Urgent breast clinic referral tomorrow - freaking out

[Freakingout444]

I’d really appreciate any stories from anyone who’s had similar, please. I’ve noticed the past month (I think) that one boob is generally a bit harder/firmer than the other and once I noticed it I couldn’t leave it, so went to the GP. I honestly can’t be sure if it’s been like that for ages or not. GP said she wasn’t overly concerned but felt ‘increased firmness and nodularity’ in one quadrant and so did the urgent referral. There’s no distinct ‘lump’ as such, but I know that’s not necessarily reassuring.

I have the appointment tomorrow and I’m really scared. I have a 2 year old and I’ve always been quite anxious about my health but nowadays I’m just terrified of anything happening to me.

I’m 36, finished breastfeeding about 6 months ago (fed for nearly 2 years) and it’s the boob that DC always fed from more and got more engorged so I am clinging on to the fact it could just be denser breast tissue due to that.

I would appreciate any stories of similar breast issues 😔

I had a lump, it was nothing. The consultant actually laughed at me and said ‘that’s just your breast’. My mum had a thickening. Was just extra tissue in the armpit of her dominant arm. My sister has also had a lump referral that came to nothing. Try not to worry, most women there will be given a clean bill and breastfeeding is protective against breast cancer, especially extended breastfeeding.

Thank you, it would seem extra cruel if I had BC after breastfeeding for that long (not that that was my reason for doing so!!). I do know several people who’ve had benign lumps but I’m still freaking out.

Most women with urgent referrals to the breast clinic don't have anything sinister, so try not to worry. Easier said than done, I realise! Mine was just a cyst that needed draining.

I’ve had two lumps and referred on and they were nothing both times. Easier said than done not to worry too much I know but try not to. I think it’s a low bar to referring on.

Just wanted to update as I know I always appreciated seeing the outcome of these threads! The doctor at the hospital wasn’t concerned at all (it was mostly my ribs!) and I didn’t even need a scan. Such a relief!

Great news!