Help!

[damitajfreeman03]

Hi!
I am 31 years old. Recently diagnosed with anemia and hormone issues.
My freshman year of college I had limpomias removed from my legs. I have another in my back. Doesn't bother me so I leave it be.
3 months ago I discovered a lump in my breast. It didn't bother me and assumed that's what it was. I've always had heavy period and this past cycle was horrible. Burning aching in both breasts and arms. Should I be worried?

[damitajfreeman03]

Thank you so much for supporting me through this. It's been so scary!

[damitajfreeman03]

I will. I found out I was anemic around the time the lump appeared and this has been enough scare for me to drastically change my diet.
Thank you so much for walking with me through this!

[zouzi]

Well,bacteria can enter through a scratch in the skin or a tear in the nipple,causing the infection. Abscesses can affect all women whether they are breastfeeding or not.
It is possible that the infection is also caused by smoking,being overweight or some other illness which could affect the immune system, such as diabetes.
Just make sure you take all the antibiotics your doctor prescribed and lets hope it will clear the infection.

[damitajfreeman03]

What usually causes this?
I've never had a  child?

[zouzi]

Hi again,
Hoping that the antibiotics will completely clear up the infection,but if  you think your medicine is not helping after a week or two,call your doctor who may decide draining  the abscess and taking a culture in order to determine what type of organism is causing the infection.Once this is done,then a proper antibiotic treatment can be focused on the offending organism.
All the best to you...

[damitajfreeman03]

Started antibiotics yesterday. Radiologist said it looked like a small abcess in my left breast that caused the lump

[damitajfreeman03]

Thank you! Left a message with my doctor and am still waiting to hear back. I'll be so happy to have all this behind me

[japdip]

Things often move slowly when the week-end is involved. Come Monday I hope you have heard something but if not I'd call your Dr.s office so things don't get put aside. Waiting is always the worst.  Take care ..

[damitajfreeman03]

I had an ultrasound yesterday. The radiologist said to him it looked as if I had an infection. Was going to recommend to my dr to call me some antibiotics and go from there. So now just waiting to hear from my dr. As of yesterday they still hadn't heard from radiologist..

[zouzi]

I am glad you agree with Japdip's advice, because I absolutely concur with everything she said.
Please let us know what your Doctor recommends,regarding your situation.
Best wishes..

[damitajfreeman03]

You are right on all counts. I didn't go to the er but have an appt this morning to get to the bottom of it. Thank you so much for all your encouragement

[japdip]

I don't think you will gain much by going to the E.R. This isn't an emergency situation and I would guess in addition to a lot of unnecessary expense you will be told to see your Dr. this next week. You can always rely on some over the counter pain relief medication that one would ordinarily take for a headache or any minor muscle ache or pain. You did state that you have had the lump in your breast for 3 months and you should always make an appointment with either your GYN or Family Physician as soon as you discover something abnormal concerning the breast. Waiting and worrying solves nothing.  Regards.....

[damitajfreeman03]

Thank you so much for a little peace of mind.  I'm considering going by an er today to try and get some answers and relief.

[zouzi]

Hi again,
Please no need to freak out ,because pain in both your breasts does not indicated something serious.
Hormonal imbalance could very well be the reason why you suffer from sore breasts even after your period is over.      
The use of birth control pills, obesity, malnutrition or disorders associated with the endocrine glands and stress may also alter the balance of hormone levels.
Try some relaxation techniques and wearing the right-sized bra that will support your breasts properly might lessen your discomfort.
I am sure your Gynecologist or your health care provider will be able to evaluate your symptoms and treated accordingly.
Hoping that you'll feel better soon.
Take care...

[damitajfreeman03]

My period ended yesterday and my breasts are still sore? Sorry! I know I'm freakinv out

[zouzi]

You are welcome!
I don't think the  anemia would cause pain or a lump in your breast,but your hormone level changes certainly could.
I am glad you'll be calling your Doctor's office for an appointment.Good for you!
Take care....

[damitajfreeman03]

Thank you very much!  I will try what you suggested and call the doctor this next week to make the appointment.  I noticed now it feels a little smaller but still feel a little pain.  
Would the anemia have something to do with this?

[zouzi]

Hi,
From what you describe it sounds like you have Fibrocystic Breast condition which is very common and  primarily affect women age 30 and older.
As a rule, this painful condition tends to be bilateral but sometimes you can have more fibrocystic involvement in one breast than in the other.You may also feel a lump or lumps within the breast tissue and the vast majority are harmless.Most often they could be cysts or Fibroadenomas (both benign) These lumps are very common and are  known to increase in size and tenderness due to hormonal changes.
I wouldn't worry about breast cancer,since this disease is almost never associated with pain,particularly when the pain is bilateral,but I would advise you to see your doctor for a clinical breast exam.He/she will determine whether or not the lump needs further attention.
Reducing caffeine intake (coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate) can decrease water retention and may help to alleviate the discomfort you are experiencing..  
Please call your doctor for an appointment okay?
All the best to you!

[damitajfreeman03]

No family history of breast cancer