October 2, 2014

Bloody Nipple Discharge - Do Not Take For Granted



I dread going to the doctor. I am not comfortable talking to them and telling them how I am feeling.  I always think that they were just enjoying sticking noses because they assume that they know everything.  I know, they went to school to specialize in their fields but it is me… I do not want to go to the doctor.  I used to self-medicate by taking over-the-counter pills and/or herbal.  It was not until I got here in the United States that I started taking prescriptions.  It was through my husband’s persuasion.  Being in the medical field himself, he wanted to make sure that I stop ignoring the pains I am getting like recurring headaches or migraines.  I thought that was only it. I will take all my prescriptions once my headaches start to act up.

One morning of 2010, I noticed something peculiar.  There was a stain of blood on my shirt.  “What the… where did I get this?”  I had to show my husband the blood stain and he himself had no idea of where it came from.  OK. Let it go. Let it go!”  I convinced myself that day, that it was nothing.  Until, I felt something moist on my shirt again.  When I looked down, there was blood; a tiny spot of blood and when I checked where it was coming from… it was scary.  The blood was coming out of my breast.  “How did it happen?  Did I hurt myself last night?”  Too many questions were popping through my head.  I was embarrassed and scared at the same time that I never wanted to tell my husband, but he must know, right?  My husband made an appointment to the doctor that same day.  I was so mad!  However, I knew I had no choice but to seek a professional advice.  I am having a bloody nipple discharge, so I don't have a choice but to see a doctor.

OK. So, I am at the doctor’s.  I had to have my mammogram earlier than it was scheduled.  I was scheduled to have an ultrasound. The doctor wanted to know if it was something hormonal imbalances or I may be producing too much estrogen but the results came out negative. After all the tests and with no further explanations, the bloody discharge irritates me because it always stains my bra and shirt, so I started using a nursing pad to avoid stains and the feeling of irritation, so to speak.  I was seen by several doctors and to only get the same proscription. “THE RESULTS WERE NEGATIVE. WE DID NOT FIND ANYTHING ABNORMAL.” Then the doctor would refer to another doctor. 

My husband works for a Doctor of Radiology. The doctor suggested that what I might need is a Ductogram.  However, the way the doctor explained in to us – me and my husband – I did not like how the procedure goes.  I am a giant chicken when it comes to pain.  I crossed-out the idea of having a ductogram.  He – the Radiologist – suggested a different doctor and so I made an appointment. After the new doctor pressing my breast here and there, she said “ We need an MRI. I want to know where the discharge is coming from.”  I was not pleased at all.  I said “NO!” I am the patient and I have the right to refuse. What she did was prescribed me some Vitamin E to take every day.  According to her, some of the patients who had the same health issues like mine were taking Vitamin E and the bleeding stopped. So, my choice was to try taking Vitamin E.  I would say that Vitamin E. helped.  I noticed that after I started taking it for a month my bleeding has stopped.  I was so happy because I can stop using the nursing pad.  Imagine how inconvenient it was for me. Like any other patients, I got tired of taking Vitamin E every single day along with my other medications.  Yes, I stopped taking it.   After a couple of days, my bloody nipple discharge came back.    I was so confused! If only I continued taking that stupid Vitamin E, maybe I am not bleeding again…

So, years passed.  My husband cannot tolerate it anymore.  Imagine, I slept with my soft bra on every night.  The nursing pad has been a part of my life and our marriage life since 2010, so I was seen by another doctor.  She said the same thing.  I need an MRI.  Phew!  I got tired of hearing those words.  Until I got a call from MSU Hospital telling that I need to confirm my MRI schedule.  Wait a minute. I don’t remember setting up an appointment for an MRI. Can you connect the dot here?  Yes, it was my husband who made the appointment.  I was boiling.  So mad.  Furious.  Why does he have to do that?!  He knew how much I hated that idea of having an MRI.  Why he did not ask for my permission?  Why did he have to decide for myself?  Too many question in my mind, though in the back of my head, I know he was doing it for me. But, I was still mad.  OK.  I confirmed the appointment. 
We went to the hospital. Man, that tube was scary!!!  I am claustrophobic.  That was the reason why I never liked that MRI.  The experience was unpleasant.  I was so scared while lying in that tube with my face down and covered with blankets.  The noise the machine makes was unbearable.  I was tempted to push the call button I was holding that moment but I want this test to be over.  Again, the results came out negative.  The radiologists cannot find any malignancy on my breast. After a couple months, the last doctor who wanted me to have an MRI wanted me to have another MRI?  Are you kidding me!  No way!  I decided to stop seeing that doctor.  I know, I know…. I am non-compliant.  But I am not having another MRI, period!

