Fast tracked

[BCfasttrack]

I have a lump in my armpit. For some months I was feeling severe pain on and off in my armpit but there was no lump or rash, so I took painkillers and focused on other health problems I was experiencing.

I then developed severe nerve pain like shingles but without the rash. It went from under my breast, under my armpit and on my back. The pain was excruciating.

I then noticed a largish hard lump under my armpit. My Dr has referred me to the breast clinic.

Does this sound like breast cancer?

I'd not panic at this stage (easier said than done I know). I was told that painful lumps are much less likely to be cancer. I've been referred three times to the breast clinic on the two week cancer pathway and it's been nothing every time. My GP says that they can't tell what a lump is with 100% certainty so she'll refer everything that comes in just in case.

My left breast is swollen with a hard lump. No fever, it's not hot and there's no discharge. I contacted NHS Direct but they just said attend the appointment next week.

You could try ringing the breast clinic and asking if they have any cancellations. I've been able to get in the next day doing that before.

I went to the breast clinic today and had a mammogram, biopsy and ultrasound. The Dr said that it was suspicious but nothing is known until the biopsy results in a week.

Ok. Breathe. The absolute positive here is that you know about it and are already on a course for treatment if needed. This would be happening whether or not you knew about it, so it's good you do and action is being taken. You've got this 💪

Thanks I appreciate your support. I had a long chat with Macmillan yesterday when I got back. The Dr I had was awful so I had a lot of questions. I'm also on the fast track for lungs and have a CT scan next week and more tests at the respiratory clinic.

I'm in a lot of pain from the biopsies. Hopefully I'll know what's going on soon.