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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To visit GP with Breast Lump

79 replies

MinnyMouse · 19/05/2014 05:28

As I am sure it's just nothing. However deep down I must be concerned as I've not slept properly.

Back story

Father recently died suddenly. Grieving and stressed and super busy at work.

At the end of last week I treated myself to an aromatherapy message and lady commented my 'right arm/pit' was different to left. She recommended getting checked out.

For several months now I have been waking with back pain if laid on back and chest wall pain if laid on side and generally achy painy around shoulders - just thought age creeping up on me to be honest.

This weekend had a feel about chest & back area where it's been hurting and found a lump near the chest wall. DH had a feel (several times over the weekend) and confirmed definitely a lump. Strange thing is difficult to feel if standing, more prominent when laid down on back.

It's upper right breast, near chest wall. Feels flattish, firm and about 15mm in diameter.

I realise I am doing the right thing in going to GP this morning before work.

I'm really hoping it's not anything sinister :(

OP posts:

AndIFeedEmGunpowder · 19/05/2014 05:43

Yes you are doing the right thing. Not knowing something is the worst thing.

AndIFeedEmGunpowder · 19/05/2014 05:44

I'm so sorry about your father.

You must be scared but you are absolutely doing the right thing.

bakingtins · 19/05/2014 05:46

Of course you need to go! Hope you get reassurance when you do, but they are probably going to send you to the breast clinic for checks.

Original poster

MinnyMouse · 19/05/2014 05:49

Thank you AndIFeed - fathers death was sudden and unexpected and I'm still dealing with inquest. In regards to lump, fingers crossed.

I'm getting up now, going to walk doggies (before getting ready for GP visit and work) and try to relax and not get too stressed up about it all.

Thanks again x

OP posts:

BrokenToeOuch · 19/05/2014 06:44

Good luck, fingers crossed for positive news, although they may well refer you for a scan.
Enjoy your dog walk, if you're anywhere near me, the sun's out and it's warming up already :)

tattyteddy · 19/05/2014 06:48

Good luck OP. Sorry to hear about your father xx

WheresMrMonkey · 19/05/2014 07:50

Good luck op x

Original poster

MinnyMouse · 19/05/2014 07:55

Thank you for your kind words ladies, you're an awesome bunch.

I've walked the doggies, showered and now getting dressed; my hand is drawn to 'it' whilst thinking 'you imagined it, nothing is there really' to find 'it' very much is there :(

GP opens at 8:30 and when I present they hopefully will give me an appointment for today. I forgot to mention in my OP I am 50.

Hoping for the best!

Take care everyone

OP posts:

Bunbaker · 19/05/2014 08:00

Good luck

PollyIndia · 19/05/2014 08:03

Definitely 100% go to GP. They will very likely refer you just as they won't know. I have had a few breast lumps and needed biospsies and lumpectomies but luckily all been fine.
And also very sorry about your father. Sounds like a very stressful time recently.

FrancesNiadova · 19/05/2014 08:24

Best Wishes Minnie Mouse. You know you're doing the right thing. Insist that your GP refers you on, the lump can't be diagnosed by just looking at it/ feeling it.

I felt a lump & went to my GP, assuring her that at 45 it was probably hormonal. My lovely GP agreed that I was probably right, but that she was referring me for tests just to make sure.

It was breast cancer & I had a mastectomy. It was all over the 1 breast, but because it had been caught early, it hadn't spread into the lymph nodes.

So, here I am, 18 months later, reconstructed & cancer free. It would have been a very different story if I hadn't gone to my GP or she hadn't referred me on.

There is a brilliant website, with an online forum: breastcancercareuk put that into Google & you'll see lots of women with worries like your own. They call it being, "in the waiting room," & you'll see that the sleepless nights are very common.

There is also a helpline number that you can phone & talk to a trained breast counsellor or a breast nurse. I found this invaluable.

