Lump? in armpit

[Kchs232]

Last night I was rubbing moisturiser into my skin and I felt something lumpy in my armpit. Not exactly a round lump but it was maybe oval shaped and felt quite ropey? If that makes sense. I do check my breasts weekly and also my underarms, but this one I really have to press and dig around to find.

I booked a GP appointment this morning and I saw a lovely nurse practitioner (even tho I asked for a GP) who had a good feel but couldn't feel anything there. I even struggle to find it without having moisturiser on for some reason. Anyway she said leave it alone, keep an eye and if I can still feel it in the future I can come back and be referred.
At the time I was happy but coming home and having another feel there definitely feels like something there. Could it be muscle/tendon/sinew maybe, could I have always had it? Possibly I don't know. I do check my breasts a
lot and underarms too but maybe never to that extent.

Anyway I'm spiralling now. My mother died of BC when she was young so I have bad health anxiety.

Do I go back tomorrow? Wait awhile? My husband has lost patience with my health anxiety.

Hi OP, I'm so sorry that you're feeling anxious it's horrible. I would say that in the armpit there are definitely ropey bits, does it feel the same both sides?

I would say having someone medically trained check and tell you they're not concerned is hugely reassuring. I would say that checking weekly is probably keeping you in a bit of an anxiety loop too.

Could you perhaps book in with a GP for a full breast check and then try to only check once a month or once every other month whilst trying to get on top of your anxiety? This way you'll have more of an idea of what your boobs feel like at the same time every month. They can feel different based on where you are in your cycle. If you've also had a clear breast check, you might be more familiar with what you're "normal" is.

Try and look after yourself, anxiety is horrible

Thanks for your reply. It does feel similar, but not exactly the same on the other side. There is definitely a slight difference between the two. I know that doesn't mean anything though, it could be normal. I should feel reassured from the appointment but I just keep thinking I should go back and try to get a referral to the breast clinic to make sure 100% it's nothing.

I think you should go back and get referred. It’s not worth it for your own peace of mind you will be anxious until it’s sorted. I did the same with what feels like a ridge in my breast. Doc said it was hormonal and to go back if I was worried. My DH has private healthcare so I went through them for a mammogram & was checked out. All okay. Now I know that’s my normal so i will know any changes. There’s no way I would have settled without a full check.

I called my doctors this morning for another appointment and actually saw a GP this time. She did a full breast exam and again she couldn't find what I was talking about. I felt like I was going crazy because with moisturiser on I can feel it straight away. She said she noticed nothing concerning but because it was the second time i'd come about it and because of my family history she would refer me to the breast clinic. But she did say that it might be rejected. Does anything think this could happen? I do feel reassured she couldn't find anything she felt was worth a referral but I would like to be seen at the clinic because I feel like I know my body best?

I think with your family history you will get seen. Just keep pushing for it. Good luck.

Do you regularly check your breasts op? I do and mine change often sometimes I'll feel something and a few days later I might not. I also have had previous referral when younger as I had a couple of lumps along with few other things going on but all was fine and just noted to me 'lumpy' tissue. Keep pushing for referral if it'll help you feel at ease but keep checking your breast tissue and nite changes throughout the month