OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Support During Uncertainty About Breast Health

Hello everyone, I’m reaching out as a 37-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds. I don’t smoke or drink, though I do have a previous medical history of rectal cancer, but I don’t believe it’s relevant to what I’m experiencing now. Let me provide some context. I’m a survivor of stage IV colorectal cancer and have been in remission for three years. Unfortunately, over the past year, my doctors have discovered nodules on my lungs. They’re too small and located in difficult areas for any kind of treatment or biopsy, so I’m left waiting for them to change, which is incredibly frustrating. I suspect that if there’s anything amiss, it might be a separate issue, potentially secondary cancer, which is something I’ve been dreading. Now, onto the reason I’m posting tonight. Recently, I've been experiencing a peculiar sensation in my breasts. To give you a better idea, my right breast feels heavy and painful all the time, almost like a sharp, deep stabbing sensation. It somewhat resembles how I felt during pregnancy, but due to my cancer history and subsequent treatments, that isn’t a possibility for me. Upon closer inspection, I noticed some hardened areas in the tissue that aren’t lumps but feel unusually firm. Earlier this evening, while looking at my breasts in the bathroom, I was startled to find several purplish-red spots resembling bruises on my right breast, near but not on my nipple. Additionally, there are visible veins that I hadn't noticed before, covering about a third of my breast. I’m not accustomed to examining my breasts frequently, so I’m uncertain when exactly these changes occurred. I shared my findings with my husband, who tends to be more observant than I am when it comes to my chest, and he agreed that the appearance and texture don’t seem right at all. We’re genuinely worried about what this might signify. I’d like to share some images, although I’m struggling to capture what I see clearly in person. Furthermore, I’ve noticed that the pores on my breast appear larger than usual, which adds to my concern. Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms? I would greatly appreciate any insight or experiences you could share. Given my past with cancer, it’s hard not to think the worst. I’ve scheduled an appointment with my doctor, but in the meantime, talking to those who understand what I’m going through is really comforting. Thank you for your support.

Answers (1)

3/18/2025, 11:10:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's completely understandable that you're feeling anxious and concerned given your history and the changes in your breast health. Noticing new sensations and changes can be frightening, especially in light of your past medical experiences.

Main Points:

1. You are experiencing breast discomfort and noticeable changes.
2. These symptoms warrant medical evaluation, especially considering your cancer history.
3. It’s good that you’ve already scheduled an appointment with your doctor.

Explanation:

The heaviness, pain, firmness, purplish spots, and changes in your breast skin can arise from various causes, including hormonal changes, benign conditions like cysts or mastitis, or, in some cases, more serious concerns. Given your history of cancer, it's understandable why you might be particularly vigilant about any changes in your body.

Breast changes can occur due to factors like weight fluctuations, hormonal changes (which can happen even if you are not menstruating), or benign breast conditions. However, changes that are new, persistent, or particularly symptomatic (like pain or discoloration) should always be evaluated.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional changes or symptoms, such as swelling, changes in breast shape, or persistent pain. This will be helpful for your doctor.
2. Avoid Irritants: Avoid tight clothing or activities that might irritate the breast area until your appointment.
3. Document Your Findings: If possible, take clear photos of your breast changes to share with your doctor at your appointment. Note the dates and any symptoms you experience related to the changes.
4. Stay Calm and Hopeful: While it’s natural to worry given your past, remember that not all symptoms signify serious conditions. It’s important to focus on the upcoming appointment as a way to gain clarity and support.

Ultimately, you are taking the right steps by reaching out and scheduling to see your doctor. It's crucial to get professional advice based on your specific situation. Stay positive and know that getting support from others, as you're doing here, can be a great help during these uncertain times.