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One breast feels 'heavy'

18 replies

Travelfairy · 19/10/2026 22:53

Have GP appt on Wed. Have a lump in same breast 3 years ago. Had it investigated, all was ok. Benign lump.
This is same lump but breast feels heavier but on and off. No nipple discharge or dimpling on skin. Just looking for reassurance tbh. I cant sleep worrying 😕 anyone experienced similar?
TIA x

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Travelfairy · 19/10/2026 22:54

Should have added I am 45, mum of two, tween and teen.

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Travelfairy · 20/10/2026 07:48

Anyone??

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wateraddict · 20/10/2026 07:54

I am sorry no one has replied. It’s stressful when you want to be checked out and you are waiting for answers. I had breast cancer three years ago and a couple of mammograms were needed this year due to changes that needed checking and both were clear.

You are doing exactly the right thing, reporting a change in your normal and getting checked out. Keep yourself busy, with whatever makes you happy. Try to stay in the present moment and not overthink if you possibly can and consider sharing with someone you trust so you can reduce the weight you are carrying. Wishing you a reassuring outcome of your appt, hang in there x

Travelfairy · 20/10/2026 08:34

Thanks so much for your lovely reply!x
I told my husband but he is useless. His reply 'dont worry'. And told me he is flat out with work do we all have stuff going on 🙄
Dont want to tell my Mum as I don't want to worry her

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Beachpleeese · 20/10/2026 08:40

I had something similar 3 years ago. No lump but one breast was so heavy, and hot at times. I had absolutely diagnosed myself and was a wreck. Had a mammogram and ultra sound and it was all clear. They couldn't really explain it, it happened again a few months later though not to the same extent. Can only put it down to age related changes, I'm 49 now.
Really hope you have same result. Sorry your husband isn't supporting you. If you are close to your mum and you think she could support you then you should tell her.

SevenYellowHammers · 20/10/2026 08:46

I do believe it’s a perimenopause/hormonal thing for them to feel bigger and it’s exacerbated by the fact that most of us are asymmetrical so one feels heavier at times. However, it’s good that you are getting checked. 💐

Ayeshakhan · 20/10/2026 12:08

Travelfairy · 19/10/2026 22:53

Have GP appt on Wed. Have a lump in same breast 3 years ago. Had it investigated, all was ok. Benign lump.
This is same lump but breast feels heavier but on and off. No nipple discharge or dimpling on skin. Just looking for reassurance tbh. I cant sleep worrying 😕 anyone experienced similar?
TIA x

It's understandable to feel anxious, especially when you've noticed changes in a lump you've had before. The fact that it was previously confirmed as benign is reassuring, and breast heaviness can sometimes be related to hormonal changes or benign breast conditions. Still, any new changes are worth checking, even without nipple discharge or skin dimpling. It's good that you've already booked your GP appointment for Wednesday. Try not to assume the worst, as there are many possible explanations. Hope everything turns out well for you

Tinyfrog200 · 21/10/2026 01:23

Hiya, I experience this as I suffer with fluid filled cysts. However, as others have said the main thing is you have an appointment booked. I hope all goes well.

wateraddict · 21/10/2026 08:02

Travelfairy · 20/10/2026 08:34

Thanks so much for your lovely reply!x
I told my husband but he is useless. His reply 'dont worry'. And told me he is flat out with work do we all have stuff going on 🙄
Dont want to tell my Mum as I don't want to worry her

I am sorry to read you didn’t get a more understanding response from your husband. You could sit him down and try to explain, or maybe lean on a friend instead and just focus on getting a little support and empathy while you take advice. Far more of my friends know my local breast centre than I realised! I also don’t tell immediate family until after the results for the same reason as you. Less worry all round that way, but everyone should do what’s right for them x

Travelfairy · 21/10/2026 15:46

Thanks everyone who commented. Just thought I'd update. Told my Mum, she is worried obviously.
Went to GP this morning, she's doing an urgent referral. She said the lump is the size of a date 😢 I thought it was pea sized. It's mobile though which apparently is a good sign. She initially thought she could feel a lump under my arm but then said she thinks just muscle.
I looked back on results from MRI from 3 years ago and it said in conclusion that it was a normal examination but they couldn't find a definitive cause for the lump which is making me worry now that maybe they should have done a biopsy at the time.
Mammogram & ultrasound were both normal at the time.

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Travelfairy · 21/10/2026 15:47

PS I am worried sick. Keep thinking I'm going to die young and leave my young kids 💔

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verstoppen · 21/10/2026 15:54

I know how worrying it it, but it is very likely to be a cyst. Perimenopause has caused huge amounts of cystic changes in my breasts and sometimes they enlarge overnight (and have felt swollen, hot and sore). I'm a regular at the breast clinic to have cysts drained. I had my first in my early 40s, another about 3 years later, then lots and lots currently in my late 40s. They get drained and fill up again, sometimes within months. A mobile smooth lump is unlikely to be anything sinister. Hope your appointment comes quickly and puts your mind at rest 💐

ETA An urgent referral is normal for breast changes. It's not necessarily because the GP thinks it is cancer.

Travelfairy · 21/10/2026 16:34

verstoppen · 21/10/2026 15:54

I know how worrying it it, but it is very likely to be a cyst. Perimenopause has caused huge amounts of cystic changes in my breasts and sometimes they enlarge overnight (and have felt swollen, hot and sore). I'm a regular at the breast clinic to have cysts drained. I had my first in my early 40s, another about 3 years later, then lots and lots currently in my late 40s. They get drained and fill up again, sometimes within months. A mobile smooth lump is unlikely to be anything sinister. Hope your appointment comes quickly and puts your mind at rest 💐

ETA An urgent referral is normal for breast changes. It's not necessarily because the GP thinks it is cancer.

Edited

Thanks so much for your reply. I asked her did she think lump sinister, she said no but that when she thought she could feel something under my arm that was worrying her.
I just keep crying.

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verstoppen · 21/10/2026 16:47

I know it's awful but you've just got to try to put it out of your mind for the next couple of weeks until the appointment. Easier said than done I know! The facts are: a smooth lump, a mobile lump, and as far as the GP can tell, no swollen lymph nodes. These are all very positive things. Your mind will be making it huge and painful and giving you massive lumps in your armpit etc. but that is all just your mind going to the worst places. Be kind to yourself, snuggle up with your kids and think positive thoughts.

Travelfairy · 21/10/2026 20:34

Thanks so much Verstoppen.
I will update when I get appointment. My Mum is up the walls. Kinda sorry i told her. I'm hoping for good news. I have two kids that depend on me especially my youngest who has additional needs. Thanks for taking the time to comment x

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Travelfairy · 22/10/2026 10:45

I have to wait approx 2 weeks for an appointment due to a backlog 😭 so I guess I have to try just live as normally as possible until then 😢

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wateraddict · 23/10/2026 13:41

Hi Travelfairy, I am so glad you are being referred and will be able to have some solid answers. At my clinic you have the scan and go home, then go back a few days later when the results have come back and the consultants have reviewed the scans and agreed the next steps. When you go back for the results you are either sent home, or may have an ultrasound for a different perspective. I have had both scenarios this year and both were clear.

It’s scary but keep busy, do whatever helps you stop ruminating. This may be socialising, having fun with the kids, finally clearing out some stuff you have been meaning to sort… go for it. And all the luck. X

Travelfairy · Today 12:11

Thanks everyone, I have triple assessment appointment tomorrow..I will let you know how it goes 🙏🏻🙏🏻

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