Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends,
etc. In November, a rare kind of breast cancer was found. A lady
developed a rash on her breast, similar to that of young mothers who
are nursing. Because her mammogram had been clear, the doctor treated
her with antibiotics for infections. After 2 rounds, it continued to
get worse, so her doctor sent her for another mammogram. This time it
showed a mass. A biopsy found a fast growing malignancy. Chemo was
started in order to shrink the growth; then a mastectomy was
performed; then a full round of Chemo; then radiation. After about 9
months of intense treatment, she was given a clean bill of health. She
had one year of living each day to its fullest. Then the cancer
returned to the liver area. She took 4 treatments and decided that she
wanted quality of life, not the after effects of Chemo. She had 5
great months and she planned each detail of the final days. After a
few days of needing morphine, she died. She left this message to be
delivered to women everywhere: Women, PLEASE be alert to anything that
is not normal, and be persistent in getting help as soon as possible.
Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer, and is on the
outside of the breast, on the nipple and aureole. It appeared as a
rash, which later became a lesion with a crusty outer edge. I would
not have ever suspected it to be breast cancer but it was. My nipple
never seemed any different to me, but the rash bothered me, so I went
to the doctor for that. Sometimes, it itched and was sore, but other
than that it didn't bother me. It was just ugly and a nuisance, and
could not be cleared up with all the creams prescribed by my doctor
and dermatologist for the dermatitis on my eyes just prior to this
outbreak. They seemed a little concerned but did not warn me it could
be cancerous. Now, I suspect not many women out there know a lesion or
rash on the nipple or aureole can be breastcancer. (Mine started out
as a single red pimple on the aureole. One of the biGgest problems
with Paget's disease of the nipple is that the symptoms appear to be
harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or
infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care.) What
are the symptoms?
1. A persistent redness, oozing, and crusting of
your nipple causing it to itch and burn (As I stated, mine did not
itch or burn much, and had no oozing I was aware of, but it did have a
crust along the outer edge on one side.)
2. A sore on your nipple that
will not heal. (Mine was on the aureole area with a whitish thick
looking area in center of nipple).
3. Usually only one nipple is
effected. How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will do a physical exam and
would suggest having a mammogram of both breasts, done immediately.
Even though the redness, oozing and crusting closely resemble
dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), your doctor should suspect
cancer if the sore is only on one breast. Your doctor should order a
biopsy of your sore to confirm what is going on.
This message should
be taken seriously and passed on to as many of your relatives and
friends as possible; it could save someone's life.My breast cancer has
spread and metastasized to my bones after receiving mega doses of
chemotherapy, 28 treatments of radiation and taking Tamaxofin. If this
had been diagnosed as breast cancer in the beginning, perhaps it would
not have spread...
TO ALL READERS:This is sad as women are not aware
of Paget's disease. Spread the news
