So sick and stressed with worry

I am in such a terrible state with worry and stress. I examine my breasts constantly because I have severe health anxiety but over Christmas I was actually feeling a little better and not checking my breasts as often. However I stumbled across a post on Instagram from a girl who is only 23 and has stage 4 breast cancer that has spread and she wasn't given the right tests by her gp so now she is in this situation. I am 25 and have been told by my gp I have naturally lumpy breast and I can feel them because I am so slim. However 2 days ago after seeing that Instagram post I examined my breasts and armpits and found a small smooth movable lump in my left armpit. I can't even explain how I felt and how I am feeling now, I'm terrified.

I went to the doctors yesterday and the doctor said it doesn't worry her atall and it feels like a node. I automatically asked for a breast scan and she was reluctant, however she referred me and said I could be waiting weeks. My brain is in over drive and I can't help but think what if the doctor is making a mistake like the girl from instagrams doctor? I can't stop touching and prodding both my armpits trying to find the same lump in my right armpit just for a tiny bit of reassurance however it is only in my left armpit. It is about the size of a baked bean. I had an ultrasound in July 2021 which was clear, just normal breast tissue. However because this is in my armpit I am thinking all kinds. I first felt this lump in October and went to a different doctor who said it's normal tissue, however the doctor I seen 2 days ago is saying it feels like a node? I don't know if the lump has stayed since October or if it has reoccurred?

I am desperate to be seen, I can't sleep or eat. I had covid from New Year's Eve until last week and I still have a cough but why would only 1 lymph node be swollen? I also have pain in the same armpit on and off. I am seeing cancer stories everywhere without even looking for them? It sounds stupid but I keep thinking what if it is a sign? Can someone please help me I am so stressed and find it hard to cope with the worry of it. Sorry for such a long story. Thankyou xx

Parents
  • Hi!

    A few years ago I had lymph nodes under my jaw, one in my left armpit and one small in my neck. I ve done all the tests and I have been to countless different specialists. On the ultrasound they seemed reactive but we never found out why. This winter I went for a normal check up with a doctor for anual breast ultrasound and the lymph node in my armpit was gone. I still have those under my jaw and they swell sometimes and if I touch them they are painful a bit. Never got my answer. Why were they swollen in the first place and especially the one in my armpit. I ve been checked for countless infectious diseases including HIV and others. Nothing. I was 20 back then. Now I m 25. Just like you, i thought there was something very wrong with me.

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  • Hi!

    A few years ago I had lymph nodes under my jaw, one in my left armpit and one small in my neck. I ve done all the tests and I have been to countless different specialists. On the ultrasound they seemed reactive but we never found out why. This winter I went for a normal check up with a doctor for anual breast ultrasound and the lymph node in my armpit was gone. I still have those under my jaw and they swell sometimes and if I touch them they are painful a bit. Never got my answer. Why were they swollen in the first place and especially the one in my armpit. I ve been checked for countless infectious diseases including HIV and others. Nothing. I was 20 back then. Now I m 25. Just like you, i thought there was something very wrong with me.

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