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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:
PhyllisWig · 02/02/2018 19:28

Catherine I googled and read exactly the same thing so totally get your panic. But then there is also loads loads more saying pain/tingling is a 'good' thing.

I hate google

Note3 · 02/02/2018 19:41

I've just come back from the doctor about this! I have a heavy, ache in right breast and then in the area between breast and armpit it's thicker with hard lumps. Im also permanently shattered. He said they will do ultrasound at surgery on the lumpy area and not refer to breast clinic unless I notice other changes. Not sure I'm happy with this as scanning there doesn't check what's going on with right breast in the main tissue. It's so hard getting docs appointment let alone fitting around wordmk and children so the thought of having to go back and push for more tests is exhausting

Note3 · 02/02/2018 19:41

Hope everyone else is holding up ok Flowers

CatherineCawood · 02/02/2018 22:33

Not sure I would be happy with that either Note I think I would be insisting on a referal.

MsHarry · 02/02/2018 22:35

Note3 Can they not just US the right breast at the same time? Ask when you go. if not I would push for referral. I don't think a GP can say yes or no to any breast changes, I was told that the gold standard is examination,imaging and biopsy. I don't want to cause alarm but a friend was told by a GP that the lump in her breast was a fibroadenoma (benign lump)and she was sent home. 3 years later she had a lump under same side armpit, went to another gp who referred her. You can guess the rest. The don't have X-ray specs, they can say they think it's this or that but I wouldn't rest until you get the gold standard.

waitingfortheendtocome · 03/02/2018 02:11

Right, so book a new appointment to see dr asap and say it's got worse. Then push for a referral, do not leave until he's agreed!!

Note3 · 03/02/2018 11:26

MsHarry that's a good idea and if not will definately push for referral thanks

Thanks Waiting too

CatherineCawood · 03/02/2018 11:33

I saw the GP at 9am this morning (such a good practice giving Sat am appts). He was lovely and v reassuring. He actually could feel 2 lumps - I still can't find them. He said that he is going to refer me under the 2 week wait but the only reason for this is my family history not what he can feel and not the symptoms I reported.

So its a wait now for an appt to come through.

MsHarry · 03/02/2018 18:36

Good Catherine if he hadn't you would still be worrying so pat on the back for being brave. hope it comes through quickly and you get good news.

User5trillion · 03/02/2018 19:21

I have just found a lump in my breast, bit worried but reading this thread is helping. It is a bit painful and I have had a tingly breast so I am hoping thats a good sign that its a cyst or something. I do have a family history of breast cancer and my gran is currently terminal but she doesnt not have breast cancer. I will get on to the drs for an appointment first thing monday. Good luck and best wishes to everyone.

sweetheart · 04/02/2018 19:54

Just wanted to come back and say I also had that tingling sensation, heaviness feeling in my boob. I'm hoping the Dr can shed some light when I go back in a couple of weeks. The radiographer seemed to think it might be hormonal.

CatherineCawood · 04/02/2018 20:00

I'm wondering if it's hormonal too. Mine seems to have settled a bit today.

MsHarry · 04/02/2018 20:24

It's so good to share these real life stories. All too often you only here the stories of breast cancer patients. Whilst obviously it is good to hear those stories, there are thousands more that have other, simpler and harmless explanations . I hope these threads give comfort to those that are awaiting appointments. The waiting is the worst time.

MsHarry · 04/02/2018 20:24

hear!

Original poster
user1490395938 · 04/02/2018 20:44

Hello lovely ladies
So sorry, I meant to get on here way before now!! So many of us going through this!! It's so scary and hard to stay off Google but as soon as I look around on Google I regret it...!! When I noticed these lumps I was mid way through my period and as my period is coming to an end they don't seem quite as painful. Am so eager just to get the appointment letter through for the clinic!!! Thinking of you all xxx

OP posts:
User5trillion · 04/02/2018 20:56

I am feeling surprisingly calm, somehow. Not looking on google has been my saviour, you guys are helping. I am crediting knowing that 9 out of 10 will be a cyst or hormonal and that even if its something worse, getting treated sooner rather than later is the key. It feels a bit sore and tender today but I have been prodding it. I havent been able to discuss this with my husband as I can't speak my fears out loud in case it makes it real.

Will be on the phone to the dr first thing.

User5trillion · 05/02/2018 08:42

Dr appt made, just waiting for a call back as we have a weird system here, then they will get me in.

Note3 · 05/02/2018 10:16

Very true...Google brings up mostly the bad stuff. Someone on the BC forum put it in perspective and said once ppl get they all clear they tend to forget about it and want to move on not revisit and post a positive update

Well done to everyone following up on concerns as its too easy to keep putting making appointment off (guilty as charged!)

User5trillion · 05/02/2018 10:26

Well isnt the NHS amazing. On mondays my drs do a triage system where they schedule their own appointments. I rang in at just after 8.30, they rang me back 25 mins later and I got an appointment for 15mins after that. Luckily I was local and not working. Usually everyone sees a nurse unless its serious but I got to see a dr. She had a good and painful feel and found 2 lumps. She echoed what everyone on here said, being below 40 was a good sign, 2 lots of breastfeeding helps, the fact it is painful, no skin or nipple changes etc were all positives. She couldnt say it was def a cyst but she suspects it is and has referred me to the breast clinic under the 2 week wait. I have told my husband, he is concerned and keeps hugging me. I am just in a bubble of shock but knowing the stats are on my side. I refuse to indulge my worst case scenario mentality as I am prone to being drama llama. I am the worse patient ever. So now the waiting begins, need a distraction.

MarthaArthur · 05/02/2018 10:29

Breast cancer symptoms almost never include pain in the lump. My dm had similar and is fine. Try not to worry x

Note3 · 05/02/2018 11:11

Wow that is great User

MsHarry · 05/02/2018 15:11

Well done User I couldn't even wait 2 weeks. DH had private care(up to a point) so saw a consultant same day. BUT, because everything was clear, we had to pay everything but the consultation. Was about £350 10 yrs ago. I still say worth every penny. I just found it ridiculous that if I had been diagnosed with BC, it would have been free!!!

User5trillion · 05/02/2018 18:22

I would pay for a private appointment but funds don't allow sadly. I am sure its just a cyst, its really tender now due to all the prodding. I predict a hysterical breakdown in a few days but for the moment I am still in shock. My poor husband looks ashen but I keep plodding on, I cant deal with his fears and mine. Right off for a run. Good luck everyone who is waiting for appointments and tests.

PhyllisWig · 05/02/2018 19:43

User lol at all of the prodding! You made me prod mine too and yes, it hurts!

I told a good work friend today and she had similar. Seems oddly common.

Still no appointment through - I would have hoped for something fairly soon if they have to get me in with the next 9 days (not that I'm counting ;)). Will call on Wednesday to chase if nothing in the post tomorrow.

ImmortalityMyDarlings · 05/02/2018 22:42

Is painlessness significant? Keep seeing this and getting worried...
I've got a hard, painless lump, deep in my breast tissue, feels more like a dent than a rounded lump if that makes sense.
I keep trying to book a GP appointment but we have to do it online and it's been fully booked every single day I have checked this past week. I'm not sure what to do. Is there a way of doing it all quickly or do I just need to keep trying with my GP? Feeling quite meh about it.