Happy New Year Fiona and everyone,
This sounds like a very difficult situation. It reminds me of something I
heard about cows sometimes developing micoabscesses in the udder -?? could
there be microscopic areas of abscess that keep reaccumulating. I don't
think it sounds like the abscesses associated with duct ectasia, because
they are closer to the nipple and not usually associated with lactation.
Perhaps that area of the breast may need to be removed if the problem
doesn't settle - sounds drastic, but not as drastic as mastectomy. Would
she consider seeing a complementary therapist, like a homeopath? Would be
worth a try.
Lisa Amir
GP / IBCLC in Melbourne, Australia.   [log in to unmask]