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Original poster

Please help - I've found a lump in my breast.

23 replies

bumbleymummy · 12/02/2012 08:33

It feels quite large - about the size of a 10p diameter and is quite deep behind my nipple. I haven't breastfed from that side in well over a year so I don't think it's anything to do with that. Around the nipple has been painful the last couple of days and I did a quick feel around then for any lumps or bumps but it was more a surface check iykwim so I'm not sure if this was there then or if it has just appeared. I am just terrified that it has been there for ages and because it is so deep I haven't noticed it until now which would have allowed it to get this big. I have had a slightly inverted nipple on that side for years but I just thought it was due to Breastfeeding trauma and didn't worry about. I am just so scared right now :( does anyone have any experience of this?

OP posts:
hellhasnofury · 12/02/2012 08:44

Get thee to thy doctor, pronto. I discovered a large lump a few years ago and was, like you, terrified. I called my surgery, was seen the next day and my doctor referred me to the local breast clinic. I was seen within the two week limit and was relieved to find it was innocent (a big poster on the wall at the clinic said that something like 96% of all lumps ARE innocent).

When is your period due? Periods can give you lumpy breasts.

I will hold your hand over the next few days and weeks if you like?

Original poster
bumbleymummy · 12/02/2012 08:58

Thanks hell that would be great. I'm going to make an appointment first thing tomorrow. I'm just past mid cycle so I'm not sure if that is prime 'lumpiness time'. I've done some googling (I know, I know!) but in this instance I think (hope) it seems like a cyst. Tbh the more I feel about the more it feels like there are two lumpy bits - one slightly lower than the other. The breast has been sore for a while too so maybe less likely to be cancer? Eurgh...why do these things always happen at weekends!

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Driftwood999 · 12/02/2012 12:55

I hope you feel reassured after your appointment - bumbleymummy. The majority of lumps turn out to be benign but do get it checked out as hellhasnotfury says.

MaryAnnSingleton · 12/02/2012 14:28

hello bumbleymummy -sorry to hear that you are so worried-it's a horrible to be in this position -if you'd like some reassuring hand holding skip over to the tamoxifen thread. Hope your GP can see you tomorrow- will be thinking of you

TheScarlettPimpernel · 12/02/2012 14:29

Get to the GP tomorrow morning. I had some black/reddish discharge and was seen by the GP, scanned, cleared and discharged by the consultant within 3 days.

Odds are there is nothing in it, but get your mind at rest as soon as possible.

Original poster
bumbleymummy · 12/02/2012 14:52

Thanks everyone. Trying to think positive (and hoping that it will magically disappear before tomorrow!) but I'll be making an appointment first thing. I'll keep you posted.

Might pop over MaryAnn but I'm worried that I'll just scare myself! :(

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flamingtoaster · 12/02/2012 15:00

I've had urgent referrals for lumps twice so I know how scary it is. Your doctor will examine you and as hellhasnofury says you will be referred to the breast clinic. They are excellent and will run all the necessary tests and, unless they do a biopsy, you will have all the results before you leave. Both my lumps were, thankfully, benign (as most are).

MaryAnnSingleton · 12/02/2012 15:19

really it's not scary on tamoxifen thread -I promise Smile just people who've been through similar anxieties.

Original poster
bumbleymummy · 12/02/2012 17:48

Thanks MaryAnn I was just worried that reading stories about women whose lumps actually turned out to be cancer would worry me more right now. I hope that doesn't sound mean! If anyone has any more non-cancer lump experiences that they want to share with me please do!

Can you get blocked ducts when you've stopped feeding? It's been ages since DS2 fed on this side but that's what the pain kind of reminds me of. I asked DH to feel both and he thinks that he can feel a similar sort of 'lumpiness' in the other one as well. So maybe the lump is something normal but the pain isn't iykwim?

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MaryAnnSingleton · 12/02/2012 18:49

you know where we are if you need us- hope it turns out to be nothing- but if it is please be reassured that treatment is incredibly effective.

Original poster
bumbleymummy · 13/02/2012 08:57

Thanks MaryAnn. :)

Trying to get an appt. Rang the surgery and apparently the doctors are making their own appointments at the moment so they just took my name and someone will call me back this morning. What kind of a system is that? Confused all they took was my name and number so how can they decide what is urgent or not? Not that mine is more urgent than others but what if I had been calling about a sick child or something?

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MaryAnnSingleton · 13/02/2012 08:59

sounds a bit daft- but am sure they'll get back to you,and fingers crossed for an appointment today.

Growlithe · 13/02/2012 09:03

Don't worry. Thats just a triage system. The doc will ring you back and have a chat and decide if they need to see you. It's a good system and I reckon they will see you today. Good luck!

Original poster
bumbleymummy · 13/02/2012 10:20

Just called back and I don't have an appt yet but I'm on the list of the doctor who just happens to be a girl I went to school with. ARRRRGH. I'm all self conscious now about her feeling around my breasts! Tell me I'm being ridiculous please!

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MaryAnnSingleton · 13/02/2012 10:29

Grin ! Quite understand your qualms as the nurse who did my last smear was someone I know - BUT it is very important to go and be checked- tell yourself that she's a doctor and will be looking at your from a doctor's point of view.

hellhasnofury · 13/02/2012 10:31

She's a doctor, she'll have encountered enough boobs to fill a lifetime, we ALL have them so don't feel embarrassed (although I can understand where you are coming from).

Original poster
bumbleymummy · 13/02/2012 10:47

They just aren't looking their best at the moment Blush One is bigger than the other because DS2 still feeds occasionally on one side. Sigh....

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hellhasnofury · 13/02/2012 11:41

I'll bet my bottom dollar she'll have seen worse though Wink.

But in all seriousness, if it makes you feel uncomfortable ask for someone else. It won't offend her in any way and may make this difficult time slightly easier for you.

Original poster
bumbleymummy · 13/02/2012 11:55

Thabks hell :)

I've just gone ahead and booked it or this afternoon. She was lovely on the phone and I'd rather get it over and done with.

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hellhasnofury · 13/02/2012 16:37

Good luck Bumbley, I hope it goes well. Update us when you know (sends a sneaky hug)

Original poster
bumbleymummy · 13/02/2012 17:12

Thanks hellhasnofury :) it was fine. She was lovely and we just kind of laughed about the uncomfortableness of the situation. She doesn't think there's anything to worry about but she's referred me to the breast clinic just in case. I'll let you know when I've got my appointment for that. Should be in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the handholding - and the hug! :)

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flamingtoaster · 13/02/2012 17:38

Glad the doctor didn't think there's anything to worry about - they can tell a lot by how it feels and moves. Great that the uncomfortableness wasn't as bad as you thought it would be.

hellhasnofury · 13/02/2012 18:18

It does sound positive, when my GP felt mine she said she wasn't happy with how it felt. Your appointment should come through quickly and hopefully they'll be able to put your mind to rest.

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