Hard lump in breast

I found a lump in my breast 10 days ago. GP was wonderful and referred me immediately for further testing. Upon reading my notes from the consultation the doctor has noted its a 3cm hard lump. I was contacted immediately by the breast clinic to book the appointment however they couldn't fit me in before I go on holiday tomorrow. I asked to be put on a cancellation waiting list and have been hoping to get a call but haven't heard anything. I will now have to wait until 12th August to be seen by the breast clinic.i know it's not their fault, I just wish the appointment they offered me was closer to the beginning of the holiday and maybe we could have delayed departure for a day or two. 

The lump is on the outer side of my right breast. I have to sleep on my left side due to acid reflux and a recent diagnosis of a hiatal hernia,  and sometimes the lump is causing me pain whereby I cannot get to sleep, or it wakes me up. Wearing a bra can be painful too. 

I have had a lump in my left breast 2 years ago which was a cyst only that lump was small and squishy. Everyone around me keeps telling me not to worry, it'll just be a cyst again but you know what it's like and I lie here most nights thinking the worst. Sometimes I cannot find the lump but right now it's very prominent and I can feel it every time I move my arm. 

I just hope this delay to me attending the brwast clinic isn't going to cause any issues if the lump is something more serious than a cyst. 

I've had endometriosis for 20 years. Years of medication later I started with bowel issues which led to a colonoscopy 2 years ago. After all the tests it was concluded the medication (naproxen and others like this) had caused problems with my stomach lining. I am not allowed to use them now. That led to acid reflux. After 12 months I pushed for further investigation and the resultant endoscopy found a 6cm hiatal hernia. A couple months later and more medication I started with bowel issues again and the most recent colonoscopy was clear again meaning it was the medication causing the problems again. And now 4 weeks later I found this lump. I feel my body hates me! There is always something. 

I also think my family cannot think the worst after the recent loss of my father in law who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour at the end of December and had passed away within 8 weeks. This is too much for them and I cannot tell them how I'm really feeling due to their stress and the fact that I always seem to be ill! 

  • Hello and thanks for post

    I'm sorry to read about your breast lump and other health issues as well as the recent loss of your father in law. This must be a difficult time for you all.

    Many people worry that if they turn out to have cancer that it will spread while they are waiting for appointments to come through. But we do know that most cancers grow slowly, so waiting a few weeks does not normally affect how well treatment works if it is needed.  However, waiting any length of time when you are worried is stressful.

    Try not to overthink it if you can. Most breast lumps are benign but they have to be checked out just to be sure.

    The important thing now is that you will be checked out at the breast clinic where they are likely to examine you and carry out some imaging (mammogram or ultrasound) to find out more. If necessary they can also take a biopsy which is a sample of the lump to check what it is made up of.

    Breast Cancer Now has information on what to expect when you’ve been referred to a breast clinic.

    Waiting and not knowing can be unsettling so try and keep yourself busy and your mind on other things if you can as this can sometimes help.

    I hope everything turns out to be okay. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Thank yoi so much for taking the time to respond to me. 

    You have put my mind at rest that me delaying the initial appointment shouldn't cause any issues. 

    Hopefully I get some sleep tonight. 

    Thanks again for replying. I really do appreciate it.