[macca5]

Really scared
Just had a baby - did not breastfeed and now have bleeding from right nipple only
Got to go to cancer clinic for tests - very worried!
Any advice

[RubyPitbull]

Macca, are you living in a climate in which it is wintertime?

Please try not to panic. I know having this happen can be very distressing.The reason I asked the above question is that as we get older, our skin does have a tendency to get drier. Have you been using any lotion on your body to combate dry skin? Have your nipples been itchy and flaky prior to the bleeding incident? Try rubbing some vaseline on your nipples three times a day and after a few days, see if that doesn't help heal the one that is bleeding.

[macca5]

Thanks
- ave not had any flaky or soreness - its seems internal blood rather than skin cracked blood

[RubyPitbull]

Okay. I know it is easier said than done, but I still would not panic. Make an appointment with your "obgyn". Tell the receptionist what the problem is, what your concern is, and if they will schedule you ASAP. The best person that can help you right now is your obstetrician/gynecologist. If he/she feels it is necessary for you to go to a specialist, they will advise you at that time. I am inclined to think that this is more in line with the fact that you are a new Mom, than anything else. If you get a chance, post back and let us know if you are okay.

[peggyhill]

I'm so sorry you are scared right now! I just had a breast scare myself and know how nerve-wracking it can be! Have you been to the doctor yet? If not, get to the ob-gyn right away! Like RubyPitbull said, that is a great place to start. If you don't feel like the doctor has given you enough attention or they tell you "wait and see", then make an appointment with another doctor. The doctor is your employee and should answer any questions you have and do the tests you feel are necessary.

Contact the American Cancer Society for info about breast cancer. I am going to look around online and see if I can find some breast cancer information for you and some good websites.

Remember that there are benign causes for this too. Anytime there is a breast change, it should be addressed promptly. But in the meantime while you are waiting on test and such, try to stay calm. Remember that not every woman with a bleeding nipple has breast cancer. Just try to stay busy and keep your mind off it while you wait on test results. Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part.

A friend of mine, who has breast cancer, told me about a website that she really likes. It is

http://community.breastcancer.net

There is information, links to breast cancer sites, explanations about tests, surgery, and treatments, as well as a forum where you can talk to other women who are going through the same thing. They have a forum called 'not diagnosed but worried' which is a great place to go to talk about the tests, fear, etc.

Let me get back to you with some info. Good luck, take deep breaths, drink plenty of water and try to stay calm. I'm thinking of you and hope that you are OK. Let us know what you find out! And I'm on this site a lot if you need to talk while you are waiting.

[peggyhill]

Ok, I found some more info for you. You can call the National Cancer Institute at
1-800-4-CANCER for information about breast cancer. Also check out these websites:

http://www.cancer.gov.cancerinfo/wyntk/breast

Nipple discharge: Rarely a sign of serious disease - MayoClinic.com

Now this last website says 'rarely a sign of serious disease' but I'm not saying that this isn't serious in your case. I hope it isn't, but you should always get the tests done regardless. I included it because it explains some benign causes of nipple discharge as well as cancer information.

Hope this helps! When I found my lump, I called the Cancer Institute, and they sent me some free information that included a list of non-profit organizations that helped with tests. Provided info, etc.

Good luck and hope this helps!

[macca5]

Thank you so much to you both for your support and excellent advice.
I have seen my doctor and have been referred to a Breast Clinic - which I am attending on Monday - it's a rapid diagnosis clinic where they do all the tests and give results on the day - so will know a lot more on Monday
I live in London so time difference will let you both know the outcome
Thank you again x

[peggyhill]

Well, if you live in London I guess maybe the American National Cancer Institute may not be much help, sorry. I hope that you are OK! That is so great that they are getting you in right away and that you get your test results back quickly. Hang in there! :)

[macca5]

Hi there
I had my appointment and had an ultrasound and they took the fluid from my nipple and did an anaylsis - all normal!
Very relieved - have inflammation of one of my ducts and have to go back in 2 months
Thanks

[RubyPitbull]

Oh macca! Thank you so much for updating us. I was just thinking about you this morning and wondering what was going on. I am so glad that everything is fine. :)

[peggyhill]

That is such good news!! I'm so glad for you!

[banjobob88]

What a caring person you are Peggy Hill! I, too, have had a bloody discharge from my right nipple, and am very frightened. I have had a mammogram, and an ultrasound, and both were normal. But they made an appointment for me for a surgical consult!! Now I am really scared. It isn't until September 12th, and the wait is killing me. Ugh...

I didn't know they could test the fluid coming out of the nipple! Can they do that instead of surgery?

Thanks for being so kind. As I read your words, I was comforted. Thanks!