I should have written this post weeks ago and I apologize for my slack. Thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement! I had my biopsy and found that it was a benign “galactocele” which is basically a big word for a clogged milk duct. Hooray! Despite what many doctors warned, I have continued breastfeeding my son without a hitch. However, it was no easy task to find a doctor who was willing to work with me in order to minimize complications.
After three consultations, I found a doctor who was willing to start with a fine needle aspiration and work up to a radial cut (as opposed to lateral – doing greater damage to the milk ducts). I encourage any one going through this same situtation to ask your doctor a lot of questions and don’t hesitate getting a second, third and even fourth opinion. In my case, I decided on a younger, female surgeon – one that just weaned her son. She was empathetic and willing to try new techniques that would minimize breastfeeding complications.
On a positive note, since I am one of the (apparent) rare few that had a biopsy while breastfeeding, I had the opportunity to participate in a breast milk study through the University of Massachusetts. Below is an explanation of the study, in their own words:
Our hope is that by examining molecular changes in cells found in breastmilk associated with various breast problems, we will be able to develop a specific, individualized tool for assessing an individual woman’s risk of contracting this disease.
Knowledge of the molecular changes in the breast cells that occur may be helpful in developing preventative and therapeutic strategies for all women.
I simply sent them a sample of breastmilk (they made this very easy) and will follow up with my biopsy report. I was glad to be a part and I’m writing this so other women in the same situation can perhaps do the same!
Last week, I went in to my OB/GYN complaining of pain and a lump I thought was associated with breastfeeding . I’ve had them come and go before and just figured they could tell me the best way to avoid/get rid of them altogether. The nurse set me up to get an ultrasound – just to be on the safe side.
Last Wednesday, I went in for my ultrasound – an appointment I nearly blew off since I was beginning to feel better. I was certain the pain was from having to pump instead of nurse, as I’ve had to go back to work full time.
When I arrived, the nurses decided I needed a mammogram too since I am over 30. I thought nothing of it, but after a third round of pictures, I began to wonder.
“Oh, we just see some scattered microcalcifications and want to make sure we are extra cautious”, the nurse said. I begin to sweat a little, watching every emotion on her face in order to interpret what she might see. In her face I saw disappointment.
“Just sit outside and wait for your ultrasound, ma’am”, she says with a forced smile. I sheepisihly waited while they interpreted results of my mammogram.
A few minutes later, another lady walks me back in a dark room to do my ultrasound. The first go around, she didn’t find anything. Clean slate. A few minutes later, however, the radiologist asked that I have another ultrasound, in a different location of my breast. I watched as she moved the wand and then I saw it clear as day. Amongst a backdrop of white tissue, there was a round, black spot. I stopped breathing.
The nurse fiddled around in that area, taking lots of pictures while I didn’t speak. I was afraid to ask any questions. She didn’t speak either. When she was finished, she asked me to wait for the radiologist to come in and give me a consultation.
I waited in the dark room for about 5 minutes which seemed like hours. Dr. Silver came in and handed me a sheet of paper with a check by “suspicious lump”, indicating that I need a follow up biopsy.
Every negative emotion ran through my body: fear, skepticism, anger, sadness. I just want to me a mom to my kids; I have too much to lose! Between this, having two kids, nursing, and a stressful full-time job, I was certain I’d lose my mind.
I went in for my first consultation Friday and found that doctor to be a total goon, so I’m getting a second opinion Monday. He did tell me that I would likely have to stop nursing, as the biopsy incision will cause a “milk fistula” (in other words, milk pouring out from the incision site) which will inhibit healing. Being incredibly stubborn, I knew there would be a way to continue nursing after having a breast biopsy. Either that, or maybe I should delay the biopsy? Would that be incredibly stupid? Probably.
In all my research, I’ve decided that I will continue to nurse Bennett, but wean him from the affected side – just until things heal. I can then begin the process of “relactation”. (Yes, this is possible and moms can even nurse their adopted children with a lot of patience and persistence.) I have meanwhile called every lactation specialist within a 100 mile radius, plus another located in Canada. 
Looks like I will be a “case study” in this situation, as there apparently aren’t many moms that have biopsies while nursing.
My gut tells me that everything will be fine, that I will have the biopsy and results will come back as negative. But I please ask for your prayers. I am scared and completely overwhelmed between working and trying to be a good mommy and wife. It’s just too much to handle sometimes. Thanks you for your support and concern and I will certainly keep everyone updated. If anyone has experienced anything like this, I’d love to hear from you!!
