Lump in breast-Feeling scared

[Whelk]

I have a lump in my breast, sort of on the top section, near the nipple. It is very large (2" across) but quite flat. I think it gets bigger about half way through my cycle but I'm not totally sure. It feels huge in my AA breasts and only really appeared about 6 weeks ago.

I have been to the GP and have been referred to the breast clinic in a week for a mammogram and tests.
I feel so scared.

Does anyone have any experience of this. It's going to be a very long week. I just keep worrying for my children.

[KurriKurri]

You are bound to feel scared Whelk, the waiting for these appointments is very hard. Try not to jump the gun at the moment, the main thing is that you are going to the best place to get your problem sorted whatever it may be.

GP's always tend to err on the side of caution with breast lumps, and a high percentage of referrals turn out to be nothing to worry about.

In the worse case scenario, breast cancer is a very treatable disease these days, - I am 3 years post DX. Don't be panicking about your children just now chances are in your favour that you will be fine.

When I was going through the waiting process a nurse said to me 'deal with what you know and don't worry about the don't knows' and it's good advice. deal with everything a step at a time. The main thing now is to get through your appointment and then see where you go from there.

Have you got a friend/spouse who can go to the clinic with you for support?, it does help to have some company IME, as it can take a little while if they do several procedures.

The tamoxifen thread is a support thread for people with BC and for anyone going through tests for lumps (we have lots of women come on for a bit of support while waiting for appointments, - it can help to have people to chat with) so please do pop over if you think that would help

Lots of luck with your appointment, if you've got any specific questions about the tests at the clinic, just ask

[Erebus]

Statistically it's going to be a cyst which is a common, benign, fluid filled sac that can form. Increasing and decreasing in size during your cycle is typical, too. Does it hurt? Cysts can do but early breast cancer rarely if ever does.

Any GP would immediately refer any breast thing to the breast clinic as routine. They will act fast just in case. A close friend of 45 had this a week ago. She was told they'd start with an examination, a mammo, maybe an ultrasound (good to pick up cysts), then possibly a fine needle biopsy where they take a tiny sample of it to test. Hers ended after the mammo when they declared that it unequivocally was a cyst!

Of course you are concerned but I'd put a lot of money of the likelihood of it being a benign cyst!

Good luck with it.

[madrush]

I've had something similar which turned out to be cyst. It isn't always but you've noticed it and done something about it. That's great progress. You will worry while you wait but try to keep busy and not dwell on scary thoughts until you've had tests. Wishing you well.

[Whelk]

Thanks all. It's very hard not to worry, especially about my dds (although i know that's jumping the gun at the moment.)
The lump doesn't feel smooth and squeezable like I imagine a cyst would. Instead it feels hard with an irregular surface.
The GP observed that it is quiet mobile.
In general my breasts hurt today but I think thats from all my prodding and squeezing.

[Whelk]

quite mobile sorry not quiet (although it is quiet!)

[EveryonesJealousOfWeasleys]

It sounds very very similar to what I had a few years ago - I was similarly bricking it, went into hospital and had a scan and tissue sample, and it turned out that I just have a slightly lumpy boob! You are doing exactly the right thing by getting it checked out without delay, but the waiting bit is horrible. Can anyone go with you on the day? My DH (then DP) came with me and was lovely. I cried when I rang my DSis afterwards. Good luck x

[Whelk]

My dh is coming with me, thank you all
It really helps hearing your stories.
My dds both have ongoing health problems so it's very odd to be worried about myself.

[clingingtosanity]

Recently went through the same thing. Lump in breast, fairly large, not painful. GP referred me & I had an examination, fine needle biopsy & a breast ultrasound. They have diagnosed a fibroadenoma but want me back in 2 months as it's very 'fixed' and 'not typical' whereas most fibroadenomas are apparently mobile.

I'd say try not to worry but, having experienced the waiting etc, I know that's near enough impossible. Take comfort in the fact that they will act quickly, thoroughly and always on the 'better safe than sorry' side of things.

I would say that the fact yours is mobile is a very positive sign

[Whelk]

It is very encouraging to hear your stories. Thank you so much. It's helping enormously to talk about it. Apart from my dh I haven't told anyone although I will probably talk to my Mum when she's back from holiday. I don't want to worry her.

[Quibs]

Hi Whelk please do not worry I had the same thing in my arm pit which appeared just before my period was due and was at times painful, after being sent to the hospital for an ultrasound my GP told me that it is something which is very common with women who have had children for lumps to appear relating to their period. I'm sure what you have is just that but I know how worried you must be, I have had 3 lumps in total all of which has been fine, has been enough to make me start using aluminium free deodorant!

[MaryAnnSingleton]

hello whelk- just offering a hand of support while you wait- and if you feel like it can second Kurri Kurri's recommendation of the tamoxifen thread.

