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Cancer

Find advice & support if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer

Referred for 2WW Breast Clinic - Terrified

3 replies

CinnamonHamster · 01/11/2024 09:28

Hi! My GP has referred me to the breast clinic for suspected Paget's disease of the breast. I am absolutely terrified as I have a two-year old at home and cannot tolerate the idea of leaving him or him having to live his life without his mummy. My dad passed when I was three, which is enforcing the worry even more.

I have a small (penny-sized) rash, right next to my nipple on my right breast. The rash is on one breast only and is raised, red, very itchy and weepy. It is in a cycle of scabbing over then the scab falls off, it weeps and restarts. I have had the rash for almost two years, but various GPs have always told me it is eczema (which I suffer with elsewhere) and have prescribed increasingly stronger steroid / fungal creams, which have not worked. It gets very itchy and requires gauze inside my bra due to weeping and sticking to fabrics. My actual nipple is a little dry and has a tiny, non-symptomatic, pin-sized black spot.

I am thirty, have no history of breast cancer (or any cancer) in my family going back to my grandparents on both sides and their siblings. I breastfed my son until two-years-old, have not started menopause (don't have any gynae issues either) and don't have a palpable lump. I am overweight. The rash has not grown in size, but does seem to have become more irritated recently - which prompted my GP visit.

I am fearing the worst and still have twelve days of my 2WW to go. I feel like I am spiralling researching and coming across devastating statistics and stories, so wanted to ask here and hopefully reassure myself a little and prompt myself to stop doom-googling. I'm in a weird place of panic and picturing the worst outcomes and being angry with my doctors for this going on for so long without a referral or even a mention of what to watch out for. Thank you ladies x

OP posts:
TheYoungestSibling · 01/11/2024 10:22

Dr Google is not medically qualified, so don't rely on all you read.

6/7 referrals for breast issues turn out to be benign so the odds are still in your favour.

If (big if) it does turn out to be bad news, treatments are excellent for breast cancer these days.

In the meantime, distract yourself as best you can, I know from experience that it isn't easy.

sidehassle · 15/11/2024 08:27

Hi OP. How are you getting on?
I've got my 2ww breast appointment on Friday for a lump 😢

CinnamonHamster · 15/11/2024 12:04

@sidehassle I was seen by a really lovely team, hoping you have the same experience! My GPs concern was a one sided nipple rash which wouldn't heal with steroid treatment (symptomatic of Paget's). I have other health conditions, so all a bit confusing as to what's what.

They did a really thorough exam and have given me a new cream to try. If no improvement in 4-6 weeks, or worsening, I'm to go back for a biopsy. Still worried, but less so. Hope all goes well for you ❤️

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