What do your boobs feel like? Really?

[grumpypants]

Have to head off to Sports Day now, but GP referring me to clinic/consultant for breast pain and lump (query?). But, I don't really know what's normal. I stood in the kitchen the other day, with a friend, a we couldn't really tell what we would be looking for iyswim! Mine feel like lumpy porridge with the odd uncooked grain, and several pea size hard lumps after my armpit. All confused by being v skinny with hardly any boobs, so feeling my ribs too. So, in a public spirited sort of way, could you tell me what ytours are like? Thanks - will compare notes later

Lumpy! I find it really difficult checking them because there are so many lumps in them - big and small ones. But the lumps are symmetrical. Since going on the pill they also feel very solid when I hug people or lie on them, whereas before they were very soft.

Very soft and no lumps....but then they are massive!

Thank you guys! You are the only ones brave enough to reassure me - can't ask my RL friends...

Bump for anyone willing to share...

kind of lumpy but no really hard lumps.

like balloons overfilled with creamed rice

i find checking quite difficult.

what antoinette said (minus the overfilled bit). rice pudding in a balloon

Before having DC, mine would be lumpy before my period.

Yes, mine are lumpy too. Once had a mammogram because of a proper lump, and the radiographer said, "Oh yes, they ARE lumpy aren't they" when she was manipulating them into position.

I think lumpiness has been linked to caffeine intake, so you could try cutting it out and seeing if that makes any difference, although lumpy armpits might indicate swollen glands. I would probably want a medical person to check them, to be on the safe side.

i found 2 lumps recently doc says there were 2 in other breast too I am waiting to go back as she thought it was maybe menstrual cycle related. Original 2 are still there dont want to feel the other 2 . I will admit to being very apprehensive. If in any doubt go to doctor

oh sorry meant to say doc says they were pea sized nodules

I've been checked twice for lumps, about 15 years apart, and both times the verdict was that I simply have very lumpy boobs. Im not busty and can feel bones (eg breast plate I guess) quite easily which can make it difficult and on occasions I get twitchy but can't be getting checked out all the time! I now just try to check regulalry for obvious changes, in the hope I would know one of those if it happened!

To answer the question - mostly soft with harder lumpy bits at the back and sides.

Was told first time that I had abnormally high blood flow in my boobs. I asked what that meant, and doc shrugged and said'nothing beyond that, really.' I didnt know whether I should be pleased, or feel slightly freaky!

Thank you - can relate to rice pudding... Saw GP originally and had to wait a month as was one boob breast pain, then found small lump so referred Monday. But, it's really hard to know what is 'normal' Vintage - that's what I have in my arm pits, and Oops that's like me!

Rice pudding in a balloon is it, exactly.

Heart Just noticed the caffeine thing - will cut down on Costa! Lumps still freaking me out a bit - have permanently sore boob, and hard smooth lumps in armpit. Really pleased to read this feedback tho - thanks

I think that normal means what's normal for you - which is why you are encouraged to check each month at about the same time and if there is anything that wasn't there the last time then get it checked out. Check out the Breast Cancer Care website which has instructions on how to check properly - and don't use your fingertips, use the palm of your hands. Chances are you are pressing too hard !!

here's the link

Mine are big and very lumpy, like bags of peas and broad beans.

After this pregnancy I am treating myself to a mammogram privately because when I start checking it all feels so lumpy I get confused. They have been like this for 25 years

Right now mine feel all soft and lovely, but in a weeks time when I'm on my period they will get lumpy and tender. I check mine regualarly (check downstairs, too) because our boobs change 'texture' so often throughout the month that one day they can seem very lumpy and other times less so. Its the best way to get to know your own breasts!

Mine are v. small and lumpy and I can feel knobbly bits of ribcage. I have been referred to a breast care clinic (going this Monday) with tenderness in one boob extending into the armpit, which I'd had for a while. A couple of weeks ago I found a lump in the armpit when shaving. Gp doesn't think it's too much to worry about but I'm finding the 2 week wait to be seen a bit nerve-wracking!

Busylee - hope it goes well - lots of luck.

Thanks for all the responses - i assumed everyone else's were like Barbie's . Still waiting for date to come through. Good luck busy.

You are supposed to check by lying down and feeling with a flat hand, fingers together, and the palm of your hand, with "boob" arm raised over head, and more of a "patting" movement. Do not pres hard or prod.
Then you should look at them standing facing mirror.

If you are feeling them between your fingers and kind of pinching the flesh, or prodding it, then it is possible you will feel all the milk ducts and fibrous tissue and possibly mistake these for lumps.

You can ask your dr to show you how to examine yourself and this is worth doing- or there are bound to be some videos/images etc on google.

Mine feel like slightly soft balloons.

Thank you for your good wishes MAS and grumpypants - will post later on Monday.

Thank you peony that's really helpful. It's not the sort of conversation I can have at the school gates!

Oh I don't know- might make a change from usual chit chat!