Mastitis verses inflammatory breast cancer

[Wren77]

Hi there, feeling so sorry for myself. Just after a bit of support.
Visited out of hours Dr on Sunday evening with sore breast which started on the Sunday morning. I was pretty certain it would be mastitis - had it twice in the last couple of years, despite not having breastfed for 10 years. This time the Dr appeared to be a bit more concerned - whole breast involved rather than just a wedge, flattened nipple. I was referred to the breast clinic - 2 week wait as on the 2 previous incidences. Both came back clear. Problem is this time we are in France for the Easter hols so I wouldn't be able to be scanned within the 2 weeks.
I have antibiotics (fluclox 500mg) but it's having minimal effect so far - feel so weak and sore. Can't even imagine going to France right now.
Does anyone have any positive stories about really awful non lactational mastitis that cleared up and wasn't cancer? I'm so so scared and poorly and worried about not getting a scan within the 2 weeks (would an extra week make all that much difference?) it's just that we had to cancel this trip in July last year which was so disappointing - kids would be very sad if I didn't come.
Thanks for reading all of this!!

Hopefully bump x

Me. Two consultants were sure it was IBC and even the medic doing the biopsy seemed to think so, too. It came back as an infection (granulomotous mastitis). A ton of antibiotics cleared it, but it took several sorts; the first course didn’t touch the sides. It was exhausting - before diagnosis I was having to have naps in the afternoon, couldn’t socialise etc. I very much hope you have the same outcome - a horrible time - wishing you well.

Thanks so much for your reply LadyDancealot - so so pleased for your outcome.
I am napping a lot and feeling very pathetic (not very me at all) it's just so worrying!
I will research granulomatous mastitis and get clued up - thank you. May I ask which antibiotics worked in the end? And did you have any painkillers prescribed?
Thanks again 💐

I've no experience of breast clinic referrals, but last year I was referred to gynae on the 2 week pathway. Like you we had a holiday booked. GP said once the referral had been acknowledged I could call and ask for a cancellation appointment so I'd be seen before holiday.

Hope you're feeling better soon @Wren77 and that it's easily fixable

Thanks so much MassiveOvaryaction. It looks like it's getting worse so I'm planning to head back to the doctor's tomorrow and I'll mention the cancellation idea - would be great to be seen before we go on holiday (if I even go 😭)

@Wren77 how is your temperature? If you're spiking high don't be afraid to go to a&e

@milkonesugar35 it's ok at moment but I'll keep an eye on it, thank you x

I can’t remember which ones finally worked - I didn’t take painkillers but coincidentally I was on holiday in Greece when it really flared up - very red at the top of my breast and almost looked like it was going to blister. I don’t think I had a temperature either, which is surprising. As a PP has said, you may get your scan before France and a week’s unlikely to make a huge difference, but I can imagine even the thought of going away is exhausting- I hardly did anything in Greece as I was too under the weather (to put it mildly). Sorry to drip feed but it’s coming back to me - my scan showed a mass, which was ‘concerning’; it wasn’t until the biopsy came back from the lab that I was given all clear.

Thanks again 💗 I am going back to the Dr today to see what they advise and to request some more antibiotics as a back up while I'm away (if I go) and maybe some stronger painkillers. I just need to make an informed choice about going - i.e. what could go really wrong/ what could land me in hospital!
Really appreciate you taking the time to reply again!

Just a quick update - have been admitted to hospital for IV antibiotics - they think cellulitis and mastitis xx

Oh you poor thing - are you in for 5 days then? Hope the antibiotics knock the infection on the head quickly & you manage to get your holiday.

Oh bless you. Hope they shift it quickly and you're better in time for your holiday

I'm hoping just til Friday 🫣

Thanks so much 💕

Any improvement? I had slight softening on the first set of a/bs which reassured consultant as IBC wouldn’t respond at all to a/bs, obviously. Thinking of you and keep us updated. X

Not yet - in fact the redness is continuing to track beyond the line drawn by the Dr 🫣 Just now been hooked up to antibiotics so fingers crossed something happens.
The worry, like you say, are the implications of it doesn't respond 😬

Just checking in to see how you are. Very much hoping the a/bs have had some impact.

Hello, I've just seen this now I hope you're doing okay. This happened to me 7 or 8 years ago, at the age of 52. I was convinced as was my GP that it was inflammatory breast cancer. I ended up being referred to the breast clinic at a major hospital, and after scans etc it was deemed to be a very deep abscess under my nipple.

I ended up by having a procedure called a Hadfiields procedure, where they removed all the milk ducts underneath one nipple. I had problems healing with it unfortunately, and had to have two further surgeries on it.
I hope your infection cleared up and you're feeling better!

How are you doing now @Wren77 ? Hope you're still able to enjoy your break even if it's perhaps not as action packed as you'd planned.

Hello there, sorry for missing all of your recent responses and thank you so much for your kind concern 💐
I stayed in hospital for 2 nights, had an ultrasound and mammogram and was diagnosed with a breast abscess and multiple cysts in my milk ducts. I had 2 types of IV antibiotics every 4 hours for 48 hours then I was discharged - and able to go on holiday! It's still not completely right (and the antibiotics they sent me away with have played havoc with my tummy - not ideal in a campervan in France!!) There is a hard lump under my nipple - a bit if a worry but there were no concerns from the scans there is anything sinister going on so hopefully its just left over swelling from the infection and it will go in time. Will be having a follow up appointment next week so I'll find out more then.
Thanks so much again, your support is much appreciated xxx

Thank you for your reply and sharing your experience. I hope all is well now and you have had no further issues 💐