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Original poster

Pain and lump in breast, family history of BC, very scared

16 replies

SallyScuttles · 16/03/2011 08:57

Just wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and could tell me what is likely to happen when I go to see the GP.

My mum died in her 30's from breast cancer, when my sister and I were young.

I've been having pain in my left breast for a few weeks now and I have now found a lump that is a bit bigger than a pea and I'm sure it wasn't there last month when I checked. I'm not premenstrual, I don't check then because I know the hormones can make you more lumpy, I'm on about day 10-12 of my cycle.

I finished bfeeding about 5 months ago with no problems so I'm not sure if that is related at all.

I feel terrified, utterly terrified. I can remember my mum being ill and dying and I don't think I can handle what might come next once I have seen the GP (appt on Saturday morning). Can anyone tell me what is likely to happen? Its going to be a long wait until Saturday.

OP posts:

jesieb · 16/03/2011 09:13

Firstly I want to send you lots and lots of {{{{hugs}}}}

I (thankfully) have not gone through this situation myself. However that does not stop me needing to come on and comment.

I have a friend who had no family history, continuously BF for 3years, and currently BF her 9 month old DD. People kept telling her her lump was a blocked duct. She done nothing about it. Then it got too painful so she went to the DR. She was sent for testing.... she had her first chemotherapy treatment on Friday :(

I want to stress that it is perfectly normal to be scared.but it is so important you take the step and go to your GP.

I would imagine they will be nothing but nice and understanding, and you will be sent for the next steps to see if it is ok or not.

It will be a scarey time, so please do not go alone. My friend went alone and said she had never felt so lonely. :(

I am her to virtually hold your hand if you need it. But please please make that appointment today

jesieb · 16/03/2011 09:15

Sorry, just seen you have made an appointment. Did you explain what the problem was? I would ask to be seen before Saturday. Your right Saturday is a ling time to wait. I would phone for an emergency appointment. (sorry not trying to worry you, but it is an important issue which needs time on your side, therefore the sooner anything happens the better)

weblette · 16/03/2011 09:16

Is there any way you could get an appointment sooner Sally?

Original poster

SallyScuttles · 16/03/2011 09:17

Thanks so much for replying so quickly, I have an appt on Saturday so am definitely going though I'll have to go alone. I don't want to take the DC so DH will have to stay home with them.

Partly I'm worried that the GP will just say 'blocked duct, go away' and that really its something worse that I've been told is fine so ignore it. I've had blocked ducts though and it didn't feel like this.

I just feel so frightened, I know what its like watching your mum be ill and I don't want that for my DC. See I'm crying now, just typing that

OP posts:

Original poster

SallyScuttles · 16/03/2011 09:18

i told the receptionist what it was and she said the earliest i could go was saturday

OP posts:

BrokenBananaTantrum · 16/03/2011 09:23

Hi Sally. 3 years ago I had a painful lump in my breast and although there is no history of breast cancer in my family I panicked. I feel for you but I would also like to tell you that when I went to see my GP she told me that usually if a lump is painful it is not cancer (but jesib's post refutes this) I don't know if this is true but she has said this to me on more than one occasion. I don't know if this is reassuring for you but I hope it is. I have had recurring benign breast pain for the last 5 months. It is a long wait until saturday and if you can, get in sooner. If not, make sure you wear a comfortable bra and that you wear one at night as well.

Take care

Original poster

SallyScuttles · 16/03/2011 09:26

Thanks Broken, I know I need to not panic but it so, so hard. Oddly, the pain isn't quite where the lump is, its deeper into the breast whereas the lump is a little nearer the skin if that makes any sense. Its like a dull ache that comes and goes and then every so often a stabby pain.

OP posts:

weblette · 16/03/2011 11:11

Would the receptionist let you speak to a nurse about it? I usually manage to circumvent the receptionist doing that!

jesieb · 17/03/2011 07:31

Hiya just sending some more {{{{hugs}}}} and hope your not feeling to down today.

as for the pp who's Dr said cancerous lumps aren't painful. my friends was. but I am guessing its uncommon (I will have to check with her) as her and her husband are both medical professionals and she was treating it for a month or so as a blocked duct.

Original poster

SallyScuttles · 17/03/2011 12:54

I'm doing ok, having to stop myself prodding it quite a lot. I keep thinking that maybe it isn't really there, maybe I imagined it but then a good prod and I feel scared again!
Have managed to not google symptoms which I think would do me no good whatever and the ladies on the Tamoxifen thread have been great so feeling better about having so many experienced people to chat with. Can't wait for Saturday and seeing the GP.

OP posts:

BrokenBananaTantrum · 18/03/2011 13:17

Good luck tomorrow. I hope it goes ok. Will you let us know please?

Original poster

SallyScuttles · 18/03/2011 13:25

I will, my appt is around lunchtime so it'll be sometime after that. I've just about convinced myself now that its all ok and I've just panicked too much so hopefully the GP will be very reassuring and send me on my way!!

OP posts:

bobblyears · 19/03/2011 11:35

Hello Sally S

Firstly, I really feel for you and know what your going through, been there myself. Had mastectomy, lost kidney too same thing. I had discomfort in my breast for a couple of years, was told 'can't be breast cancer as you don't get pain with that'. Er...WRONG I learned from a Registrar that about 1% of women get pain. After I went to my GP for the third time -you have to push-I was sent to a terrific place for more tests. Had mammogram, and needle biopsy. Two days later was telephoned, go to hospital for ultra-sound, this was immediately followed by cone biopsy.All comfortable proceedures. Also found I had breast cancer. Bit of a shock but the NHS was fantastic as were the cancer team. Now op. has been done and am waiting for re-construction. My message to you Sally is.. PUSH HARD for a needle biopsy. Mammograms don't always get it right. In short be totally bolshie but get your own way. Mind you you may find your GP wonderful and will send you for all the tests. But, you need more that the mampgram. If I had pushed harder I might not have had to lose a breast. On a lighter note, my plakky surgeon asked me if I wanted to be a little larger or smaller with reconstruction, I said I didnt think I'd be a good Page 3 girl, so opted for smaller. Good luck to you honeybun and keep your chin up - it really does help.

jesieb · 19/03/2011 13:23

Been thinking of you. How did it go?

Original poster

SallyScuttles · 19/03/2011 13:36

Thanks Jesie, I went to the GP earlier and she referred me to the breast clinic. She didn't/wouldn't offer any suggestions about what she thought it could be. I think she was trying very hard to not say anything that would panic me. She said the hospital are likely to see me later this week, maybe Wed, Thurs or Fri for scan, mammogram and possible biopsy.

I'm going to leave this thread now and just post on the Tamoxifen thread so I don't need to check both. Thanks for all your thoughts though, it has really helped.

OP posts:

Beamur · 19/03/2011 16:05

OP, I had a scare myself last year and it is a very frightening time - hope you've had a useful trip to your GP today. My GP was fairly sure my lump/discomfort was harmless, but my Mum has had breast cancer (fully recovered now) so didn't take any chances and referred me to the hospital for a proper check. Mine turned out to be harmless glandular tissue.
Best wishes.

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