Breast Infection

[shalu4]

Hello All:

First the mamo and ultrasound says '1.6 cm mass with characteristics of malignancy'.  Then the breast surgeon evaluates me further and confirms his concerns and recommends biopsy.  The Biopsy was done on Thursday. The results were to come on Monday, the 4th of April.  However, my doc. called me on Friday itself to tell me I do not have "C" but a breast infection!  He immediately put me on two different kinds of antibiotics and wants me to meet him next week on Thursday.

How did I get this kind of a breast infection?  The doc had asked me if I had ever been pregnant and breastfed.  The answer was no.  I had adopted a child so no full term pregnancy and breastfeeding happened.  He is surprised as to how I got an infection in the breast.  I maintain a clean home and personal hygiene is very good.  Then how?

Your comments and thoughts are eagerly awaited.

Thanks

[shalu4]

Thank you Zouzi!!

I will incorporate your suggestions and follow up with you in this forum.  Thanks once again.

Shalu4

[zouzi]

Hi,
If you are checking your breasts and you don't notice anything unusual,then the pain you are experiencing"mastalgia" could be related to hormonal changes during your monthly cycle.
To relieve the pain you could take over the counter pain medication and wearing a supportive bras.You could also find relief by using oil of primrose (3 grams a day).Limiting your caffeine intake,(coffee chocolate,dark colas) fatty food and salt from your diet could also be beneficial.
If the pain persists,you could ask your doctor who may prescribe a medication to help relieve the pain.
Don't worry,breasts pain is almost always an indication of a benign condition and not breast cancer,especially when it's bilateral.
Take care...

[shalu4]

Hello Once Again.

On the first week of April my biopsy showed no cancer but infection. I was on antibiotics - 5 a day.  I had mentioned of some pain in the arm and back post biopsy earlier.  That has gone away.  However, I do experience some sort pain in both breast still. I checked but I do not see any lumps.  Its barely been two months since my biopsy (which was negative for 'c' ) and antibiotics.  

Why is this?  Do I need to consult my doc?

I am a bit worried again:((

[zouzi]

Thank you for the update shalu4.
Hoping that soon,you'll feel much better.
Sending you my best wishes. :)

[shalu4]

Hello there:

The breast surgeon told me yesterday that my arm pain and underarm burning sensation was due to the biopsy in which veins/tissues experience trauma. You were right!!!!

Hopefully the antibiotics cleans the infection and abscess totally.

Thank you so so so so much!!

[zouzi]

You welcome shalu4,
I really don't know what to tell you to make you feel less nervous,but what am I sure of,is that your doctor will certainly know if the antibiotics you are taking need to be changed to a different one.
If nerves have been disturbed during your biopsy it could give you pain because they are healing,and that comes sometimes a few days after the procedure.
I guess that all you have to do is to stay calm and be patient until you see your doctor on Thursday.
Please let us know how things are going.
Thank you.

[shalu4]

This under arm pain was not there for almost 2-3 days after the biopsy.  Its recent.  Can the infection spread?  

[shalu4]

Thank you Zouzi!

I will write back after my doctors appointment.  I am very nervous.

[zouzi]

Hi again and you welcome.
If you have an enlarged lymph node in your axilla area,it could be that the infection in your breast has caused the swelling.That happens quite often when there is an infection somewhere in the body.
It is also possible that a nerve was damaged during your biopsy and the pain could radiate in your armpit.
There is no way of telling for sure what this new development could be.If this pain persists,it's better to see your doctor so that he/she can advise you about this problem.
Take care...

[shalu4]

Thank you so much for your prompt response!  I really appreciate your time and your concern.  So happy to have found a forum like this one to share my concerns and have some questions answered.  

I have one more question.  I am taking antibiotics since last Saturday.  However, since yesterday, I am experience something going on close to the underarm area near my breast (I believe its called lymph node area).  Also my arm feels a bit tight as though I have had several tetanus shots!  I am getting worried.  Could you help me with some possible reasons for this symptoms.

Thanks.

[zouzi]

Hi shalu4,
First of all I am very glad to know that thank God you don't have breast cancer...
Breast infection can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding.In postmenopausal women, breast infections may be associated with inflammation of the ducts. Also hormonal changes in the body can cause the milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and debris.These clogged ducts make the breast more prone to bacterial infection.
It's very important that you take all the antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to prevent recurrence.
I hope that you'll feel better soon.
Best wishes...
P.S Please,if you have any additional questions or update, keep it on the same thread  (Use the "post a comment" below the answer you have received ) This helps to have all your information together so we can better help you.
Thank you.