Good luck this morning, be brave & go, & I'll keep my fingers crossed for you

FrancesNiadova · 19/05/2014 08:41

Breast Cancer Care UK: Helpline number: 0808 800 6000

Sandthorn · 19/05/2014 08:44

I'm so sorry about your dad. That's more than enough to deal with, so the sooner you can forget about this lump, the better, and I think you know you can't forget it until you get it checked out. Make an urgent appointment, and then try to relax, knowing that you're doing what needs done. I had a similar worry recently, but it turns out my boobs have just got a load more fibrous tissue as I've got older. Didn't help that I fixated on this one lumpy bit, and prodded it to see if it was really there/different to the other until it was quite inflamed and sore The GP was lovely about it... Showed me a much more intelligent technique for checking my breasts in front of the mirror than the one I was shown the last time a GP went through it with me nearly 20 years ago! Hopefully you'll have the same result, and you can focus on looking after yourself, and grieving for your dad.

Original poster

MinnyMouse · 19/05/2014 08:49

Thank you Bun & Polly.

That's really kind of you Frances and I'm so pleased you have had a positive outcome.

Trying to be positive. I was ticket 13 to book into GP. I hope it isn't an omen.

My appointment is 9.30am and hopefully I will be reassured it's harmless and go happily on my way :)

for all you lovely ladies & thank you for the hand holding. X

OP posts:

minibmw2010 · 19/05/2014 08:52

Good luck Minnie Mouse x

Rebecca2014 · 19/05/2014 08:59

I was refereed to an breast clinic after seeing my gp, at the hospital an doctor had a look at me and I didn't even have to get scanned.

I hope things turn out okay for you, the majority of cases do so try not to worry so much!

Chrysanthemum5 · 19/05/2014 09:11

I went to the GP with a lump, and she found a second lump. I was referred to the breast screening clinic, and they turned out to be cysts. Apparently at our age (I'm 45) it is very common to have cysts so hopefully that will be the case for you as well.

Original poster

MinnyMouse · 19/05/2014 10:16

Thank you Sandthorn - you're probably right. I didn't know breast tissue got more fibrous as we got older.

OP posts:

SolidGoldBrass · 19/05/2014 10:19

They will refer you for an ultrasound/mammogram quickly. I've been there, too - most breast lumps are benign changes but you do need to be checked out. (Mine went as far as GA biopsy but was benign). Hope you have a good outcome, and please bear in mind that even if it does turn out not to be benign, breast cancer is one of the most curable types there is. Best of luck.

Original poster

MinnyMouse · 19/05/2014 10:22

Been examined by GP who confirmed there was a lump near chest wall in RB. However she was more concerned about 'thickening' in LB.

Referral made to breast clinic who will telephone me within 2 weeks.

I'm trying not to worry and at least the ball is rolling in the right direction. I feel sort of numb and plan to deal with each step as it comes and carry on as normal (if possible).

Off into work now so won't be online until this evening.

Thanks again and enjoy your day.

OP posts:

FrancesNiadova · 19/05/2014 10:44

Remember, most lumps etc are fine & nothing to worry about. When lumps aren't fine, the majority are treated successfully these days. Sending hugs

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 19/05/2014 10:49

Well done for seeing your GP. It was pretty much a given that they were going to refer you on.

My experience of our local breast centre was excellent. Brilliantly organised and efficient with lovely, caring staff.

You'll get your appt soon, make sure you attend that and then you'll know better what's going on. In the meantime (easy to say hard to do), try not to worry about the what ifs too much.
Xx

Original poster

MinnyMouse · 19/05/2014 21:04

Good evening ladies

The hospital contacted me today and offered an appointment for next week which I consider excellent service considering it's another Bank holiday.

I feel knackered and quite numb. Going to have a nice bath, then early to bed ready for a new day tomorrow. I'm just going to carry on with my regular routine and try not to fortune tell, catostrophise or consult Dr Google.

I will post update next week.

Thank you all again for your encouraging and positive comments and the useful sign posts.

Take care

OP posts:

Chippednailvarnish · 19/05/2014 21:09

Hopefully this will help reassure you - I've had lots of lumps and have been backwards and forwards to hospital having them checked. There's never been anything to worry about.

AndIFeedEmGunpowder · 19/05/2014 21:12

Well done for seeing the GP so quickly. My fingers, toes and eyes are all crossed for you.

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