Waiting for a call from my unsympathetic doctor. She said I shouldn't worry about every little thing. Let's see what she says this time.
Glad you sound better and wish you could get away for a while.
You are a true ray of sunshine.

[Montana girl 06]

OK. You asked for my interpretation of your name. I hope you're sitting down. Your name has always been easy for me to remember because I just think of Bonnie and Clyde as in the movie. Maybe you are too young for that association, but they were bank robbers! LOL! No, I really don't think of you as a bank robber, it's just your name sounds so much like the movie... Now, you have to tell me what boninclyde really stands for so I can get this movie out of my head!

On a more serious note...Snoopy posted near the bottom again with info on that new drug that is similar to tamoxifen. Hope you find the info. Also, I agree that some crying is normal, and grief is a good way to describe it. Just so you're not miserable day after day, because that is not normal. You sound much better these days.

Ziggy - as for your name. It sounds so much like Twiggy (would that be from the 70's?) who was a super slim model, that I see you as tall and slender.

Well, I hope my associations don't get me in too much trouble with you ladies! But it is nice to have a few lighter moments from time to time. I promise, now I'll get back to the business at hand.

[Montana girl 06]

Vermont girl - I think many radiologists have no bedside manners! I've found they scare the bejeebees out of me and I need a surgeon to put things in perspective and settle me down. (Radiologist tell me how "worriesome" my clusters are, yet they always turn out benign.) I hope you get your results soon and that they turn out better than you suspect. On a side note, I went to a PA for back pain from an exercise related injury a year ago and she told me all about various surgeries...and all I needed was a painkiller to get me through the week! Talk about overkill. Needless to say, I never went back to her. I don't mean to lessen the severity of your biopsy. I understand how worried you are. I just mean to give you hope.

laure113 - Your biopsy is next week, right? Can you remind us of the exact date so we can pray for your proceedure?

[laure113]

My biopsy is Wendesday, the 6th. I have come down with a cold and hope nothing stands in the way of getting this done. Thank you for your prayers so much.

[ziggy123]

I do not know how I missed your post on 12/1! I try to go through everything carefully so I can keep up with everyone's progress but find that I get mixed up all the time!
As for your analysis of my appearance, it is actually pretty accurate-I am very tall, but after five children, the thinness has gone a bit by the wayside!
I agree with your take on Boninclyde-everytime I see her name, I picture Faye Dunaway! Now if your husband looks like Warren Beatty (who played Clyde Barrow in the movie), you ARE very lucky!
PLease update me as to your stage in this process. Are you waiting for a six-month follow-up? The last I remember, you had decided against the biopsy on the recommedation of a couple of radiologists, correct?
Boninclyde, how are you doing with your medication?

[laure113]

I was wondering what happened to Dahrma. I hope not hearing from her is a good sign.

[Montana girl 06]

Hope that cold is getting better. You're a strong woman and you're going to do fine this week. Your waiting is almost over.

[Montana girl 06]

Yes, I'm trying to wait for a 6 month follow-up. I have a cyst that's grown quite large and annoying, however, and it hurts mostly when I jog. (It's about 4x5 cm.) I've never had a cyst aspirated but am thinking of making an appointment after the first of the year to check on that. I don't even know who to make an appointment with, but since I don't have a gyno, I assume I'd see my surgeon. That would give me a chance to ask more questions. I change my mind every day, so don't really know what I'll do.

[laure113]

Thanks. I just need to get through work today. Not concentrating at all. I don't even want to. I am strong. So many before me have gone through this and so very much more. Again, thanks.

[Montana girl 06]

How are you feeling these days? Hopefully good. Your status at this site has changed to that of movie star in some of our minds. Still wonder about the true story behind your name...

[boninclyde]

How are you both doing? Hope you check in soon.

I have been feeling pretty good the last few days. Most of the nausea, dizziness and crying have gone. I guess I just had to get through the first fews weeks to let the side effects taper off.

Montana girl my oncologist still has not got back to me about that other med. Must have been a message confusion. Yesterday the office called to say they will see me in 3 months. Not what I called about. I will call later today again. My PCP did call me to tell me antidepressants would interfere with my tamoxifen so he recommended against them. Said it was the hormones the anti's messed up. I certainly don't need anymore of that.But like I said above I'm feeling much better. They crazy dr.s office canceled my mamo until January. Sorta upsets me I was trying to get all my appts in this year since I have met all my out of pocket expenses. Kinda nice going to dr without having to pay my co's. Did twocapes ever answer you back? I will get back to you about the boninclyde story when theres more time. To much to cover right now. I did get a chuckle out of your post though. Nice to laugh. Thanks!

[laure113]

Had my biopsy today. Wasn't bad. Now it's the waiting game. I'm feeling pretty grateful right now.

[vermontgirlII]

The biopsy result was benign,  HOORAY!!!   I do have LCIS, which is NOT cancer, thank god, but puts me in a high risk category.  They want me to see a surgeon, but I don't know why??  Has anyone had this dx?