Brown nipple discharge and calcifications

[ChocoDigestive]

I’m 10 months PP. 3 weeks ago I had thick dark brown nipple discharge and thought I could feel a lump. When my period started the following week, the nipple discharge stopped and lump disappeared. I’m due my period again next week and my nipple discharge has returned although it’s light orange now. I had my appt at the breast clinic today - no lumps found, the discharge tested positive for blood and they did find 2 areas of calcification in that breast measuring 6cm in a line (nothing on the other). One area is behind my nipple, but they couldn’t confirm whether the calcification is benign or suspicious.

I had biopsies taken and the consultant kept saying how the nipple discharge is abnormal and he kept talking about DCIS. Is this likely the only way this is going? Has anyone else experienced this or similar? I’m spiralling…..

This sounds so scary for you. I would be spiralling too.
For one, try to bury your head in the sand as much as possible until you actually get an answer. It might not be cancer. It really might not.
And if it is cancer, then the ‘good’ news I can offer is that if this is DCIS that the prognosis is excellent.
If it is DCIS then this will be a miserable six months of appointments and surgery and scariness. And then you will be on the other side.
Good luck.

Thank you so much for replying to me. I lost my job whilst on mat leave and only just picked up a really good temporary contractor role so having to potentially take 6 months off unpaid is probably feeling more scary than a diagnosis just now!

If it’s DCIS only then it’s unlikely you’ll need six months off. DCIS is usually just treated with a lumpectomy which is a relatively straightforward op. You’ll only need further treatment if they find invasive cancer.

Fingers crossed for you, OP x

Thank you for your reply and sharing that information - I feel a bit more at ease now

Sorry, yes, I did not mean six months off work. I meant six months of various appointments and surgery and waiting for results and the like.
Most people can absolutely keep working through it except for a bit of time off for surgery.

Sorry you’re going through this Choco

I was in a similar situation to you earlier this year. The wait for results really is a form of torment. Do you have an appointment set up for you to receive your results?

Hello,

I am really sorry but stumbled across this thread from my home page. I have not breastfed for almost 5 years but have a brown discharge that leaks from my breasts from time to time. I assumed it was some weird kind of remaining supply of milk but having read this thread, I’m now concerned it may be something else. I hope you’re not waiting too long for results OP.