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Original poster

Irregular breast lump - I’m so scared

51 replies

LeeHarper5 · 03/04/2018 20:33

I noticed a few months ago that my nipple had a slight dimple at the top. It seemed to come and go. A few weeks back I started getting stabbing pains in the same breast which have now become a constant dull/heavy ache.

My GP can feel an irregular lump. I’m guessing it must be a fair size because she asked hadn’t I felt it. I’m being referred to breast clinic. I’m petrified. I’m mid 40’s with a toddler. Obviously I’m fearing cancer. Is there anything else it could be? I’m trying to steer clear of google. Thank you for reading.

OP posts:
Original poster
LeeHarper5 · 06/04/2018 17:14

Thank you for posting Ellen. I don’t think your post is inappropriate at all. I’m sorry about your diagnosis. I posted in the hope of hearing some non cancer possibilities of what my lump might be but deep down I’m terrified that that’s what it will be. I’m trying to prepare for the worst outcome but don’t think you can really prepare for that. I wish you well in the weeks and months ahead as you go through your treatment 💐
I actually confided in a friend who is a nurse earlier and I think I expected her to say oh it’ll be a cyst etc etc but her response was very much like yours. That shocked and upset me a little but she was being realistic. Everyone is different, their symptoms can be different, but if it is cancer you’re in the system now, you’ll be treated and we’ll all support you through it. Just wish Thursday was here and I knew what I’m dealing with.

OP posts:
Ellenripleysalienbaby · 06/04/2018 21:08

Thank you Lee Smile

Do you know what, it is really hard when you don't know what you are dealing with, even at the stage you are at. I am at the stage where I know the grade and stage of my cancer (and luckily the prognosis is good right now) and have had the lump removed, but am now waiting for chemo. I would say I probably feel slightly better in some ways now than I did before I was diagnosed and knew what the lump was, because now I know what it is! I certainly feel way better than the time between being diagnosed with the cancer and getting the results of my surgery, as it was torture not knowing exactly what it was and what stage it was at. Obviously I now have different emotional challenges, and am desperate to just get going with the chemo and get that plan in place , but I really am doing ok.

Anyway, hopefully (and the chances are that) all my ramblings will be moot for you, as your lump will turn out to be nothing. 9 out of 10 referrals....... Smile

I will be watching this thread for an update FlowersFlowersFlowers

Kahlua4me · 06/04/2018 23:34

panickyarse I am so pleased to hear your news. I have been thinking of you and came on here to see how you were.

Now you can breathe again and enjoy life 😊

Kahlua4me · 06/04/2018 23:38

Your post was excellent ellen and not inappropriate at all. I am sorry for the road that you are on, but you are right in that it needs to be diagnosed because only then can you get the right treatment and care.

Wishing you well x

Kahlua4me · 10/04/2018 23:09

How are you LeeHarper5 ?

I hope you are coping with the wait okay and managing to get some sleep.

Original poster
LeeHarper5 · 11/04/2018 00:13

Not doing such a good job of keeping my emotions in check today, well technically yesterday now as it’s just past midnight.

Trying to keep busy. We’ve had building work done this past week so plenty of cleaning to do but still can’t stop thinking about Thursday. Every time I look at my little boy I worry his world is about to turn upside down.
Only one more day to go and it’s a one stop clinic which I’m relieved about as my best friend had breast cancer two years ago and seemed to wait two weeks after every test/treatment for results.

OP posts:
Kahlua4me · 11/04/2018 07:13

Poor you, the waiting for your appointment is awful. I also had the same thoughts every time I looked at my dc.

Have you looked at breastcancercare.org.uk
I rang their helpline and found them very helpful and calming. She took time to listen to my worries and history and didn’t try to brush it off with statistics etc.

Try to keep busy today and before you know it you will have your answers. Is anybody going with you?

Ellenripleysalienbaby · 11/04/2018 08:14

Ah Lee I have been thinking of you as well, only one more day to wait! X

Ellenripleysalienbaby · 11/04/2018 08:16

Sorry kahlua I meant to say thank you for your lovely post from a few days ago as well Smile

Original poster
LeeHarper5 · 11/04/2018 08:43

My dh is coming with me. My appointment is first thing in the morning so I guess I’ll know what it is by lunchtime.
I’ve not looked at that website kahlua but I will later.

OP posts:
swingofthings · 11/04/2018 08:53

Ok all your thoughts are normal and also the ups and downs sometime feeling like you're coping and the next minute panic strangles you.