After that not-so-fun-adventure, I got a call from MSU Hospital again.  It was a surprised because I intended not to see any doctors anymore.  I have decided to be in this “condition” for the rest of my life. If I am sick, let it be done.  To make a story short, I was seen by another doctor.  I was not expecting that it is a male doctor.  It’s my preference to be seen by a female doctors only. Anyways, it’s already there so there’s nothing I can do anymore, I guess.  I am a non-compliant but I know how to handle things professionally. So, I stayed and waited for the male doctor.  To be honest, after meeting him and hearing him explaining what my condition was like, I started liking him as my doctor.  He was so pleasant, gentleman and direct, which I admire for any person.  

Dr. Bumpers, - my new doctor – did not ask for another test.  He only asked for my old records and test results.  After he examined my affected area, he explained to my husband that he is going to perform an operation.  No ductogram was recommended but a major duct excision.  He asked if I plan to breastfeed in the future.  I don’t have any plans.  Then after explaining the procedures to us, from pre-op to admission to the operation and the-what-to-expect, I filed for a leave-of-absence from work.  It was stressful to me thinking that I am going to have a surgery in a couple of weeks.  I cannot take any blood thinning medication.  After work, I would take an Ibuprofen if I feel any muscle pain.  By the way, I am a CNA by profession so I do a lot of running and lifting and pushing.  

Day of my surgery – I was relaxed.  My husband was the one that was anxious.  He kept asking me “Are you OK?”  I gave him an assurance that I was fine and he had nothing to worry about. 

Here’s what I had been through the whole surgical process:

  • 1.    On the night prior to my surgery, I was NPO or did not eat nor drink after midnight.
It was hard for someone who loves to eat and having snacks in the middle of the night.

  • 2.    My surgery was at 8 AM but we had to leave at 6 AM.  I got up at 5, had a shower, I used mild soap.  I did not even shampoo my hair.  I just decided not to.  Removed my earrings, I kept my wedding band – the nurse said it was OK.  Did not put any perfume, no deodorant, no make-up. Just the plain Me.

  • 3.    Upon arrival at Sparrow Hospital, we went to the admission and checked in, so many other patients were scheduled for surgery that day.  I was an out-patient.  I do not want to stay in the hospital for even a day.

  • 4.    After waiting for less than an hour, my name was called. My husband cannot go with me.  He had to stay in the waiting area.

  • 5.    1st nurse interviewed me for ID and what was my preparation prior to the surgery,  checked my vital signs, explained what I need to expect and did a drug  test.  Then she escorted me to my bed and gave me a hospital gown and red gripper socks and a couple bags for my personal belongings.

  • 6.    2nd nurse came in. Placed a warm blanket onto my left arm where she was going to put the IV on (God, I hate being poked!).  She also put a leg warmer which was attached to a machine.  It was to prevent my legs from edema or blood clots.  Another orientation, she asked me my ID and why I was there then asked me to write the letter “S” on my affected part.  She put an IV on my left hand.  Unknowingly, I swore when I felt the needle was inserted to my vein.  Man, that hurts

  • 7.    3rd person who came in was a female doctor.  Another orientation and questionings.  Making sure that I know what is going on and why I was there for.  She explains her role to my surgery, checked if everything was done properly. 

  • 8.    4th person was the anesthesiologist.  He explained what he was going to do and how I would not feel anything.  I would fall in a deep sleep and I would not remember anything.

  • 9.    Then, the last person I talked with before the operation was my surgeon/doctor.  He made sure that I do not have worry. That I was in good hands.

  • 10.  After all the preparations, the nurses and anesthesiologist pushed my bed to the operating room.  I was still relaxed.  Not having any anxieties.  Talking to one of the nurses was the last thing I can recall.  The rest I do not remember anything.



I was woken up by a nurse.  I immediately felt something heavy on my breast.  I remember the nurse asked if I am feeling any pain or discomfort.  They called my husband right after I got back to my senses.  The nurse asked me if I want a cup of juice.  Oh, yes, please!  My husband brought me something to eat… Oh, FOOD!!!! How I missed you!!!  I can eat anything when I am hungry.

I couldn’t be happier when the same nurse unhooked my IV, whew! I was groggy but I have decided that it’s time to go home.  I cannot stay for another minute at the hospital.  The operation lasted for an hour and a half and the anesthesia was still in my system, but when I got home I did not sleep.  I was actually up the whole night and the next day.  The only problem I had after the surgery was I kept peeing.  I was on the toilet every 15 minutes.  It was really annoying.  While it was happening to me, I have thought of my patients. I now understand why the patients have to go to use the toilet every 5 0r 10 minutes after they came from a hospital.  It was a question I have answered myself.  The IV was the culprit.
I went back to work after two-weeks.  I thought I was fit to work but I felt sore on my breast. It was painful so I was seen by my surgeon yesterday and he wanted me to be off from work for another two weeks then be on light duty.  I do not want to but it is for my own good.  Right now, I am on-leave and hoping to get better very soon.  I feel sore on my breast.  As much as I can tolerate the pain, taking pain pills is the last resort for me.  

I am blessed that I have a supportive husband and the surgery was over.  Though, there are still more procedures to get done.  I know that everything is going to be alright.  I will update you on how well I am doing and tell more about the operation and pathology results.