Hi Loni -
As others have stated, I would concur that this mom sounds like a likely
candidate for gigantomastia. Thus said mom sure has the classic telltale signs:
petite, basketballs for breasts in short amount of time, blanched shiny
skin. Cathy hit upon the fact that her breasts sound like they are abscessing
due to the enormous growth experienced in such a short amount of time. It's a
connective tissue growth - not really a fluid, therefore, I don't know how
likely cabbage leaves will be. I know in my case, the exact opposite
occurred, and my swelling about doubled over night when cabbage was applied. Instead
I would ice them as much as possible for comfort. Also, if this is
gigantomastia, then at the moment it is believed to be a prolactin reactor.... and
what to do with that? The billion dollar question!
I'm also the person who wrote the article found in June - July 2005 Leaven,
that Norma referred to in her post. I have experienced gigantomastia in all
3 stages that it can present itself: puberty, gestation and post pregnancy.
The worst scenario is what this mom is presenting with - gestation.
I would advise this mom to seek out Dr. Craig Randall in Chandler AZ or Dr.
Ruth Lawrence in Rochester NY. I have both contact #s availabe if desired.
These two are the only specialists that I'm aware of that know of this
condition and are willing to work with thus said clientele. I believe Dr. Craig
treats with Bromocriptine during pregnancy in order to slow down the
excelerated growth. Should her breast tissue survive and not require mastectomies
(partial, full) it will be a wait and see what they will do after the birth of
the baby. For some women the breast tissue goes back down to a more
"manageable" size... while others won't. I would also believe either of these two
doctors could rule out/in cancer too.
This condition occurs 1:100,000 pregnancies and once it starts, then a woman
can be most certain to experience it again for subsequent pregnancies. This
is also genetic, and therefore, can be passed on to her offspring - daughter
and any offspring daughters of her sons.
I'm currently on nomail right now and was alerted to this line of discussion
by a colleague. So should you want to seek out any further information,
feel free to contact me at my other email address: [log in to unmask]
(mailto:[log in to unmask]) I'd be willing to talk via phone once private contact has
been established. There's more info to give on this topic... and a cure has
got to be found.... for I dread this happening to my daughters and
granddaughters.
ps - you are correct to NOT have her pump! and I'd be curious to know her
female bloodline relatives breast Hx, her puberty Hx, etc.
Regards,
Cheri Casciola, IBCLC, RLC
Chandler AZ
Gigantomastia survivor
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