inflammatory breast cancer - really sore boobs!

[seeker]

Hello everyone
Here I am again. I gave birth four mnths ago and think I have PND, manifesting itself partly as health anxiety again. However, I am breastfeeding and my left breast in particular is very very painful - to the touch. I don't have any other symptoms of mastitis or thrush, so obviously I have convinced myself it is a very rare and aggressive form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer.
I went to GP who said it's one of those things and prescribed ibuprofen, which helps a bit but not much.
I'm so peed off - instead of enjoying my beautiful baby girl, I am fannying round on internet and trying not to worry.
Any reasurance from anyone?! I am going to take prozac again, as it's getting ridiculous again. oh, to still be pregnant - I felt wonderful and had no anxiety at all....

[countrygirl]

Did your Dr say for def you do not have any infection in the boob as its very common to get infection when breastfeeding??? Not trying to worry you just assuming that he ruled this out when you saw him??

I understand that inflammatory breast cancer always has somethng visible like what looks like a big bug bite or rash its always very visible- you don't say if your breast looks any different or if its just painful??

Remember that IBC is incredibly rare so def at bottom of list of likely reasons but do understand why you are worrying as we always go for worst case scenario. I would leave it over the weekend and if no improvement then go back to another Dr in your practise and Admit wht your fear is - they can't mind read as I was told by one GP so don't know to reassure you if they are not worried.

[jillyb]

I have posted a reply on your other post re this. I hope my reply will help you xxx

[seeker]

thank you both - GP did definitely rule out infection, but my breast doesn't look any different at all - no redness or marks. i'm trying to be rational and teling myself it is more likely to be muscle pain under arm from lifting (now heavy!) baby and a bit of internal bruising possibly, again from baby knocking into it. i am definitely going to GP on Monday.

[countrygirl]

Ah I forgot about the heavy baby syndrome and you have reminded me - my son is now 30 yrs old!!! but when he was about 5 or 6 months old and he was a big baby and I always carried him on my left hip being left handed and I got terrible pain right in my left armpit that worried me silly and it took weeks to work out it was from carrying heavy baby on same side all the time.

[seeker]

thank you country girl! Yes, I am thinking this is more likly to be it, expecially as I was carrying her quite a bit yesterday. I have made an appt to see GP on Monday, will start taking happy pills and have made enquiries with a private counsellor specialising in health anxiety - he sounds good, actually.