Concerns About Breast Changes: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone. I'm re-posting because I mistakenly erased my previous message while trying to delete a different one, so I apologize for that. I’m a 37-year-old woman who neither smokes nor drinks, and I have a history of stage IV cancer. To give you some background, I’m a survivor of stage IV colorectal cancer. I received my diagnosis on Thanksgiving Day in 2020 at age 32. Now, three years into my remission—if you can call it that—I find myself in a precarious situation. Over the past year, nodules have appeared in my lungs, but they are too small and situated in challenging locations to examine or treat. Attempts to access the largest nodule were unsuccessful, so my current state is one of waiting, which is frustrating. Nonetheless, I find it unlikely that any issues I’m experiencing now would be a spread from my colorectal cancer, as it’s rare for that type of cancer to metastasize to breast tissue; it seems more probable that it could be a secondary cancer instead. Now, the reason for my post today: In recent weeks, I've been feeling some unusual sensations in my right breast. It feels heavy and achy, reminiscent of how I felt during pregnancy—a state that is impossible now, since I’ve been without a period for five years following my cancer treatment. At first, I experienced intermittent pain that felt like sudden bursts, but now the discomfort is more persistent. There’s an itchiness around my nipple, coupled with a deep ache in the tissue beneath. Additionally, I’ve developed what I refer to as blood blisters, which I believe most might call boils, exclusively on that breast. These blisters appear in various areas, both at the top and the bottom, without any apparent preference. Furthermore, certain spots on my breast feel unusually firm, although they’re not distinct lumps. Last night, while in the bathroom, I was shocked to discover reddish-purple patchy areas on my right breast alongside veins that seemed to bulge, appearing more prominent than usual. I don’t frequently inspect my breasts, but I’m certain these discolorations emerged within the last couple of days since my husband, who typically pays more attention than I do, noted that they looked abnormal. Today, I woke to find even more purple spots, and my right breast appears slightly larger than my left. Additionally, I noticed a raised dark bruise on one of the veins, suggesting some pooling of blood. This afternoon, I began to observe what might be pitting or enlarged pores at the top of my breast, which I haven’t seen before. I plan to attach photos, although capturing the reality of what I see is proving challenging. If anyone here, particularly those without professional backgrounds, has undergone similar experiences, I would greatly appreciate your insights on what you encountered. My history with cancer makes me jump to conclusions about potential issues; despite my best efforts, the worry is hard to suppress. A little over four years ago, I was given six months to live, and I am a mother to three young children ages 10, 13, and 16. My ultimate desire is to continue living positively. At home, my husband is the only one who is aware of my situation, and I acknowledge that it may turn out to be nothing serious. While I await feedback from my doctors tomorrow, I am turning to Reddit for support. Thank you in advance. As an aside, I think it's worth mentioning that the nipple on the affected breast is semi-inverted and has recently started developing small bumps, though I’m unsure whether this detail is significant.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 2:10:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns, and I’m sorry to hear about the experiences you’ve been facing. Your symptoms, particularly given your cancer history, merit attention, and it’s understandable to feel anxious. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and how to approach it.
Main Points:
- Unusual Breast Symptoms: You are experiencing pain, itchiness, unusual growths, discoloration, and changes in shape in your right breast, which are concerning, especially with your cancer history.
- Potential Causes: Although only a healthcare professional can diagnose, these changes could be due to various reasons including infection, inflammation, or potentially more serious conditions related to your cancer history.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including the heaviness, persistent pain, itchiness, blood blisters, discoloration, and changes in breast size and texture, could point to several underlying issues. While it’s true that your colorectal cancer typically doesn’t spread to breast tissue, the presence of nodules in your lungs warrants caution. Changes in breast tissue after cancer treatment can occur, but they should always be carefully evaluated.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of any changes in your breast, noting the duration, severity, and specifics of each symptom (e.g., size of dots, location of pain). This will be helpful for your healthcare providers.
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Seek Immediate Evaluation: Since you’re already scheduled to speak with your doctors, emphasize your new symptoms (discoloration, swelling, pain, and blisters) during that consultation. If you notice any rapid progression of symptoms (e.g., increased redness, pain, or any new development), consider seeking medical attention sooner.
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Self-Care Measures: While waiting to discuss these symptoms with your doctors:
- Avoid tight clothing or bras that might irritate the area.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- If comfortable, apply a cool compress to relieve discomfort.
- Note any triggers for the symptoms if they seem to arise after specific activities or exposures.
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Communicate with Loved Ones: When feeling overwhelmed by your symptoms, consider sharing your concerns with your husband or a trusted friend. Emotional support will be vital as you navigate these uncertainties.
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Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down your questions and clearly outline what you're experiencing. This will help ensure you address all your concerns during your doctor’s visit.
Remember, while it’s natural to feel anxious given your history, many breast changes can be benign or manageable, and arming yourself with information and support can help you cope as you move forward. I wish you strength and clarity in your upcoming discussions.
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