Testing

Good evening,

 

How painful are the tests to determine if someone has breast cancer? 
 

Ivr been referred to my local Brest clinic for testing as I've recently come across a lump in my breast and I'm extremely nervous. 
 

I've been told to expect a mamogram and ultrasound at the least. I'm so young, my biggest fear is if something comes back. How will I cope?!

  • Hello stardust welcome 

    only 2 in ten on average breast clinic referrals end up with a diagnosis , try not to worry I no it's hard cause you will but don't deal with bad news as it could well be all ok 

    goid luck love Lara ️

  • I am also awaiting a test to check re a hard mass (I wouldn't say it's a lump) but it's quite deep inside my right breast.

    I am going out of my mind with worry so I completely understand how you feel. 
    I am a terrible Google diagnoser and am so anxious all the time about it. I hope to get an appointment this week. I'm only 33 so quite young too but people keep telling me that most lumps are harmless but I can't help but worry. 

  • Thank you for your message. 
     

    That's slightly reassuring but I'm more concerned and extremely worried as my mum has breast cancer and here I am with an obvious symptom...

     

    I wish our minds didn't put us in overdrive! Anyhow I'll have answers by next week as my appointment is midweek.  

     

    I hope you're well.

  • Morning [@anxiousworrier]‍, 

    Sorry to hear you are experiencing something similar. I really hope all turns out OK for you and you return to good health! ️

    I can relate with respect of turning to Dr Google! It's the worst we can ever do though. I'm just 21; however, have a family history of breast cancer hence why I'm so nervous. I really hope it turns out to be notning, but worst case I'll just have to take it as it is and deal with it. Everyone else has been so brave over the years. 

    it's human to react the way we are and that's fine. We accept that, everyone who is aware they have some form of symptoms will be concered and rightly so... I'm being seen to on Tuesday so hopefully I'll have answers by then to rest my poor mind. I'm so thankful we have the NHS and they see patients as soon as they can for issues like such! 
     

    my GP felt the area and informed me there is a lump present howeber she's not too concered as people as young as me tend to not get diagnosed with breast cancer but who knows. How can they say such things? I get that being young. you can experience fatty tissue build up etc and something called Fibroadenoma but I won't get confirmation till next week. 
     

    As I say, I hope you get seen to soon and have the best possible outcome. Thanks for sharing your experecie and I wish you all the best. I'm here if you want to chat x

  • Hi stardust. 
    whilst our doctors surgery is very good, and you can usually get a same day appointment it varies on which doctor you see. 
    the doctor I saw just said oh yes there is something hard there, printed out a referral form and ushered me out of the door! She said I will be ok, but then I wonder why she referred me so quickly without even saying much!! 
     

  • Hi Stardust, I have recently been assessed at a breast clinic. The mammogram is a bit sore but it's pretty quick, under a minute of discomfort for each image taken. I just kept telling myself I needed it done and that helped. The ultrasound completely painless. I also had a biopsy, which I didn't feel at all bar a sort-of puncture sensation. I had a bit of bruising after, which didn't hurt. I don't know if that's normal but that's how it was for me. Best of luck at the clinic - for most people nothing sinister is found xx

  • Hello startdust and anxious worrier, just wanted to reassure you that breast clinic tests are nothing to worry about. Mammograms can be a bit uncomfortable as they squash your boobs between two plates but it's very quick. If you need a biopsy they will give you very effective local anaesthetic. Please have someone come with you or better still drive you to the appointment as you will probably be anxious. Take something to do (music, magazine) in case you have to wait between tests. You'll see the consultant afterwards and they may be able to tell you if they can see/feel anything suspicious if you want to know there and then. It is a worrying time, the fear of the unknown, etc, but try to keep busy/distracted, a walk outdoors will really help. Most (80-90%) breast lumps turn out to be benign, especially in women as young as you, but if you do get a diagnosis you'll be amazed at how strong and positive you will be. Please stay away from Dr Google as he will only increase your anxiety with information that may be totally out of date or irrelevant to you. Wishing you both all the best and look forward to hearing how you get on xx

  • Thank you for your kind comments. 
    Hopefully I will find out the date for the mammogram/ultrasound tomorrow.

    My partner will be taking me as I will be very nervous by then! I will be sure to let you all know how I get on. I will be pleased to have it over with.