So worried :( | Mumsnet

samanthalouisetunstall · 2022-12-09T12:57:40+00:00

I’m worried sick been to the doctors today and they have found a tiny pea sized lump near my milk duct there sending me for screening she said she’s not worried at all just want to get it checked I’m freaking out

Verbena17 · 09/12/2022 13:31

Obviously every case is different but I had this after I stopped breastfeeding DD at 18 months. Little pea sized lump next to my nipple. I was in Germany at the time. They checked me out and scanned me and said it was completely normal fatty cyst and it went away on its own.

I know you’re worried but try not to worry. It’s pretty common but they are just checking it out to make double sure it’s nothing more.

🤗

Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 09/12/2022 13:33

Verbena17 · 09/12/2022 13:31

Obviously every case is different but I had this after I stopped breastfeeding DD at 18 months. Little pea sized lump next to my nipple. I was in Germany at the time. They checked me out and scanned me and said it was completely normal fatty cyst and it went away on its own.

I know you’re worried but try not to worry. It’s pretty common but they are just checking it out to make double sure it’s nothing more.

🤗

Thank you for your kind and reassuring words I hope mines the same x

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poetryandwine · 09/12/2022 14:00

It is a horrible feeling, OP. I have also been there. Three things:

First, statistics are most definitely on your side. A large majority of suspicious cases referred on the cancer pathway turn out to be harmless lumps and bumps. I hesitate to give a number off the top of my head ( and it changes from year to year), but honestly, it is huge. (So far my alarms have been false. Dense breast tissue.)

Second, your doctor described this lump as tiny. So even in the worst case it is caught early and/or slow growing. Both are good signs.

Third, as a HCP told my DM recently, nowadays the majority of breast cancers are not just well controlled, but actually cured.

Probably you’re still scared. I always was. But I hope this helps a bit. Please let us know how you get on.

ILoveAllRainbowsx · 09/12/2022 14:12

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Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 09/12/2022 15:03

poetryandwine · 09/12/2022 14:00

It is a horrible feeling, OP. I have also been there. Three things:

First, statistics are most definitely on your side. A large majority of suspicious cases referred on the cancer pathway turn out to be harmless lumps and bumps. I hesitate to give a number off the top of my head ( and it changes from year to year), but honestly, it is huge. (So far my alarms have been false. Dense breast tissue.)

Second, your doctor described this lump as tiny. So even in the worst case it is caught early and/or slow growing. Both are good signs.

Third, as a HCP told my DM recently, nowadays the majority of breast cancers are not just well controlled, but actually cured.

Probably you’re still scared. I always was. But I hope this helps a bit. Please let us know how you get on.

Thank you. They aren't sending me within two weeks like normal either she said it's just routine and she isn't worried I'm slightly tender and it's like an annoyance feeling type pain if u know what I mean like a dull heavy ache. I just want it over with I have two children and one who is complex needs I'm his full time carer so need to be ok for him x

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Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 09/12/2022 15:04

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Thank you I'm hoping for the same outcome x

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Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 10/12/2022 19:51

poetryandwine · 09/12/2022 14:00

It is a horrible feeling, OP. I have also been there. Three things:

First, statistics are most definitely on your side. A large majority of suspicious cases referred on the cancer pathway turn out to be harmless lumps and bumps. I hesitate to give a number off the top of my head ( and it changes from year to year), but honestly, it is huge. (So far my alarms have been false. Dense breast tissue.)

Second, your doctor described this lump as tiny. So even in the worst case it is caught early and/or slow growing. Both are good signs.

Third, as a HCP told my DM recently, nowadays the majority of breast cancers are not just well controlled, but actually cured.

Probably you’re still scared. I always was. But I hope this helps a bit. Please let us know how you get on.

So today it's been an annoyance feeling and slightly hurt when learning over in the shop to grab something I'm wondering if it is something blocked cos I've had this type of thing 3 years ago and I was put on antibiotics, I'm hoping it is and I'm not just wishful thinking and it turns out it's something serious I just need this screening to come round quick to ease my anxiety x

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poetryandwine · 10/12/2022 20:59

I am a super cautious person and a scientist, so I won’t say anything that could cause a misunderstanding. But your GP did not put you on the 2 week pathway. If they had reason to think this was cancer they would have done that. Absolutely. So that is very good news!

The fact that you have had a similar experience in the past is also interesting. I would think this is a small point in your favour.

I trust my GP hugely for the most part, and she says that cancer lumps are not tender (some of my lumps have been tender). The expert websites mostly say this also. But on the patient forums a number of women say their tumours were tender or painful, so I think it is safest to ignore all statements about whether or not cancerous tumours can be tender/painful.

All in all, I am genuinely optimistic for you. Yes, anything could still happen but I think you have very good odds. Again, please keep us informed and very best wishes

Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 10/12/2022 21:05

poetryandwine · 10/12/2022 20:59

I am a super cautious person and a scientist, so I won’t say anything that could cause a misunderstanding. But your GP did not put you on the 2 week pathway. If they had reason to think this was cancer they would have done that. Absolutely. So that is very good news!

The fact that you have had a similar experience in the past is also interesting. I would think this is a small point in your favour.

I trust my GP hugely for the most part, and she says that cancer lumps are not tender (some of my lumps have been tender). The expert websites mostly say this also. But on the patient forums a number of women say their tumours were tender or painful, so I think it is safest to ignore all statements about whether or not cancerous tumours can be tender/painful.

