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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be terrified I might have cancer?

328 replies

Happyland88 · 27/01/2018 07:54

I have 2 Breast lumps in the same area of my breast. I’m 29 years old (was 28 when I found both lumps.

The doctor examined and said she wasn’t concerned (didn’t feel like cancer to her). This was about 6 months ago and I’ve found it hard not to worry even though I was given some reassurance.

One of the lumps feels like it may have got bigger and now I’m terrified.

If I didn’t have my two girls (aged 1 & 4), I wouldn’t want to get out of bed. I’m too scared to make a dr’s appointment. I don’t want this to be cancer. I’ve read that cancer in young women is very aggressive. I want to be around to see my children grow old.

I’m on my own as my husband works away, I’m just so so scared.

OP posts:
araiwa · 27/01/2018 07:55

Go get them checked again

Ostriching will never make it better

Timefortea99 · 27/01/2018 07:58

Go back to GP and insist on getting them checked properly. Be pushy. Don't be polite, she is the gateway to getting tested and you need a proper test.

Dipitydoda · 27/01/2018 07:58

Go back - have you not had a scan? Tbh if it’s stopping you functioning pay for a private consultation prob cost about £200.

MrTrebus · 27/01/2018 07:58

If you don't want it to be cancer and you want to be around for your girls, you MUST go get them checked. Go today, no excuses. Sorry but tough love is needed here, you need to go back today. Get the issue sorted even if it's not that Flowers

Winegumaddict · 27/01/2018 07:59

Worrying is normal but it's not going to help and it's not going to make the lumps go away. It's probably nothing lots of people have breast lumps which turn out to be nothing. However you're worrying so even if the lumps are harmless (most likely) it is still impacting your health. So go back to your GP and explain they you're concerned. Perhaps they'll refer you or they may be able to explain why they're harmless.

BillywilliamV · 27/01/2018 08:04

Request your doctor refer you for a mammogram, if he/ she isnt worried for your physical health then for your mental health. You need to go back anyway if things have changed. Do not take "no" for an answer, if you think that will be hard for you, take someone else along.
But the odds are its probably harmlessFlowers

HairyWorm · 27/01/2018 08:04

Go back. Ask for a referral for scans. Tell the Dr you are concerned and you need reassurance from a scan.

Did the Dr give you a thorough examination including feeling tour lymph glands under your arms?

I actually thought any breast lumps meant an automatic referral.

Vast majority of lumps are not cancer, but I without the reassurance of a scan it would also play on my mind.

SharonMott · 27/01/2018 08:05

It's a brave GP that hasn't sent you for further tests surely? How can she possibly know if the lumps are benign or malignant by copping a feel. Go back and ask for further tests and don't take no for an answer. When you speak, the first words need to be, "I want you to send me for further tests for my breast lumps". If you ask and you are denied, change to another GP there and then.

I would be kacking myself too OP.

echt · 27/01/2018 08:06

One of the lumps in your breast has got bigger, so it's time to go back and see the doctor. One of things that is highlighted in breast health is changes. Her initial reassurance was no doubt well-founded, but things have developed. I don't say this to wind you up, but to point out what you will need to say your GP, and why you're justified in saying it.

Original poster
Happyland88 · 27/01/2018 08:09

I definitely can’t do this on my own, with my kids and not really any friends where I’m living just now. I’ll need to wait a couple of weeks until my husbands home. I just can’t stop thinking worst case scenario Sad

OP posts:
bastardkitty · 27/01/2018 08:15

If the doctor felt a lump that should have been an automatic referral. You need to go back now. You can't wait weeks. It may well stil be nothing sinister but you must get the referral. Also find out the protocol and complain about the GP.

hidinginthenightgarden · 27/01/2018 08:17

A couple of weeks could be the difference between removing it and a few rounds of chemo or it having spread.
There is every chance that it is nothing to worry about, but if it is, then you really shouldn't wait.

BillywilliamV · 27/01/2018 08:19

I am sitting here with one real breast and one reconstruction, seriously GET BACK TO YOUR DOCTOR!

Mamia15 · 27/01/2018 08:19

See your GP now - the scan won't be for a couple of weeks and by then your husband will be home.

I am one of those women whose GP dismissed my lump and it turned out to be cancer - fortunately as I was persistent, it was only stage 1 and easily treated.

Foggymist · 27/01/2018 08:20

What benefit is there to torturing yourself mentally for weeks just to wait for your husband, you could have gp and further appointments done in that time and either know they are nothing to worry about or have them treated/removed etc if necessary?

WizardOfToss · 27/01/2018 08:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Ethelswith · 27/01/2018 08:20

Do you really think you'll be OK with this hanging over you for two weeks? Then a referral to breast clinic (should be seen within 2 weeks from referral if cancer is suspected).

The waiting and not knowing parts are very hard. For most people it's good news at the end (something like 90% of lumps are benign). Even when it's not, there are lumps and lumps, and nearly all types of breast cancer (it's not just about your age) can be removed, irradiated or poisoned successfully.

I went by myself, btw. Feeling very nervous, worried and not quite believing that I had a lump and that it was still there and really real. It was fine - one of the loveliest clinics I've been to.

And I was one of the 90% 'you're fine'. I'd want to know that (or the converse) asap. One is relief, the other let's you get on with further tests and sorting a treatment plan.

sonsmum · 27/01/2018 08:20

you can do this without your husband. You need to book and appointment and get seen next week, monday preferably. take the children with you.
It will probably be nothing and your mind will be at rest, so you can get on with parenting. But if it is something significant, time is important and a few weeks wait can make a massive difference in both treatment and outcome.

Original poster
Happyland88 · 27/01/2018 08:21

hidinginthenightgarden I understand that. But I really can’t do this alone. I also have no one to watch my children and I don’t drive and the nearest hospital is a nightmare to get to, especially with the kids in tow.

OP posts:
Original poster
Happyland88 · 27/01/2018 08:22

I’ve noticed it felt bigger for the last couple of months but haven’t been able to face up to it, if that makes sense.

OP posts:
mumonashoestring · 27/01/2018 08:23

Go back to your GP, push for a scan referral and if they resist again, ask for something in writing stating that they can be 100% certain you definitely don't have breast cancer because of their magic fingers.

JustVent · 27/01/2018 08:23

Do they move or are they ‘fixed’?

insancerre · 27/01/2018 08:24

I'm surprised the doctor didn't refer you for further tests
Go back and tell them it's got bigger
Make an appointment
You owe it to your children
It's probably nothing, or cysts or something but you do need to get it checked because the stress of this will make you ill

HicDraconis · 27/01/2018 08:26

You can’t tell if a lump is cancerous by feeling it. You need a mammogram, ultrasound scans and possibly biopsies of each lump.

Go back to your GP urgently for a referral, please. You can do this - because you have to, for your children.

MrsExpo · 27/01/2018 08:28

So you’re putting this off, in spite of your very real and justifiable worry, because the hospital is difficult to get to? For goodness sake OP get a grip. Go to your GP ASAP, get booked in for a scan, get in a taxi with the kids and get yourself sorted. Stop making excuses. Do it now.