Hand hold needed- referred to breast clinic

[IngenTing]

I need a hand hold as I'm having a hard time getting my head straight.

I've had a strange sensation/pain in my right breast for nearly 3 weeks. It's almost like a pulling sensation that begins in my armpit and expands down the outside of my breast.
I've been keeping an eye on it as it feels unusual. It doesn't match up with my cycle, it's not that, I'm not pregnant and it's definitely not muscle strain.
My breast is also swollen. On Friday morning I felt a thickening/mass. I walked up to the doctors (as it was quicker than phoning to make an appointment), they actually saw me straight away. The exam was quite quick, doctor felt "something" and referred me straight away to the diagnostic centre. She's referred me to the hospital that is not our usual referral hospital (its a big city research hospital 3 hours away) and I've been referred on the "package ", which is mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy.
It's not mastitis, she ruled that out and I have no antibiotics but gave no other opinion.

I've been OK all weekend, but now the kids are in bed, husband is dozing and I'm not OK now. My referral should come through either tomorrow or Tuesday.

Mum had stage 3 breast cancer at 56, but she also had pain and a long thickening, no real lump.
I've just got this horrible feeling. A horrible sense of foreboding that everything that has happened the last 6 months, decisions etc are pointing to this. Which is utterly ridiculous, I know.
I don't live in UK, we have no family here and moved to a new area 12 months ago, so no friends here yet either. But that's neither here or there.
Can anyone share with me any experiences? Talk me down or tell me to get a grip?
I've unfortunately visited Dr Google which has diagnosed me with death or mastitis. Another decision that I don't usually make.

I've been referred three times on the urgent cancer pathway and every time it's been nothing. All of my lumps have been thickenings (like a thick piece of rope or blobby chewing gum) and although they've been new, they have all been normal breast tissue. Best of luck x

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your kind reply.
It's really reassuring. Thank you 😊

@IngenTing I had very similar. A strange pulling / dragging sensation and thickened feeling. I went to GP and she said I was very lumpy "but try not to worry". I was referred and seen really quickly. Mammogram, ultrasound and a manual check and all was fine. She said slight thickening of tissue in the other side to what I'd been referred with and to wear a sports bra for 3 weeks and take ibuprofen and evening primrose oil. I was in bits and so so scared but they couldn't have been nicer. Was seen at 8am and they told me there and then I was ok. I'm sure it'll be similar for you but I'd already talked myself into telling my boss and kids. If there is anything you've done the right thing and will be seen and sorted. I'm sending the biggest non mumsnetty hug. Take care.

I had a big lump in my boob earlier this year, very thick feeling like you say. I was referred to the breast clinic and it was a very big cyst, which they drained painlessly. Harmless and very common. Hope all goes well for you.

Thank you so much. That's very reassuring. I wear a sports bra as I'm outside a lot, so that's a positive.

I'm trying to keep reasonable and sensible. Telling myself that I've done the right thing getting checked, soon I'll have my appointment and then I'll know more etc etc. But I can almost feel myself peeling off onto a spiral. The last 2 years has been literally one thing after another. The last 4 ish months, things have finally calmed, normality is very nice and it just feels like, here we go again.

It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about it, but try not to jump to conclusions. I’ve been referred twice - both ended up being harmless cysts drained there and then. Take good care of yourself, and sending a handhold because I know how scary it can feel.x

I had a lump I could move under the skin, it didn't feel right and on top of this, my mum had breast cancer at 39, so I've always been worried. It ended up being harmless. I can totally understand your worry, and whilst every message won't confirm if yours is OK or not, I hope it gives you some comfort whilst you wait that things can turn out OK. Best wishes for you, please update us once you know.