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Pregnant and desperate for reassurance

3 replies

Buttercup53 · 18/09/2018 17:45

I'll try to keep this concise.

I'm 24 weeks pregnant, I've been receiving treatment for mastitis for close to three weeks. I've been on three types of antibiotics for that time, including a drip in a&e as I felt very sick one weekend.

The doctors at a&e referred me to the breast clinic as they believed I had an abscess that may need draining. At the breast clinic, I had an ultrasound on the affected breast, and I was told that it is completely clear - nothing untoward in there. As such, had to come back in a week for a follow up, continue taking antibiotics.

I've had my follow-up appointment yesterday where I was seen by a new surgeon. This time, it was just a physical exam, and I was told I may need a biopsy as my symptoms aren't improving, and I'm showing symptoms of cancer or other complications. I have to continue taking antibiotics this week, and will go back to be reassessed next week.

What I would like to know is if I've had an ultrasound which was clear, what else can a biopsy show? My symptoms are fluctuating redness in one area of the breast, and part of the area around the nipple is swollen. There is occasional tenderness but any pain has improved, sometimes there's barely any redness while other times it's bright red. Physically I feel sick and exhausted.

I'm so scared. This is my first pregnancy, and my first big medical scare. The surgeon didn't say what the other complications could be - just something more serious, including cancer. I don't know if I should be pushing for a quicker appointment, if I should be off work resting, or what. I've also never been seen by the same GP, surgeon or nurse this entire time - a total of 8 people in three weeks. So no one can actually tell me if it's getting better or not. I'm just overwhelmed, scared for me and worried about my baby.

OP posts:
foldingtable · 18/09/2018 19:54

Hello.

I tried to post on your other thread but my phone deleted it.

I need to do bedtime but I’ll be back after. Hang in there.

Oh, and the bedtime is for my 8 year old. I had undiagnosed then misdiagnosed breast cancer during my pregnancy.

What is is, and let’s hope it’s nothing, but you’re in the right place.

X (I know Mumsnet doesn’t do those...)

Buttercup53 · 18/09/2018 21:32

Hi @foldingtable thank you for replying I appreciate it. I’ve had a bit of a break down this evening, had a fairly reassuring conversation with my parents and DH though. I just don’t know how to cope with the wait till the appointment, I’ve absolutely persuaded myself that it’s the worst case scenario.

OP posts:
foldingtable · 18/09/2018 21:54

Hi again @buttercup53

Well the thing is it might be worse case, or it might not be. No one knows that. But whatever it is, it is. I do remember the waiting for results as being the hardest bit.

I’ve been thinking about you and you’re baby while I’ve been trying to get my big baby to sleep. I’m no expert but you’re a good way into your pregnancy. I was ill all through mine, so I was probably ill for 18 months before I got treatment.

I think the hospital are a bit unthinking to put you in this situation. However I found the leading up to a diagnosis to be a bit inhuman. Let’s hope you get this unfeeling treatment and don’t get to find out how lovely and intelligent and kind the Nhs can be.

I’d get on to your midwife and tell them what’s happening, just so you have got one professional on your side.

And breaking down is fine and I’m glad you’ve got people you can do it to. I’m around this evening but do feel free to PM me at any point.

Brew CakeFlowers

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