[Pleb1969]

been there too! Found a pea size lump in my right armpit close to the breast on New Years Day last year. Had to wait a couple of days to see the doc due to the hols and all the snow, she found it immediately and referred me for a mammogram, scan and possible biopsy the same week. Had all sorts of thoughts going round in my head but it turned out to be the same as EveryonesJealousOfWeasleys - apparently I just have naturally lumpy boobs and not being particularly well endowed I am more likely to notice them as there isn't so much breast tissue to hide the natural lumps and bumps. Fingers crossed it will be the same for you too. Good luck xx

[Whelk]

As I had some lovely support on here I thought I'd come back and update you as to how today went.
I had an examination, mammogram, ultrasound - the results from which appear to be that its a lump of dense breast tissue masquarading as a lump.

However they also took a (which was optional but I thought i'd regret it if I didn't have it ) and I won't get the results of that until next week.

Thank you again for the lovely messages.

[MaryAnnSingleton]

That sounds good whelk- most likely just to be that -it often happens(I was recalled this year after my annual mammo because of 'changes' in my other breast and it was just dense tissue. A biopsy will confirm it,I'm sure Well done-you've been v brave -I know it's not an easy thing to go through..

[Whelk]

Thanks MaryAnn- a biopsy is what I meant to say.
I was surprised by how wiped out I felt by it yesterday. Afterwards I just wanted to sit quietly at stare into space.
Another countdown to the biopsy results. I plan to clear out dd2's bedroom this weekend to distract myself.
I have two hospital appointments with dds next week and one physio for myself so will be mightily sick of hospitals by the end of it!
Thanks again for your support. It's making a huge difference.

[MaryAnnSingleton]

I'm not surprised that you feel wiped out- it's a very emotionally taxing time-really is the worst bit I think. Distractions sound good-and yes,think you will be sick of hospital Take care

[slowcooker]

Hey Whelk

I hope you get good results back. I had blood oozing out of my breast and seen a specialist today. She examined my breasts took my history and will receive appointments for mammogram and possibly ultrasound through the post. I've been feeling very tired and have other health worries (seeing the gynecologist in a few weeks' time) and my head was full of negative thoughts. But I know I've got to keep it together for the sake of my 5month old baby. At first I was shell shocked, felt numb, so I'm trying hard to think positive now. Whatever the result maybe I intend to not taking lying down.

All the best

[MaryAnnSingleton]

sorry to hear about that slowcooker - really hope everything's ok-good attitude to have If you want any support the tamoxifen thread is the place to look.

[EveryonesJealousOfWeasleys]

Hello Whelk - good news so far. Best to be 100% sure but again the waiting! Torture. Let us know how it goes.

Slowcooker - that sounds horrid, and very hard to deal with whilst caring for a young baby. Fingers crossed for you.

[Whelk]

Slowcooker - Wishing you all the very best of luck. It's a horrible business and for me the worst part has been all the waiting between appointments. The care I got in the examination, ultrasound and mammogram was excellent and as sensitive as it could have possibly been.

Thank you all for your support. On the waiting goes. I expect to hear on Tuesday or Wednesday I guess. I must keep busy (dd's old nursery is looking lovely and clear thanks to my distrcation frenzy!)

[MaryAnnSingleton]

thinking of you both x

[twolittlekittens]

I wanted to add my ten pence worth. I had similar last month, a routine mammogram then an ultrasound revealled something that looked like a slug. I was referred to the breast man who did another ultrasound but had prepared to do a biopsy. He checked really carefully and found nothing.
I want to big up the breast ladies, they were really supportive.
Good luck to all who are experiencing lumps and bumps and slugs.

[mel2005]

i found a lump last week, its a bit like whelks. my breasts are DD cup so i am not sure how long its been there but it is really big and i am a bit in shock, i usually only check under and the top near nipple, i was expecting pea size lumps towards the outside of the breast anyway this is towards the back and its more angular and quite far in. i only did a good check because i found out i have cervical cancer and immediately thought it could have been worse it could have been breast cancer, then i found the lump and now i am getting really worried. i have an appointment at the breast clinic at the hospital on friday. when the dr saw me last week he said i had really dense breast tissue and he said most ladies breasts when you poke them your finger goes right in, mine are not like that, he said its unusual but not a problem. i have always had big breasts even when i was a size 8 (i am now 12/14) so he said it might be a build up of supporting tissue but i dont have it on the other side.
in the last couple of weeks my life has turned upside down, i have a few weeks to wait to find out if there is anymore cervical cancer (i have already had three lumps removed, two were cancer) and now i have to wait to find out about the breast lump. my children are only 6y,5y and 2.5y twins and i am scared for them.

[MaryAnnSingleton]

oh mel-you are having a very rough time -I am so sorry. It is probably most likely to be dense tissue (esp. if as I'm guessing you are quite young) but wise to be checked out. The waiting to go to the breast clinic is always hard but they will be very gentle and kind I'm sure. If you'd like some hand holding please do nip to the tamoxifen thread. Meanwhile sending you lots of good thoughts.

[MaryAnnSingleton]

tamoxifen thread here