Just wanted to say though that you need to prepare that tomorrow is not the end of it. I thought the same was counting the hours to the appointment and somehow thought I would know then bit although it was a one stop shop clinic it was too late to have the ultrasound which really was the test that determined if it was benign or not. I had to wait another week for it and even it could have been longer to wait if they'd needed to do a biopsy.

I did find the wait easier after the appointment though probably because I had resigned myself a bit more to waiting.

Ellenripleysalienbaby · 11/04/2018 09:12

Yes, I was going to say you might not find out what it is tomorrow. It might be that they ultrasound shows it as a cyst or something. But if they decide to biopsy then the results from that usually take a good few days to come back.

But again, apparently 80% of lumps that are biopsied come back benign!

Original poster
LeeHarper5 · 11/04/2018 09:22

The paperwork that came with the appointment mentioned some results may not be available the same day. I just hope that I come away with a bit more of a picture of what’s going on than I have now.

OP posts:
Ellenripleysalienbaby · 11/04/2018 09:51

Yes, hopefully you might get more of an idea. I have to say, I know we won't be in the same NHS trust, but I was super impressed with the speed and efficiency of the breast clinic and the process around it, everything was so quick! Especially in comparison to now when I have been referred to the oncologist, everything is taking forever! So even if you don't find out anything definitive tomorrow, you might get more of an idea and also any results you do need will hopefully come through really quickly.

I'm really rooting for you! Flowers

Rachie1986 · 11/04/2018 10:33

Hoping all is ok OP. It's impossible not to worry. Thinking of you x

Panickyarse · 11/04/2018 18:26

Wanted to come and see how you are coping Lee, and to wish you the best of luck for tomorrow Flowers

Original poster
LeeHarper5 · 11/04/2018 19:50

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts 💐

I’ve kept myself busy today. When I’m stressed or worried, I clean. My kitchen is sparkling tonight!

I haven’t felt as panicky today. I think having a good cry last night and keeping busy has helped. I just want tomorrow to come now so I can have whatever examinations and tests I need in order to move forward.

I can’t thank you all enough for sharing your experiences, good wishes and generally just holding my hand this week. I didn’t want to offload to much on my husband and sister and being able to chat here has been so so helpful. 💐💐
I’ll let you know how I get on.

OP posts:
Kahlua4me · 12/04/2018 07:59

Thinking of you today LeeHarper5.

Original poster
LeeHarper5 · 12/04/2018 15:33

I’m just back from hospital and I have Fibrocystic disease. Both breasts are full of lots of small benign cysts. Left one is worse than the right and that’s where I’m getting all the pain. The right one will probably develop pain eventually too.

I can’t tell you how relieved I am. Even my husband got emotional when the consultant was explaining what was wrong.

The consultant wasn’t sure what my GP thought she could feel but there is definitely no irregular lump. She had also said both breasts felt very different but he said (as I also thought) they felt the same. I had a mammogram and an ultrasound to confirm his diagnosis.
He has recommended using a pain relief gel and evening primrose supplements as it’s not just a case of draining one large cyst to relieve the symptoms. There are multiple small cysts in each breast.

I want to say thank you once again for your support these past 9 days. It has helped me so much.
**Ellenripleysalienbaby I very much hope your treatment goes to plan and I wish you well on your journey to recovery 💐

OP posts:
Jasmineforever · 12/04/2018 16:01

Glad to hear the news opThanksWine

swingofthings · 12/04/2018 16:32

So pleased you had a response immediately and it being good news.

I too had numerous cysts (and the big one that raised the concern). It remained so for about 3 years and then they all disappeared suddenly as I got into the later stage of perimenopause.

Ellenripleysalienbaby · 12/04/2018 16:33

Oh thank goodness Lee! I have been checking back this thread today for an update, am so relieved for you! It does sound rubbish to have the pain but at least you have a couple of options to help with that. But you have a diagnosis of something (that's not cancer!) and you know it's been thoroughly investigated and will hopefully know what to look out for in the future as far as the cysts go. Phew! Wine

Thank you so much for your lovely messages to me as well, I'll be alright Smile

MrsEricBana · 12/04/2018 18:15

Hi OP, I'm very relieved for you that it wasn't worse news and hope that the treatments help soon. Phew!

dahliaaa · 12/04/2018 19:16

Hurrah :-) Flowers(not the pain obviously !)

Panickyarse · 12/04/2018 20:04

That's great news Lee Smile