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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be nervous about going to the breast clinic today?

21 replies

prettybutclumpy · 07/02/2014 07:02

Found a lump under my arm before Christmas, and I am off to an appointment at the breast clinic today. I've been blocking it out, TBH, and didn't tell my OH until last night, to save him from worrying too. I have only told a couple of friends for a bit of support. My mum and my sister have both had trouble with their breasts, but thankfully no cancer, so I haven't told them either. My DSis had cancer last year so didn't want to freak her out. I am getting a wee bit nervous now.

The thing is, I don't have anyone going with me, as I really didn't think I would need it. Their literature says you can take a friend and a notepad or tape recorder, which makes it sound v ominous!

So I'm hoping some of you MNetters would have some words of wisdom and support for me! It is up to a four hour appointment, where they do all investigations including mammogram, ultrasound, taking fluid out of cysts, and even biopsy, so I am going to be there all morning.

Would be good to hear your positive experiences.

OP posts:
Original poster
prettybutclumpy · 07/02/2014 07:17

or even just a virtual unmumsnetty hug!

OP posts:
minibmw2010 · 07/02/2014 07:19

Good luck for today, I hope it all goes well for you x

jojoanna · 07/02/2014 07:22

Good luck x

Manman · 07/02/2014 07:22

Good luck x

wecantallbeperfect · 07/02/2014 07:25

Good luck today xx

stiffstink · 07/02/2014 07:26

I have lumpy breasts, I am 33 and have been quite a few times to the breast clinic.

I doubt they'd do all of the things you listed at one time. For instance, younger women aren't usually suitable for a mammogram and would have ultrasound instead. It can hurt a bit if they have to really press on, but at least you don't need a full bladder!

My last lump was under my arm, it was actually my doctor that found it. It was an enlarged gland, nothing ominous, but my view is its better to whop my boobs out to strangers to have a fumble with them than not to!

Everyone I have dealt with has been very reassuring and I'm never made to feel like a time waster. You may also get to wear a glamorous cape.

Hope it goes well for you OP.

Booboostoo · 07/02/2014 07:28

Here's a unmumsnetty [hug] for you!

Try to think positive. It's very early and it could be many different things. It sounds like the centre you have been referred to is very good, so trust them to help you. I think they suggest a notepad or tape recorder because a lot of people find it helpful to go over the information they have been given later on when they are at home - so nothing to worry about, just a lot of possibilities so a lot of information.

I don't have any experience of this and can only imagine how worried you are but I think you need to tell more people who can support you. Worrying alone can't be good for you and I imagine your family will want the chance to be there for you whatever happens next.

[hug]

reallyreallyworried · 07/02/2014 07:33

Hi pretty they ask you to allow all that time so they are able to do all the test IF they need to do them!

I had examination with Doc, then mammogram, which in my case showed a lump. So then had an ultrasound and biopsy. None of it was overly painful, just a little uncomfortable. But the staff were amazingly kind and supportive.

I went on my own as I didn't want to worry anyone until I knew there was something to worry about.

9/10 times it's nothing sinister. Even if like me you are the unlucky one there is so much they can do these days.

Try to stay positive and I hope it's good news for you.

(((((((((big hugs)))))))))) xx

starfishmummy · 07/02/2014 07:47

I hope it goes well Pretty

(((hugs)))

WheresMrMonkey · 07/02/2014 09:12

Good luck! x

PumpkinPie2013 · 07/02/2014 09:16

Good luck x

AnythingNotEverything · 07/02/2014 10:09

Take a book! At my ops it's lots a bit like a series of queues and there can be a wait between each bit.

Like Stiff I have lumpy boobs so am a fairly regular visitor to our clinic. Everyone is lovely, and it's almost always nothing to worry about.

I hope you've dressed in something easy to get on and off!

It's natural to be anxious, but there's no need. I like to think breast clinic is a bit like visiting the dentist - it's just something we have to do.

Doingakatereddy · 07/02/2014 10:19

I had lump tested last month, was nothing.

I'm 39 so had ultrasound - not painful & they talked me through whole thing. Had a biopsy, quick local anaesthetic (barely felt it) then biopsy - didn't feel it, wasn't painful!

Results come back in a week.

Take a book, wear something easy to take off, treat yourself to hot choccy & breathe - they'll take care if you xxx

AngryFeet · 07/02/2014 10:20

I have been several times and everyone has been clear. Sometimes I am there for 30 mins and just have an ultrasound and once I was there longer as needed a biopsy (although they didn't think it was anything sinister but they are very thorough). Doubtful they will give you a mammogram if you are under 40-45 as breast tissue is too dense at this age. It is a letter they send to everyone so they cover all bases.

Good luck :)

Banacek · 07/02/2014 10:53

You are doing the right thing getting it checked, and it is most likely to be nothing sinister.

I was one of the unlucky ones - my lump was breast cancer. But I have finished my treatment now, am cancer free, and life goes on - I got through it.

Try not to worry unduly and good luck Flowers

Original poster
prettybutclumpy · 07/02/2014 11:57

Thank you everyone for your support and stories. I am now home, and all went really well. Had mammogram and ultrasound, but it turned out to be a lymph node sitting in an awkward position against my chest wall. It was all very quick (2 hours total), painless and the staff were lovely.

So sorry to hear about some of you who haven't been so fortunate - Banacek thanks for your message and wishing you a fantastic and healthy future.

OP posts:
Banacek · 07/02/2014 13:56

Glad it was nothing serious, have a lovely weekend!

Booboostoo · 07/02/2014 16:41

Great news OP, what a relief for you! And well done for being brave enough to get this checked out - it can't have been easy.

Varya · 07/02/2014 16:45

Good news for OP that is great. The breast clinic staff are really lovely.
They found I had cancer, but it was sorted last year so fingers crossed I wont get it again Varya XXX

TalkieToaster · 07/02/2014 19:21

Hurrah for an awkward lymph node! I did have breast cancer (all treated now, hopefully never to return) and yes, they do mammograms on younger women - for the poster who said they don't. It's not a routine thing as the tissue is too dense, but the diagnostic process for me included an ultrasound, mammogram and fine needle biopsy. I suppose it varies clinic to clinic.

Original poster
prettybutclumpy · 08/02/2014 21:48

Talkie, thanks to you, and warmest wishes for a healthy future.

OP posts:
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