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Original poster

Lump behind nipple?

47 replies

luckywinner · 20/03/2010 22:48

Oh please someone come and calm me down. I have had a sore left breast all day. I did a check and I can feel a lump to the left of my nipple which is prob size of a broad bean. I have had a fibroadenoma (sp?) before in the same area but I can't remember which breast. If I squeeze both nipples, the left one feels like swollen, right behind the nipple. Of course I then went on to google to find out about checking and it said about discharge so I squeezed both nipples and got white (what looked like breast milk) from both sides. I am not bf, I am not pregnant, but I am in a complete stress. And of course all I can think about is a friend who's just had a complete mastectomy due to finding a lump.

OP posts:

Honeymoonmummy · 20/03/2010 22:54

Hi Luckywinner, I don't know the answer I'm afraid but I'm sure someone will be along with an explanation soon. Try not to worry - and DON'T GOOGLE SYMPTOMS!

Original poster

luckywinner · 20/03/2010 23:00

Thanks Honeymoonmummy, I just feel panicked. I know its irrational but I wish it was Monday so I could go to the doctor's, and not stew on it tomorrow,

OP posts:

pushmepullyou · 20/03/2010 23:04

As far as I know breast cancer lumps are not usually painful (I had a sore patch/lump earlier in the year and this is what I was told - mine went away within a week or so).

Also if you have milk/discharge from both nipples it is more likely to be hormone related than lump related (I also had this several years ago pre DC and it was nothing serious, just an over-functioning something)

IIWY I would make a Doctors appointment on Monday to be on the safe side, but try not to worry too much in the meantime - easier said than done I know

MaryAnnSingleton · 20/03/2010 23:06

don't google anymore - but if you need proper,sensible information,check the breast cancer care website - and definitely go to see the doctor on Monday - it's probably absolutely nothing to worry about but always get these things checked

Original poster

luckywinner · 20/03/2010 23:12

Thanks pushmepullyou.

We have a local walk in clinic nearby that is open on Sundays 8-8. Do you think I would be overreacting if I went there tomorrow or wait to see the doctor's I am registered at on Monday for an emergency appointment.

Mary, I will have a look at the breast cancer care website.

OP posts:

MaryAnnSingleton · 21/03/2010 08:46

perhaps wait until Monday if you can because then you'll have a doctor who knows you and your medical history which may be helpful...

Original poster

luckywinner · 21/03/2010 18:50

I am going to wait till tomorrow. My boob is aching so much today. I don't know whether to take that as a good sign.

OP posts:

smee · 21/03/2010 19:08

lucky, I think it's a good sign. I've been googling lots as I have a lump too. Go see the doctor. You'll probably be referred to a Breast Clinic though. My doctor said it's automatic if there's a lump.

Original poster

luckywinner · 21/03/2010 19:10

Googling is lethal isn't it? I do have a tendency to panic. And there is something about breast cancer that absolutely terrifies me. I keep looking at my dc and feeling worried that its something more serious. Have you been referred to a breast clinic Smee? And how are you feeling?

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smee · 21/03/2010 19:18

Yes to Breast clinic and yes to panic too. My Doctor is hopeful it's a fibroadenoma, so fingers crossed. Surely that's likely with you if you've had one before though? Really hope so. Whatever you do, don't go onto a cancer website forum. I didn't think it through, but most people on there already have cancer, so if you ask a specific question about your lump, they all come back saying sadly yes that's how their cancer started. I had a very very large drink last night after reading the replies...

Original poster

luckywinner · 21/03/2010 20:02

Oh bloody hell, I would have been under the table if I had read those! If it makes you feel better 9 out of 10 lumps are non cancerous. I remember that from last time round. How long till you get your referral?

OP posts:

smee · 21/03/2010 20:10

I was under the table believe me. DH prescribed alcohol and stuck me on the sofa with Casino Royale - he seemed a bit miffed as Daniel Craig was a mighty good distraction.
Doctor thought I should get seen by the end of this week as that was the timescale for another woman he referred earlier in the week. If I don't get a letter through tomorrow I'm going to ring the clinic. You're right though the 9 out of 10 statistic - it does make me feel a bit more positive. Let me know what your doctor says. They should be able to know from your records if it's similar to last time shouldn't they?? Will be thinking of you.

Original poster

luckywinner · 21/03/2010 20:17

Ahh, Daniel Craig, perfect solution. Am off to the doc's tomorrow for an emergency appointment. Do you think that sounds a bit drastic? I just can't bear waiting. You should def ring the clinic. Last time they lost me and if I hadn't called I don't think I would have heard from them. It was a long wait. Will be thinking of you too. Keep me updated tomorrow.

