Breast lump

[keepingmumfornow]

Namechanged for this as have only told DH and one friend before breast clinic appointment.

So many people seem to have to go through this, and it seems it's my turn. Found a thickened area in breast last month which to me felt like a rope like area with some egg shaped swelling. Thought it had gone down with end of cycle but it came right back up again even bigger. Forced self to go to GP, which was hard as lots of other things going on at the moment. GP said she couldn't rule anything out although she thought it was unlikely to be cancerous so referred me urgently (am mid 40s).

Realised I was covered under DH's health insurance through work so managed to get an appointment privately for Tuesday. Feel quite bad about going private but am already under a lot of pressure for personal reasons and this worry just feels too much.

Any positive stories are totally welcome. I know most lumps are benign but still obviously worried. 2 cousins had BC in their 40s and my mum had it in her 60s.

Have got young dependants.

Anyway thanks for any input at all

[keepingmumfornow]

Bump (y boobs)

[mamalloyd]

Hello. I know it's hard not to worry but you've done the right thing in getting checked out - it doesn't matter whether it's private or NHS as long as you are.

I went through something similar last summer. Found a lump when breastfeeding with DS1, went to GP and got referral to breast clinic. After chatting to friends & family I was convinced it was just a blocked milk duct but after an ultrasound they also gave me a mammogram. They still weren't happy with what they could see so did a biopsy there & then. It didn't hurt at all (had a local) but was bruised for few days.

The wait for results was excruciating. It was only a week but felt like years. I had to keep myself busy. Thankfully all was ok but make sure you take someone for support just in case. Even if it's good news the relief can be a bit overwhelming.

Hope this helps reassure you. Look after yourself as sounds like there's a few other things going on. Let us know how you get on xxx

[keepingmumfornow]

Thanks mama.

Really appreciate that you replied. I'm glad it was all OK with you.

Can't take anyone due to lack of childcare but DH will wait outside with children so if it is bad he will be right there.

[keepingmumfornow]

Can anyone else advise too?

[FarrowandBallAche]

Hi OP.

I have found two lumps about 8 years apart. Both times referred to breast clinic and both times very worried. Sister had BC aged 45.

Thankfully mine were just cysts. I've since been called for a routine mammogram that was clear.

You're being seen quickly which is good, really hope everything is ok.

[Keepingmumfornow]

Thanks.. Very much appreciated.

[keepingmumfornow]

Well the day is here. Got to get through work first and plaster a grin on my face...

[FarrowandBallAche]

Best of luck. Let us know how you get on

[keepingmumfornow]

Thanks..feeling quite positive..guess you have to until the worst happens!

[keepingmumfornow]

Not that it will I hope.

Feeling a bit disheartened that not many people have responded here though (your response is much appreciated!)

Usually I see pages of reassurance, so it is making me feel things don't look very good for me. Just having a wobble I think!

[Fragglewump]

Keep calm. A crazy number of breast lumps (at least 95%) are benign. You are the perfect age for cysts. According to my breast consultant many women between 40 and the menopause have breast cysts (which in my experience can be enormous, and painful and grow and shrink) be prepared for some manual examination, a mammogram, possibly a scan and a needle biopsy. They normally do everything to make certain that they know what the lumps are. The odds are really in your favour and if they are anything like the ladies who have done all my investigations they will be lovely, supportive and professional. Good luck this afternoon I have walked your path and know how stomach churning the wait is. By tonight you will be able to have a glass of wine and a relax!

[keepingmumfornow]

Thanks so much!

Had prearranged a meal with a friend tonight. Didn't cancel as I have not told anyone yet, so just hoping all will be fine and I can relax and celebrate later!!

Hope that it's a good sign that GP said it was unlikely to be anything sinister.

[sadie9]

The waiting is unbearable when you are imagining all sorts. I got called back to a screening centre urgently a couple of days after a routine screening mammogram.
It turned out to be fine. So I know about the waves of fear.
Make sure you eat and drink properly today, don't drink too much caffeine as it makes the anxiety worse. I found taking a couple of paracetamol an hour before my mammogram appointment really helped as my first one was really uncomfortable, but the second one at the specialist centre with paracetamol was absolutely fine.
Keep yourself busy today and the time will go, and then the horrible waiting will be over today. They will most likely do a mammogram, ultrasound and a physical exam and possibly a fine needle test also if there is fluid, cyst etc. Best of luck with it. All the ladies in there for further screening were 100% certain sure we were rightly doomed. We were wrong about that.
At least you are private you might not have to wait between processes if you have just got an appointment for yourself so the waiting will be even less.
The staff will be really great I'm sure. And they are really used to us being absolutely shit scared so will do everything they can to lessen your anxiety each step of the screening process.

[keepingmumfornow]

Thanks, i will definitely take some painkillers beforehand.

Thanks, all very reassuring.

[2madboys]

Hi OP. We have a strong family history of breast cancer - my Mum had it, her Mum died from it and also several of her Aunts. Both my sisters (on older and one younger) have found lumps in the last few years and I found a lump just before Christmas. Happy to say that they were all benign. Mine was a cyst (they also found another one that I couldn't feel) and it was drained at the hospital appointment (I also was able to go private). Despite the family history, we've also tested negative for the BRACA gene, so although still classed as high risk, it's not quite so scary.

Also remember, that most breast cancer is easily treatable, especially if found early. My Mum had it 25 years ago and is now fighting fit and 77!

[keepingmumfornow]

Thanks, these stories are great (especially since having a little wobble at the moment!)

[Looly71]

Good luck today. I know it's easier said than done but try to stay calm. I had a lump a few years ago and had mammogram followed by biopsy and mri over several weeks. Obviously being called back for further biopsies and mri freaked me right out but turned out to be benign cyst in the end and hospital were just being over cautious. My care was brilliant.

[keepingmumfornow]

Thanks looly. Sounds stressful.

[FarrowandBallAche]

What time is appointment OP?

[Keepingmumfornow]

Consultant said feels like cyst. Waiting for scans to be sure. :) But hopefully he wouldn't say that without being quite sure.

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

In scan waiting room. But feel much better

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

Oops namechanged fail. But ok if good news

[FarrowandBallAche]

Ah Fanjo. Fingers crossed.

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

Is all fine. Cyst drained so I love to fight another day.

Apols for namechanging but I didn't want to tell people here first if it was bad news . Also changed details.

So glad I am still going to be here for DD.

Off to drink wine.

Thanks everyone for being so lovely

Xxxunmumsnettyhugsandkissesxxx

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

You all made a hard day easier.