Lump in breast confirmed...

[NGC2017]

And im terrified. I've been fast tracked to an appointment at the breast clinic this Sunday.
Everytime I stop, I want to cry. Most of the time I do.

Does anyone have their own story?

Take a deep breath - you are on your way to be diagnosed (very often these things are benign) and on track for treatment, if neccessary. That is a good thing.
My story:
I had a lump 15 years ago, turned out to be cancer. I had the proper treatment, which was much less bad than I feared. Was given tamoxifem for five years.
I am still here and my hair as grown back much stronger and with a much better colour.

Most lumps are not cancer. Most women attending breast clinic come out smiling or with tears of relief.

Is it normal to feel quite uncomfortable?

I've been to breast clinics on six different occasions due to lumps and other issues. One of them had to be biopsied and it turned out to be benign. They did say then and there that the appearance of the lump was not suspicious, so although I had to go away and wait for the biopsy results, I had already had reassurance. The staff are always lovely, calm and explain everything very well.

I believe any breast lump has to be seen at clinic within two weeks. I had one earlier this month and I had an appointment within a week. So don't worry about the fact that you are being seen quickly.

Finally, if it is possible, do take a friend with you for support. I have been accompanied to most of my appointments just in case. I was really glad with the biopsy one that I had someone there as I get queasy easily around needles! However I did go to my most recent appointment on my own and it was fine, but I had my father in law on standby in case I needed a rescue party to come and get me from the hospital!

Very best of luck to you. I hope it is good news.

I have been checked for lumps on two different occasions over the last 15yrs. The first was benign. The second a large cyst. Both times I was convinced I had cancer. The wait is so scary. Keeping everything crossed for you x x x

I've been three times and the lumps were very uncomfortable. First two were cysts, one was drained and one popped on its own. The third had disappeared by the time I got to the appointment. I expect it was another cyst. I felt a bit foolish but was told to keep going to GP each and every time I get a lump. Having gone through the menopause now it seems like I'm not getting them anymore
Oh and I cried buckets the first time, real proper sobbing in the clinic. The staff were bloody brilliant and I was told immediately what the problem was

Thank you all.
I know I am thinking too much into things too soon, but having such a young son scare the hell out of me. I have been the breast clinic twice before but never had a lump confirmed. We have a history of breast cancer in the family which only adds to my worries x

Why did you go to clinic twice before if you didn't even have a lump?

I think I would be able to take my mind off it if it wasn't so bloody painful. It's constantly there. Reminding me. I've not been able to wear a bra for a month now.
When I had a previous ultrasound I couldn't believe the ease I felt lying there topless with 2 women scanning my breast talking about my tattoos lol. I felt so at ease. I know the staff are all phenomenonal it's just the fear of the unknown.

I’ve been sent to the breast clinic 5 times in the past 15 years. 3 lumps I found myself and the other two, were recalls from my first two mammograms. The first 4 were all diagnosed as benign cysts. The last one was Calcification which I had to have a biopsy on, then had to wait another week and again was told it was benign. (This was 2 weeks ago so am very relieved!)

It’s very easy for everyone to say “Try not to worry”, but it’s natural. Just try to get through each day, and Sunday will be here soon.

Itching, burning and pain

3 of my “lumps” were very painful. Cysts usually are painful, where as cancer, usually isn’t.

@lizzie I am so pleased for you. You are right Sunday will soon be here x

Pain is not really indicative of breast cancer. Mine was entirely painless. No discreet lump either just a thickening of the tissue.

It is hard but you really should try and remember that most lumps aren’t cancer. Most breast cancers are very treatable too. Most women with breast cancer continue to live healthy lives and don’t die from it.

The history in your family may be entirely coincidental and irrelevant. It depends how close they were to you and whether it’s a certain type of tumour. A great aunt dying of breast cancer aged 78 years is very ditto your mother being diagnosed with a genetic link type of cancer aged 36.

Thank you for all the replies. I really do need to think positive and just get to sunday

I understand the family history fear. My mum died of breast cancer in her mid forties. I am, as a consequence, extra vigilant. When you go to the breast clinic on Sunday could you ask about whether they do family history referrals to the genetic clinic? There is an unusual amount of early breast and prostate cancer in my family and my case is currently being looked at by a gentic counsellor. I am likely to get early screening as a result, which I personally am pleased about.

Been there several times. As others have said, pain often means a cyst (it did every time for me) but can point to other conditions. I know how petrified you must be having been there. Try to think of it that you are now in control, in that you are in the system, you will be seen at the weekend, you will then likely have a good idea of what you are dealing with, and you will deal with it. In my experience, it is worse when you are in denial about something or waiting to see a GP or waiting for a referral letter. Best of luck.

Its very scary- the worst part is the long wait between appointments, imagining all sorts of terrible outcomes.

I was a nervous wreck while I was being diagnosed - I kept crying all the time.

The good news is most breast cancers are treatable, if it does turn out to be cancer.

I also have family history and have been screened annually since age 40.

Let us know how Sunday goes NG and keep posting if you have any questions!

I really appreciate all your comments and personal experiences. It's made me me feel much more at ease. Having a young DS who I raise alone just triggered the worst thoughts. Irresponsible I know!
I just wish the pain would subside... Its horrible. But I will definitely let you all know what happens Sunday. And if its not the news I want I can already tell your support will be there x

Statistically it's highly unlikely to be breast cancer. However if it is, it is very likely that its perfectly treatable.

My lump was breast cancer. I am being well looked after and treated The waiting and not knowing is very difficult though xxx

As an aside, pain can be a symptom of breast cancer.

@NGC2017, have you been tested for any of the genes known to increase risk of br-cancer? Would you find that information helpful?

@YeOldeTrout i must admit I never knew this would be an option for me. Is that something on a private basis or could I discuss it at my appointment on Sunday?

My understanding is that you can't just get tested for a gene mutation, because there are too many of them. They need to have a close family member who has had breast cancer, they then test their genes and see if they have a mutation, then check your DNA to see if you have the same mutation. Until recently this was impossible for me because my mum died, therefore there is nobody to test, but they have just developed a way of testing old surgical samples stored in pathology... And I am very lucky in that they have found a suitable sample of my mum's (from 17 years ago!!!!!!!!!!!!) and are testing that. Once they have the results back, if there are any gene mutations found then they will test me to see if I have the same.

That is my understanding of how genetic testing works, anyway. Definitely worth asking at the breast clinic when you go!