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Lump (lumps) in breast - worried after appointment

bct_x5
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Hi, today I went to my doctor's surgery as a couple of days ago I found a lump quite deep in my breast. It's moveable, a bean/oval shape, probably around 1cm, even edges etc. I still went despite it seeming like nothing to worry about. The nurse did a full examination and told me she actually found a lot more, in both. She said there was no lumps under my arms, and because I'm only 19 she doesn't have much concern. I don't have a history in the family either. She gave me the option to be referred further, but it was my choice not hers. I was cautious about saying yes as I have crippling anxiety and knew it would drive me crazy having to wait for months (obviously she also said I would be at the bottom of the priority) - so we ended up agreeing on me coming back to her in 2 months to check it again. I'm just worried I've made the wrong decision by saying no, and just worried in general if I'm honest. I have a feeling it's not going to disappear and go down. A couple of months ago I was also at the doctors for multiple swollen lymph nodes and a 2cm lump in my neck (all also very movable) which they also wasn't concerned about..although the Dr said the 2cm one was on a particular gland and he was certain it would go down, it hasn't gone down at all. I just have a feeling whatever this is will be the same. Am I just prone to cysts? Is this more serious? I feel like I'm living everyday with it in the back of my mind thinking the worst. Please help :( I live alone at University, have a girlfriend I want a life with, a part-time performing career and I just worry constantly. 

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    Hi

    I'm so sorry that you're going through all this, it must be hard. This is the way I see things. You've decided not to get referred because you know it "would drive you crazy having to wait months for the appointment" Instead you've gone with the "wait and see what it's like in 2 months time", but you're already worrying anyway in case you've made the wrong decision! As both options involve months of waiting and worrying, maybe you'd be better off just going with the referral? Don't forget that most breast lumps turn out to be harmless and so being referred to the clinic may just put your mind at rest.

    That's only my opinion, but I think it's what I would do in your situation as the last thing I'd want is to wait and worry for 2 months and then end up having to wait all over again if they then referred me anyway. What does your girlfriend think you should do? 


    The waiting is the thing we all find hard and living alone means you have more opportunity to dwell on things. Try to distract yourself as much as possible, go out and have some fun with your girlfriend and  stay away from Google- it doesn't help and will only make you more anxious. Maybe speak to your GP regarding managing your anxiety too.

    Take care and please let me know how everything goes. Here if you ever need to chat.

    Debs x

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    It is natural to worry when you find a lump or lumps  in your breast. We can't diagnose you but because of your young age and the fact that several lumps were found in both breasts would make it unlikely to be a cancer.

    Some women do have 'lumpy' breasts.  You may find that when you have a period they may not be so lumpy but of course I can't be sure. There are many different reasons for lumps to occur and the vast majority will not be as the result of cancer. Breast Cancer Now have produced some information on benign breast cancer conditions which you can see here

    It is a good idea that you are seeing the nurse in two months time but if you do have further concerns and that it is preying on your mind then do go back and discuss it all with the nurse or a doctor at your practice at a sooner date. You can still ask to be referred at the breast clinic if you decide to change your mind.

    I do hope that this has helped reassure you.

    All the Very best,

    Catherine

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