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Mental health

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Original poster

Found a lump on my breast

23 replies

Shabbyoldcat · 03/02/2023 18:12

Hi, last year was horrific I developed severe anxiety that led to insomnia. Had to go on antidepressants and sleeping pills. I finally started to feel better and returned back to work which was a battle because while I was Ill my hair salon was closed because I work alone. Well long story short, I had to close the salon down as I'd lost customers and bills were piling up. So this year I started mobile hairdressing and I love it. Then for the week I've been experiencing pain in my right breast. I didn't focus on it as with my mental health illness I was trying not to let it bother me but I decided to do a check last night and felt a small hard lump. I luckily got a appointment to see my GP this morning and she's felt it too and said I need a urgent referral. I'm trying to keep calm but I'm really struggling right now.

OP posts:

Eyesopenwideawake · 03/02/2023 18:24

Of course you are, that's completely natural. There's no point in saying "try not to worry" because you ARE going to worry. What you can do is focus on getting through the next days leading up to the referral - being good to yourself, researching positive stories on the net (because you won't be able not to Google!) and also getting outside to refocus your thoughts away from what's ahead.

Original poster

Shabbyoldcat · 03/02/2023 19:28

Thank you. I'm trying remain positive. I was hoping for a more optimistic year but I suppose these things happen. I'm going to have a glass of wine and keep off Google

OP posts:

Inkpotlover · 04/02/2023 08:32

Shabbyoldcat · 03/02/2023 19:28

Thank you. I'm trying remain positive. I was hoping for a more optimistic year but I suppose these things happen. I'm going to have a glass of wine and keep off Google

I went to my GP yesterday because I've also found a lump in my breast and I've been referred too. I asked if I should be worried at the fast time scale but she said all breast lumps are referred under the 2ww standard. So even if she said urgent, that doesn't mean she suspects cancer. I looked it up and this is what the NICE guidelines say:

The symptomatic breast 2ww standard
should ensure that all patients (men and
women) with breast symptoms (where
cancer is not suspected) are seen by a
specialist within 2 weeks of a referral being
received from their GP or other relevant
health professional.

I don't know if that's reassuring for you, but it made me feel a bit better! It's natural to worry though - my appt can't come quick enough.

Original poster

Shabbyoldcat · 05/02/2023 09:22

Thank you for your reply. Sorry to hear you found a lump too.
I got a text off my GP with a link. It was a letter to confirm the referral and it also said that if I don't hear back by the 7th to ring the hospital, which is this Tuesday. I'm trying not to worry but do have moments.

OP posts:

Invisimamma · 05/02/2023 09:25

It's.so hard not too worry isn't it. I found a breast lump before Xmas, my GP felt it too and did an urgent referral. In the end it was a fluid filled cyst that will go away on it's own. I'm still glad I got it checked out though.

Also pain isn't usually a symptom of breasts cancer so chances are it's hormones, but still get checked.

Original poster

Shabbyoldcat · 05/02/2023 09:29

Thank you for your reply. I'm glad you got checked and all is well. I know what your saying, I've always been an over thinker and I'm trying to keep calm but always seem to think the worst.

OP posts:

Gawpygertie · 05/02/2023 09:30

It’s scary OP.
However if it helps I have had recurrent cysts since 1994.
Every mammogram I end up having an ultrasound too.
I have lumpy boobs and the cysts can be painful but I’m used to getting regular referrals and the care at the breast clinics has always been brilliant.

Hopefully yours is a cyst too.

Benjispruce4 · 05/02/2023 09:32

It’s terribly scary. I’ve been there twice and my DM had bc so it’s always a worry. Both times were benign. Where are you in your cycle ? Never check before your period as some pain and cysts are cyclical. My last one was a cyst that actually diminished by the time the appointment came. They still drained it though which was painless and satisfying. Good luck.

Original poster

Shabbyoldcat · 05/02/2023 09:39

I have lumpy boobs too. I hope it's just a cyst....
I feel like I can't wait for the appointment but will be terrified when I get it.
My friend had breast cancer so I saw what she went through and she recovered. It's just an awful thought the what if

OP posts:

Eyesopenwideawake · 05/02/2023 10:00

The "what if's" are indeed shit!

But, no matter what, you will cope - because that's what you've always done and that's what you will continue to do. Your friend recovered, as do the vast, vast majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. It's natural to doubt your ability to deal with this, but you will.

Your record of getting through bad days currently stands at 100% 😊

Original poster

Shabbyoldcat · 05/02/2023 10:15

Oh bless you! I needed to hear that. Im so glad I posted on here. It's lovely to have some positive support and it's reassuring me 😊

OP posts:

KathieFerrars · 05/02/2023 11:00

Hi. I've had breast cancer. No pain, I only knew because I had a very visible sign. Anyway, the pathway is pretty quick - take a couple of paracetamol an hour before because mammograms are squishy. You may have a mammo and an ultrasound (the latter is easy). Yours sounds more cystic and they can tell. I've seen my cancer - always imagined it would be round but it was sort of rectangular!

Anyway. 6 years down the line all is well and the treatment was okay.

TheFormidableMrsC · 05/02/2023 11:01

Hi OP, just wanted to offer some reassurance. I have had BC and like you, found a small lump. I have always had lumpy boobs and have always got them checked. It's wise to remember that 9/10 lumps will be benign and nothing to worry about. Having BC was not great but I have recovered as do the vast majority of women these days.

I always took the view that there was absolutely no point worrying about something until you have something to worry about. It just makes you feel shit. It also stood me in good stead! Also try not to Google. It's pointless and harmful in my view. Hopefully you can come back and say it's nothing and get on with your life.

Original poster

Shabbyoldcat · 05/02/2023 13:09

Thank you!! I'm so glad you both have recovered. It's good to her positive news.
I'm not googling now, as it really doesn't help. I'm lucky that my other half is very understanding although I don't want to keep mentioning it to him as I know he worries.

OP posts:

Original poster

Shabbyoldcat · 21/02/2023 19:35

I had my hospital appointment and they did a mammogram and ultrasound scan and confirmed as cysts so I'm in the clear!!!!! Thanks for all your lovely comments

OP posts:

clarepetal · 21/02/2023 19:47

That's the best news ever! What a relief x

Benjispruce4 · 21/02/2023 19:51

Yes OP! 😀Enjoy the relief!

Cazs818 · 21/02/2023 19:53

Great news

TheFormidableMrsC · 21/02/2023 20:12

Fantastic news OP! So happy for you! 🎉🎉🎉

Original poster

Shabbyoldcat · 21/02/2023 20:24

Thank you 😘 you all really helped when I needed it.

OP posts:

Inkpotlover · 22/02/2023 13:14

Shabbyoldcat I am thrilled to hear you've had good news! I was actually coming on to say I've had the all-clear too! I'm just back from having a mammogram and ultrasound and the lump is just an inflamed milk duct. Phew!

Original poster

Shabbyoldcat · 22/02/2023 13:25

That's brilliant news for you too!! It's such a relief isn't it. I was prepared for the worst and when the doctor said it was just cysts I was overwhelmed, I literally couldn't stop smiling.

OP posts:

Inkpotlover · 25/02/2023 09:29

Shabbyoldcat · 22/02/2023 13:25

That's brilliant news for you too!! It's such a relief isn't it. I was prepared for the worst and when the doctor said it was just cysts I was overwhelmed, I literally couldn't stop smiling.

SUCH a relief!

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