Bumpy mass and breast pain (in one side only)?

[vipersnest1]

I've been experiencing breast / chest wall (I couldn't pinpoint which) pain and tenderness for about a month and put it down to a sore rib initially (I have fibromyalgia and do get a sore - different and lower - rib at times).
It was persistent so I made a GP appointment and saw one today. I pointed out the tender area and she seemed to be able to home on it right away.
Before I went, I could never really work out where the pain was coming from, but since having a feel after I got home, it's a hard bumpy mass in my upper breast rather than a single lump.
I've been referred to the breast clinic for a non-urgent symptomatic breast.
Does anyone have experience and / or a handhold?
I'm worried. I've never had problems with my breasts before (not even especially tender when pregnant), and am in my late fifties so it's the last thing I expected to happen.
(For clarity, I do have another thread running, but this was from when I was first concerned and couldn't feel anything specific myself.)
Any experience or advice would be welcome, as it seems I'm not on the 2WW pathway, but would like to know what's going on ASAP.

Bump?

Yes, I had a similar lumpy mass and pain and was put on the 2WW list due to family history.

I went in and had a mammogram and ultrasound and it turned out to be nothing serious - calcification I think she said. Apparently it's really common. I hope yours turns out to be just as uneventful!

Thank you, @MagicTape. I hope so too.
I'm pleased for you that you got a good resolution as to what it was.

Just bumping in case anyone else has experience.

One last bump?
I could really do with a hand hold, experience or both.

and just to add, I've been referred as non-urgent symptomatic breast. What does this even mean?

Breast referrals are either urgent or non urgent symptomatic. Non urgent symptomatic should still be seen in a short time frame. Normally the 2ww would apply as well for non urgent breast symptomatic. There is a move towards knowing an outcome (so knowing whether cancer or not cancer) in 28 days as the key target. Each area will be a bit different depending on workload pressure but hopefully you will find out soon when apt is. Good luck x

Thanks, @Tired6789, that's what I'm hoping for. I live alone and don't really have anyone to talk to except DSis, but she's a nurse and is very matter of fact about things like this - she had most of her cervix removed a few years back and I didn't even know at the time.
I have grown up DCs, but they're busy with their own lives so I haven't been able to speak to them yet (and don't know if I should tell them yet anyway).
Would it be terrible of me to call the breast clinic to get an idea of timeframes? It would help to know, and then I can also plan as I'm a teacher (and that's a whole other issue as of course I can't give myself a few quiet days until I'm seen).

Yep give them a call on Monday! Breast Cancer Now has clinical nurses on their free helpline, can ring them next week too. They are v knowledgeable and you can talk it all through with them

Thank you so much, @Tired6789. That's really helpful. I won't gush inappropriately, and don't expect any more than you have already done, but having at least one person out there makes me feel less lonely in this.

Ahh I'm pleased to hear that. Do try Breast Cancer Now, or Macmillan have a helpline too. They are really friendly x

I have absolutely zero experience so I can’t offer you anything except I’ve read your thread and I’m thinking of you - wishing you the best and hoping you get answers soon

I have calcification. Twice in six months. Antibiotics cleared up the infection. Consultant said wear a bra day and at night

I have had a similar issue which was an abcess. Years ago, they drained it. Could be that?

I had the same thing. Turned out to be nothing, just bumpy tissue. It’s most common for it to be that rather than anything serious

Thank you, @NeedleFeltedFox. Interesting username by the way!
Re: an answer, if it's cancer, then it is, and I will have to deal with that. It's the not knowing that's so difficult.
It triggers anxiety for me as DC1 was born looking like they had a genetic condition (they don't, luckily), DC2 did have a genetic condition where I realised something was wrong shortly after they were born (it was and is very difficult to deal with, even though they are grown up now as it affects their life so much), and then DC1 went on to develop a life-threatening autoimmune disease. Thankfully they are in remission, but have developed another disease, which while not being life-threatening, can be life-changing. I won't bore you with any more, but I've had many horrible circumstances where I haven't been able to 'fix things' and I find it very difficult to deal with. (I also fell ill just over eighteen months ago and ended up having over eight months from work off, with fibromyalgia. I've had to work very hard to get myself back to somewhere near normal.)
So, yes, I'd like to know as soon as possible, so that I know what's going on.

I'm feeling very panicky this evening. Anyone out there who can tell me to get a grip?

From extensive googling when relatives got BC, there's rarely sudden onset pain with cancer, and boobs change through the menopause. I'd say the pp's experiences of calcification sounds very plausible. But also, caught early it can be an op and no further treatment.

I’m 50 and often get breast pain but always one side. A few months ago I felt a thickened area and felt like something was pressing into me when lying on my front. I saw GP and had a mammogram/ultrasound/check by consultant and all good, just a dense area of tissue. My sister had breast cancer so was on my mind!

@MuggleMe and @stclair, thank you.
I'm in my late fifties, so should (in theory) be well into the menopause by now. I can't say for certain as I had a hysterectomy eleven years ago (ovaries intact, but one went awol when I had a scan due to infection).
As I mentioned before, it's the not knowing that's so difficult. I have to go to work tomorrow with my cheery face on, when I don't feel like that at all.
I really appreciate your replies.

@vipersnest1 waiting is absolutely awful isn’t it. I must say since I’ve been checked out the pain has gone! And the consultant did say that is common - if you are in discomfort it’s what your brain hones in on and it feels worse. When was your
last mammogram?

Wishing you well. It's the Waiting Or answers That is so emotionally draining.

@stclair, the last mammogram was around two years ago and clear.
As for the pain, it's been more comfortable with a sports type bra, so that's what I'll wear for the time being, but it's still there - I've felt it at some point every day, and have an ache there all of the time. It extends into my armpit as well.
That's why, after a month, I made a GP appointment in the first place.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago. Small lump removed and radiotherapy.

Since then I have constant lumps and bumps and mild discomfort. Seat belt is uncomfortable. Dog lying on me is uncomfortable. Whenever I go for a check up the breast cancer nurse has a good poke around and looks bored. Doesn’t stop the underlying worry but hey Ho.

Positive vibes for your appointment.

Thanks, @JayAlfredPrufrock.
In a way, I wish it would all go away. I've found a bra that is more comfortable, but even so, I still have some pain.
It's driving me crazy.