Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

Original poster

had breast lump checked. Now waiting for referal

18 replies

2wildbabies · 05/10/2004 18:01

I went to the docs a few months back as i had pain in my left breast and felt a tiny something by my nipple. The doctor said it was probably just gristle and to keep an eye on it.

About two weeks ago I happened to be in the shower and felt my breast and felt a clear lump. The same tiny little one I went to docs with originally so i pushed myself to go to docs again. He felt the lump and said it would need checked, so I am now waiting for an appointment. I hope it won't be long. I feel like I'm gonna crack up. I think I've convinced myself that it is something bad....how terrible am I!!!! But I have two small children so still have to be happy for their sake.

Just wanted to come on here and have a private whinge. Thanks for listening

OP posts:

Socci · 05/10/2004 18:36

Message withdrawn

hercules · 05/10/2004 18:42

I had a similar thing. Go privately. It honestly isnt that much and you can go in virtually straight away.

muddaofsuburbia · 05/10/2004 18:44

Hi 2WB,

I found a lump a few months back and my referral came through really quickly. I think it was a couple of weeks.

Most lumps turn out to be normal breast tissue. I know that's not going to reassure you cos I've been where you are now, but it is true.

On my appointment day I had an ultrasound and a biopsy. I was in hospital for about 3/4 hours, but that was mainly waitin and waiting. They were able to tell me straight away that yes there was a substantial lump but it was nothing to be concerned about.

I now need to go back every 3 months, but only because my cousin had breast cancer in her early 30s. And before that scares you too much, she had treatment for about a year and is now completely clear with normal life expectancy.

You will be convinced that the worst is happening but the odds are waaaaaaay in your favour. Keep positive and cuddle your kids

JoolsToo · 05/10/2004 18:49

I know its hard not to worry but please try. Most lumps in the breast turn out to be nothing bad at all - there are all sorts of reasons, mastitis or cysts to name a couple. You've done the right thing and your appointment should come through quite quickly. I had a similar thing several years ago which thankfully turned out to be a gristly lump but I know how you're feeling. They'll look after you really well and I'm sure you've got nothing to worry about.

hercules · 05/10/2004 18:58

btw my lump was fine!

Original poster

2wildbabies · 05/10/2004 19:33

thanks to all of you. I'm just a bit tearful at the moment......and made the mistake of watching the Caron Keating programme last night, that really upset me. Both my hubby and I cried after watching it.

OP posts:

Lisa78 · 05/10/2004 19:40

Everything is in your favour, try to stay positive. And bear in mind, if that lump had felt like a tumour to your GP, you would have been on the bus to the hospital clutching your letter, there and then. Its almost certainly nothing sinister

Lots of luck and hugs

Socci · 05/10/2004 21:05

Message withdrawn

MarmaladeSun · 05/10/2004 21:29

Hi 2WB. A few years ago I was suffering from horrendous pain in one of my breasts, and was sure I could feel a lump. I went to the doctor, who examined me and said that yes, there was a lump and referred me to a specialist. I was totally shocked as I had convinced myself I was imagining it. I went to pieces, as I also had 2 small children and since the day they were born I had prayed (I'm not a religious person really, but felt I needed someone/something to beg!) that nothing would happen to me until my children were all grown up and settled with their own families. I didn't have to wait long for my appointment, and when I got there, the specialist examined me and told me that no...there was nothing wrong and that the pain was due to a blocked duct or something similar. In fact the lump had gone by the time I had got there! To say I was relieved is an understatement; I cried buckets with relief. I just wanted you to know that I know EXACTLY how you're feeling, and I know everything will be fine. It's so unfair the things that us women have to worry about, but please...stay positive and let us know how you get on, ok?

essbee · 05/10/2004 21:46

Message withdrawn

joanneg · 06/10/2004 11:10

You poor thing - you are reacting in the same way any woman would. I had a lump very similar to how you describe. I had a wide bore needle biopsy and it all turned out to be fine.
The doctor told me that in most cases (he gave me some figure and it was high in the 90% - cant remember exactly) that it turns out not to be cancer.

It sounds like you have discovered it early (I was really really stupid and didn't go to the doctor for ages). No wonder you feel like you do, especially of you are putting a brave face on.
go private if you can (although from my first appointment to my results was a month on the NHS - which I didnt think was too bad).

((hugs)) to you

bundle · 06/10/2004 11:16

2wildbabies, i hope you get your appointment through soon. 9/10 lumps are NOT cancer, please focus on that, x

Original poster

2wildbabies · 06/10/2004 19:26

thanks for all your support. I am surprised so many of us have been in the same situation. At least everyone has made it through ok....hopefully I will too!!!

Just haveing a depressing day today. Feeling sorry for myself. I keep telling myself that the odds are in my favour, but then a niggle thing comes into my head about how unlucky I usually am, so I keep looking on the black side.

The worst thing is I don't have much support around me. My mum hasn't spoken to me since my dad told her of my referral yesterday. MY dad keeps quoting statistics at me, then refuses to speak about it anymore, and my dh does not even mention it. He hasn't hugged me or said thing will be ok, etc.....and as for my MIL, dh won't even tell her as he thinks she won't be bothered. What a family eh!!!!!!!

OP posts:

essbee · 06/10/2004 19:27

Message withdrawn

dolally · 06/10/2004 22:05

2wb's, read your thread this morning, just want to send loads of support through the airwaves. It must be awful having referral hanging over your head, hope the appointment's soon and you can rest easy.

Remember if you need a pep talk anytime you only have to come on to Mumsnet!!!

MarmaladeSun · 07/10/2004 12:43

2WB. You have my every sympathy about the lack of support. When my referral came through I called my (then) DH at work and told him the date. He made some noises about how he would be at work, and couldn't take time off etc...I was really really scared and he said something like 'sigh well I suppose I could take an hour off work and be there...blah blah blah...'. I told him to shove it and ended up going alone. So I know how you feel. My Mum doesn;t talk about anything medical at all so I really had no one either. But you have all of us on here, if that's any help.

Original poster

2wildbabies · 07/10/2004 12:54

thanks. It's nice to have somewhere to turn to. My appointment has come through for Tuesday, so I am really scared as it seems really fast.

I'm not being very positive right now.

OP posts:

Tickle · 09/10/2004 09:11

Hi 2wb - just sending some support through the airwaves - at least if the referral is as soon as Tuesday you can feel positive that you are doing something about the lump, rather than ignoring it and waiting for it to go away.
Waiting is not fun, so try to do distracting fun things with your 2 lovely children this weekend, and pamper yourself to take your mind off it. Watch a few happy videos!

I'm sure it will be fine

Flip