A mother who I helped a few weeks ago called me with the following and I want
to share and would appreciate any additional information anyone might have.

She has a 3 week old, 2nd baby.  With 1st baby, she attempted breastfeeding
and gave up.  While bfg, she developed a lump at the edge of the nipple,
under the breast , about the size of a marble.  Ob/gyn sent her for a
mammogram, said report said it was fluid and not to worry.  Lump dissappeared
after weaning.  Second baby, mom more determined to nurse.  Lump re-appears,
much larger this time.  New doc, orders mamogram, and 1st report.  Mom
shocked that 1st report stated that lump was solid-filled.  New mamogram show
it to be solid and she is refered to a breast surgeon who wants to remove
asap.  Told mom it is a Fibercystic Adenoma and 1% chance of it being
malignant.  Incision will be through part of nipple, doc says because of
location and please wean baby. Mom agrees.   Mom contacted me Sat. night,
breasts bound and uncomfortable and baby screaming.  We discussed perhaps
continuing to nurse on one breast only for right now.  Mom is a labor and
delivery nurse and her co-workers see no reason for her to continue nursing,
just do what the doc wants.  I talked with her about different options and
would be open to any others anyone else may have.  #1- just dry up the breast
that will have surgery (maybe use cabbage leaves on the one breast?) and
continue to nurse on other side.  #2- after incision has healed, try to
relactate on breast that had surgery - letting surgeon know that this is her
goal so they will be careful cutting into or, should I say not cutting
through ducts.

Interesting note:  Breast surgeon is a woman and stated to mom that though
she is very well versed is surgery of breast, mom probably knows more about a
lactating breast that the doc.

Any suggestions gratefully considered!!

Ginny Silver,IBCLC and LLLL, Phoenix, AZ