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Original poster

Lump found - been referred. Terrified

13 replies

Roxygirl1516 · 20/09/2023 20:53

Hi all,

I’ve gotten myself into a bit of a state.

I have found a lump in my right breast, on the edge towards my armpit. Initially I thought it was quite soft, feels smooth and oval shaped. Moves slightly, not excessively but it’s not stuck in the same spot. The more I’ve prodded the more I’ve convinced myself it’s quite hard but I’m not sure whether I’m starting to confuse myself as I’ve felt so much and now second guessing.

it wasn’t sore initially (again, second guessing myself - was it sore?! Maybe it was?!)but I’ve been feeling it so much it’s sore now and stings. Even now moving my arm on it feels like bruise. I’ve had very sore breasts overall over past two months - hormonal I think but that’s never happened before. But that’s what triggered me off to have a feel around and I found this lump.

I’ve been referred via 2 week waiti by list and my appointment is on Monday. Initially I was calm but as soon as I’ve received the letter I’ve fallen to pieces. I’ve been crying every day, barely eating or sleeping properly.

Im in pieces and ill with worry. I’d love to hear your experiences. If you had a cyst or any other lump what did they feel like?

longest wait of my life

OP posts:
wellandtruly · 20/09/2023 21:06

I’ve had breast cancer twice. Neither time did I have “a lump”, even though I had several tumours. This waiting for appointments and scans is the absolute worst. If it does turn out to be something - and usually it will be nothing sinister - then there are treatments available, and the sooner you are seen, the better.

MumOfOneAwesomeHuman · 20/09/2023 21:08

I had very bad cysts at one point and they felt exactly like you describe. I was referred, had an ultrasound and mammogram, it was just cysts. Try not to worry. Hopefully it's nothing serious.

Letsgetouttahere2023 · 20/09/2023 22:08

Sending you hugs. Benign causes are more common than cancer. The numbers are on your side.x

zazazoop · 20/09/2023 22:19

wellandtruly · 20/09/2023 21:06

I’ve had breast cancer twice. Neither time did I have “a lump”, even though I had several tumours. This waiting for appointments and scans is the absolute worst. If it does turn out to be something - and usually it will be nothing sinister - then there are treatments available, and the sooner you are seen, the better.

@wellandtruly how did you find out (if you're comfortable sharing) if it wasn't a lump?

Happygirl79 · 20/09/2023 22:23

I've been to see my gp now on three occasions as I have a lump under my armpit. It is sore and seems to be growing. Finally after 6 months my gp has referred my to have a scan. Still waiting. Still worrying.

Original poster
Roxygirl1516 · 21/09/2023 16:05

It’s horrendous isn’t it. I’m not really finding anyone much help because they just say ‘no point worrying yet’. Easy to say when you haven’t been in this position!

OP posts:
Snipples · 25/09/2023 20:03

I have to say I am totally with you on the "no point worrying yet" comments. Of course you're going to be anxious. I'm in the same boat as you, waiting to be seen at the breast clinic and so unsure what the lump is.

I feel anxious about it but not petrified as I feel like - whatever it is, it's already there. So it's just a matter of knowing now. And then can make a plan for the next step.

I hope you're ok OP. Feel what you need to feel for now and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

GrowUpWoman · 25/09/2023 20:10

FWIW I had this recently, it was smooth, large-ish (bit like a minstrel shape but softer), hurt and was painless in turn, and turned out to be a cyst… very relieved.

I hope everyone currently waiting has similarly benign results, thinking of you all. The waiting is very stressful but statistically, it is likely not to be cancer.

Anontocomment · 25/09/2023 20:16

I've got inflammatory breast disease which basically means that every so often my boobs grow a lump which sounds very much like yours. They usually go down after about 4 - 5 weeks but every new one has to be checked out which is not fun. There's also two cysts growing now that they're keeping an eye on.

Hopefully today went ok and you're able to relax; if not take some time to process and make sure to contact the charities to access all the help.

Snipples · 28/09/2023 12:57

@Roxygirl1516 did you have your appointment this week? Did everything go ok? X

Snipples · 28/09/2023 12:59

Sorry @Roxygirl1516 ignore me. I see from the other thread you've been and was ok.

I think I'm driving myself demented reading other people's experiences while I wait for my appointment! Need to get a hobby!!

wellandtruly · 28/09/2023 13:06

zazazoop · 20/09/2023 22:19

@wellandtruly how did you find out (if you're comfortable sharing) if it wasn't a lump?

Show quote history

I happened to be part of a trial which meant I got a 3D mammogram instead of the standard screening mammogram -at my first screening age 50. Standard one showed nothing at all. 3D one showed something. No lump, even though large. Second time, mammogram showed nothing, but something showed on ultrasound, but that didn’t see most of it either. There were in fact several large invasive tumours, only discovered after mastectomy. I am/was small breasted, so you’d think it would be obvious, but no.

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