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Breast lump unknown to me .. distraught

M3492
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I suffered a miscarriage in Oct 22, from around end of Nov I was experiencing pain in my lower right breast which was very tender. 

 

Attended GP late Nov who said nothing was a concern and that it may be due to hoones rebalancing. 

 

For the last 2 weeks my right breast has became swollen. I called GP again today who asked me to come to the surgery this afternoon. 

 

I went and explained what had been happening (as this was not the same GP I had seen previously). She had a look at my breasts and kind of gave a giggle saying "everyone has one breast bigger than the other". I agreed but explained the difference was never this apparent. 

 

She then examined me and said there was nothing she could feel where I had concerns but did feel a small lump which I was not aware of at all. 

 

She has now referred me to the breast clinic as I have present twice within a few weeks with concerns over my breasts. I am 30 years old, she told me breast cancer doesn't occur in women of my age. I corrected her and said it does actually just not as common. 

 

I asked her outright if she had any cause for concern and she told me that all was going to be okay. I really don't know if she was saying that out of pity or if she genuinely thinks it is nothing sinister.

 

I lost my mum to lung cancer just over 3 years ago, I have two children aged 12 & 3. Myself and my partner have just today confirmed purchase on a property. 

 

I know nothing has been confirmed, but I just have a sneaking suspicion that things aren't going to be good. I am absolutely distraught and feel sick to the pit of my stomach. I don't really know the purpose of this post but I am just so so scared. 

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    Hi there,

    I know this is easier said than done, but try not to panic - around appointments I find keeping busy the best possible thing. Around these times my house is always spotless and I stick with comfort tv! I'd also recommend staying away from Google for the time being, as that will only make the worry worse.

    I think it is 1 in 8 referrals to the breast cancer clinic that result in a cancer diagnosis, so try to remember the numbers are in your favour. We're obviously fairly skewed on here, I was diagnosed last year at 32 (I can't believe your GP said that no-one is diagnosed at 30, how can she think that?!), but my mum was referred a couple of times at a similar age and they were all cysts. 

    Remember feelings of worry and sadness are absolutely valid during this time, do try to stay as positive as possible, but don't beat yourself up when that just isn't realistic.

    Sending you lots of love and luck for your appointment xx

  • Offline in reply to Amy269

    Thank you so much for your reply. 

     

    I'm so sorry you have had to go through this same thing. If I could ask, what were your symptoms, if any and how have you remained so strong with all of this. Your a warrior. 

     

    I hope your journey hasn't been too rough and wish you all the best. X

  • Offline in reply to M3492

     

    Hi M3492,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. 

    I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage and now this additional worry. Getting referred to the breast clinic is always a tremendous shock to the system and unfortunately, tends to send our imaginations into overdrive. I am not a doctor, but I understand that it is unusual to have pain accompanying breast cancer. I myself have had 2 bouts of it and I found both lumps in the shower - I had no other symptoms at all. That was 13 years ago and I still lead a busy and productive life.

    I agree that it is not impossible to develop cancer at a young age, but this is a much rarer occurrence than it is in later life. It could still be more to do with hormonal changes during your pregnancy. Many people find it helpful to write down how they feel here. Somehow or other, they feel better for getting it out of their system. 

    Please keep in touch and let us know when you get a date. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to M3492

    I spotted (or couldn't really miss) an indent in my left breast on morning, which is what made me call my GP. I fortunately got a same day GP appointment, so it was my GP who found the lump, but when I went home that evening I could also feel it.

    I've been lucky enough to access some counselling, which has helped massively and I recommend it to anyone who feels they need some extra support. I'd also recommend taking someone with you if you can to your clinic appointment - my parents made sure they were a few minutes away (they initially weren't allowed in due to covid), but I was able to call them and my mum joined me in the clinic which was a huge help. 

    Thank you for your kind words and if you need anything else just shout, this community is a lovely one!

    xx

     

  • Offline in reply to Amy269

    I am so sorry for your loss, I too have experienced miscarriages and send you a huge hug! What a time you are having. So sorry x

    You will feel better once you get results - I found when I knew what I was facing I could begin to process it, in the meantime the brain became super dramatic and hysterically grabbed to each worse case scenario. It honestly needed a slap ;) so do avoid Google!!

    I am under the age for mammograms etc and my doctor told me they are seeing more and more younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer, so much so that they need to throw away the textbook and re-write it.

    Good luck, let us know how you get on and try to remember that they DO have amazing treatments now so either way the odds are in your favour. 

     

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