Could it be just a cyst?

[wubblybubbly]

Been to drs today about a lump in my breast I've had a few weeks. I was convinced it was just a cyst (had them before) so not at all worried, but she's examined me and said she doesn't think it is, which has knocked me for 6.

She said it feels too hard to be a cyst, but it's huge, she wrote down 5cm and it sort of just appeared that size, although it might've got a bit bigger/harder, tbh that's why I was convinced it was cyst.

Anyway, I've now got to be seen within 2 weeks and am waiting to hear when my appt is for mammogram, biopsy etc and my head is reeling. I'm thinking it's defo a cyst one minute and then just horrible stuff the next.

Has anyone had this type of thing and found out it was just a cyst after all?

Hope this makes sense, my brain doesn't seem to be functioning properly.

Thanks KurriKurri. At the minute I'm torn between wanting to fall apart and sheer determination to think positive and beat this. I'll probably do a bit of both.

My DH has arranged to take the next couple of days off from work so I can wallow if I want to. I'm not sure I do, I think I'd rather be doing something positive if only I could think what that something might be.

It was my keyworker who mentioned about the scan taking up to 3 weeks, I think she's also my BCN? She's promised to do all she can to sweet talk them into getting it done quickly, so I suppose she's just being realistic and is doing her best for me.

I was thinking about calling my GP and seeing if she could help to hurry things along? She did ask me to go back and see her after my appointment so I don't know, it's something to do I suppose, rather than sitting thinking.

GP would be a good idea I think. She may be able to hurry things, it is often easier to talk to GP than consultants, and it helps to feel you have all your health care people working with you.

So sorry to hear your news Wubblybubbly. I just checked and Cancer Research has a forum on www.cancerchat.org.uk with some posts from women who've had IBC - obviously some scared but some good news stories too. You and your DH get yourselves as much support as possible. I wish you well.

Wubbly, I think asking GP to chase scans is a good idea. I wouldn't be happy with 3 weeks either, if treatment has to wait till after the scans, tbh.

I'm afraid I went looking for the lady I remembered - it was over 10 years ago, and she wasn't young - and found that she'd passed away just over a year ago. Not, I hasten to add, from breast cancer. I'm really sorry, wish I hadn't mentioned it now.

I'm sure there are other organizations, and imagine treatment has progressed even further since then as well. If you don't find enough resources in the UK, it might be worth checking out US sites?? Bigger population, more people with IBC.

I'm glad your dh has time off. Good luck with hurrying scans along, let us know what your GP says. Sending hugs, xxx

Hello there GeekyGirl Thanks for the link, I've checked out the website and it's such a relief to hear positive stories. The BCN warned me not to google it, so far I've taken her advice to stick to CancerCare and BreastCancerCare sites only!

I'm thinking I'll sign up for the forum once the news has sunk in properly, I think I'm still a little bit detached from it all at the minute.

Thanks Elibean, looking up that lady for me. Sorry to hear she has died .

I'm going to call to see my GP tomorrow, hope I can get a quick appointment as she's very much in demand as she is so lovely. I'll let you all know how I get on.

Just wanted to say another big thank you to everyone for responding and helping me deal with the news. I feel like I want to talk about it, it's helping me to accept it yet it doesn't feel right to worry my friends and family at the minute. Once again ladies, you've helped me to feel a tad more optimistic that I'll get through this and I can't tell you all just what a wonderful support you are! xxx tenative hugs (my right breast is still tender as hell!)

I'm glad you have found some positive stories, I know they are out there just wasn't sure how to find them for you

Re your GP (mine is similar, v popular!), might it be worth asking to speak to her on the phone rather than make an appointment? I know they vary, but with ours we can phone at 8am and ask what time we could speak to a specific GP - you could quite reasonably say it was urgent. Just hate the thought of you having to wait for any appointments after today's news.

That's a good idea Elibean, I'll try that if there's no chance of a quick appointment. My DH is insisting he's going to do all he can to push for the scan quickly, he's talking about trying to get it done at a different hospital if they can't do it at our nearest one. We're quite lucky that we've got a few hospitals nearish so that might be another option. I don't want to make too many waves though, I don't want to be known as a PITA

I'm having a large G&T now, not sure if it'll help me relax but it's worth a try!

Good for your dh! I'm with him. Be the squeaky wheel, and make sure you get prompt treatment: stuff being a PITA...rather be known as a PITA and have the peace of mind that I'm doing all I can to take care of myself, personally, and I'm usually a no-waves by nature

And as far as the G&T, good for you!

You're right of course, so is my DH, if there was ever a time to be bolshy, I guess it's now!

It's odd though, I'd be just like DH if it was for someone else, it seems it's easier to be meek and mild when it's for yourself.

You've given me a bit of courage Elibean (or maybe it's just the G&T?) Thank you!

wubbly - so sorry -have only just found this thread again -and I am sorry to hear about the IBC - you must feel in a total whirl I know. I can recommend the Breast Cancer Care website and forums - there are certainly women on there with IBC - let me go and link...

this is the IBC section on the forum

when you feel up to it this thread is amazingly strong and supportive with lovely ladies on it
Thinking of you x

Thanks MaryAnn, that link is great. I so want to read stuff but I'm a bit scared of what I might find in my searches, so I really am enormously grateful to you for finding that for me. Thank you.

I don't think I've got my head around it all yet, but the G&T has helped me to relax a little DH and I are managing to find a few little positives to hang on to and we're cracking a few jokes now, which always helps!

I've avoided the other thread so far (felt a bit of a phoney up until today) but I will join in soon, once things get going. The support on here from everyone has been invaluable in helping me view things with a bit of positivity.

I stumbled across MN a few months ago when I was stressed over DS starting nursery, what an enormous blessing it has turned out to be .

you'll be more than welcome on the other thread - will look out for you x

'morning Wubbly. Just wanted to wish you luck with the GP/scans/Breast Nurse today. Its always easier to be an advocate for others, isn't it? Your dh sounds great though, which will make a huge difference

Good morning!

I've spoken to the surgery this morning - they'll arrange for my GP to give me a call later on this afternoon, so that's done.

I'm going to wait to see what she says today and, if need be, I'll call the BCN after that. I really just want to know if it's spread and, as much I'm trying to figure out the likelihood of that, the only way I can know is by having the scan. I feel like I can't really begin to get my head around it all until I know

BCNs are usually quite wonderful - they are a constant through your treatment, in fact you are never signed off from them,mine says...

lol MaryAnn, my BCN says I'll get sick of the sight of her and the team!

My GP has spoken to me and the appointment people in the CT scan department. I should be getting a phone call confirming my scan appt within the next 24 hours, otherwise I've got to call my GP back and she'll get back onto it. She's a diamond

She is

And you, you're a star for having got on to it so quickly. Well done.

That's thanks to everyone on here who has given me a kick to get onto it pronto! But I am a little bit pleased with myself too!

Well done Wubbly, GP's can be a great source of support.

CT scan booked in for first thing Sunday morning. Big relief!

that's good wubbly...will be thinking of you

Thank you MaryAnn. I'm a feeling a little more grounded today, still a bit leaky eyed, but I think being able to 'do something' has helped me feel I've got a little control back.

I'm beginning to realise this isn't going to be straight forward process, the outlook seems to depend so much on chance as much as anything else so I'm going to try and remain happy and positive as much as possible.

I think I'll join the other thread next time I've got some more news. Thanks for all your support MaryAnn and everyone xxx