breast lump and pain. Terrified!!!

[user1490395938]

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

He was a nice Dr, he might have overheard me saying to my DH I'm not leaving until they give me a mammogram appt! Whatever!

My mum was first diagnosed at 40, died at 44 from a reoccurance and secondaries, 9 days diagnoisi to death.

My Mum's mum had it at 87 she died from something else. She refused treatment for it as she was so ill with other stuff saiud it was pointless.

I'm hoping to get a yearly one from now on, we'll see.

Oh Catherine your mum was sooo young. Can't imagine how hard that was. My DM was 69, died at 76.
I think my area is starting mammograms at 47 so I should have one soon. As for annual I;m not sure about the yearly radiation.

Yes it was totally shit. I was 15. Can't imagine that any age is good to lose your Mum though.

Got my mammogram appt. It's next Friday morning.

That's not too long to wait. Ae you still getting the tingling?Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Mammogram went ok, bit painful on the left side. Said 4 weeks for results which i thought was a bit odd. Maybe she thought I was in for a routine one. But I don't look over 50, at least I don't think I do

That is a long time to wait but it may be quicker as I think they give you the longest possible scenario. For smears I think they say 3 weeks but I've usually had it after 2.

Hi! I'm not trying to worry anyone - 90% of lumps, bumps and breast changes are benign. But I just wanted to share my experience as I think it's dangerous for people to post about a potentially life-threatening illness saying pain is a good sign in case some people read that and don't go to the doctor. It is actually a sign to look out for.

I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer a few years ago when I was 30. I had no lumps, my symptoms were that one of my breasts became became bigger than the other and I had pain that came and went in the centre of my breast. So many others I have met during my treatment also experienced pain.

So please, please get any weird symptoms checked out. Most will be fine. But if it is something dodgy, the earlier it's found, the less extensive surgery you'll need, you would avoid chemo, and have a very, very high chance of being ok.

So sorry that some of you are having a worrying time. It's horrible and scary, but fingers crossed your results will be clear and you're definitely doing the right thing getting it checked.

X

Just to clarify, Breast Cancer Care state pain as being one of the 8 signs of possible breast cancer.

I know it can be but there are many other reasons for breast pain, particularly if it coincides with your cycle. I agree though, any new and unusual for you symptom should be checked. Hope you're doing ok Tail

@MsHarry Absolutely. The most likely outcome by far is not cancer. Whether there is pain or a lump or whatever. But there were so many people commenting on this thread saying that pain isn't breast cancer that I would hate for someone with breast pain to read this and think it's not worth reporting.

Thank you. I had 2.5 years of treatment and 6 surgeries, but doing well at the moment (touch wood!). X

Hello everyone, I hope you are all well and about to get good results. I'd like to join the thread if I may. I am seeing my gp on Thursday for a second check of a lump and probable referral to the breast clinic.

I found a lump in my armpit/edge of my breast before Christmas but convinced myself it was my imagination as I was going through other very stressful stuff at the time. I saw my gp about it 2 weeks ago after telling my dh and he was obviously keen for me to get checked out. As I'm still breastfeeding she thought it could be a blocked milk duct and said we'd check again in a couple of weeks as the clinic apparently doesn't like to be sent bf patients without those types of issues being checked out first.

I'm absolutely terrified. I can feel a similar lump under my right armpit now so I think it is swollen lymph nodes but I've also noticed that my right nipper is turnin up and I get intermittent dimpling in the same area. I think I also have a lump near my collarbone. I have a kind of aching through these lumps on and off and intermittent shooting pains from the left lump into my breast. I just want to see someone quickly who will tell me I'm wasting their time.

My little girl is one this week and I'm already terrified I'm going to miss out on all of her life. I feel I'm being ridiculous but I can't stop worrying. Thanks for listening if you've read this far x

That should read nipple is turning up obviously!

Unfortunately the worst bit is the waiting and not knowing. So I'd call your GP back and ask to see another Dr for a second opinion.

My breast cancer was growing throughout pregnancy and 6 months of breastfeeding, I was 33 so it is possible.

BUT, I carry the BRCA gene fault, which gives me 60-80% chance of getting that cancer in my lifetime, and pregnancy hormones had allowed it to grow.

The 3 similar aged women I know with it are, also like me, BRCA positive.

So, get it checked, but understand that it should be unlikely if you are not in the at risk BRCA group.

@100yearsdotcom Well done for getting it checked out. It may well just be an infection or mastitis which can also lead to enlarged lymph nodes while they try and fight the infection. But it is good that your GP is getting you properly checked out. I was told it was mastitis and not checked out, so the cancer was quite advanced when they finally did scan and biopsy me.

I know how terrified you must be and the waiting is the worst. I hope you are seen soon and that it is nothing and that your mind is put at ease. Let us know. And we're here to hold your hand if needed.

X

@100yearsdotcom Sorry, I have just seen that you're not being referred. How long ago did you see your GP? You are obviously concerned, so I would go back or see someone else for a second opinion. Don't even worry for a second that you'll be seen as a nuisance. It's your body. X

Thank you both for your replies. I feel better for having gotten it all out and I am definitely going to request referral on Thursday if it's not offered. It sounds like both of you have had a terribly hard journey thank you for sharing x

I feel for you 100 and I really don't think most GPs would have any problem referring you to the breast clinic. You have genuine concerns. If your GP won't I would ask to see someone else. Good luck and hope all is well so you can enjoy your daughter.

Thanks msharry. I think she will probably be ok to refer me now and I can understand why she didn't straight away but I will go armed with everything I've learnt from this thread anyway x

I’ve been referred by GP today. I have a thickened area in one breast which is lumpy underneath iyswim. A little bit sore when being examined but not all the time. The nipple on that side does move in a bit when I lift my arm up, but I’m not convinced that’s a new thing, I think it’s been like that since I stopped breastfeeding 2 years ago. The lumpy bit is newer though
In my head I’m thinking it will all be fine but maybe I’m just in complete denial. Trying to decided whether to tell work or not as I may need time off at short notice to go to appt at hospital. I think they do examination plus imaging and biopsy if required on the same day at this clinic so does sound like a good set up at least.
Anyone else in total denial about the likelihood of anything serious??

@Theswaggyotter I think it's completely normal to think 'it'll never happen to me' and as 80% of lumps and bumps are benign, the chances are it's nothing nasty. The important thing is that you're not in such complete denial that you're not even bothering to get it checked. Good luck. X

Thanks tailfeather
I did cry at the GP though

@Theswaggyotter You must be worried deep down then. You are doing the right thing. Hopefully your mind will be put at ease and a weight will be lifted. Everything crossed for you. X

Theswaggy I was in a terrible state when I found a lump 10 years ago. I couldn't even wait 2 weeks and went private as luckily at the time DH had low level cover so consultation was free. I got a cancellation the same day, had ultrasound and core biopsy, mind put at rest 99% then a week's wait for biopsy result which was fibroadenoma. I then got the bill for those tests as only the consultation was covered unless it was cancer!!!!! I would do it again as I am a terrible worrier.

Otter, I can relate to the denial but crying! Hope it's all ok and nothing bad