Frightened - breast screening

[MidnightSurvivor]

trigger warning - breast screening

I dont know why im posting on here, I think i just need some reassurance and moral support. I noticed a slight change to the areola on my right boob, I noticed that when its soft it looks normal but when it gets cold/contracted it pulls weirdly, almost dips in at the top and just looks a bit different. GP also noted a slight difference in skin tone in the area I am concerned about and has referred me to the breast clinic for further assessment. No lump that I can feel. I am bricking it. I am so scared and my appointment is tomorrow. Has anyone had similar experience to me and it been fine? I'm 41 and this is the first time I have had any kind of scare with possible cancer symptoms. I'm terrified, looking for a little reassurance to calm my racing mind.

I have been in this position twice and both times it was fine. The vast majority of outcomes at the breast clinic are not cancer. However, I lost my mind with anxiety both times, so I know how you feel. It’s a one-stop shop and you’ll come away with some (but maybe not all) answers tomorrow. You’ll have an ultrasound and possibly a mammogram and they should be able to provide you with some guidance on what they think it is. Not long to wait now. Fingers crossed for you.

It’s hard not to be scared. I had a scare about years ago, different symptoms but all was ok. Hope all goes well for you tomorrow, do update us if you feel able. Best wishes.

So no real answers today, they identified a small area of suspicious tissue, not a lump. They cant say either way if this could be cancer or benign because its just an area of tissue - they have taken a biopsy and placed a titanium marker for future mammograms. No answers, more worries. Nothing i can do but wait 2 weeks to find out either way. I am terrified.

The first time I went they said the lump I had had both good and bad signs. Had biopsies and it was OK but the waiting is something else, it really is. Nothing anyone said made my anxiety any better. I totally understand. How will you receive the results? Do you have another appointment?

The waiting is the worst part, I hope everything comes back ok for you.

They said it will be a face to face with the consultant whether good or bad news, and it will definitely be at least a 2 week wait. Anxiety is just spiraling at the moment. Keeping everything crossed for good news 🙏

Got everything crossed for you. Try to stay with the positives - they did not believe it to definitely be sinister on an initial look. And they will tell you if they think that is the case. You’ve been pro-active and gone to get it checked asap. But I totally understand, I was in a bad way with the anxiety both times. On the results day I honestly thought I would faint or throw up or something. Try as much as you can to keep busy. I actually wanted to hibernate and stay at home. But, in reality, I felt better when I forced myself to go out - I just mean running errands, shopping, going into the office etc. It felt less big when I was in the wider world. And do not Google. I made that promise to myself and I stuck to it. It’s not worth it.