Awaiting breast cancer diagnosis - any advice gratefully received 🙏🏼

[Alicesst]

Hello lovely ladies,

Hoping to get some words of advice, I’m 44 and after finding a lump (Dr confirmed 3-4cm) on Xmas Eve I was seen by GP last Thursday and have a mammogram/ultrasound/possible biopsy booked for Monday 19th Jan.

For some history; I have suffered with painful dense breasts since being a teenager which is when I started hormonal contraception. I have 2 children and couldn’t breast feed either for longer than a few weeks as had sever mastitis that turned into abscesses. They are now 15 and 12 and whilst on contraceptive pill/HRT it made mastitis flare up and have been in hospital twice for a week each time again with mastitis. I have fibroids, had to have IUD surgically removed and had an ablation 12 months ago as I really suffer with hormonal symptoms/heavy bleeding.

in September I was so unwell, I kept having blackouts, shivering, beyond tired/fatigued and hugely confused - it was like having dementia.
blood tests showed anaemia and possible haemochromatosis and an issue with red/white blood cells not being right. Went for vaginal ultrasound and now have a fast growing fibroid on the outer wall of my uterus.

so when I found the lump i thought nothing of it, boobs have always been lumpy for above reasons - but this feels very, very different. I’ve spent the last few weeks waking up dripping in sweat (changing colour of nightwear) - I thought the GP would kind of say ‘not overly concerned but will get it checked to be on the safe side’ but she said it was concerning, not to panic but with the past history it is worrying.

now im usually Mrs cool, calm and collected,
care free, independent and strong but oh my god this has floored me. I’m spending my days shaking,
I tell myself off for intrusive thoughts, I’m going out for walks, I’m mentally a tough cookie but I’m in a complete state of panic. I want to be prepared for the worst I suppose.

I KNOW most lumps are fine, I know not to google, I know how to be positive…….. but I don’t know how to even ‘be’ it’s like I’m in shock despite not being told. How do people cope with the waiting ? I’m practical, brave and organised, feel like I neee to know how to ‘be’ at this stage. Any advice gladly appreciated

I have told my wonderful boyfriend who I see twice a week who is wonderfully supportive and who will come with me on Monday but he recently lost his lovely Mum to cancer and his Dad is currently having radiotherapy for prostate cancer which has now gone everywhere in his bones so I know this is a lot for him. I haven’t told anyone else as I don’t want to cause my friends any unnecessary worry but really feel like I need hand-holding at the moment and anyone who knows me would know that’s not like me in the slightest.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read x

i didnt want to read and run OP! Gosh what a tough wait - and you've already waited so long since Xmas Eve. Keep busy as much as you can and keep telling yourself that even when waiting, you are on your way to tackling whatever this is (hopefully it's something-and-nothing). I don't have any other practical advice, just know that I'm rooting for you! Sending hugs and hoping someone with some great advice is along soon xxx

Thank you so much for stoping by and taking the time to reply - it means more than you know xx

I’m so sorry you are going through this . The waiting period is the worst part so
Be kind to yourself, try to keep busy and I hope it all goes well for you next week 💐

Thank you so much, your kind words are so appreciated. I feel like my whole world is on pause and I’m numb.

The waiting is awful. Been there twice unfortunately but both times it wasn’t cancer. I have a 2cm benign tumour on one side…. diagnosed as a ‘breast mouse’. Apparently it was formed from scar tissue which makes perfect sense to me as I had mastitis and the inflammation was in exactly that area. Two years later I had a lump on the other side which turned out to be two small cysts which were drained there and then with no need for a biopsy. I can’t promise you an all clear but I just want you to know that there are other causes of lumps. The good thing is that you’re in the system and soon you’ll know what you’re dealing with. Well done for getting checked.
I really hope all goes well for you.

With all that mastitis I'd suggest it could well be benign. A cyst or something of that sort. But I'm not a medic, so I'll send you lots of love and positive thoughts ❤️

@TheLadyWithoutTheLamp oh i really hope so ! Thank you for the love and kind thoughts 🥰

@Legomum789im so sorry you’ve been there twice with this though so pleased all was clear. I’ve read about those, thank you for sharing your experience, it’s an isolating world\mindset isnt it ! Very grateful for the efficiency and care of the NHS 💓

Sending you positive thoughts and prayers.
You will be 💯 fine.

That's worrying OP. I've had breast cancer and if it helps I can tell you how the appointments work.
The breast clinic is a one stop shop. They have doctors, radiologists and specialist breast care nurses. You will probably have a mammogram first and then see the doctor who will have the results in front of her. The doctor will examine you and then arrange an ultrasound. They may do a biopsy at that point as well.
Then you go back in to see the doctor.
Their expertise is such that they often know at this point whether it’s cancer and they will tell you if they think it’s likely, they won’t send you home without a clue.
This can easily take 3 or 4 hours but at the end you have a good idea what’s wrong.
I would take someone with you.

If the worst is confirmed there will be a whirlwind of tests and then a plan of treatment.
Meanwhile the waiting was actually the hardest part mentally. I made myself frantically busy, decorated a room, spring cleaned the house, anything to fill the time and make myself tired.
Fingers crossed for you.

@Simplestars 🤞🏼🤞🏼

I’m going through the wait too OP so sending a mutual handhold - my appointment is next Saturday. I’m also fairly mentally strong but feel like life is slightly on hold e.g. don’t want to book a holiday because what if, finding work projects a bit futile because what if etc. So regardless of outcome I really do just want to get the appointment over with now!

Thinking of you OP. The wait is nearly over, tomorrow you can tackle it head on - will say a prayer for you that it's something as 'simple' as a cyst that can be drained xxx

How are things @Alicesst?

Hello everyone, thank you all SO much for taking the time to comment - I have read and appreciated them all so much. I went for the appointment yesterday - I was prepared for the worst and had pre-stressed about every possible outcome…… it was a cyst ! They drained it there and then. Not going to lie, I thought it was cancer, I thought and processed things I’ve ever thought before and have never felt so stressed or worried in my life! I at least have learned a few things:

1. the kindness from strangers like you lovely ladies means the WORLD
2. I now have a better understanding of all sorts of things
3. I can relate more to people who have had these thought processes too.

sending you all lots of love and well wishes and thank you all sooooooooooo much xx

Great news 🙌🏻

That’s brilliant news! Thanks for letting everyone know how you got on. That wait is just horrible…..thoughts go to places you really don’t want to go. What a relief for you.
One tiny tip from someone who’s had a biopsy and also cysts drained. Remember where they were as you might have a small scar and you don’t want to give yourself a shock next time you check yourself. Talking from experience.

Oh that's amazing news! I'm so pleased OP! You must be so relieved xx