maybe inflammatory bc

[candy808]

hi, I am 28 yo fam HX of BC aunt died from it when she was 40ish, sister, 26yo when she was dx. had mastectomy and reconstruction. my concern is I have a high C.R.P. and sed rate and have been placed on imuran for inflammation in my body and I am wondering if this is could be the reason I have inflammation. I had enlarged lymph nodes and my breast have been streaking red for the last 4 months or so. I had alerted my doctors to this and they don't seem concerned. In addition to that I noticed that under my breast in the figure  8 position, there seems to be some sort of lump but a large one that seems elongated. I am worried that this is cancer, who can I get to take me seriously?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You need to find out about the imuran from your doctor, and if you do not get convincing answers i suggest you get a re-evaluation or second opinion if possible.

If not required, you should stop imuran - in consultation with your doctor.

Your CRP and ESR could have been high due to your breast symptoms.

You definitely need to find out from your doctor's what they are treating you for.
If your colitis and joint symptoms co-exist you could in fact be having either crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Which also explains your being given imuran. But you need to be aware of whaat's happening with your body.

Do let us know about how you are doing.
Good luck.

[candy808]

Hi, I’m not sure why I was prescribed the Imuran. I know that sounds crazy, but I had been having swelling in my hands, legs, knees and lots of joint pain. The Doctor thought that he would try to see if I had arthritis. My RA facts were negative and the only thing he said is that my CRP and ESR were high when he checked. No other reason or response was provided.  I noticed that my breast were streaking red and hot to touch and I was wondering if that was a reason for my CRP and ESR to become high. I have not had an ultrasound of the breast and lymph nodes yet. I am trying to get someone to listen to me. I also had what I was told viral colitis last year and that the virus also affected my heart ever since then I was plagued with the inflammation of my joints. I have yet to still get a definite diagnosis. I was just wondering if that could be the cause of those test results. Thanks for  helping me.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I am sorry to be saying tis, but your description about your illness seems a little unclear. It would be helpful if you could elaborate a little more.

Imuran or azathioprine is an immunosupressant used in cases of organ transplantation, auto immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis; inflammatory bowel disease such as crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Why have you been prescribed imuran?

Also, why were the CRP and ESR levels done? What kind of inflammation are you having?

Has an ultrasound of the breast done for the lymph nodes and lump that you describe?

It is very difficult to explain anything without a clinical examination. Do let us know the answers to the above questions if possible.

Also, consult your doctor and discuss all your clinical features with him/her. If you are not convinced you should go ahead and get a second opinion or re-evaluation done.

See a breast surgery specialist if that is possible , for a proper clinical examination. Tell the doctor about your family history, and ask about any investigations that need to be done.

Do keep us posted.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.