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smee · 21/03/2010 20:29

Not drastic at all - it's what I did on Friday. The thought of having it gnawing away at me over the weekend was like torture. My Doctor was completely understanding and said I'd done the right thing.

MaryAnnSingleton · 22/03/2010 08:43

hey you two - just to say I'll be thinking of you - the Breast cancer forums are very good,but perhaps not for when you are feeling so anxious -I didn't use them until I knew I had b cancer and treatment was underway - please don't be scared,it is probably perfectly ok and if it isn't then feel reassured that you have acted quickly in getting seen and treatment at the early stage is doable,

smee · 22/03/2010 10:27

Thanks MaryAnn. Am guessing you may be someone who's been there? Hope you're okay though. Really nice of you to take the time to post.

MaryAnnSingleton · 22/03/2010 10:45

thanks smee- I do remember how it felt,waiting to go to the breast clinic (coincidentally I received my mammogram appointment this morning for my first one post diagnosis)
I am fine- I was fortunate to have my cancer discovered early and have had surgery & radiotherapy and am now taking tamoxifen. Am sure you gys will be fine and dandy though.

smee · 22/03/2010 10:48

Blimey MaryAnn. Good luck for the mammogram then. I really hope you're still clear of it all. Reassuring though to hear that you've been through it and still standing. Long may it continue.

MaryAnnSingleton · 22/03/2010 11:49

thank you - I think I was trying to say that it's something lots of people go through and come out of the other end in more or less one piece !

bargainhuntingbetty · 22/03/2010 11:51

luckywinner how did you get on?? Hope all went well and you are feeling better today

smee · 22/03/2010 12:05

That's a good thing to say MaryAnn. Just a sod that anyone has to go it in the first place. Can I ask what's possibly a daft question. Do people generally take their other halves with them to the Breast Clinic? I'm in two minds about taking DH. I want him to be involved, but think in some ways I might be better and braver by myself.

MaryAnnSingleton · 22/03/2010 12:48

lots of people do - I took dh because I wanted him to drive as I was feeling so nervy- he waited in the waiting area and the breast care nurse fetched him to wait outside the consultant radiographers room for me,having explained I'd had a biopsy- so I was grateful that he was there to drive me home. It's not neccessary,but I found it very helpful top have him there. When I went back for the results of the biopsy he came with me and got up to come into the consultant's room (which surprised me-I wasn't expecting him to btu was glad he did) It is useful to have someone there to listen to what's being said as it's a lot to take in.
I remember seeing a calm looking lady also going in for her appointments on her own every time I was there.
I felt sad for her being alone and met her again on my surgery day -she was going to be operated on before me -it turns out that she is a nun - another sister had brought her in on the day of the op,so she wasn;t alone really - she was lovely.
So really,it's up to you and how you feel - if you think you'd cope better on your own,that's fine too.

Luckywinner - how was it ?

smee · 22/03/2010 14:07

Thanks MaryAnn. I think I will let him then. Sounds most sensible.
Luckywinner, are you still in one piece??

Original poster

luckywinner · 22/03/2010 19:56

Hi all, thanks for thinking about me. I am just about in one piece, although now ridiculously worrying about worst case scenarios.

I went to the walk in clinic as the lady at my gp told me there were no appointments until Friday. I was seen in 5 mins and he examined me and said he felt a lump and that he would like me referred to the cancer clinic and that I was not to get freaked out by the name, it was just what it was called. However, he couldn't do it, my gp had to do it. So I had to sit at my doctors for 3 hours, with my dd,3 and wait to be seen by my gp. My nerves were a little shot by then! He examined me again and said he could feel a lump (2cm he put on the form). I told him I had private insurance and he he referred me to go to our local private hospital for a mammogram (am in London so was round the corner). I went this afternoon fully psyched for a scan and then they told me they don't routinely scan women under 40 without a consultant appointment first. So I have to go back tomorrow at 2.15.

I am really really nervous. All I can think about is that my gp has put a 2cm lump. That seems huge and it is making me feel sick.

Smee how are you today? Mary Ann, you seem so serene about it all. I aspire to be like that, rather than a rabbit caught in headlights. Bargainhuntingbetty (love the name btw), you are v kind to be thinking of me.

OP posts:

smee · 22/03/2010 20:15

What a day Lucky. Sounds ready to frazzle anybody's nerves. I will be thinking of you at 2.15 tomorrow then with everything crossed. Let me know how you get on. Really, really hope it's a simple cyst or similar.

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