Hi Jshatliff,

A very warm welcome to our forum. I am sorry to hear about your symptoms and the worry that they are causing you. As AJL75 has said, not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts, Fatty Deposits (Lipoma), Hormonal or Firbrous changes. These are all more likely to be found in younger breasts. It is always a worry to be faced with this, especially when you've got a young family. Statistics show that only 1 person in every 9 who attend the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis, so your chances are still good. 

We nearly all find that our emotions are all over the place at times like this and our imaginations go into overdrive. Fortunately, even if the worst should be diagnosed, breast cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer nowadays. I myself have had 2 bouts in the past 12 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilled life.

When you arrive at the clinic you will see a consultant, who will discuss your sympoms, how long you have had them, family history of cancer, etc. You will then have a physical examination of your breasts. If the consultat considers it necessary, you will then be sent for an ultrasound and possibly a biopsy. Only those over 40 tend to have a mammogram, as their breasts are not as dense as younger ones. Your consultant might tell you of their findings then, or it may be left to another appointment when you go back for the results of any scans or biopsies. The wait for this results appointment was 1-2 weeks pre-Covid, but can take a little longer now, as a result of this. It is always worth asking when they are expected back before you leave the department. You are usually allowed to bring partners to this meeting.

You probably won't have that many questions unless you are subsequentally diagnosed with breast cancer. Should this happen, your questions will build up, depending upon what type of surgery/treatments are then planned. If you reach this stage and, I sincerely hope that you don't, you will find it usefull to jot down all of your questions before any appointment, as it is all too easy to forget important questions in the heat of the moment.

Whatever you do meantime, avoid consulting Dr Google, as this will only scare you further and serve no useful purpose. Please let us know how you get on on 31st January. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx