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Original poster

Hand hold please...I found a lump...I get married next week

64 replies

Millymollymoomilly · 09/09/2022 22:09

I have been referred for further investigations as I found a lump in my armpit, going for my first mammogram at 60 and I'm scared. I haven't had one before and that's because I have a hospital phobia which I'll have to get over pretty quickly. I know I've been stupid
I get married on Wednesday and we go on honeymoon the week after and I can't stop thinking morbid thoughts and it's spoiling a happy time.
I'm devastated also because I have to put it on hold for two weeks until we get back.
On top of this I have so much to do for they wedding and I can't concentrate.

OP posts:
SummerHols22 · 09/09/2022 22:26

I don't want to read and move on.

I do understand your fears, empathise with your phobia and your panic.

Try and focus on each thing you have to do as that will help with the panic.

You'll get through this and have a great wedding and honeymoon. FlowersFlowers

Original poster
Millymollymoomilly · 09/09/2022 22:29

Thank you for stopping by x I can't think of anything else.
What if I already have it in my breasts and it's spreading into my lymph nodes...
I'm panicking and I have to put on a brave face.
I can't focus properly

OP posts:
Original poster
Millymollymoomilly · 09/09/2022 22:31

I'm absolutely terrified and can't stop crying. I feel like I'm falling apart, I was so so happy until yesterday.

OP posts:
sarahc336 · 09/09/2022 22:35

Op what ever it is it's better to know about it so things can be done, I know it's hard now but better than being left. You need to know what it is to then be able to sort it, we'll done for getting it looked at. Xx

Meadowsalways · 09/09/2022 22:38

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at poster's request

UniversalTruth · 09/09/2022 22:40

I googled so you didn't have to and found this ...

"According to a American Family Physician paper, an unexplained lump (i.e., one that’s not quickly identified as being from illness or injury) has about a 4% chance of being malignant, if you’re over the age of 40"

So out of 100 people in your situation, 96 of them will be non malignant.

Either way, enjoying your wedding will not effect the outcome of any tests afterwards. Please try to put this out of your mind - you could try putting any thoughts about it in a box in your mind and tell yourself you'll come back to them after your honeymoon.

Original poster
Millymollymoomilly · 09/09/2022 22:58

Thank you so much x I dare not Google.
I know I have to forge on and I thought about ignoring it until after but my daughter would never forgive me
I don't know how I'm going to stop thinking about it.
I'm laid here trying to sleep, what a day

OP posts:
sarahc336 · 09/09/2022 23:02

Yes op Google is not your friend right now xx

Original poster
Millymollymoomilly · 09/09/2022 23:04

I can't go down that road...

OP posts:
JulyDreams · 09/09/2022 23:06

You will be ok OP- if it's caught early things can be done and I speak from experience. FlowersFlowers

JulyDreams · 09/09/2022 23:06

Also yes stay away from Google!

Original poster
Millymollymoomilly · 09/09/2022 23:16

Thanks July.... The thing is I only noticed it yesterday but..I could have had it ages because I bent feel it on showering. So I just don't know... I'm beside myself.

OP posts:
Notaboutthebass · 10/09/2022 08:48

OP GP's will refer for most lumps, even if they think it's nothing to worry about, they do it to put your mind at rest. I had one and it was a cyst, I was told that a very high majority that go for tests are nothing to worry about.
Did you have the opportunity to get tested before you get married?

Notaboutthebass · 10/09/2022 08:49

And you've done something about it straight away. Arm pit lumps are so common.

Original poster
Millymollymoomilly · 10/09/2022 09:04

Morning, I was awake at 5am. I'm currently waiting for the test to find through.
He just said he had to refer, totally get that but I have health anxiety anyway so it's gone into overload when I need to enjoy this time I have fast approaching, I've got cakes to bake for heavens sake!!

OP posts:
Notaboutthebass · 10/09/2022 09:08

Speak to a friend about it, this is what I did and it helped. I was panicking like you wouldn't believe. Let us know how you get on, chances are you'll be absolutely fine, it's just the not knowing isn't it.

Original poster
Millymollymoomilly · 10/09/2022 09:18

It absolutely is....I feel like I'm holding my breath and I need to enjoy the now.
I hope you were fine xx

OP posts:
orangechoco · 10/09/2022 09:27

Pay for a private scan, a lot of ultrasound clinics help

orangechoco · 10/09/2022 09:28

You get results right there and the machines are better than the NHS. That's what I done and mine is fine

Beamur · 10/09/2022 09:34

It's understandably scary. Awful timing for you.
The vast majority of lumps are harmless. I've had lumps checked and whilst nerve wracking, it wasn't cancer. I've just had a routine mammogram and whilst it's a bit uncomfortable, it doesn't take long.
You've definitely done the right thing in getting it checked. Try to compartmentalise this fear so you can focus on your wedding. You've put in motion getting it checked, that's out of your hands now, keep busy and try to enjoy your wedding.

Original poster
Millymollymoomilly · 10/09/2022 10:16

Beamur wise words, thank you.
I just think because of my age being older doesn't help and that fact I've never had a mammogram is against me.
In over thinking every ache and pain now, what if, what if. I wished I had an off button for health anxiety!

OP posts:
SirVixofVixHall · 10/09/2022 10:27

My friend found an armpit lump recently, the consultant said it was due to her Covid vaccine, not at all worrying.
I had a breast scare recently, all was fine. I was in a complete panic for the days before the mammogram so I understand, but my consultant says she mostly gives good news, not bad.
I had not had a mammogram before, and it was much less stressful than I imagined, very quick and only slightly uncomfortable for a brief moment. I had an ultrasound after the mammogram, which was straightforward .
I know it is impossible not to worry, but try to distract yourself as much as possible until the day.
It is much more likely to be something innocent, but even if it is breast cancer the outcomes are so much better now. I know a lot of women still healthy many years after breast cancer , three of my friends had it over 15 years ago with no issues, one friend had bc nearly 30 years ago, with a mastectomy and reconstruction. Two children since then (she was in her twenties) who are now in their twenties.

Overthisnow98 · 10/09/2022 10:41

My friend had a lump in her armpit and two on her breasts . They were taken out and biopsied and they were harmless. By all accounts this is the case 9/10 times. Try and enjoy your wedding and remember that this is probably not anything to worry about .

notapizzaeater · 10/09/2022 10:43

The last lump I had tested was all done in an afternoon with results at the end - fingers crossed yours is and quickly.

BCBird · 10/09/2022 10:54

Hi
First of all congratulations on your marriage.
I agree with what so many people are saying, we often think the worst only to find relief at the results.
I had a mammogram in my mid 40s as my breast felt lumpy. It turns out this was because I had deliberately lost a lot of weight so the lumpy nature was to do with the loss of tissue.
The reason I.am saying this is that I know sometimes brides try to lose weight before a wedding. Have you been doing that?
Worrying about things, which I totally understand, will not change the outcome.Try to focus on the wonderful journey you and your partner are about to embark upon. Best wishes.