Hi Shoobeedo,

This is one of the most difficult stages of any cancer journey. It is particularly difficult to carry on as normal, but we've all got to do it. Try to avoid doing too much research until you know exactly what you are dealing with.

I haven't had any lymph node involvment, so cannot tell you what they feel like. I know that they feel swollen, but that's all I know. Hopefully, someone else will read this and come along to tell you more.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Shoobeedoo,

There is no point in me telling you not to panic, as we all do it. Please believe me when I say that you are certainly not a fraud and, that you are as welcome and entitled to post here as anybody else.

You are going through one of the most stressful parts of anyone's cancer journey. There are so many unknowns and you are or shortly will be caught up in a vortex of activity, as everything happens quickly from here on in.

Try not to worry about your visit to the breast clinic. There really isn't much to it. You will tell your consultant why you are there. S/he will examine you. You may then have some tests taken. These are usually a mammogram( unless you are too young to have this), an ultrasound and a biopsy. You are unlikely to get any definite answers until the results of these tests come back. This usually takes about a week.

It is extra difficult when you have to face this on your own, but you can do it. We have all been where you are now and, we are with you all of the way and, at any time of day or night.

You will be fine at your appointment on Monday, as you will find the staff at the hospital very helpful and caring.

I shall be thinking of you then and keeping my fingers crossed that it all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx 

Thank you Jolamine

Thank goodness for this forum is all I can say, its a life line. 

I'm trying to not look at my armpit anymore, as I have been obsessing at every opportunity. I can't do anything until Monday appt now, so my aim is to try and have a happy weekend with my boy, as if nothing is worrying me (we shall see how well I do, but I will try)...

I can't say I'm not petrified about Monday, not the tests, just what they are going to find... will they tell you if they suspect any malignancy? 

Thank you for your support, sincerely, you are an angel to be answering me so many times <3 xxx

Hi Shoobeedoo,

It is a good idea to try and have a happy weekend with your son, - not easy I know, but I hope that you manage to do this. Try not to keep feeling under your arm, as you are likely to make the area sore if you keep fingering it.

You are unlikely to get any results on Monday.

Some consultants will advise you whether or not they see anything suspicious, but they still have to wait until your return appointment for the actual results. This can take from 7-14 days, but is more often 7. At this stage they can tell you what type of cancer it is and what grade it is.

Jolamine xx

Hi I hope you don’t mind me asking but what symptoms have you got ? I recently found a lump and went to the doctors who said it feels like a cyst but will refer me anyway as that breast is swollen I also have a dry patch of skin near the lump that appeared after I’d been to the doctors I did ring and speak to her but she said it’s most likely caused because I keep messing with the lump I have found !! I’ve got appointment in 12 days and I feel like I’m going mad , I have 4 children and I’m scared too. I hope that everything goes ok for you  xx

Hi Sha,

I am sorry to hear about the lump that you've found. I'm not surprised that you are scared. We all get scared at this stage and the waiting seems to take forever.

I hope that your GP is right and that this is just a cyst. Try your best not to keep feeling the lump. What ages are your children? You will feel a little easier once you have a definite diagnosis.

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Sha41

Its an awful time, and I admit I have been pretty useless, and struggling to get through day.
I noticed a line of discolouartion in my arm pit crease back in march... thought it was shaving related...
later on in May, above it, a spongy area (shaped like an almond but bigger), right in the middle of pit.
Again, I put it down to shaving even though I only shave every couple of weeks...but after another 2 weeks I had a feel and felt a lump. At this point I saw GP, and she fast tracked me.
Then I realised that I had been having breast pain for ages and ignoring, and worst of all, a few times over last few months I kept checking boobs as my left one felt more full, slightly bigger, denser. Remembering all this put me in a real state, with Dr Google not helping... Its exhausting isn't it.
I have prodded my pit, my boob, and stirred up the glands, which really hurt... I am trying to leave alone... but all I do is stare at my boob and pit at every opportunity :-(
Hopefully its a cyst as your doctor says... I wish I could pass on some strength or wisdom, but I feel like I have been dragged through a hedge backwards myself, so don't feel qualified!
How are you today? xx
 

Hi shoebeedo thank you so much for the reply big hugs to you :) 

I have also got a spongy area it feels like jelly  and almond shaped  but it isn’t in my armpit it’s on the very top corner of my left breast  going towards the armpit my lump moves around easily and like you I keep messing with it and prodding it which I don’t think is helping at all . I’ve not noticed that my breasts looked different and the doctor looked and didn’t say anything but since I have been to the doctors my left breasts looks swollen and bigger this also worries me, although it feels soft not hard . I hate worrying so much I just wish I could have the appointment tomorrow so I can know .

Thank you  I’m also hoping that is a cyst  my doctor said it didn’t feel like  it was anything to Worry about but like you I just feel awful I keep crying .

How are you feeling today ? Is your app soon ? I have to wait until the 19th . I do hope everything turns out well for you xx 

Hi Jolamine 

Thanks so much for your reply :) 

My children are 12,17,20 and 22   I’m so scared I just wish I could have the appointment so I’d know if it was a cyst or anything else ? My doctor said it felt like a cyst but I’m driving myself crazy prodding it and googling symptoms ! 

I hope you are well , and  thank you so much for being there it’ is really appreciated xxx