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Original poster

breast lump and pain. Terrified!!!

129 replies

user1490395938 · 01/02/2018 16:23

Hello
Just after a kind word and reassurance basically please. Been feeling dreadful with this horrible cold/flu type thing that's been going around and not feeling like my usual self at all. Apart from that I've noticed I've been feeling tired and drained of energy for a long time but never really thought much of it.
Anyway, yesterday morning I noticed a painful swelling in my left armpit area but lower down towards breast area. Agony to lift arm high and if I press on it it really hurts and is tender. Also noticed a lump under right breast which is also painful. Given that I feel very fluey i thought maybe the lymph glands were something to do with it.
Went to gp and she's examined me and referred me to breast clinic. I said should be I worried because in actual fact I'm petrified (I am 36 with young DC) and she said no please don't worry.
I've also been suffering with an achy upper back and occasional pain down left arm and numbness in shoulder and hand on left side too for about 8 weeks but now worrying incase it's related and I've missed something!!!!
I'm quite large breasted (sorry for detail)
Just don't know what to think and am anxious to get appointment asap for clinic. Am just terrified to be honest

OP posts:
Anasnake · 01/02/2018 16:24

Sounds like a cyst

Anasnake · 01/02/2018 16:26

And the pain on your left side sounds like a trapped nerve.
Don't worry

Original poster
user1490395938 · 01/02/2018 16:47

Thank you anasnake
I was thinking trapped nerve for that
Thank you for replying

OP posts:
sweetheart · 01/02/2018 16:51

I went to see my Dr about my breast last Wednesday and I have a scan booked for tomorrow morning (so 9 days in total) - like you I am bricking it - whilst trying to appear from the outside as if everything is fine and dandy!

I have been told by 2 people I confided in that apparently "breast cancer doesn't hurt" in loose terms so I'm hoping that is right and positive!

PhyllisWig · 01/02/2018 17:19

Jeez I wondered if I had sleep posted just then!

I have pretty much exactly the same going on and got told the same things morning. Referred but told pain is a good sign in these circumstances and cyst was the likely outcome.

I was quite calm in the drs but then had a huge panic at home. I also suffer from anxiety.

Fingers crossed we are both cysty buggers

sweetheart · 02/02/2018 08:55

I'm a bit confused about what will happen today. My Dr told me when I saw her that I would be told there and then if there is nothing to worry about or if I need further investigations / treatment.

However when the hospital called me to book the scan and I asked how much time I would need off work they told me it was only a 10 min scan and that I would get a follow up appointment to discuss results.

The waiting is the worst part Sad

Agerbilatemycardigan · 02/02/2018 09:00

I've had this more than once OP. I was told that pain is a good sign.

I was utterly beside myself with fear both times, but each time they turned out to be cysts. I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine.

Good luck Flowers

Pandoraslastchance · 02/02/2018 09:08

I had very similar symptoms and mine has been diagnosed as a hormonal lump, seen by the breast clinic within a week and had a ultrasound. No treatment required but it still hurts.

Good luck.

Original poster
user1490395938 · 02/02/2018 11:26

Hello sweetheart
Sorry meant to reply last night. Have been thinking about you this morning and wondering how you got on. Hope you get results soon!!! Hugs

OP posts:
sweetheart · 02/02/2018 14:37

Thanks user - I got the all clear. The Sonographer told me there and then which was just the biggest relief.

I have got to go back in 2 weeks and have another examination - apparently that's just the hospital's proceedures and nothing at all to worry about.

Good luck to you and Phyllis - FYI there were loads of women there all being done. I didn't see any of them come out with anything other than a big smile and a very obvious sigh of relief, nearly every comment I heard to waiting loved ones was "cyst".

Original poster
user1490395938 · 02/02/2018 14:57

Hi Phyllis
Sending you positive vibes. I bet we've both just got cysts. sweetheart that's fab news. I'm anxious to get my appointment through as the waiting is the worst!! So happy for you xx

OP posts:
bump6 · 02/02/2018 14:59

If your doctor told you not too worry then try not too.

waitingfortheendtocome · 02/02/2018 15:13

Keep positive and don't worry, I found a lump when showering, absolutely no pain at all! I knew it was different from other friends stories as they had painful lumps, which on examination were cysts.
Mine however turned out to be cancer, so pain is a sign of cysts. Good luck Thanks

MsHarry · 02/02/2018 15:21

I found a firm, painless lump 10 yrs ago. Went private as was in a total panic. Had ultrasound and core biopsy. Dr told me it was a fibroadenoma(benign solid lump) during the scan but had to wait for results 5 days later to confirm it. I still have it !

sweetheart · 02/02/2018 16:22

bump no offence but that is very much easier said than done.

MsHarry · 02/02/2018 17:11

sweetheart I remember that relief. We went straight to the pub! User I think it's a good sign that the lump and underarm swelling are on different sides as if it was a cancerous lump that had spread, it would spread to the nearest lymph nodes under the arm on the same side. Where are you in your cycle? My Fribro used to enlarge slightly before a period and feel a little tender and then subside after.

bump6 · 02/02/2018 17:16

Sweetheart I know from experience it’s easier said then done.
My doctor told me not to worry.
Pain isn’t associated with breast cancer.
I saw consultant and all was ok.
I wish you good luck & a speedy answer.

CatherineCawood · 02/02/2018 18:23

I'm off to the GP in the morning. Didn't know they did Saturday morning appointments. I've had this sensation, thats the only way I can describe it. Sort of tingly and slightly itchy. Now I think I've had this before on and off, it's just that it suddenly seems more on than off. I'm hoping it is hormonal and maybe the change in symptoms is due to the start of the menopause? I'm 45 in a couple of months. My mum died from BC at the age of 44 (I was 15) so as you can imagine I'm pretty much beside myself.

Ugh.

JuliannaBixby · 02/02/2018 18:24

I had the same happen to me recently: went to the breast clinic, they did an exam and an ultrasound, everything fine, just fatty tissue.

Have a hug ( ) and try not to worry.

MsHarry · 02/02/2018 18:28

Catherine I have breast cancer in my family too and it's hard to not jump straight to worst case. But, those symptoms don't sound like cancer. You are doing the right thing though, peace of mind is so important. Good luck.

CatherineCawood · 02/02/2018 18:32

In theory no they don't but on googling a MacMillan forum comes up and everyone agrees that they had sensations prior to discovering a lump. Makes me feel sick.

Thanks for your support.

MsHarry · 02/02/2018 18:39

You know to leave the googling alone!!! You are getting it checked so well done for not ignoring it. It so hard not to worry.Flowers

MmmmmmBop · 02/02/2018 18:56

waiting I'm sorry you didn't get the 'nothing to worry about' result. I hope you're doing well Flowers

Omgineedanamechange · 02/02/2018 19:15

Yeah cysts, had that twice now, had them drained both times, and I’ve just found the same again. I’m off to the dr to be safe but I’m not remotely worried. Was terrified the first time though, so I know how you feel, but I’m certain you’ll be fine.

CatherineCawood · 02/02/2018 19:22

Thanks Harry I'll let you know what they say.