Left breast changes

[Baguetteaboutit]

I have a big red mark on the dark side of my boob (on the underside, the bit I can't see) which I found yesterday. I mentioned it to DH and he said, oh yeah..."I noticed that the other day" - but he can't remember which other day but some time this week

It's bright red, about the size of a lime in dimensions but it's not raised in any way. I haven't had an injury, besides it doesn't look at all like a bruise.

I suppose ignoring this isn't a good idea. What do you think I can expect when I go to the doctor's. Will I have to stand there like a bloody lemon with both my boobs hanging out? Will they automatically refer me to a breast clinic? If they decide it might be non cancerous, will I be sent away to keep an eye on it? Are there any questions I should be asking when I go there that I'm too dim to compose in my minor panic?

Well the gp will want to see the mark of course but it’s never been a case of “boobs hanging out” when I’ve had to do it. You’ll probably have to lie back and put an arm behind your head while your examined.

It’s impossible to say if you’ll be referred to the breast clinic but yes you will be if deemed necessary. But the GP will know if it’s something that just needs cream or pills to sort out anyway.

They might say try this cream to clear it up or whatever and come back in a month if it’s still there but if there’s any suspicion it might be something that needs a referral then you’ll get a referral.

Make a GP appointment on Mon. Don’t let them tell you it can wait three weeks - say you’ve got breast changes that need looking at ASAP.

Do not Google your symptoms. Not even a tiny bit. Not even once.

That ship has already sailed Karen.

Thanks for replying. Lying on the couch sounds better. I'm not sure what I was imagining bit it wasn't very dignified. Ok, right. I'll get on with it. Thanks.

"Will I have to stand there like a bloody lemon with both my boobs hanging out" love your analogy. There was a campaign a while ago called know your lemons.

I have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer, so I have regular check up, the whole lot, and it is just another body part for the doctor, they will treat it as if it is your elbow or foot.

Go, have it seen, they will probably refer you, for everyone's peace of mind.

So, apparently the unexplained red mark on my boob is not worrying but the stealth lump I never knew I had is, so, yeah.

As it turns out, I did have to sit there with both my boobs out, but there was a chaperone who just appeared from nowhere at the time, and that helped because she was really nice.

Apparently 9 in 10 women walk away without a cancer diagnosis from the clinic. I'm just going to repeat this like a fucking mantra for the next two weeks.

Well that is good news about the rash but the lump must be a bit of a shock for you. Now you’re in the system you’ll most likely have been seen by the end of next week so not too long to wait.

Try not to worry. Or Google. You’re right in saying that 9/10 women leave the clinic with the all clear. If you search up breast lump threads on here then a huge majority of them turn out to be nothing. But I’d stay away from the internet in general

Thanks Karenwiththehair. That's well timed, much needed, good advice.

How are you doing @Baguetteaboutit? Have you heard about your appointment yet?

Baguette - how are you? Have you had your appointment yet.

If not, word of advice, wear clothes which you can easily remove as the consultant will want to feel the lump, your boobs and maybe under the arms. You may need a mammogram and biopsy also, so will need to strip off for that.

It’s nothing to be afraid of, the doctors have seen it all before.

Hoping it’s nothing sinister.

If it is, the treatment in the UK is very good and very organised. Found my lump in July, treatment finished by October. That was seven years ago.

Thanks Karenwiththehair and Loveislandaddict.

I've got my appointment for next Tuesday, so not much waiting around. It's on a morning, so I can get the kids off to school and be finished in time to collect them. My DH is coming with me, actually - I've just assumed that that's ok, maybe I should ask?

It really helps to know stuff like that loveisland - I get hung up on the small things like clothing logistics and fret about them.

I'm so sorry to hear your lump turned out to be cancerous. That must have been awful. But honestly, it's a huge relief to hear that it's even possible to get a diagnosis and then have it nailed within four months and then move on with your life. My family have an awful track record with cancer, but not breast cancer -thankfully, and that I think is what keeps me up at night. Objectively, I know that I have a 9 in 10 chance it'll be fine and all of the subsequent stats if it isn't but it just doesn't sit next to my experience of the usual outcome of cancer and how it can sink a family.

I'm not doing a great job of not Googling. I went to make a coffee yesterday and was like, "is coffee a carcinogen? - I'll Google it. What about milk? Google it, not ideal, what about soy? It was considered bad but now fine, sugar? - bollocks, my coffee is cold now!" Anyway, I'm rambling. I only need to distract myself for a week, was the upshot.

Wow that’s quick, the nhs is amazing. And a convenient appt time as well! It’ll be fine for your dh to come along. I’ve been to the breast clinic twice and both times there were lots of husbands and partners lurking about.

I agree about wearing an easy to remove top. In fact if I went again I wouldn’t bother wearing a bra even. It’ll be off as soon as your seen anyway.

Yeah, it's super quick. It does say on the letter that they might not be able to get everything done on the day - I suppose they mean I might have to come back if a biopsy is required but I'm guessing now. I'm a 38F, I'll need a bra just so I don't do myself an injury on the way to the clinic.

I keep swinging from cavalier to being quite scared about it being cancer. I expect that every woman who has ever had breast cancer has been told this 9 in 10 statistic. I mean, I quite regularly win the 1 in 10 chance, less than a bottle of wine winnging on the lottery. Or for the washing to get drenched when there's only a 10% chance of rain. It's not really struck by lightning territory, is it?

One mammogram and ultrasound sound later and I'm absolutely fine. Nothing to worry about. Thank fuck for that.

Thank you for answering my weird questions this last week. I've spent so much time with my boobs out this morning that I don't think it'll ever wig me out if I have to do it again.

Fantastic news!

Yay that’s great news

Now you can become one of the reassuring posters who answer questions for first-time breast clinic mners.

Yay so happy for you!

Thank you.

Yes, I can Karenwiththehair . It might be the upside of having asked every question going!