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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Just found a lump in my breast.

46 replies

HighlandSpring101 · 06/05/2020 22:52

Sorry, I know this isn’t an AIBU but I’m sat here and it’s late and I don’t want to wake DH as he’s asleep and has to be up early for work. Also don’t want to worry my mum or any friends either.

Yesterday morning my right breast felt a bit itchy. It went away during the day and then felt a bit itchy again at night.

Just now it itched again and I went to itch and felt a small lump, almost behind the nipple at the top if that makes sense?

I’m 33 and am now sat here really worried and worried I won’t be able to sleep tonight now. I know I should probably call my GP tomorrow but with all this COVID stuff I’m not sure they’re open at the moment anyway.

I feel really scared Sad

OP posts:
InFiveMins · 07/05/2020 08:22

Hi OP,
Just wanted to add my experience to hopefully ease some of your anxiety, I have had this twice in the past and I'm only slightly younger than you.

The second time it was how you describe - itchy and then a lump appeared. Cut a long story short it was an ingrown hair that had become infected and caused a lump to form under the skin. It stayed for about 18 months!! But it was completely harmless and isn't there now.

The first time it was a spot that had developed under the skin, I think GP said something along the lines of sweat and bras causing bacteria to form. It went within about 3-4 months.

Try not to touch it as it will make it worse, try to wear loose clothing and let the area breathe. Don't put anything on it (I put tea tree oil on mine and it caused a massive burning rash). Thanks

InFiveMins · 07/05/2020 08:24

Hit send too quickly - ring the surgery when it opens and explain you're worried. They are quiet at the moment and can generally call back on the day.

Original poster
HighlandSpring101 · 07/05/2020 08:30

I’ve just phoned, someone is going to give me a call back (I assume a Dr) for a chat.

OP posts:
julybaby32 · 07/05/2020 08:46

Good.
When I've had a lump in the past, it has been benign and what has happen is that my GP had a quick look/ feel reassured me that it looked like all the other benign lumps she's ever seen and then referred me to the breast clinic to get it checked out anyway. It was about two weeks. However, if it was an ingrowing hair situation as describe by a previous poster, she can probably do any sorting then and there. In the current conditions your GP might just refer you straight to the Breast clinic to avoid you having to come into the GPs surgery, especially if they are a short staffed and the GP is male (need to chaperon, two people in the room etc.) Likewise don't be too worried if the referral is quicker than usual. Some people with breast lumps may not be finding them as quickly because they are wearing their most comfortable bra or no bra more often. Some people might not be coming forward through fear of the virus too.

Original poster
HighlandSpring101 · 07/05/2020 08:48

Thanks everyone. GP phoned, ive got an appointment at 4pm, she said she’ll take a quick look but in all probability, it’ll be a referral to the breast clinic.

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 07/05/2020 09:02

That’s brilliant OP. Flowers

julybaby32 · 07/05/2020 09:05

I mean good that you've phoned the GP!

fantasmasgoria1 · 07/05/2020 09:22

I found a small lump in my breast on Monday. I completed the online ask my gp app questions on Tuesday morning and an hour later got a call. I went to the surgery and she said she doesn't think its anything to worry about because it doesn't present as anything serious. It could be a cyst or milk duct. She has referred me to the breast clinic because they have to with every woman over 30. I have an appointment in 2 weeks. She said "please be reassured it doesn't present as anything serious and everywhere else is totally clear.". I am still concerned but keeping in mind what my gp said.

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 07/05/2020 09:26

Well done!

I've had this twice in the past... Once in late 30s once in early 40s. They sent me to boob clinic... I was seen within 48 hours...

Was benign... Hope yours is too!!

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 07/05/2020 09:26

The boob clinic will be completely separate to any covid areas....

They're being really careful /rigid about this!

Governoress86 · 07/05/2020 09:37

Big hugs to you ❤️

Last year I found 2 Lumos in my breast, I went to my go and was fast tracked to be tested and it turned out that I have a load of cysts in each boob. They had to biopsy one but the nurse assured me that it was a fibroadenoma and it was. I was 32 at the time. The breast nurse said it is very unlikely that it would be anything sinister at my age.

I know it's hard not to worry as I was like you. I was terrified. Please get support from your DH or your mum/ sister. My partner was brilliant and made me think more rationally as I was thinking this is it I have cancer.

If I was your DH I would want you to tell me and not to stay up worrying on your own.

thetemptationofchocolate · 07/05/2020 09:47

When I found one I panicked a bit but the doctor said to me that 95% of these are harmless. He also said it's absolutely the right thing to get it checked out asap, just in case you are one of the 5%.
So please ask your doctor, you will be seen as soon as they can manage it, which I hope will be very soon so you can put your mind at rest at least.

Slothkin · 07/05/2020 10:25

Well done OP! Fingers crossed for you!

maddy68 · 07/05/2020 10:29

Don't panic , contact the GP. First thing. It's likely to be a benign cyst but it needs checking

InFiveMins · 07/05/2020 19:03

Hi @HighlandSpring101 just wondering how you got on at your appointment?

Original poster
HighlandSpring101 · 07/05/2020 21:16

Hi, saw the GP, she’s referred me to the breast clinic at our local hospital as suspected. Now it’s a 2 week wait. She did say she didn’t think it felt like cancer, but obviously she couldn’t rule it out and I’d need an ultrasound and then maybe a biopsy to be sure.

I’m going to ring a private clinic in the morning and see 1) if they’re open and 2) how much they’d charge for a private ultrasound. If I have to wait a couple of weeks then I will, but ultimately if I can pay a few hundred quid and be seen next week then I’d rather do that for the peace of mind.

OP posts:
viques · 07/05/2020 21:35

Glad your GP saw you so quickly. It's a horrible thing to find a lump and then wait. I remember it well, I am another with a positive story, my lump and I were referred to the one stop breast clinic , the first doctor I saw said, oh it's a cyst and promptly aspirated it, which caused a bit of confusion to the next doctors I saw that morning who of course couldn't find any sign of the lump as they scanned and ultra sounded me !

Good luck OP, I do hope you have a good story to tell in the end.

speakout · 07/05/2020 21:49

OP I had a lump last year and called the One Stop Breast Clinic run in my city at a Bupa hospital.
here
There are a number of these throughout the UK.
I was given an appointment at an NHS cinic with a waiting time of 4 weeks. I was beside myself with worry, so phoned Bupa, I don't have health insurance or work for Bupa!
For a one off charge of £250 I was seen the next day, examined by a consultant, given scans, results immediately- sent home the same afternoon with an all clear.

Well worth the £250.

Igotta · 26/05/2020 13:12

How are you getting on OP?

matchboxtwentyunwell · 26/05/2020 13:14

Hope you're doing well, OP.

BammBamm · 26/05/2020 13:18

Hi OP, I've been referred twice due to lumps and all has been fine. I'm a couple of years older than you. Hope you have had good news.

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