Found a lump

[Dizraeli]

I'm on my own self isolating with my 17 month old. My GP surgery is closed. Still breastfeeding and just found a hard lump in my right boob. GP surgery is closed. Panicking and my anxiety has just gone through the he roof. I only found it 2 minutes ago and don't know how I'm going to cope with this anxiety for the next two weeks. My gran had breast cancer when she was 30. I'm 28. I'm probably catastrophising. It's only a tiny tiny lump and might just be linked to breastfeeding. It just doesn't seem right. What do I do? 🥺

Is there no way to contact your GP? I know ours won't let people walk in but you can phone and speak to a doctor. If not can you call NHS Direct (or whatever they're called now)?

I don't know I literally just found it and am in panic mode a bit.

Hi, try not to panic. Your GP should be able to speak to you on the phone tomorrow and will see you if needed and you have no symptoms. Other health care is happening x

OK first things first if you are breastfeeding this could well be normal. Are you having periods again? Where are you in your cycle?

Are you able to run yourself a hot bath now?

Describe where it is in your right boib too

It's easier said than done, I know, but try not to panic. Could it be mastitis? Look up the symptoms of that and feed as much as you can on that side with a bit of stroking down the breast to see if you can shift it? (Do look it up, there will be loads of stuff online.)

If tomorrow it hasn't shifted at all, you could ring your GP and see if you can get an appointment for a phone consultation. The GP will know the right questions to ask you even if they can't examine you - make sure they know your family history. I'm no expert but they might try you on some antibiotics in case it's an abscess, before doing anything else.

If the GP is concerned enough to refer you for more investigations, I'm sure you'll be a high priority. Remember that even then, the stats are in your favour - something like 90% of lumps referred for more investigation turn out to be harmless.

So take it one step at a time and try not to catastrophise. Hopefully it will just be mastitis and you can use some of the tips online to shift it, and if it's not you've got the GP as the next step. It's only respiratory things that are all being sent to 111, the GP is still available for everything else.

How are you @Dizraeli ? Going thru exactly the same thing. BFing too. Managed to see doc yesterday who thought it was prob a blocked duct and to call back on Monday. It hasn't really changed yet so feel like I'll be referred to breast clinic on Monday and trying not to freak out...

It could be lots of other things, especially as you’re breastfeeding. I know it’s terrifying but try to keep calm. No one can diagnose you over the internet, so it’s best to give your GP surgery a call. They should still be open for emergencies and telephone appointments. They can advise you. If they aren’t open, they should have a voicemail message clearly advising you what you need to do.

Take a breath. Make the call. Chances are it is nothing serious.

Just seen that is a bumped thread. Did you call the dr, @Dizraeli?

Hope all is ok