I found a breast lump and im now in a state of panic - help

[buktus]

Went to the docotrs today as i have a lump, nothing like the shape or size of a pea might i add, where your boob joins your chest underneath if you know where i mean. Anyway walked into the docs thinking i was going to be told its hormonal or nothing to worry about and she said the opposite i need a scan and more than likely a biospy too, im in complete state of panic and shock premature i know but i keep looking at my kids and thinking what if?, normal reaction i just dont know? So confused

I had a lump last year too. Try not to panic, your GP is doing the right thing by getting it properly checked - it doesn't automatically mean she thinks you have cancer.
Your reaction is totally normal, I was in bits thinking about the worst.

Agree, I know it is hard to do but try not to panic. You've done the right thing, as has your doc and the wheels are in motion now. And it does not automatically mean that you have cancer, but of course that is all you can think of.

FWIW, I have 'been there' (not breast, but another 'dept'); I DID have cancer and oddly I thought that this time - the waiting between appointments - was the worst. So please be kind to yourself, make sure that people close to you know about your worries and ensure that you get your appt asap.

dh has just gone to work and have cried for the first time about it as i didnt want to worry him either, maybe i should just tell him how i feel

try not to worry. the GP is following NHS guidelines in relation to breat lumps and it doesn't necessarily mean cancer. Just be thankful that we do have these guidelines in place so that women can have thier fears allayed quickly or their treatment carried out swiflty.

I did tell my DP as I needed the support, he was v brave and stoical but as he is a born worrier I know what that must have cost him!

You probably need to speak to someone about this though - I think you should tell him.

DO tell him how you feel. Otherwise you'll be worrying about that too!

Our doctors are a bit useless, i ahve had to wait 2 weeks for the appt and once i had finished being examined i asked if she would look at my eye quickly as i have a cyst that wont dissappear and she said my 8 minute time slot was up and to come back another day, good job i told her about the lump first

Ach, that IS shit isn't it? Can you make another appt for eye, or is there a drop in centre thing you can go to? Or a pharmacist?

Were you told when you can expect your specialist appt?

2 weeks and they will scan and more than likely biopsy, but i said to my dh i have got more help from the vet taking the dog in for problems, i mean yes she prob has to tell lots of women the same thing but i havent been in this position before and to put it blunt Shit scared!

OK, so 2 weeks not that long. Thing back to 2 weeks ago - it seems like yesterday, no?

MAKE SURE that you get your appt coming though; if you don't receive any invites in say - 7-10 days, chase chase chase.

And think up some nice things to do for the next couple of weeks, just go easy on yourself.

I'm sure you already know this, but 90% of breast lumps are completely benign. Hope you get your referral through quickly so that you know what your dealing with. Definitely tell your husband - he'll know there's something up and you'll need someone to hold your hand. Un-mumsnetty hugs to you - keep us posted.

I had a lump in my breast towards my armpit that felt just like a frozen pea: turned out it was an enlarged lymph node

It was constantly on my mind until i had the scan, though! Can you get the telephone number for where you will be going for your tests to see if there are any cancellations to get you seen quicker? If you speak to them direct and talk about how worried you are (I'm sure you won't be the first person who ha done this and they will deal with worried and distressed ladies) tey may be able to help or make sime suggestions?

Just wanted to send you some positive vibes. I know the anxiety you are feeling only too well. I have been fighting back the tears all week.

I went to GP on Tuesday for a chest infection only for her to tell me how concerned she is about several lumps in what says is definately breast tissue in my armpit.

She too could not deal with it there as my time slot was up so I have to go back and see her next Wednesday

This isnt my 1st time in breast lump hell, I think I have the worlds lumpiest boobs.

Dont mean to bore you with all about me, just wanted to share that you are not alone in your anxiety and fears. I think I know exactly how you are feeling right now.

As others say, this is standard procedure so, although it's impossible, try not to let it consume you. I had a lump and I remember the shock of not being told 'oh it's, nothing' just being sent for further investigation is horrifying. At the hospital I had an ultrasound and then a biopsy and spent the week waiting for the results in a state of massive anxiety. It was all fine, as 90% are just dense tissue. Although it's natural to worry, I did regret letting it make me pretty ill with anxiety. I don't think that, with the same odds, I would have fretted so much about another part of my body which had less emotive baggage (and I have had other comparable health issues to compare it with, which had potentially equally or more serious consequences and yet somehow didn't make me so unhappy). You've done what you need to do, and you can take each step at a time from here, so do look after yourself.

As someone else said, most breast lumps are benign but I know that doesn't help just now if you are anything like me.

Over the years I've found 3 lumps and had two of them removed. The third one I had a biopsy. All just normal lumps but the NHS are very good (IMO) at checking these things out.

I remember not sleeping and fearing the worst every time - there's nothing I can do about that it's just the way I'm made - a panicker.

buktus, the others are right, 9 out of 10 referrals are benign. I know it's scary, but odds are you'll be alright.