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Pain and Swelling in breast. Have been referred to the breast clinic on the two week pathway and now I'm spiralling

RAD1806
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Hi

I am currently going down the rabbit hole of googling and reading horror stories. I went to the doctors today as I have left breast pain behind my nipple to the left and a change in my breast shape and size. I have been stupid and put off going to the doctors for a few months hoping it would get better but the pain is very uncomfortable now and any slight movement is painful. It started with an itchy stinging feeling in January and now is painful to touch and when my breast moves. I went to the doctors today as my left breast has got smaller and higher and is fuller. The doctor referred me on the two week pathway for suspected breast cancer as she could feel a firm swelling and now i am spiralling. I am 44 and started HRT a year ago. This pain is completely different to breast tenderness from starting HRT. I have had no periods for 8 years and no pms symptoms or signs of a cycle. Has anyone had any similar experiences and were the issues benign or cancerous? Thank you for any advice.

  • Hi RAD1806 and thank you for your post.

    I’m really sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds very frightening, and it’s no wonder your mind is racing. Waiting and not knowing is often the hardest part.

    Please try to remember that being sent on the two week pathway does not mean you have cancer. It just means the doctor wants you to be checked quickly so you don’t have to wait and not worry for too long.

    Breast changes and pain can be caused by many things that are not cancer, like cysts, infections, or hormone changes. Breast Cancer Now have more information about the different breast conditions on their website.

    Try not to google until you have more information, as Google discusses the topic in a general context rather than focusing on your specific situation, and can make everything feel much more scary than it really is.

    Anxiety UK and Every Mind Matters have helpful tips and advice on how to cope in these situations.

    At the moment try to take things one step at a time.

    I hope you know more soon, and everything is okay.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.

    It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Kind regards,

    Tina

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