To ask you to tell me to calm the fuck down

[kiaoracymru]

I’ve been referred to the breast clinic for lumps in my boobs. I suspect they are cysts as have been worse in the last week & I am on day 21 my cycle. I can feel at least 4 in my left boob- squidgy & are fuller some days than others. One is a bit harder than the rest. They are like squidgy marbles & I seem to have more than before. That’s my rational side. I am 47

My other side is freaking out to fuck- worried I have missed something in my breast self exams, worried it’s serious & that I don’t want to leave my kids.

Aibu to ask that you please talk some sense into me

@DonKeyshot I have been googling & need to stop as it’s making me much more anxious & stressed

I have also been prodding about a bit too much too which I think has made things extra sore etc 🙈 I need to get a grip

Okay, having been in a similar position this year this is how I managed it:

1. you will have all the time to worry about cancer AFTER your diagnose, so worry when you get a diagnose.

2. i’m A take the bull by the horns person, but there is no bull to deal with while waiting for an appointment so, I took a bit of control back by having a deep thought about how I could ensure my child would be ok if something happened to me, so I spend part of the time putting a plan together for my child care if I needed to go to hospital/things were wrong. I know it seems a bit morbid but having it made me feel more prepared to deal with whatever was coming my way.

At the end, it wasn’t anything serious but now I have a plan, a will, and the commitment to make the best of each day because you never know, you can get cancer or be run over by a bus tomorrow.

I've been through the quick access clinic twice. Both times it was natural thickening that cones as we approach the Menopause. Last time was when i was 49. I got called back in for an ultrasound ontop of the mammogram.

Out of about 15 of us, similar age etc, two were being recalled for a biopsy (which can be done by needle) and/or a MRI.

My friend has just been treated for breast cancer, the outcomes are improving all the time.

I've been through fast access clinics four times, could have died once. What i will say, is when you come out the other side, whatever the result, you'll appreciate life a lot more.

I am so sorry, kia. I know things like that are worrying; most breast lumps are not malignant, my neighbour has had a couple of benign cysts removed.

Please let us know how you get on. I do understand how you feel.

to cheer you up, if possible.

OP - a few years ago I had an infection in my breast which was very painful - cleared up with antibiotics. It came up again a couple of years later and was agony - like a million hot needles every time I moved. In the end it came up to the surface and burst. It was quite disgusting. However, I was referred to have it removed and turned out to be a cyst. Surgeon told me there 'were more in there' but not inflamed. So I worry every time I have a twinge in said breast but it usually goes away, but I understand your worry. They do say that in most cases if it is a cyst/something benign, it will hurt - not if otherwise. Hope you get good news soon!

Those 2 weeks are hellishly long. I found lumps and they turned out to be cysts. I just have lumpy boobs. You run all sorts of scenarios through your mind. I know its hard but try and put it to the back of your mind until the day. Take someone with you for support and company while you wait. Then when you get the all clear - go for a meal with loads of prosecco!!

I’ve been through this a few times as I seem to have breasts that naturally get lumps. It’s highly likely to be benign (mine were). Last time I went, the consultant told be that I’d probably be back again with more soon! Try and leave them alone. You never know, they might even disappear before your appointment. Mine seem to arrive overnight and eventually vanish by themselves.

I’ve been referred 2 times with lumps in my breasts. First time was in such an awkward place I needed a biopsy. All clear, fatty tissue. Second time, fatty tissue/cyst type lump, but then she spotted something else there and I had to have another biopsy, this time it was a fibroadenoma. Again benign. Anyway I know it’s really hard to keep calm but my experience shows there’s a good chance nothing is wrong at all. Just be as positive as you can, it’ll come round quickly, good luck x

Thanks everyone- it is really helping hearing all your stories- helps me to keep perspective!

At exactly 47 (I'm 49) this happened to me. I suddenly noticed a big lump and I was shiocked I could have such a big lump and not have noticed it. I went to the gp who had me in to hospital within about 10 days but what a 10 days (and over christmas too) but then, they drained a cyst. I saw this yellow fluid drawn out of me. Gross but a relief. At the breast clinic they said it was very common at 47 ish to have these cysts drained.

do the lumps feel smooth, or spiky like a conker or a ferrero rocher?