Waiting for a breast clinic appointment after GP found a lump

[StrangerThings1992]

Hi everyone.
I rarely check my own breasts, I have an aversion to them ever since having kids. I dont know why but touching them in any way makes me feel physically sick. I even have to wear a bra in the shower, I take it off for the last minute to wash them and then a clean bra goes straight on when i get out. (Yes I spend a fortune on bras because they get ruined from the constant washing). So I do give them a quick feel around in the shower but thats as much as I can do, the GP gave me a check last year and all was fine and they said they are happy to check me whenever I feel it's needed because she knows what a struggle it is for me. I went to the gp for an unrelated issue yesterday and asked for a check and she found a lump in my right breast. She said its smooth, moveable but quite large (golf ball sized) so she was concerned. She's put me on the 2 week pathway so im just waiting for an appointment. Im just really panicking and catasrophising the whole situation, expecting the worst. I dont know how i missed it, i know i dont check them thouroughly but since yesterday i feel like i can feel it in there when my arm grazes against it, it feels bigger than the left but maybe thats my brain playing tricks on me? I suffer with sore breasts throughout different parts of my cycle anyway so havent noticed the pain from the lump but since yesterday I can definitely feel discomfort around that area, again maybe thats just my subconscious. Has anyone else been in this situation and everything turned out ok?

Thanks for reading ❤️

X

I am wishing you the best

I had this a few weeks ago. All was fine. Hoping the same for you. X

Thanks, im hoping so too! It doesn't help that I work in a hospice so I see the consequences of late stage cancer all too often. My anxiety is awful.
Im glad yours was nothing to worry about
X

80% of lumps that get referred to breast clinic are benign. I had one last year turned out to be a cyst.

Please try not to worry. They'll do a physical exam, then a mammogram and ultrasound. If lump is suspect they do biopsy. Only thing I'll say is mammogram can be a bit painful. It was for me as I have small extremely dense breasts.. but think it's better if they're bigger.

Wishing you the best x

I had this during covid and its honestly awful. Was put on the 2 week pathway and got an appointment within a few days which I was grateful for. But the wait to be seen is agonising. Your mind goes to all the worst case scenarios and 'what if's' and all I could think about was how this was going to affect our family, and my kids, if I had cancer. I barely slept through worry.

Turns out that my golf ball sized moveable lump was a large cyst that had grown quickly. I had a mammogram followed by an ultrasound. But they told me there and then that I was okay which was a huge relief. My DH came with me to the appointment and waited in the car. I still remember coming out and walking towards the car and seeing his face. He looked so worried. When I got in and told him I was fine we both just hugged and cried with relief.

It was such a horrible few days so I fully sympathise with how horrible the waiting is.

I can tell you to try not to worry, but everyone said that to me, but I still did anyway. I think its difficult not to.

I really hope you don't have to wait too long.

Do you have a support system? DH or partner, parents/siblings that you can share this with as it does help to talk about it while you are waiting.

Good Luck. and I hope all is well. xxx

Edited to add: the cyst dispersed by itself over the course of a few weeks and then was gone altogether.

Thank you. Its reassuring just hearing other people's experiences and im glad everything was ok with you!
I do have a support system, my partners going to book a day off work to come with me so I wont be alone.
Yes the wait is agonising, I was only referred yesterday and ive been climbing the walls ever since. Trying to keep myself busy but its just hanging over me like a black cloud. Im hoping I hear about an appointment in the next few days.

Xx

I had the same. Got called back after my first ever mammogram. 2 week fast track. Had a biopsy then ultrasound with consultant on the same day. All came back negative ( thickened tissue) and they left a tag in for reference next time. Sore boob for a week or so but thankfully all normal. Xxx

@StrangerThings1992 I am glad you have someone on your side. It makes a difference having the support and someone to talk to about your fears. I really feel for you having to wait and I just hope you get your appointment soon and get given the all clear.

Keep us posted. xx

Another thing I wanted to say is even if it is worse case scenario, I know lots of women who've had BC and are perfectly healthy decades later. But statistically it's much more likely to be nothing serious. X

Thank you. Ill update on here once ive had my appointment xx

Yes, please do. I hope all is well x

They called me today, I have an appointment on the 1st of May, it feels lightyears away! Will have to try keep myself busy. I did tell them to ring me with any cancellations so hopefully it may be sooner. Ill update on the 1st xx

@StrangerThings1992 oh god that must seem like ages away!! But reframe your thinking to think that its 'only next week' and that may help some.

Good that you will be seen soon.

@ErlingHaalandsManBun yeah thats true. Just wish it was the start of next week rather than the end.
Thank you x

It's good you've got a date. Now just forget about it until then xx

@BillieWiper just had my appointment (they had a cancellation). Had examination and a scan, Its prominent glandular tissue. Such a relief xxx

That's fantastic. 💗
Really glad it's nothing serious and thank you so much for updating us!
There are so many reasons for lumpy boobs!
Much love xxx

@BillieWiper Yeah! I feel like I can breath again lol feel abit silly for being so stressed over it all lol.
Enjoy your bank holiday weekend and thank you for all your kind words xx

You too! Now you've been once you'll know what to expect if you need it again. Which hopefully will just be routine screening in a few years xx