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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I’ve been very stupid with not going to see Dr sooner

91 replies

Shreddiesandmuseli · 19/04/2023 21:49

So I’m 39 and start of the year I noticed one breast was itchy, quite an intense itch, mostly in the evenings. This went on for about 6 weeks and I put it down to wearing maternity bras which are now far too big, months after I’ve stopped breastfeeding. So changed those and then around a similar time the breast itching turned into an intense pain on that same side for about a week. Then another 2-3 weeks later I noticed a lump - at that point I went to see the GP who fast tracked me to the breast cancer clinic.

It’s now 6 weeks later as there were no appointments at this so called fast track clinic and this breast pain is burning all the time and I feel a tugging sensation constantly around the breast. The craggy feeling lump feels worse than ever and I’m sure is bigger. I have an appointment on Friday and I’m absolutely terrified. I’m up in the night with anxiety about it and how stupid I’ve been. I’ve got 2 children aged 4 & 2 and I feel absolutely awful that I could have let this progress without doing anything about it. How stupid have I been? 🤢

yabu - life is busy and it’s not your fault there were no appointments

yanbu - you should have got this sorted sooner and not got into this situation in the first place

any positive similar stories I’d be very grateful! Thanks

OP posts:
SheilaWilcox · 21/04/2023 18:06

Been thinking about you today. Hope it went well.

Original poster
Shreddiesandmuseli · 21/04/2023 20:48

Thank you all so so much for all your kind words over the last couple of days and sharing your stories and thoughts. You’ve really helped me to process it all and stress a bit less. Had the appointment today and a scan and they didn’t find anything of concern. The relief is unbelievable and I’ll be able to have some sleep tonight x

OP posts:
flummingbird · 21/04/2023 20:50

That's really wonderful news. I bet the relief is immense!! Enjoy your relaxing evening 😊

Stripedbag101 · 21/04/2023 20:52

Wonderful news💕.

sleep well!

TheYearOfSmallThings · 21/04/2023 20:53

Oh that's fantastic news! You must be so relieved - have a great evening and good night's sleep.

Trysbutfails · 22/04/2023 01:23

So pleased to hear this - being unburdened of all that worry is the best feeling isn’t it? Hope you have a lovely peaceful sleep!

RosyappleA · 22/04/2023 02:04

Most likely not suspicious OP. I had the same thing months after stopping breastfeeding after 3 years of it. Then the lumps got bigger and hardened. In fact they are still here. I also ignored them for a long time as I was so tired with dd. Don’t beat yourself up about it as others have said with young children it is easy to forget yourself.

RosyappleA · 22/04/2023 02:05

Just saw the update. I’m glad OP. All the best.

EliflurtleTripanInfinite · 22/04/2023 04:14

Glad to see everything's fine

Fraaahnces · 22/04/2023 05:13

You poor thing. You must be so frightened! Let’s just hope it’s a duct. Would it be faster to go to A&E and get directly into hospital that way? (I live in Aus and things are different here.)

Fraaahnces · 22/04/2023 05:14

Oh saw update! Thank god! Did they take a biopsy? (Don’t want to worry you, but I certainly hope so.)

speakout · 22/04/2023 06:56

OP you may be able to get seen sooner if you can afford it.
My GP found "anomalies" in my breast and referred me to hospital- a 6 week wait.
I was ill with worry.
A local Spire hospital has a Bupa One Stop Breast Clinic ( I have no health insurance), but for £340 I was given a next day appointment, saw a consultant, ultrasound and mammogram, immediate results- which thankfully gave me the all clear.
I know you have waited most of the time already, but you still may consider that as an option.

bibliomania · 22/04/2023 07:21

Sorry, I hit the wrong button. I know this is scary but you're doing your best and please don't turn your fear and anger on yourself. Be gentle with yourself. I hope it all goes well x.

Deathraystare · 22/04/2023 07:31

Well that is a relief!

I had heard that pain usually (but not always) means it’s nothing sinister. (I am quoting another mumsnetter here) and a lady at work years ago had a lump and it was painless and turned out to be cancer.

I had a fright decades ago with a painful lump (well quite a few lumps). I checked for bruises as I had been to a Killing Joke concert the night before and that was not a gentle affair!! When no bruises materialised I was rather worried but apparently I am naturally lumpy.

I get itching occasionally too but my girlies are rather sensitive. I suffer in the summer when I balloon up and have to wear those pull over your head no hooks and eyes bras as the ordinary ones then cut under the boob and give me deep flesh wounds. It is not the case that the bra is too tight normally but just in the heat it rubs like fuck.

EatYourVegetables · 22/04/2023 07:32

I found a painful lump, went to the doctor, and it turned out to be a cyst. Apparently 30% of women have one. It’s still there, 16y later, and so am I…

MissTrip82 · 22/04/2023 07:46

That’s such a relief, I’m pleased for you.

My3dahliasarebloominlovely · 22/04/2023 08:05

So pleased for you OP!

lljkk · 22/04/2023 08:10

Did they give you a diagnosis for the symptoms?

dig135 · 22/04/2023 08:14

Really pleased for you. The relief must be immense.

bringonyourwreckingball · 22/04/2023 08:20

Something like 90% of fast track referrals turn out not to be anything sinister. But even if you do get bad news, breast cancer is very treatable. I was diagnosed with quite an aggressive tumour in Nov last year, 4 and a half months of chemo and immunotherapy and the tumour is gone. I won’t pretend it has been easy but in a few months I should be able to draw a line under it and get on with my life.

maybe think about coming to join us on the cancer support thread, there’s a few other people waiting for referrals and test results and everyone is very friendly

JT69 · 22/04/2023 08:29

So glad to see your update. Onwards and upwards OP

HyacinthBookay · 22/04/2023 08:30

You have quite a few votes saying YANBU which I think are voted by mistake as I did the same thing. Of course Yabu you are beating yourself up when it isn’t your fault. I hope everything turns out ok.

Beautyfadesdumbisforever · 22/04/2023 08:32

Didn’t vote. I’ve been through it mine was cancer. I’ve had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy but hand on heart the most scary part was the wait for my first appointment. When you go to your appointment the staff will make you feel safe and supported and strange as it may sound they make you feel as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. My best wishes try not to worry too much.

princessleah1 · 22/04/2023 08:59

I had a similar experience and eventually got a breast clinic appointment. Had a call back. Really scary. There was a lump but it was caused by stress hormones. I never knew that was a thing!
Hope it works out ok for you x

EK81 · 22/04/2023 09:00

I’m sorry you are so worried about this. Is it breast cancer you are specially worried about? Our brains will usually jump to the worst case. You are human so please don’t give yourself a hard time.

Any breast changes so be reported for sure. But you’ve done that now. Also pain is not often associated with breast cancer so I send good
wishes that it is something that is easily treated & fixed.xx