Trying to convince myself I don't have cancer update

drablnd · November 2015

I know the likely hood at my age is that I didn't just suddenly develop breast cancer when I got pregnant but doctor Google has me freaked out. I developed a red flushed mark on the inside of my left breast. Its not hot or itchy but this breast does seem more tender than normal. I would take a picture of it but I don't want to get flamed on here. I called my doctor who had me draw lines where it starts and ends to see if it spreads but ive had it for a few days and it's not spreading so they don't seem concerned about it. I'm just super nervous and wondering if I should get a second opinion if my ob won't see me.

*update* - doctor thinks cellulitis or dermatitis. On antibiotics for two weeks to see if the redness disappears. If not we will pursue other alternatives but right now things seem ok for now. Thank you for the support and not calling my crazy to my face even though we were all thinking it lol.

avidkeo · November 2015

If your that worried get a second opinion.

I cant stress this enough though, are you ready?
STAY AWAY FROM GOOGLE. you get nothing but the worst case scenarios.

I will say that if your dr isnt worried then its highly unlikely to be the worst.

dshannah · November 2015

If your OB won't see you and you are worried (and you can afford it), go see a dermatologist! Pregnancy comes with all sorts of weird rashes, and a good dermatologist can identify them all.

amscape · November 2015

I had a (temporary) red rash on a breast too just the other day but my skin is doing all sorts of random things during this pregnancy. I second the avoiding google suggestion!

saladflambe · November 2015

Rashes are soooo common in pregnancy

AdorkablePixie · November 2015

That is probably common, I've read that the skin is more sensitive during pregnancy so something probably just irritated it. If you're really worried, though, you can probably go see a dermatologist and they can reassure you!

sarawifenow · November 2015

I'm sorry but I am having trouble with this one. During the entire first tri my breasts were so tender and also had skin flare ups...because I am pregnant. Like PP said, rashes are super common in pregnancy. Have you felt any lumps? If your Dr isn't concerned I just don't get why you are just assuming you have breast cancer...

ETA: If you really are this worried, I would echo PP and get a second opinion, but I don't think it will be much different than your first.

seasalt123 · November 2015

I do disagree that just because your doctor isn't worried about something, that you can instantly disregard it. I do think you have to be your own advocate in some situations. That does NOT mean I think you have cancer nor do I think this is necessarily a circumstance where you need a second opinion; rashes are very common in pregnancy. Did your doctor give you any indication as to what it was? For example, because the rash stopped spreading, is it something common to pregnancy that can be identified? Maybe find out what his/her diagnosis is first. Then, if you are still worried, you can always go to a dermatologist.

yogahh · November 2015

Maybe I am naive but I didnt realize that rashes were related to breast cancer??

nerdymama15 · November 2015

I'm not trying to discount your feelings toward it. But it could be something as simple as a really bad zit about to come up. Or a cyst that can get infected. I've had several of those myself and the red parts never go completely away - least not for me anyway. I did read that the ducts in your breasts can get infected and that could show up on the skin outside. As pp's have mentioned, if you really concerned, go see a dermatologist or get a second opinion at another doctor. That will be the only way you will be able to relieve the worry.

wamam027 · November 2015

As someone who has a high possibility for breast cancer due to painful fibro cystic lumps in my breasts which I found at the age of 12, I can tell you that my breasts have been turning all kinds of colors and have formed all kinds of new hurts and aches and I haven't been worried in the least. Pregnancy does crazy things to your entire body, so to expect some extreme changes to your belly and your breasts where most of the baby action is centered comes with the territory. Now of course, we all have instincts and if you truly feel that something is wrong or off, like PPs have said, contact a dermatologist, go to an urgent care, etc to be seen and to ease your mind with a second opinion.

