So, found a lump. Hard one, in my breast. Can anyone offer advise me?

[Bansheed]

Found it two days ago. In breast tissue, on my rib. Have a Dr's appointment today ( not in UK).

Can anyone advise on their experience? I am getting married in 5 months and have three children. I haven't told DP yet, as he will panic

Breast lumps are actually more common than you think and 9 out of 10 are benign. You're doing the right thing by getting it checked out quickly and I'd expect the GP to take it just as seriously until cancer is ruled out, but that doesn't mean it IS cancer. I was referred for an ultrasound under the 2 week pathway and like many others, mine turned out to be fine. Hoping for the same outcome for you

Make an appointment to see your GP - tell the receptionist it’s urgent as you have found a breast lump.
You will be referred to a specialist one stop breast clinic. You will be seen within 2 weeks . At the appointment 3 things will happen

1. A clinician will take a history and examine you
2. You will have a scan ( either Ultrasound or mammogram occasionally both)
3. they will take a sample of cells using a needle ( sometimes this is done by the person holding the ultrasound probe to visualize it.

They sometimes give you an Indication about what it is likely to be at this point, for example if it looks like a cyst and there is fluid inside.

The team will meet together in the next week to discuss your case and look at the investigations and then they will be back in touch to make a plan.

It’s often something simple like a cyst or benign lump so try not to go into overdrive thinking the worst.

I've recently had treatment for breast cancer, but can only speak to my own experience with the NHS.

If you were in the UK, you'd probably get an urgent two week referral to the local breast care clinic. There, they'd examine you and maybe do some scans (mammogram or ultrasound) and possibly a biopsy.

Until you've seen the experts you can't know if it's something serious, but there's a good chance it's not.

I know this is a really horrible time as your brain will go into overdrive and you won't be able to stop yourself from worrying. The wait to find out was actually the worst part of the whole process, including treatment!

Try and stay calm, don't Google everything, and wait to see what the docs say.

If it's fine, they'll be able to tell you pretty quickly. And if it's not, you'll get the treatment you need and you can get through it.

Best of luck though, I'll keep everything crossed for you! It really is more likely to be nothing than something.

I know it’s hard not to panic, but after you’ve seen your GP you will probably be referred to a breast clinic for mammogram and maybe a biopsy of the lump. Most lumps are non cancerous, but it’s good you are getting it checked early. I had a lump found after a mammogram, had an appointment 2 weeks later with a follow up appointment one week after with biopsy results, but was phoned on the morning of appointment to be told it was a fatty lump, but definitely not cancer. It was the hardest week of my life. I told my husband who came with me, but there were many women there on their own.

Thank you so much! @LittleRedY0shi and @olympicsrock . Needed some practical advice. I don't live in the UK so no NHS for me. But the medical exam will be the same, as I imagine there are breast screening protocols.

Thank you @Mindymomo and @Lovelydrizzle that is great info!

@Lovelydrizzle I hope you are recovering well, thank you for sharing. I wish you the best and l, since you say you had treatment, that it was very successful.

Thanks @Bansheed! It was successful, thankfully. It wasn't the best fun I've ever had and the ongoing preventative treatment isn't great, but things are getting better! There's new treatments all the time 😊

I'm sure it's nothing and you're perfectly fine, but just in case - don't bother looking up the survival statistics! I did and scared myself half to death, then my oncologist told me that those stats are all years out of date and are based on the treatment at the time, and things move on so quickly that they're sort of pointless to worry about.

Great to hear! I am sure it wasn't fun and the ongoing prevention sounds a bit gnarly. But we are very lucky to be living in the time we do and have access to the medicine that we have! Good tip on the stats too.

So glad i posted on here. Off to the Drs in an hour. Had a little cry, i have three children and we have so much to look forward to in the coming months. I am about to marry the man of my dreams, at 50 in the most beautiful dress, and we have 70 flying in from overseas. But, that indulgence over, there is no point dwelling on it until i have more info. I am very data driven!

Hi @Bansheed, how did it go at the Drs?

Thanks, yes, defo a lump. not much said other than calling radiology... Ultrasound and Mammogram on Saturday, Results Monday or Tuesday. We have a strong private healthcare here.

I told DP, as didn't want to call him from the drs if there was some shocking news, as it is 40 mins drive away. He came with me and was very good and calm and asked good questions. He is being incredibly calm and stoic and "nothing to worry about until we know otherwise" but also very affectionate.

We went to the gym earlier and as we walked back, he said that he wants to keep me with him forever. We only met, just over two years ago. Our planned wedding is big and fun. Waited a lifetime to meet him. If i am sick, he will be a fantastic support.

Anyway no news until next week. Out for dinner with freinds tonight as the kids are with their dad. I'm glad as looking at them might wobble my "do not go through possible outcomes' mentality.

It's good that it's being looked into so quickly - hope the ultrasound and mammogram went ok today. Your DP sounds very supportive too - you're right that you've got a good one there! Hope the results come through quickly and with good news

Just a quick update. All is fine! A cyst and i go back in 6 months. The key is apparently in the shape and whether the lump has created its own blood supply.

I was smooth and bloodless...

Hooray! Great news and now you can have a fabby wedding and your much-deserved happily
ever after ❤️

So delighted to hear this! Tremendous! With best wishes for a joyous wedding .

Thank you so much. And thank you to everyone who held my hand and explained the process to me. It meant I didn't have to scare friends and family and I really appreciate it.

Fantastic news! Have a wonderful wedding ♥️

Excellent news! Thanks for updating!

Ah brilliant news

Enjoy your lovely wedding 🌸

Awh fabulous news. Have a great wedding.

That's made me feel very happy.
Thanks for the update