All in all, I am genuinely optimistic for you. Yes, anything could still happen but I think you have very good odds. Again, please keep us informed and very best wishes

Thank you so much you have helped ease my mind so much I'll keep u updated for sure. Have a lovely Christmas x

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poetryandwine · 10/12/2022 21:09

Thank you so much for your quick reply, OP. I really hope you will be able to put this to the side and enjoy Christmas. Feel free to PM me if you get worried or just want to vent. Very best wishes

Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 10/12/2022 21:20

poetryandwine · 10/12/2022 21:09

Thank you so much for your quick reply, OP. I really hope you will be able to put this to the side and enjoy Christmas. Feel free to PM me if you get worried or just want to vent. Very best wishes

Thank you :) xx

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poetryandwine · 10/12/2022 21:24

Take care, OP xx

poetryandwine · 10/12/2022 21:24

Take care, OP, and have some fun! Xx

PyongyangKipperbang · 10/12/2022 21:56

I had the same pea sized lump, it was near a surgery scar on my breast, and it was indeed a cyst.

It is a worrying time but chances are you will be fine, the odds are most definitely in your favour :)

puppydisaster · 10/12/2022 22:07

I had this while breastfeeding.

I had a fine needle aspiration.

Turns out it was cheese. Breast milk cheese. Yum. A duct had got blocked and I'd turned into a one-woman cheese monger.

Fingers crossed for you. 🧀

Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 10/12/2022 22:12

PyongyangKipperbang · 10/12/2022 21:56

I had the same pea sized lump, it was near a surgery scar on my breast, and it was indeed a cyst.

It is a worrying time but chances are you will be fine, the odds are most definitely in your favour :)

Mines close to my milk ducts x

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Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 10/12/2022 22:13

puppydisaster · 10/12/2022 22:07

I had this while breastfeeding.

I had a fine needle aspiration.

Turns out it was cheese. Breast milk cheese. Yum. A duct had got blocked and I'd turned into a one-woman cheese monger.

Fingers crossed for you. 🧀

Mines close to my milk duct nipple she said xx

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PyongyangKipperbang · 10/12/2022 22:28

I think a lot of people dont realise how many changes go on in the breast when breastfeeding. When you think about it, its a miraculous process and it going to produce the odd issue here or there. How old are you?

Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 10/12/2022 23:05

PyongyangKipperbang · 10/12/2022 22:28

I think a lot of people dont realise how many changes go on in the breast when breastfeeding. When you think about it, its a miraculous process and it going to produce the odd issue here or there. How old are you?

I'm not breast feeding my youngest is 4 I'm 32 been trying for my third for 2years I have pcos too x

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Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 20/12/2022 15:05

poetryandwine · 10/12/2022 21:09

Thank you so much for your quick reply, OP. I really hope you will be able to put this to the side and enjoy Christmas. Feel free to PM me if you get worried or just want to vent. Very best wishes

I'm no more anxious and panicking my appointment has come through today for the 28th dec. I hate having health anxiety, I'm thinking the absolute worse :(

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ColinRobinsonsfamiliar · 20/12/2022 15:09

I had this too.
Went to breast clinic as instructed and had further scans.
The specialist called me in same day to give me results.
Was a milk duct with some calcified milk as I recall.
I did ask the question… but, do I not have millions of these in each breast. The answer was yes and it’s actually common and completely ok.
No treatment, no follow up, all absolutely fine.

Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 20/12/2022 15:11

ColinRobinsonsfamiliar · 20/12/2022 15:09

I had this too.
Went to breast clinic as instructed and had further scans.
The specialist called me in same day to give me results.
Was a milk duct with some calcified milk as I recall.
I did ask the question… but, do I not have millions of these in each breast. The answer was yes and it’s actually common and completely ok.
No treatment, no follow up, all absolutely fine.

I really hope mine is just that too. My doctor isn't worried at all she said it's a tiny pea sized lump and it's just routine and not to worry as she knows how bad my health anxiety is it takes over my life I hate it I've been waiting for this appointment I went to the docs on the 8 dec so haven't had to wait long really x

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valadon68 · 20/12/2022 15:31

Sorry you're worrying OP.
I want to listen to the scientist PP's warning not to make reckless statements, but I've always found that anxiety makes any pain/twinges I'm experiencing - head, breast, joint, whatever - much worse. So it's possible that you are being a bit hypervigilant right now and being overly attuned to your body. Totally understandable, but I would try to actively distract yourself. Very best of luck

poetryandwine · 20/12/2022 15:37

Hi, @valadon68 and OP -

I am the one who promised not to make reckless statements. FWIW, being anxious also causes me to notice pain more. Every little twinge, in fact. Ironic, isn’t it?

Hang in there, OP, and very best wishes

Original poster

samanthalouisetunstall · 20/12/2022 15:55

valadon68 · 20/12/2022 15:31

Sorry you're worrying OP.
I want to listen to the scientist PP's warning not to make reckless statements, but I've always found that anxiety makes any pain/twinges I'm experiencing - head, breast, joint, whatever - much worse. So it's possible that you are being a bit hypervigilant right now and being overly attuned to your body. Totally understandable, but I would try to actively distract yourself. Very best of luck

Thank you. I just worry so much it is a horrible feeling. I'm going to try and keep busy thanks x

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