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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

3 worrying symptoms in one breast - GP wasn't concerned

27 replies

TorquayHotelWindow · 18/02/2025 16:14

Sat here wondering what to do. I'm 38. About 2 weeks ago I noticed some tenderness on one side, didn't think much of it, expected it to subside but it didn't. This was mid-cycle so not something I would ever experience at this point (I usually get tenderness and swelling in both breasts just before period).

Fast forward to last week and the pain remained. A bruising type pain, hurts when pressed, and it felt heavy and sore (still does). So I was seen by a lovely GP on Thurs who examined me, said no lumps present, pain isn't usually anything to worry about, probably just hormonal, wait and see if it goes away after period starts (I'm due on in the next few days).

But then on Thurs eve, I noticed a tiny amount of discharge from the problem side (again, not normal for me) - it was similar in consistency to dental plaque, not runny at all, more of a 'piece' of discharge, and whitish in colour.

This worried me as it was a new development, so I went back to GP on Fri (different one) and she again had a good look but didn't seem too concerned about it or the fact that the problem side was now a whole cup size bigger. She just said, it's normal to have asymmetry. I stressed that it wasn't normal for me, but again, just recommended a watch and wait approach, see how it is after the next period.

Nothing has really changed since Fri, though I've not had any more discharge. The problem side is still sore and swollen. I've got an appointment for in a week's time, by which time my period should have taken place.

But naturally, I am concerned. In my head that's 3 worrying symptoms: pain, swelling and discharge. So why the relaxed approach, with no further investigation? It's obviously reassuring that the last GP I saw didn't panic, but was she too relaxed? What else could it be, if not something sinister? Has anyone ever had similar that turned out to be something fairly easy to sort, or resolved on its own?

We get it drummed into us, as women, to monitor ourselves closely, report changes. I think that's why I'm feeling so worried about it. AIBU? Should I relax and trust the doctor's experience more than my own inner alarm bells?

OP posts:
TorquayHotelWindow · 20/02/2025 13:17

Coconutter24 · 20/02/2025 08:15

Have you tried a cold compress or anything on the breast? I had something similar years ago and it was a blocked gland/duct

Hi, yeah I have a couple of times tried a bag of frozen peas, this was in the first week when the whole breast felt so heavy and tender but unfortunately it didn't make a difference. Since it started 2 weeks ago, it's not got better or worse, it's just kind of evolved, some days are more tender, some days the pain is more general and then others the pain is more in one place. It's the overall change in size that is most alarming to me. I'm trying to stay calm by reminding myself that breasts are complex systems made up of glands, tissue, all sorts...and that something may have gone awry or cysts or abscesses could be a possibility too.

My GP said she could feel 'two small swellings' but she said that 'breast cancer doesn't develop overnight'. The two GPs beforehand either failed to detect them, or they have only just appeared.

I'm struggling with the worry. DH is being wonderful but I know he's worried too. Our primary school age DS is off school for half term so I have to not let myself get teary. I keep thinking of not being around in the future for him and the anxiety is just eating me up. Just want to get booked into that clinic and know what is going on.

OP posts:
Coconutter24 · 20/02/2025 19:17

TorquayHotelWindow · 20/02/2025 13:17

Hi, yeah I have a couple of times tried a bag of frozen peas, this was in the first week when the whole breast felt so heavy and tender but unfortunately it didn't make a difference. Since it started 2 weeks ago, it's not got better or worse, it's just kind of evolved, some days are more tender, some days the pain is more general and then others the pain is more in one place. It's the overall change in size that is most alarming to me. I'm trying to stay calm by reminding myself that breasts are complex systems made up of glands, tissue, all sorts...and that something may have gone awry or cysts or abscesses could be a possibility too.

My GP said she could feel 'two small swellings' but she said that 'breast cancer doesn't develop overnight'. The two GPs beforehand either failed to detect them, or they have only just appeared.

I'm struggling with the worry. DH is being wonderful but I know he's worried too. Our primary school age DS is off school for half term so I have to not let myself get teary. I keep thinking of not being around in the future for him and the anxiety is just eating me up. Just want to get booked into that clinic and know what is going on.

Try not to worry, easier said than done I know. You’ve got your referral to clinic so hopefully not to long to wait for appointment. I went with a different breast issue and was referred and seen within a week or so. Enjoy your half term with your son, you can’t do anything more at the moment than you already have done.

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