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Been to breast clinic

Gemmaclare
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Hi

This is my first time posting in a forum chat room. 

I've been to breast clinic yesterday for the first time and am now feeling really scared and upset. I'm looking for some advice, information and support. Or if anyone has experienced anything similar?

About 6 weeks ago I found a hard lump in the underside of my right breast which also sits behind the nipple. It's quite large and not really sure how I hadn't felt it before. It wasn't sore but I've since been poking about with it and worring about it, it was starting to feel a bit tender.

Not sure if it's related or a red herring but I've been breast feeding for 4 years . My first child was about 18 months when I feel pregnant with my second child. He would feed maybe only once a day or once every couple of days at the end and because of his size and comfort holding him on my left I only ever fed him from the left breast for the last few months. He stopped feeding completely about halfway through the pregnancy.

When my second son was born I tried to feed him from both sides. I felt like perhaps my milk didn't come in as well on the right ( I thought from left side feeding only perhaps my right wasnt making as much or let down not as good or something) also baby didn't seem to latch as well on the right. Inwas more comfortable holding him and feeding on the left side . I did try to offer the right side but he started to refuse to drink from that side, and just wanted to feed on the left. 

I can't really remember when as its all a bit of a blur but I kind of gave up feeding on my right breast. He was getting enough from the left side only. Maybe around 5 months old ish. He's now 18 months and feeds in the morning, maybe once in the day and at bedtime .

I've always been able to squeeze some milk out the right breast. I never tried expressing on the side .

Naturally over time the right breast has reduced in size and I'd say over the last few months as my breast feeding on the left has really reduced ( no longer feeding all night long!) My right breast has shrunk even more  I'd say its probably back to pre pregnany size now ( b cup I've always been very small) but im struggling to remember what my pre childbearing breasts were like now. Feels like lifetime ago. 

My GP saw me the same day when I rang , then breast clinic apt was within 2 weeks. I merrily trotted in thinking the doctor was just going to do an examination. I just presuming it was my lack of feeding on that side issue - blocked or inflamed ducts or something.

 I had an ultra sound scan , mammogram, biopsy ( fainted and cried during it ) then another monogram to check the metal clip.  Was there for 3 hours.

I'm now really scared. Keep thinking of my 2 boys and fearing the worse. I feel stupid for only being able to feed from one side and not thinking about it or doing anything about it sooner. I feel a bit stupid.

I can't bear having to wait a couple of weeks for the results.

Just wondering if anyone had had anything similar? 

I'd really appreciate any advice 

Many thanks 

X

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I'm sorry too meet you here! Your post sounds almost identical to mine back in October. Unfortunately I was diagnosed on the Day with BC at the Breast Clinic appointment and went a week later for confirmation.
     

    i have two sons and am 38, I went into total shock and was at the appointment on my own as i the Doctor suspected a Cyst. 

    I know this sounds crazy but this waiting is the worst, once you know what your dealing with you will feel much better, don't forget it could be nothing, and if it is something your in the right place.

    When you go for your next appointment if it's not good news they will have a treatment plan for you, treatment is so advanced. You will be okay, I'm here if you need too chat. Take someone with you to the appointment.

    i hope you get good news. love sarah 

  • Offline in reply to snow-drop

    Hi Sarah 

    Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. I'm sorry to hear you were diagnosed with breast cancer. I hope your treatment is going well and yiure feeling well.

    Do you mind if I ask what happened with your breast feeding with your babies ? Did you have a similar issue there? 

    Just wondering,  how did they make a diagnosis on the day? I kept asking the doctor and the radiologist and they would give nothing away!

    I think I'm torn between been in shock, denial, sticking my head in the sand. Guilty I didn't realise sooner, go to the doctor sooner. Praying for a clear result , scared incase it isn't. Worrying about the future and my boys. I just can't stop crying.

    I'm trying not to worry about it and wait for the result. 

    I'll take your advice and take my husband with me 

     

    Thank you xx

  • Offline in reply to Gemmaclare

    Hi again,

    So the lady doing the Ultrasound said to me that it was breast cancer she said she could tell from the image.

    My sons are older so I wasn't feeding them at the time, I didn't do anything about my lump for a while and felt terrible that I didn't but they said it wouldn't of changed things. 
     

    i was a total wreck! I cried a lot aswel, I was so scared. I stayed awake all night for the week waiting for my results, it was mental torture. 

    I am doing well, I had two operations to remove it, and my Lymph node were clear, I have had chemo and radiotherapy j have just finished it. My cancer was Oestrogen fed so I will be on Anastrole and injections too stop my Ovaries working. 
     

    what ever they say you they can treat it if it's not good news. You will be okay xxx

  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear you are currently waiting some results from the breast clinic and appreciate this must be a worrying time for you.

    Try not to over think things if you can or blame yourself for what you did or didn't do or notice whilst breast feeding. Whatever is going on is not your fault so please don't beat yourself up about this.

    Hopefully you will know more soon but take things a day at a time for now until you have all the information about your situation and what may need to happen next.

    You have done the right thing in seeing your GP and now all the tests have been carried out to find out more about what this is and i'm sure once you have the full picture you will feel more in control.

    Keep yourself busy whilst waiting and look after yourself as best you can. Do share your thoughts and feelings on the forum and with your loved ones too, I am sure there are lots of people wanting to support you through this anxious time.

    I hope everything will be okay for you but do get back if you need or want to or if you prefer to talk over the phone our number is 0808 800 4040 mon-Fri 9-5.

    Take care

    Naomi

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    My daughter was very premature 10 weeks early,l used an electric breast pump provided by the hospital for 3 months and expressed my milk for her after that , she was 10 months when my first breast lump was removed,  l had problems with the milk ducts after this leaking and red, painful  and hard. I have duct ectasia  the ducts get inflamed or infected and hard feeling like wire. They have removed various ducts over the years and finally did a breast reduction to remove as much of the lower breast tissue as possible hopefully to remove the ducts.  
    l have been lucky and although they have biopsies on the table checking for cancer it's been benign. 
    l hope you have a similar outcome, if you need further therapy they are great at breast clinic l think l have a season ticket! My daughter is now 40 ! 
    take care 

    Susie 

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