drablnd · November 2015

I'm going to make an appointment with my GP. Its not actually a rash, it looks like I leaned funny on my boob. I also have pitting/dimpling and that area that's red is swollen way more over night. Basically dr. Google kept repeating my symptoms look like IBC especially how quick they appeared and are worsening. So I'm just going in for a second opinion but like I said I highly doubt I have it but once those crazy anxiety pregnancy hormones grab on to something it won't get out of my head. Thanks everyone for the advice

gooberdoofus95 · November 2015

I had red splotches in between my breast as a teenager. It was red but didn't hurt or itch so it didn't bother me. It only grew a little bit over the 3 years that I had it and one day I asked the doctor and I found out it was a Fungus!!! A common one due to sweat but I was like "do what"?!?!? Anyhow hopefully it is nothing or maybe contact dermatitis. If concerned make an appointment with your doctor and if you don't like the answer then see a second opinion!

babykasper · November 2015

Don't know if someone already touched on this... But I have a few "beginnings" of stretch marks that just appeared in the inside of my left breast. You always have one breast which is more dominant than the other and this one will likely be more tender throughout pregnancy as it prepares for milk and all the changes it is going through. My "beginnings" of stretch marks on my breast don't itch or hurt but looks similar to a rash. Without looking at your breast (and thank you for not sharing a picture) lol this would be my "prognosis".

AmyH12 · November 2015

I did have breast cancer after my first pregnancy and was told by my ob to not worry I was just 23. Needless to say I did worry!
But rash isn't a normal sign of breast cancer ... you could feel a small knot that is perfectly round and does not move when you touch it. Also breast cancer is not typically painful. But get a 2nd opinion, it will put your mind at ease, if not you'll worry yourself to death. But I think what you described is just pregnancy related.

katxattack1212 · November 2015

drablnd said:
I'm going to make an appointment with my GP. Its not actually a rash, it looks like I leaned funny on my boob. I also have pitting/dimpling and that area that's red is swollen way more over night. Basically dr. Google kept repeating my symptoms look like IBC especially how quick they appeared and are worsening. So I'm just going in for a second opinion but like I said I highly doubt I have it but once those crazy anxiety pregnancy hormones grab on to something it won't get out of my head. Thanks everyone for the advice

It almost sounds like a clogged duct from what you are describing. I agree- get it looked it. Better safe than sorry!

doozer1345 · November 2015

Could it be a bug bite??

nbgmom · November 2015

My initial thought was also stretch marks. Mine are pink/red divots that look like claw marks.

Bluejay3030 · November 2015

katxattack1212 said:

drablnd said:
I'm going to make an appointment with my GP. Its not actually a rash, it looks like I leaned funny on my boob. I also have pitting/dimpling and that area that's red is swollen way more over night. Basically dr. Google kept repeating my symptoms look like IBC especially how quick they appeared and are worsening. So I'm just going in for a second opinion but like I said I highly doubt I have it but once those crazy anxiety pregnancy hormones grab on to something it won't get out of my head. Thanks everyone for the advice
It almost sounds like a clogged duct from what you are describing. I agree- get it looked it. Better safe than sorry!

I also thought plugged duct, but I didn't think that happened until after your milk came in. But the dimpling, swelling/tenderness, and rash describes a plugged duct from my experience.

OP, good luck at the Dr. I hope it's just another lovely pregnancy symptom that will sort itself out!

BuzzBee614 · November 2015

So I want to apologize because I meant to comment on this yesterday with something nice and reassuring and forgot. I was glad to see the positive update, but sorry you have to be on antibiotics.

I don't think you should be scared to advocate for yourself as a patient and if you are not satisfied or instinct tells you something is wrong, a second opinion is never a bad thing.

I don't want to overstep here, but your post definitely echoed my thought process when something is wrong with me. I have health anxiety and immediately go to worse case scenario. It doesn't mean something isn't wrong, it just usually isn't as bad as I fear and freak out about. I don't know if this is the first time this has happened to you, but even if it's something you just developed because you're pregnant, the Depression/Anxiety thread is a great resource. I have felt so much better reading the posts of others who are nervous and anxious like me. Or maybe this was just a one time thing.

I hope it gets better soon!!!

yogahh · November 2015

Love a good update! And this is why Dr Google is not always your friend

Want a personalized experience?

Trying to convince myself I don't have cancer update

Re: Trying to convince myself I don't have cancer update

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Want a personalized experience?

Trying to convince myself I don't have cancer *update*

Re: Trying to convince myself I don't have cancer *update*

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Trying to convince myself I don't have cancer update

Re: Trying to convince myself I don't have cancer update