MRI core biospy 4 weeks ago: Blood discharge normal?

A large hematoma and severe bruising, but will be 3 weeks tomorrow. Burning and throbbing. Should I ask the breast surgeon to postphone the intraductral papilloma removal until it no longer hurts?

My guess is that the removal of the papilloma might help reduce the pain from the hemotoma. But the area will probably be very sensitive and until the numbing takes effect might be very painful. Its always good to ask, though. I took a picture of my breast, edited to show only the problem area, and attached it to my message in the portal - not sure if you’re comfortable with that. But it was highly effective for them to know what I was talking about - words sometimes don’t do justice to explain what is a unique situation.
Also, my second surgery was postponed because my skin had a reaction to cream I used and they said it would compromise the outcome. The hematoma may be the same - they should decide that.

Are they going to use general anesthesia so you won’t feel anything? Your nerve endings in that area are already heightened. If it were me I’d try to talk to the anesthesiologist before surgery to share your concerns. They may be able to add something that will calm the already irritated nerves. Gabapentin targets that - but may not be able to be used if it depresses your neurological system too much along with general anesthesia - but could maybe be used if they’re planning on numbing it locally.
I had incredibly extensive bruising after my breast surgeries, purple from breast to hip - but it caused no pain. Mine though was from small vessels leaking blood because of a reaction to nsaids.

Thank you. General will be used for the excision surgery, but the seed localization procedure will be done a few days before surgery. I am dreading that numbing needle as I found the 3 numbing shots behind the nipple very painful, the biopsy itself was fine. They took 12 core samples, so they had to numb a large area. I am hoping the seed procedure will need less numbing. I plan to ask if I can safely apply 5% lidocaine cream to the aerola area myself.

Sent picture in portal to surgeon, waiting for intraductral pappiloma removal, this new spot concerns me. Burning and throbbing started again after resolving and this is not where the biospy needle was placed.

It's good that you're keeping in close contact with your surgeon and team generally.

Found to be an infection and the hematoma is still larger than the surgeon expected. I go back to see her after the antibiotics, so papilloma removal will be put off for a while.

Hi! @jeaniem:

I am so sorry for what you've been through for the past 4 weeks:( My prayers went out for you upon reading your post...

I am not any expert, but the symptoms that you described worried me! Is it possible for you to see your surgeon today, or at least send your care team some message via patients' portal? For as far as I know, this kind of procedure should only cause some minor swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the site, which usually resolves within 7 to 10 days. weeks is a long time to endure suffering!

Best wishes for you on the journey ahead!

@lifetraveler
Thank you for responding. I see surgeon today, hopefully she will assure me, makes me scared to have the removal surgery! I had to wear a compression wrap home from the biopsy instead of the compression bra I brought with me. They thought I was on blood thinners but I am not. My platelets and other blood markers are fine.

@jeaniem

Hi,

Very sorry you are experiencing a complication. I can imagine you are very concerned.

The surgeon and oncologist will be able to evaluate and direct any neccessary medication
or further treatment.

If you are stressed or experiencing recurrent anxiety , your surgeon or oncologist would be able to refer you to hospital coordinated support group, psychotherapist or MSW social worker.

Best

Susan

@jeaniem, what did the surgeon tell you about the discharge you were experiencing? Did they have any suggestions for upcoming surgery?