Health anxiety and breasts!

[indieray]

I have awful health anxiety and my current obsession is breast cancer (was lymph nodes!) and am constantly checking for lumps.

Inevitably, I will find something and a
Few days ago I did find a painless, soft moveable pea sized what seems to be a piece of tissue (not a lump but more like lumpy tissue if that makes sense) side of my right breast. Cue complete panic and disappear, Googling my symptoms etc which was so stupid. I tried really hard to leave it alone Unfortunately, I then felt the need to keep checking it constantly.
I even had my mum whose a retired nurse check it out and she said it feels like tissue but knowing you and your anxiety book an appointment with the gp. I did this and she called
Me same today and asked any family history? Do I smoke? No and no.
And am I due my period? Yes I am in 2 weeks and she said have your period and come back to get examined after your period has finished if you still want it checked. 😩
Reassurance for 5 mins!! Then bam I'm
Asking another female family member
To check & my partner who have both said it's just like normal tissue. I can't wait 1 day let
Alone two weeks coping
With this anxiety! 🥴 do I call
Back & explain why due to crippling anxiety or shall I do as advised.
Family have just said if GP was concerned she would have you in not waiting weeks!
I've been looking up private breast examinations and ultrasounds near me starting at £200 when
Tho I don't have the money I need the reassurance! Currently had 1 session of cbt &
My therapist says it's a safety behaviour!

Has anyone else dealt with this and health anxiety &
I'm
interested in hearing people’s experiences on this prodding/checking behaviour and from anyone who has managed to stop! Thankyou

I'm 34 too.

I really really feel for you as I have recently been there OP. What I don't understand is why they are telling you to wait, I got an urgent referral and was seen at the breast clinic one week before my was period was due! Did they physically check you and thought it might be ovulation related? Or just dismissed you based on where in your cycle you are?

I mean there is a huge probability that you are absolutely fine, especially since your Mum checked you but I get that you want it checked and be reassured. The waiting time is awful, especially those of us who suffer with health anxiety. Are you able to ask for a second opinion or perhaps pay for a private check up?

Google 'breast mouse'.

I went to the gps again and the doctor did a breast exam and he was lovely and very reassuringly told me it was a breast nodule ! He had a good feel of both boobs too 🤣
I know this episode has given me temporary relief from my anxiety so I know I need to work really hard to learn how to cope with it when it comes again!
Thankyou to everyone for the support it means so much x