Found a breast lump after having baby 6 months ago. Scared

Hi all, 

I'm absolutely devastated. I regularly check my breasts as I've always been very cautious about lumps and bumps with family history. 

Yesterday morning I found a lump on my right breast and the Dr saw me immediately and agreed that there was a lump and he has no referred me to the breast clinic. He said that there's a longer than usual wait to Christmas and New Year but I am absolutely devastated. 

He did note that the lump is round and fairly small and that the breast clinics are fantastic. 

My children had to come to the appointment with me as we are trying to reduce contacts so I had to really hold it together when I really just wanted to break down. 

My daughter is 5, 6 in February, and my little boy is nearly 6 months old and we've been to hell and back trying to conceive them so this has thrown me into a very bad place. 

For the last 4 weeks I've been experiencing sharp pains in my breast from the centre which the Dr initially diagnosed as costochondritis which is an inflammation of the sternum and when she checked my sternum it was clearly inflamed. The bloods showed inflammation however repeat bloods have come back normal. 

I've experienced breast pain in both breasts the last few weeks too however I've put this down to hormones as I didn't breast feed but my menstrual cycle has returned back. 

Since my appointment yesterday where the Dr also felt the lump, I feel like my breast is very tender and uncomfortable. I'm not sure if this was down the the examination but it's causing me some distress.

 

I'm completely panicking about being diagnosed with cancer. I don't want my children to have a poorly mum and I am absolutely petrified. I've struggled emotionally since having my little boy and I'm sure that having him during a pandemic has added to the stress. 

I've managed to book a private appointment for next Wednesday but I have literally been sick with worry. 

 

Any advice on how to get through this week especially as I don't want to be emotional during the festive period?

X

  • Hi. Sorry to meet you here.

    I have just been through 6 weeks of worry, I went to the breast clinic with pain, mammogram showed two suspicious areas, one of which was marked as 5 malignant. I left the appt in bits. I had an numerous mammograms, MRI, 3 different types of biopsies and the dreaded wait for results to find out it was benign breast tissue. Not every lump or abnormality is cancer and I am proof that they are not. The pain has subsided and it's likely connected to my fibromyalgia. Good luck for your appt, if you need to talk or rant this is a good place to do so! 

  • Thank you so much for your reply. I'm glad in one way that I've noticed these changes as at least I have the option to get them checked. 

    Like you have said, the waiting is awful and plays gsvkc with our emotions. 

     

    I really appreciate you reaching out x

  •  Just though I would check in to see how you are doing? Xx

  • Thanks for your message. I'm okay, very scared and feeling awful as  I've been so emotional. I just feel so sad as its my little boys first Christmas and last Christmas I was on bedrest as I nearly lost him. For my little girl I just want it to be perfect. 

    I asked my Dr for a copy of my referral and he stated its a 1cm rounded cystic like structure at 8 o'clock on my breast so I'm praying that he's right. 

     

    Thank you so much for your message and for taking time out if your Christmas eve to check on me. It really means a lot. X

     

  • If my experience has taught me anything, it's to appreciate what you have right now. Right now it's not cancer until they tell you it is and your Drs referral doesn't say it it either. It's very hard to put it out of your mind but you have some lovely distractions to play with and cuddle!! I hope you manage to put it out of your mind and enjoy your little ones. Here if u need to chat xx

  • Hello, just wanted to let you know you aren't alone. I am in just the same position. Found a lump last week but can't get seen at hospital for a while. I have pain in my arm and now feeling every sensation going. My app isn't until the 12th! 
    I am having up and down days but feel grateful to be busy today and trying to concentrate on my children. 
    sending you love x 

  • Thank you so much. You're right, I have the best distractions, the best little miracles in the world.

    Thank you so much for your message xxx

  • I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope you managed to enjoy your Christmas with your little ones and that you are feeling okay. 

    Keep in touch and I'm praying that the 12th comes around quickly for you. Here is you need a chat xx

  • Hello, thank you so much for thinking of me too. Not been brilliant today. Quite enjoyed Christmas and now started being all emotional again. I am desperately hoping for a cancellation before the 12th. Feel I can't wait.
    How are you? Hopefully you will have some answers soon with your appointment getting nearer.

    please keep in touch xxx 

     

  • Feeling very similar to you. I was okay yesterday but feeling very emotional today and panicking quite a bit. I'm doing my best to distract myself but I feel like i'm wishing my life away waiting for Wednesday afternoon to come. 

    I need to stop going onto Google too as it's causing me more worry.

    Hope you're okay xxx