Hello Lactnetters!  Can you help with this one?
        Mother -  8 weeks postpartum
                 3 bouts of mastitis in same spot - resistant to antibiotics
                 Large hard mass in right breast
                 Numerous plugged ducts (including visible plugs in nipple
pores which are VERY resistant to removal.)
                 When plugs finally break free, milk ejects forcefully
(sometimes across the room).  Plugs themselves feel
crystaline rather than oily.
        Diagnoses - Ob sent mother to Surgeon who diagnosed abscess
initially, and later Galactocele (after consultation).
                 Aspirated 3 times, approx 1 oz of fluid removed initially
                 followed by slightly reduced volumes at subsequent
aspirations.
        Recommendation - Surgeon prescribed parlodel and
discontinuation of nursing.  Mother did not want to discontinue
breastfeeding or take parlodel.  We have reviewed the
relevant material in Ruth Lawrence's Book, done a med-line
search, consulted with a second surgeon who is knowledgeable
about breastfeeding, and supplied all medical personnel
involved with relevant materials in the process.
        Maternal decision - Nurse on unaffected breast only and allow right
breast to regress to non-lactating state.  The surgeon is
skeptical but agreable, and the obstetrician supports the
mother's decision.  Our consulting surgeon suggests that the
galactocele may (or may not)resorb on it's own after lactation
ceases.
        PROBLEM:   The other breast is also very sore and the plugged ducts
continue to occur at a rapid rate.  Mother has tried frequent
nursing, frequent pumping, massage, and heat.  She works
with the breasts before nursing and before pumping to enhance
flow and loosen plugs.  She has added lecithin to her diet and
is reducing saturated fats.  (As suggested in Dr. Lawrence's
book.)  So far to no avail.  Every day - even every few hours
of every day is a struggle to keep the breasts flowing and
prevent the ever present plugged ducts from developing into
mastitis or possibly another galactocele.  Her latest
prescription of antibiotics runs out tomorrow
        QUESTION:   Those of you who have worked with similar cases- How
long                  did the dietary intervention take to have an impact?
How                 much lecithin did you use in capsule form?  Has anything
else                 proven helpful in eliminating repeated "caking"?